Microbial lipases: emerging biocatalysts.

Abstract

Microbial lipases (EC 3.1.1.3) are an important group of biotechnologically valuable enzymes. They are enantioselective, chemoselective and stereoselective in nature, which makes them an important tool in various medical and industrial fields. Lipases also have unique characteristics as they act at the oil/water interface. Microbial lipases can be distinguished from each other in structure, substrate specificity and the biochemical environment in which they are secreted, and therefore can be classified under different categories. Due to their commercial importance and ecological as well as economical significance, the market value of these enzymes is continuously growing and new or improved enzymes will be a key element in the emerging realm of biotechnology. The current need is isolation of novel microbial lipases from various sources and their characterization for development of safer and cheaper formulations for industrial and medical prospects. Maximum utilization of such lipases will be possible only by detailed study of their isolation, production, molecular structure and kinetics. In addition to this, physical and chemical factors and sources that affect lipase production and activity also have to be considered. This chapter presents an overview of the microbial lipases with emphasis on their classification, sources, structure, mechanism of lipolysis and the various applications of these biocatalysts.