Alpha Amylase, also written as α-amylase, is a natural enzyme that is used to hydrolyze (a chemical reaction when a molecule breaks into one or more bonds) alpha-linked poly carbohydrates, such as dextrins and starch. This yields shorter chains of glucose  and maltose. 

The alpha amylase enzyme is found in mammals like humans, dogs, monkeys, dolphins, etc. This enzyme is also present in plant-based products like seeds that contain an ample amount of starch and are rich in alpha-amylase. The amylase enzyme is an active member of the Glycoside Hydrolase Family 13. Amylases are categorised into three different bonds, denoted as alpha, beta, and gamma. These categories have different ways to attack starch molecules and share optimum pH levels. 

Categories of amylase enzyme 

Being present in living organisms, Alpha amylase is widely known to perform different actions in the human body and is popular in industrial (food, detergent) use as well.

Unlike alpha amylase, beta amylases are present in other matters, like yeasts, bacteria, moulds, plant seeds, etc. This amylase has different levels of optimum pH, which are 4.0 to 5.0. The mixture of beta-amylase is called ‘diastase’  Having different analyses, beta amylases are also used to ferment sugars in food and other ingredients. 

While the gamma amylase is more efficient in separating or cleaving different glycosidic linkages. Whether the linkages are acidic or non-acidic in nature, the gamma amylase can easily break it down. Coming to the optimum pH level of gamma, it falls around 3.0 levels.  

Presence of alpha amylase in human biology 

Although a very widespread enzyme in living organisms, alpha amylase is most prominently found in Saliva and Pancreatic juice. Each of these has a unique isoform (a protein variant). The behaviour of each amylase is different, while in humans all types of amylase are liked under the same chromosome 1p.  

1. Salivary amylase (ptyalin)

This amylase is found in the saliva of mammals. It breaks the starch into different glucose forms called Maltose and Dextrin. The salivary amylase is popularly named after a Swedish chemist, called “ptyalin”. This ptyalin can only act on linear alpha (1,4) glycosidic linkages. However, situations like increased gastric acid in the stomach can inactive the salivary amylase and it is unable to break down starch into maltose. Many times the DNA of humans has shown distinct results. 

2. Pancreatic alpha amylase 

As the name suggests, the pancreatic alpha amylase enzyme is present in the organ of the human body. The pancreas consists of alpha amylase, which randomly falls under α (1-4) glycosidic linkages. This enzyme easily breaks down the starch in maltose, dextrin, and maltotriose. The functioning and adaptation of pancreatic alpha amylase enzymes have developed the mechanism of anomeric configuration.

Widely present in living organisms (humans, animals) alpha amylase is an efficient part of the digestive system. It may be impossible for the human body to break down the starch present in food items without the constant work of microbial alpha amylase.  

Apart from these biological processes, the microbial alpha amylase enzyme is used for industrial purposes, medical use, etc. 

Industrial use of alpha amylase enzyme 

Being a widely popular alpha amylase enzyme, different industries use the enzyme for multiple purposes. Every important fragmentation and scratch breakdown relies on the amylase enzyme. 

1. Starch conversion involving industry 

As it has already been mentioned that Alpha Amylase Enzyme is used for breaking starch into microcomponents. The starch processing industry is also known to use this natural enzyme for the same purpose. It is involved in the liquefaction of starch and breaks the product into glucose syrup with help of glucoamylase. This process involves large scale bioinformatics and experts to perform the task safely and use the Alpha Amylase Enzyme accordingly. 

Using good quality amylase enzymes for production is a necessity. Because the starch industry has a great economical monopoly, it is actively involved in using the enzyme. 

2. Ethanol industry 

This industry consists of alcohol, perfume, and fuel production. Starch is most used in this industry as it is easily available and does not affect the budget while working on the production. Apart from the petrochemical route The ethanol or alcohol industry is completely based on the process of fermentation. Where the sugar is converted into ethanol and the long process of fermentation and breaking down of starch results in the final product. Alpha Amylase Enzymes along with beta and glucoamylase  enzymes are responsible for breaking down sugar, and other material with help of yeast to form the final product. 

The use of alpha amylase enzymes allows better fermentation of ethanol and is responsible for enhanced results. 

3. Detergent industry  

For years, Alpha Amylase Enzyme has been used in the detergent industry and is known to be very impactful in producing environmentally safe products. Alpha amylase is utilised by the industry as it leaves less residue when compared to other starchy foods like chocolate, potato, custard, etc. It is a natural alternative to converting food into dextrin. The amylase enzyme works at a low temperature and is basic in nature which is the foremost criterion used in the detergent industry. 

It also has many particular benefits in other widely popular in other industries as well. The food industry, textile industry, paper industry, etc are other customers of alpha amylase enzyme. Because the production in such industries uses starch as their main product and the enzyme is used to break the starch and help in easy production of the end product. 

The alpha amylase enzymes are extracted, manufactured, and further distributed by Infinita Biotech. Being the leading research centre and manufacturer of natural enzymes, you can trust them for sustainable and environmentally efficient solutions. Having been certified by the government of India, Infinita Biotech aims to produce the best natural enzymes on the market. Some most popular enzymes provided by the company are, the categories of amylase enzyme, Bromelain Enzyme, Dextranase enzyme, Keratinase enzyme etc.