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Review
. 2024;19(16):1419-1437.
doi: 10.1080/17460913.2024.2398337. Epub 2024 Sep 13.

Application of microbial enzymes in medicine and industry: current status and future perspectives

Atieh Darbandi  1 , Zahra Elahi  2 , Leila Dadgar-Zankbar  2 , Fatemeh Ghasemi  3 , Naser Kakavandi  4 , Sajjad Jafari  5 , Talieh Darbandi  6 , Roya Ghanavati  7
Affiliations
Review

Application of microbial enzymes in medicine and industry: current status and future perspectives

Atieh Darbandi et al. Future Microbiol. 2024.

Abstract

Microbes are a major source of enzymes due to their ability to be mass-cultivated and genetically modified. Compared with plant and animal enzymes, microbial enzymes are more stable and active. Enzymes are generally classified into six classes based on their reaction, substrate specificity and mechanism of action. In addition to their application in medicine for treating diseases, these compounds are used as anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic and digestive agents. However, challenges such as immunogenicity, tissue specificity and short in vivo half-life make clinical trials complex. Enzymes are metabolic catalysts in industry and their production and extraction must be optimized to preserve profitability due to rising demand. The present review highlights the increasing importance of bacterial enzymes in industry and medicine and explores methods for their production, extraction and purification.

Keywords: classification; enzymes; industry; medical enzymes; microbial enzymes.

Plain language summary

Enzymes are important substances made by the cells of plants and animals. They are catalysts, or substances that control how quickly chemical reactions occur. These reactions are the processes that keep all plants and animals functioning. They are present in almost every natural organism, from microorganisms to plants and mammals. But plants and animals produce small amounts of enzymes unsuitable for industrial applications. The use of microbial enzymes in industry offers many advantages over plant and animal enzymes. People use enzymes in industry and medicine. Enzymes help to heal cuts and to diagnose certain diseases. They are also an important part of the process called fermentation. In industries, they are applied in the textile, starch, bakery, and detergent industries. This helps turn milk into cheese and juice into wine, and it makes bread rise before it is baked.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

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