Xylanases: Characteristics, Sources, Production, and Applications

Book chapter, 2013

This chapter res the diversity and biochemical characteristics of xylanases, the sources and production of these enzymes using wild-type strains or recombinant technology, and their commercial applications. Complete xylanolytic enzyme systems have been found to be quite widespread among fungi and bacteria. Xylanase activity can be affected by the presence of proteinaceous inhibitors in cereals. The chapter describes representative studies that have been directed toward the improvement of xylanase productivity. These studies cover most of the diverse strategies that can be applied, not only for xylanase production, but for the complete enzymatic machinery that microorganisms possess to “digest” their food. With the advent of technological advancements, the remarkable growth in biotechnological use of xylanases has spurred new interest in industrial enzymes. Market trends reveal that xylanase and cellulase takes the major chunk of share amounting to 20% of the world enzyme market, together with pectinases.