Polysaccharide Degrading Biocatalysts

Book excerpt: The transformation of polysaccharides into valuable compounds for health and industry requires the careful application of enzyme protocols and controlled biocatalysis. Polysaccharide-Degrading Biocatalysts provides a thorough grounding in these biocatalytic processes and their growing role in the depolymerization of polysaccharides, empowering researchers to discover and develop new enzyme-based approaches across pharmaceuticals, fuels, and food engineering. Here, over a dozen leading experts offer a close examination of structural polysaccharides, genetic modification of polysaccharides, polysaccharide degradation routes, pretreatments for enzymatic hydrolysis, hemicellulose-degrading enzymes, biomass valorization processes, oligosaccharide production, and enzyme immobilization for the hydrolysis of polysaccharides, among other topics and related research protocols. A final chapter considers perspectives and challenges in an evolving, carbohydrate-based economy. - Describes the role of enzymes in the degradation of polysaccharides to obtain building blocks for biochemical processes - Covers new tools for enzymatic evolution, research protocols, and process strategies contributing to large-scale applications - Explores the use of polysaccharide hydrolysis products in the areas of pharmaceuticals, fuels, and food engineering - Features chapter contributions from international experts