What Are Hydrolytic Enzymes?

Alternatively referred to as hydrolase, the hydrolytic enzymes are used to split different groups of biomolecules, like esters, peptides, and glycosides. Moreover, hydrolytic enzymes can break down protein, lipids, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and fat molecules to their simplest or smallest forms. Furthermore, lysosomal hydrolase comprises phosphatases, carboxylesterases, ribonuclease, glucuronidases, β-galactosidase, and acid proteinase. This hydrolytic enzyme is proven to play a crucial role in brain tumours.

Hydrolytic enzymes are further categorised into the following: – 

Alpha-Amylase

Alpha-amylase is one of the vastly used hydrolytic enzymes. It is used to degrade the starch molecules and further hydrolyze them to small-chain dextrins. Alpha amylase acts upon the α-1,4 glycosidic bonds. These bonds are usually found in the starch polysaccharides. All the living beings present on earth produce this enzyme.

Glucoamylase

Another kind of hydrolytic enzyme is glucoamylase. Also known as microbial enzymes, these exo-acting enzymes release consistent glucose units. Glucoamylase promotes the release of glucose from the starch molecules’ non-reducing ends. Moreover, this enzyme consecutively hydrolyzes α-1,4 glycosidic bonds, which results in glucose production. Furthermore, this enzyme can also hydrolyze the 1,6 bonds and give the same end-product – glucose. 

Lipase

Lipase is another type of hydrolytic enzyme and acts as a catalyst in the hydrolysis of triglycerides (the substrate) to fatty acids and glycerol. Lipase is generally found in all living beings and begins the initial digestion in the small intestine’s lumen (interior). Moreover, Lipase gets help from Bile salts, which reduce the surface tension of fat droplets. Once the surface tension is reduced, lipases can attack the triglyceride molecules.

Protease

Protease is the most common hydrolytic enzyme type used in various industries such as food, beverage, etc. In addition to it, proteases are also responsible for the reduction of molecules through hydrolysis. This enzyme hydrolyzes the peptide bonds (these bonds link amino acids to the protein chain). Protease is generally made of animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria. 

Cellulase

Cellulase is a hydrolytic enzyme that is added to the pretreated material. This enzyme hydrolyses the cellulose fraction to glucose. Cellulase enzymes are used to degrade the cellulose of plant cells. Bacterial and fungal species produce these enzymes (at a range of temperatures, these bacteria or fungal species can act as aerobic or anaerobic).  

Applications of Hydrolytic Enzymes

Now that you know what hydrolytic enzymes are, let’s move on to their usage in different industries.

Usage of Hydrolytic Enzymes In the Dairy Industry

The dairy industry is one of the most common uses of hydrolytic enzymes. Dairy manufacturing is highly dependent on hydrolytic enzymes. Hydrolytic enzymes impact different dairy products, such as their texture, taste, etc. For instance, proteases are widely used as coagulant agents in cheese production, affecting the taste and texture of cheese.

On the other hand, lipases ripen the cheese and develop its flavour, texture, and body characteristics. Moreover, the bottlenecks caused by lactose in dairy products are overcome with the use of lactases, and they hydrolyse lactose in dairy products and increase the availability of good nutrition. 

Usage of Hydrolytic Enzymes To Produce Cosmetic

Like any other enzyme, hydrolytic enzymes are used to speed up the reactions; in other words, they are used as catalysts. These enzymes are also widely used in the cosmetic industry. Hydrolytic enzymes such as protease break skin-friendly proteins into peptides. These peptides are then broken into amino acids, resulting in easy absorption by the skin and promoting cell growth and renewal. 

How To Get Hydrolytic Enzymes For Industrial Use?

Are you looking to get hydrolytic enzymes for industrial purposes? Connect with Infinita Biotech, a leading multidivisional biotechnology firm. We are global manufacturers of eco-friendly enzymatic solutions, and our solutions are suitable for beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, dairy, food, and several other industries. Furthermore, our products provide multiple benefits which can’t be benefited from chemical and traditional processes.