Microbial lipases: Propitious biocatalysts for the food industry

Lipases (triacylglycerol acylhydrolases, EC 3.1.1.3) are one of the largest groups of enzymes and are used in various industrial processes. Lipases of microbial origin are currently receiving increased attention for industrial application as microorganisms grow quickly and are easily genetically manipulated. Furthermore, they offer several advantages, such as catalysis of diverse reactions, high specificity, high yields, low energy consumption and reduced processing time and production costs. There is a relentless ongoing effort to optimise the production of microbial lipases for potential application in the food industry. In this context, this review highlights the most promising techniques for producing microbial lipases and the recent applications of these lipases in dairy, oils and fats, bakery and confectionery, meat, flavours and aromas and other food industries. Microbial lipases are normally obtained by fermentation, but the high costs of carbon and nitrogen sources limit the process. To overcome this problem, low-cost agro-industrial residues in the lipase production process are explored. To obtain lipases with high yields and improved characteristics, the technique of protein engineering is described as promising, and the immobilization method that allows the recycling of lipases to improve their catalytic performance is focused. Due to their catalytic properties and versatility, lipases of microbial origin are considered extremely important catalysts in the food industry, meeting the demand for tastier foods with pleasant aromas and textures. Therefore, microbial lipases are considered safe and sustainable biocatalysts.

Automated summary

Microbial lipases are important enzymes with various advantages and wide applications mainly in the food industry. Researchers are exploring the use of low-cost agro-industrial residues for lipase production to improve yield and characteristics, as well as applying protein engineering techniques and immobilization methods.