Applications of pectinases in the commercial sector: a review

Pectinases are one of the upcoming enzymes of fruit and textile industries. These enzymes break down complete polysaccharides of plant tissues into simpler molecules like galacturonic acids. The role of acidic pectinases in bringing down the cloudiness and bitterness of fruit juices is well established. Recently, there has been a good number of reports on the application of alkaline pectinases in the textile industry for the retting and degumming of fiber crops, production of good quality paper, fermentation of coffee and tea, oil extractions and treatment of pectic waste water. This review discusses various types of pectinases and their applications in the commercial sector. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.