In the modern industrial system, there is an "invisible helper" quietly changing the traditional production mode - it is industrial enzymes. As enzyme preparations extracted from microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, etc.), animals and plants, or produced through genetic engineering technology, industrial enzymes have penetrated into dozens of fields such as food processing, textile printing and dyeing, biomedicine, and energy production due to their high efficiency, environmental friendliness, and specificity, becoming a key force in promoting industrial "green transformation" and "efficiency upgrading". Compared with enzymes in the laboratory or human body, industrial enzymes have been specially screened and modified to withstand higher temperatures, wider pH ranges, and complex industrial environments, truly achieving "industrial application adaptation".
The production of industrial enzymes does not rely on direct extraction of animal and plant tissues (high cost, low yield), but rather on microbial fermentation as the core technology, combined with genetic engineering optimization, to achieve large-scale and low-cost production. The main source pathways are divided into two categories:
Natural screening: finding experts from extreme environments
The microorganisms in nature are the "natural treasure trove" of industrial enzymes. Scientists will isolate microorganisms from extreme environments such as volcanic craters, deep-sea hot springs, and saline alkali land - microorganisms in these environments will synthesize enzymes that are resistant to high temperatures and acid and alkali to adapt to harsh conditions.
- For example, high-temperature alpha amylase extracted from thermophilic bacteria can work stably at high temperatures of 90-110 ℃ and can be directly used for starch processing without the need for cooling;
- The alkaline protease isolated from alkali resistant bacteria can maintain stable activity in alkaline environments with pH 9-11, and is perfectly suitable for scenarios such as laundry detergent, textile printing and dyeing.
Genetic Engineering: Customizing Superabilities for Enzymes
With the development of biotechnology, "genetically modified enzymes" have become the mainstream of industrial enzymes. Through techniques such as gene cloning and site directed mutagenesis, scientists can modify the gene sequence of enzymes to give them better properties.
- For example, transferring fungal cellulase genes into yeast can increase enzyme secretion;
- Mutating the active center of lipase can make it more efficient in decomposing industrial waste oil;
- Even 'fusion enzymes' can be constructed, allowing one enzyme to possess two catalytic functions simultaneously (such as simultaneously decomposing starch and protein), greatly simplifying the production process.
Currently, over 70% of industrial enzymes worldwide are genetically engineered products, with yields 10-100 times higher than naturally screened enzymes and costs reduced by over 60%.
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