Bacterial ester hydrolases from the soil-plant system and their roles: A review

Ester hydrolases, ubiquitous enzymes capable of catalyzing the cleavage of ester bonds, are found across all forms of life. Among them, bacterial ester hydrolases represent one of the most important classes of industrial biocatalysts, with soil serving as their primary natural reservoir. This review summarizes the major classes and catalytic mechanisms of ester hydrolases, emphasizing not only their extensive industrial applications but also their emerging ecological roles within plant-soil systems. We highlight the influence of ester hydrolases on plant growth, including their involvement in growth promotion, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and the degradation of soil pollutants. Furthermore, we discuss recent advances in the discovery of novel ester hydrolases, along with progress in protein engineering and enzyme immobilization techniques. Despite these developments, research on the molecular optimization and immobilization of ester hydrolases remains relatively limited, offering significant opportunities for future exploration. By establishing a multidimensional framework encompassing the 'overview of ester hydrolases-ecological functions and applications in soil-plant systems-characterization of novel enzymes-enhancement of activity and stability', this review transcends the boundaries of traditional single-focus studies and provides new perspectives and theoretical insights for both fundamental research and industrial applications of ester hydrolases.