9 - Pectinases: significance in the digestion of pectin-rich agrowaste

Abstract

Sustainable economic development is one of the primary requirements of each economy. In order to keep our environment clean and to eliminate greenhouse gases, alternative sources of energy, such as biofuel, are needed. Biofuel provides energy security, it builds economic growth, and reduces the effect of CO2 which impacts negatively on our environment. Lignocellulosic biomass has proven to be a potential feedstock for the production of biofuels as it is feasible and the most abundant biopolymer available on Earth. Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) has ample ability to produce biofuel while also reducing CO2 emissions. Enzymatic hydrolysis is the process used for the alteration of LCB into substances for the production of the biofuels. LCB is mainly made up of lignin, the polysaccharides, cellulose and hemicelluloses, and pectin. Pectin functions like the matrix on which the cellulose and hemicelluloses are embedded. For complete degradation of lignocellulosic biomass pectin removal is required, which can be achieved by the action of pectinase. Microbial pectinases can be regarded as an eco-friendly approach to cellulosic degradation. Also, use of pectinases reduces the glutinousness of feed and increases its absorption ability, while also releasing nutrients by the action of enzymes which reduces the amount of feces. This chapter discusses the applications of pectinase in various industries, its production, classification, and the future prospects of pectinase enzyme.