Six Kinds Of Enzymes Commonly Used In The Industry

Enzymes are biological catalysts that can accelerate the rate of chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They have found numerous applications in various industries, such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and textile.

Here are six types of enzymes commonly used in the industry.

1. Cellulase

Cellulase is a type of enzyme that can break down cellulose, which is the primary component of plant cell walls. It is produced by a wide range of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and animals, and is essential for the degradation of plant material in nature.

Cellulase has numerous applications in various industries. For example, cellulase is used in the textile industry for the production of bio-stonewashed denim. It breaks down the cellulose fibers on the surface of the fabric, giving it a worn-out, vintage look.

Also, cellulase is used in the production of biofuels, such as ethanol, from plant materials, such as corn and sugarcane. The enzyme breaks down the cellulose in the plant cell walls, releasing the sugars that can be fermented to produce biofuels.

2. Amylase

Amylase is a type of enzyme that helps in the breakdown of carbohydrates. It is produced by various microorganisms, plants, and animals, including humans.

The primary function of amylase is to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch and glycogen into smaller glucose units. Amylase works by breaking the bonds between glucose molecules, releasing energy and facilitating the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.

Amylase has several applications in various industries, including food, brewing, textile, and pharmaceuticals. In the food industry, amylase is used to convert starch into sugars, which can be used as a sweetener or for fermentation.

3. Catalase

Catalase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative stress by catalyzing the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water and oxygen. This reaction is vital because hydrogen peroxide is a toxic byproduct of cellular metabolism that can cause damage to cellular components if it accumulates in high concentrations.

Catalase is found in many organisms, including plants, animals, and bacteria. In humans, catalase is primarily found in liver and red blood cells, where it helps to protect these cells from oxidative damage.

In the medical field, catalase is used as a diagnostic tool to detect the presence of certain bacteria, such as staphylococci, which produce catalase. In addition, catalase is used in the production of medical devices, such as contact lenses, to remove residual hydrogen peroxide from the manufacturing process.

4. Biological scouring enzyme

Biological scouring enzymes are a type of enzyme used in the textile industry to remove impurities, such as waxes, pectins, and lignins, from natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and hemp. These enzymes are typically derived from microbial sources such as bacteria and fungi.

The use of biological scouring enzymes offers several advantages over traditional chemical scouring processes. They are more environmentally friendly, require less water and energy, and are more efficient, producing higher-quality fabrics with less fiber damage.

In addition to their use in the textile industry, biological scouring enzymes are also used in the pulp and paper industry to remove lignin from wood pulp, which helps to improve paper quality and reduce the environmental impact of paper production.

5. Low temperature soap enzyme

Low temperature soap enzymes are a type of enzyme used in laundry detergents to enhance their cleaning efficiency at lower temperatures.

Low temperature soap enzymes work by breaking down protein-based stains, such as blood and sweat, and carbohydrate-based stains, such as food and grass, into smaller molecules that can be easily removed from fabrics.

6. Papermaking enzyme

Papermaking enzymes are a type of enzyme used in the paper and pulp industry to improve the quality of paper products and increase production efficiency. These enzymes are derived from microbial sources such as bacteria and fungi.

The primary application of papermaking enzymes is to break down the complex carbohydrates, lignin, and other impurities present in wood pulp. This process, called enzymatic deinking, helps to improve the quality of paper by reducing the number of ink spots, improving brightness, and increasing the whiteness of the paper.