Microbial Amylases: Production from Nonconventional Sources of Starch and Multifarious Applications

Abstract

Amylases are starch hydrolyzing enzymes releasing simple sugars i.e. oligosaccharides upon hydrolysis of starch. These enzymes can be obtained from microbial sources which can be isolated from respective habitats like soil prior to their screening for amylase. Therefore, unlike plants and animals, they are economical, effective and easy to produce in prodigious amounts. Among bacteria, species of genus Bacillus have been known as potent producers of amylases which include B. licheniformis, B. subtilis, B. amyloliquifaciens and B. cereus etc. Starch is an essential component of our diet and many important crops like rice, wheat, pearl millet, and potatoes are its well-known sources. Furthermore, paper (fine paper and newspaper) also represents an important source of starch that can be hydrolyzed by amylases to minimize paper waste from the environment. The present review depicts the possibility of production and application of microbial amylases in accordance with the current search of solutions for environmental and industrial issues because they can be fairly utilized due to their wide range of applications in various sectors as economical and eco-friendly alternative.