Understanding the Basis of Occurrence, Biosynthesis, and Implications of Thermostable Alkaline Proteases

• Published in: Applied biochemistry and biotechnology Vol. 193; no. 12; pp. 4113 - 4150
• Main Authors: Arya, Prashant S., Yagnik, Shivani M., Rajput, Kiransinh N., Panchal, Rakeshkumar R., Raval, Vikram H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.12.2021; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Biocatalysts; Biochemistry; Biomaterials; Biomedical materials; Biosynthesis; Biotechnology; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Cysteine Endopeptidases - biosynthesis; Cysteine Endopeptidases - chemistry; Cysteine Endopeptidases - genetics; Enzyme Stability - genetics; Enzymes; Hot Temperature; Hydrolysis; Immobilization; Laundry; Microorganisms; Pharmaceutical industry; Protein Engineering; Proteolysis; Proteolytic enzymes; Review Article; Waste management; Immobilization; Protein engineering; Industrial applications; Purification; Fermentation; Thermostable proteases
• ISSN: 0273-2289; 1559-0291
• DOI: 10.1007/s12010-021-03701-x

The group of hydrolytic enzymes synonymously known as proteases is predominantly most favored for the class of industrial enzymes. The present work focuses on the thermostable nature of these proteolytic enzymes that occur naturally among mesophilic and thermophilic microbes. The broad thermo-active feature (40–80 °C), ease of cultivation, maintenance, and bulk production are the key features associated with these enzymes. Detailing of contemporary production technologies, and controllable operational parameters including the purification strategies, are the key features that justify their industrial dominance as biocatalysts. In addition, the rigorous research inputs by protein engineering and enzyme immobilization studies add up to the thermo-catalytic features and application capabilities of these enzymes. The work summarizes key features of microbial proteases that make them numero-uno for laundry, biomaterials, waste management, food and feed, tannery, and medical as well as pharmaceutical industries. The quest for novel and/or designed and engineered thermostable protease from unexplored sources is highly stimulating and will address the ever-increasing industrial demands.