Tailoring Enzyme Structures and Functions

Abstract

The advantages of utilizing enzymes in producing food ingredients and in improving their functional properties have been recognized for many years. However, the application of enzymes in the food industry in general lags behind existing technology, in spite of the high expectations resulting from recent advances in the science of enzymology. Only a few enzymes are currently used in food processing; among these are glucose isomerase, amylases, chymosin, and papain. Catalase, pectolytic enzymes, and lactase are also used to a lesser extent. One of the major reasons for the slow growth in the use of enzymes in food processing is the cost. Enzymes are highly efficient and catalyze specific reactions often with high yield and minimum side effects, but they also need to function under rather stringent conditions, requiring a set range of pH, temperature, ionic strength, and in many cases, the addition of cofactors and coenzymes. Recovery and regeneration of enzymes in processing further add to the overall cost. Unlike developing pharmaceutical products, a slight addition to the manufacturing cost will have a significant impact on the market sales of a food product.