Application of Fungal Xylanase Enzymes

The enzyme xylanase breaks down the linear polysaccharide β-1,4-xylan into xylose, therefore breaking down hemicellulose, one of the primary components of plant cell walls. It is essential for the breakdown of plant materials into usable nutrients by microorganisms that thrive on plant sources. Fungi, bacteria, yeast, marine algae, protozoans, snails, crustaceans, insects, seeds, and other organisms generate xylanases. However, the amount of xylanase produced by fungal cultures is generally significantly larger than that produced by yeasts or bacteria. There is a growing demand for low-cost microbial xylanolytic enzymes that have industrial uses and are commercially manufactured. The chlorine-free whitening of wood pulp preparatory to the papermaking process and the enhanced digestibility of silage are two commercial applications for xylanase. Aside from the pulp and paper industry, xylanases are used in wheat flour for ethanol production, improving dough handling and quality of baked products, as food additives in poultry, clarification of fruit juices, biofuel production, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and chemical industries. Improved knowledge of the biological characteristics and genetics of fungal xylanase will allow these enzymes to be used in a variety of novel biotechnological and commercial applications.