Production of pectolytic enzymes – a review

Abstract

Pectolytic enzymes play an important role in food processing industries and alcoholic beverage industries. These enzymes degrade pectin and reduce the viscosity of the solution so that it can be handled easily. These enzymes are mainly synthesized by plants and microorganisms. Aspergillus niger is used for industrial production of pectolytic enzymes. This fungus produces polygalacturonase, polymethylgalacturonase and pectinlyase. This review mainly concerns with the production of pectolytic enzymes using different carbon sources. It also deals with the effect of operating parameters such as temperature, aeration rate, agitation and type of fermentation on the production of these enzymes.