Enzymes applications

Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology (4th Edition) 

Enzymes, like other proteins (qv), are composed of up to 20 different amino acids (qv). They accelerate hundreds of reactions taking place simultaneously in the cell and its immediate surroundings, and are essential for the development and maintenance of life. 

Industrial appHcations of enzymology form an important branch of biotechnology. Enzymatic processes enable natural raw materials to be upgraded and turned into finished products. They offer alternative ways of making products previously made only by conventional chemical processes. 

The detergent industry is the largest user of industrial enzymes. The starch industry, the first significant user of enzymes, developed special symps that could not be made by means of conventional chemical hydrolysis. These were the first products made entirely by enzymatic processes. Materials such as textiles and leather can be produced in a more rational way when using enzyme technology. Eoodstuffs and components of animal feed can be produced by enzymatic processes that require less energy, less equipment, or fewer chemicals compared with traditional techniques. 

The development of the submerged fermentation technique resulted in tremendous progress in the field of industrial enzymology. This technique was used in the early 1950s for the production of bacterial amylases for the textile industry. 

---

With enzymes [ENZYME APPLICATIONS - INDUSTRIAL] (Vol9)... 

---