Enzymatic preparation of chitin oligosaccharides: Advances in chitinase engineering, synergistic biocatalysis, and process optimization
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Updated: Nov 2, 2026

Preparation of Expanded Chitin Foams and their Use in the Removal of Aqueous Copper
Published on: February 27, 2021
Bicheng Liang1, Haoyue Yang2, Guantian Li2
1Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity and Bio-resource Sustainable Utilization, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100000, China.
Abstract:
Chitin, a linear β-1,4-linked polymer of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc), is an abundant but recalcitrant polysaccharide. Enzymatic degradation offers a sustainable route to bioactive chitin oligosaccharides (NCOSs), yet faces challenges in yield, specificity, and process efficiency. This review systematically covers chitinase classification, catalytic mechanisms (GH18 retaining vs. GH19 inverting, and LPMO oxidative cleavage), and recent advances in enzyme engineering-including rational design, directed evolution, and synergistic multi-enzyme systems (chitinase + LPMO + GlcNAcase) that significantly enhance saccharification efficiency and modulate product profiles. We also discuss process optimization strategies and emerging computational tools for biocatalyst design as future perspectives. The convergence of these approaches provides a roadmap for the efficient bioconversion of chitin into value-added oligosaccharides for nutraceutical and food applications.
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