What Are the Benefits of Cellulases?

Enzymes are biomolecules produced by all living things. Cellulase is mainly derived from bacteria, protozoa and fungi, and is one of the most widely used industrial enzymes. In addition, cellulases are used in the degradation process of plant cell wall polysaccharides. Polysaccharides, composed of several smaller monosaccharides, are major components of the carbon cycle, providing a source of carbon and energy that can potentially be utilized by microorganisms. Apart from this, the uses and benefits of cellulase vary across industries, some of which we will mention below.

Cellulases are widely used in the production of human and animal food, paper, textiles, biofuels and detergents. It is used in the production of various substances such as pulp and paper, textiles, but also in the brewing and beer industry, the food processing industry, and the animal feed industry. Now, let's take a quick look at the benefits of cellulase:

Pulp and Paper

The utilization of cellulase enzymes in the pulp and paper industry is still growing, and the pulping process is accomplished by biochemical and mechanical methods. In the mechanical process, pulp has high hardness and bulkiness, while in the biochemical process, pulping can save energy by 20-40%. Cellulase enzymes are very helpful in processes such as pulping, deinking, bleaching, bioremediation of industrial waste, and fiber reinforcement, all of which are carried out in the presence of cellulase enzymes.

Textile Industry

The never-ending and ever-changing and evolving needs are the reason why this industry is very popular. Audiences demand uniqueness in the colours, styles and garments they wear. Cellulases aid in the preparation of textiles, especially in procedures such as denim stone removal, textile wet processing, garment softening, textile fabric biopolishing and removal of excess dyes from fabrics. In addition, biopolishing and biopetrochemicals are currently the main applications of cellulase in this field.

Wine and Beer Industry

Cellulase helps enhance wine extraction and flavor. Processes such as fermentation, saccharification, maturation and refrigeration require a variety of cellulase enzymes, and most importantly, enzymes are used to balance the color of beverages. Using cellulase during winemaking allows for better color extraction, especially in the case of red wine. When used in the malting process, they further contribute to the overall quality of the wine.

Food Processing Industry

One of the main uses of cellulase in the food processing industry is in the extraction of pigments from plant products. Other applications include concentrating fruit purees, extracting olive oil and improving the quality of bakery products. Other important uses of cellulase are softening fruit, reducing roughness in dough, clarifying fruit juices, hydrolyzing roasted coffee, extracting essential oils, and enhancing the aroma and taste of food products.

Animal feed is treated with cellulase mixtures to remove anti-nutritional factors that may be present in grain or other feed. Furthermore, cellulases play an integral role in the animal feed industry and can further be used to positively affect gastrointestinal processes in ruminants, further leading to increased availability of absorbable nutrients through feed enhancement. The application of cellulase helps to improve the emulsification of food in the digestive system of animals.

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