Biotechnological applications and potential of fungal feruloyl esterases based on prevalence, classification and biochemical diversity

Biotechnol Lett. 2008 Mar;30(3):387-96. doi: 10.1007/s10529-007-9564-6. Epub 2007 Nov 1.

Abstract

Feruloyl esterases are part of the enzymatic spectrum employed by fungi and other microorganisms to degrade plant polysaccharides. They release ferulic acid and other aromatic acids from these polymeric structures and have received an increasing interest in industrial applications such as in the food, pulp and paper and bio-fuel industries. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on fungal feruloyl esterases focussing in particular on the differences in substrate specificity, regulation of their production, prevalence of these enzymes in fungal genomes and industrial applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillus niger / enzymology*
  • Aspergillus niger / genetics
  • Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases / classification
  • Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases / genetics*
  • Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases / metabolism*
  • Coumaric Acids / metabolism*
  • Fungi / enzymology*
  • Fungi / genetics
  • Genome, Fungal
  • Phylogeny
  • Substrate Specificity

Substances

  • Coumaric Acids
  • ferulic acid
  • Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases
  • feruloyl esterase