Work

Agarase: Review of Major Sources, Categories, Purification Method, Enzyme Characteristics and Applications

Year: 2010

Type: review

Abstract: Agarases are the enzymes which catalyze the hydrolysis of agar. They are classified into alpha-agarase (E.C. 3.2.1.158) and beta-agarase (E.C. 3.2.1.81) according to the cleavage pattern. Several agarases have been isolated from different genera of bacteria found in seawater and marine sediments, as well as engineered microorganisms. Agarases have wide applications in food industry, cosmetics, and medical fields because they produce oligosaccharides with remarkable activities. They are also used as a tool enzyme for biological, physiological, and cytological studies. The paper reviews the category, source, purification method, major characteristics, and application fields of these native and gene cloned agarases in the past, present, and future.

Source: Marine Drugs

DOI: 10.3390/md8010200

Authors: Xiao Ting Fu, Sang Moo Kim

Institutions: Ocean University of China, Gangneung–Wonju National University

Language: English

Topic: Enzyme Production and Characterization

Subfield: Biotechnology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499

Funders: Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology