Structural, functional and biotechnological traits of GH30 endo-xylanases

Lignocellulosic biomass is a renewable feedstock for production of biofuels and value-added products. Hemicellulose, one of its major components, requires specialized enzymes for efficient degradation. Endo-β-1,4-xylanases of glycoside hydrolase family 30 (GH30) are notable for their specificity toward glucuronoxylan and arabinoglucuronoxylan. This review summarizes the structural and functional features, including catalytic mechanisms, domain organization, thermostability and classification into subfamilies of different endo-β-1,4-xylanases of GH30 family. Their interactions with carbohydrate-binding modules and comparison with other GH families are also highlighted. The unique applications of GH30 xylanases viz. biofuel production, food and feed processing, pulp deinking and prebiotic xylo-oligosaccharide generation are also described. Advances in structural biology, enzymology continue to expand our understanding of these enzymes, paving the way for their maximized use in industries.