Microbial degradation of hemicellulose – Definition, Enzymes, Steps, Mechanisms

Hemicellulose is a complex carbohydrate that is found in plant cell walls. It is a heterogeneous mixture of polysaccharides comprising, among others, xyloglucans, xylans, and glucomannans. In contrast to cellulose, which consists of long chains of glucose molecules, hemicellulose is composed of a variety of sugar molecules, including xylose, arabinose, mannose, galactose, and glucuronic acid. Hemicellulose is essential to the structural integrity of plant cell walls, as well as a source of energy for certain animals capable of degrading its complex polysaccharides.

What is hemicellulose?

• A hemicellulose (also known as polyose) is one of a number of heteropolymers (matrix polysaccharides), such as arabinoxylans, found in practically all terrestrial plant cell walls alongside cellulose. Cellulose is crystalline, durable, and hydrolysis-resistant.
• Hemicelluloses are branching, shorter than cellulose, and crystallize easily.
• They can be hydrolyzed by dilute acid or base, in addition to a multitude of hemicellulase enzymes.
• There are numerous types of hemicelluloses recognized. Xylan, glucuronoxylan, arabinoxylan, glucomannan, and xyloglucan are notable examples.
• Hemicelluloses are polysaccharides frequently associated with cellulose, but with unique structures and chemical compositions. In contrast to cellulose, hemicelluloses are made up of a variety of sugars, including the five-carbon sugars xylose and arabinose, the six-carbon sugars glucose, mannose, and galactose, and the six-carbon deoxy sugar rhamnose.
• Hemicelluloses consist primarily of D-pentose sugars, with occasional trace amounts of L-sugars. In most situations, xylose is the most abundant sugar monomer, however mannose may be the most abundant sugar in softwoods.
• In addition to ordinary sugars, hemicellulose may also contain their acidified counterparts, such as glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid.
• Together with cellulose and lignin, hemicellulose is a complex carbohydrate present in the cell walls of plants.
• It is a heterogeneous mixture of polysaccharides, which means it is composed of a variety of sugars and carbs.
• Hemicellulose gives the plant cell wall structural support, contributing to its strength and stiffness.
• Unlike cellulose, which is exclusively made of glucose, hemicellulose contains a range of sugars, including xylose, arabinose, mannose, and galactose.
• Hemicellulose is more easily destroyed by enzymes than cellulose, making it a significant source of energy for organisms capable of breaking down its complex carbohydrates.
• Hemicellulose varies in composition and structure between plant species and tissues.
• Hemicellulose can be extracted from plant matter and utilized in a variety of industrial applications, including the manufacture of adhesives, paper, and textiles.
• It has been demonstrated that certain kinds of hemicellulose, such as xyloglucans, have potential medical applications, such as wound healing and drug delivery.
• Microorganisms can ferment hemicellulose to produce biofuels such as ethanol.
• Understanding the characteristics and behavior of hemicellulose is crucial for the development of sustainable and effective techniques for using plant biomass as a renewable resource.

Structure of hemicellulose

• Unlike cellulose, hemicelluloses are composed of shorter chains, ranging from 500 to 3,000 sugar units. In comparison, each cellulose polymer contains between 7,000 and 15,000 glucose molecules.
• Moreover, hemicelluloses can be branched polymers whereas cellulose is unbranched. Hemicelluloses are embedded in the cell walls of plants, sometimes in chains that form a ‘ground’ — they attach to cellulose and pectin to form a network of cross-linked fibres.
• On the basis of structural differences, such as backbone linkages and side groups, as well as other criteria, such as abundance and distribution in plants, hemicelluloses can be classified into the four following classes: 1) xylans, 2) mannans; 3) mixed linkage β-glucans; 4) xyloglucans.

1. Xylans

• Xylans are typically composed of β-(1→4)-linked xylose residues and can be further classified as homoxylans or heteroxylans.
• Homoxylans contain a backbone composed of D-xylopyranose residues connected by β(1→3) or mixed, β(1→3, 1→4)-glycosidic bonds. Homoxylans mostly provide structural purposes.
• Heteroxylans, including glucuronoxylans, glucuronoarabinoxylans, and complex heteroxylans, possess a D-xylopyranosyl backbone and short carbohydrate branches.
• Glucuronoxylan, for instance, has substitutions involving α-(1→2)-linked glucuronosyl and 4-O-methyl glucuronosyl residues. Arabinose residues are linked to the backbones of arabinoxylans and glucuronoarabinoxylans.

2. Mannans

• The mannan-type hemicellulose can be divided into two categories, galactomannans and glucomannans, based on the difference in their main chain.
• Galactomannans contain solely linear chains of β-(1→4) linked D-mannopyranose residues. In the major chains, glucomannans include both β-(1→4) linked D-mannopyranose and β-(1→4) linked D-glucopyranose residues.
• D-galactopyranose residues tend to be 6-linked to both types of side chains as single side chains in varying amounts.

3. Mixed linkage β-glucans

• Typically, the conformation of mixed-linkage glucan chains consists of blocks of β-(1→4) D-Glucopyranose separated by a single β-(1→3) D-Glucopyranose.
• The populations of β-(1→4) and β-(1→3) are roughly 70% and 30%, respectively. These glucans are predominantly composed of random segments of cellotriosyl (C18H32O16) and cellotraosyl (C24H42O21).
• Many studies demonstrate the molar ratio of cellotriosyl/cellotraosyl for oat (2.1-2.4), barley (2.8-3.3), and wheat (3.0-3.5). (4.2-4.5).

4. Xyloglucans

• Xyloglucans have a cellulose-like backbone with -D-xylopyranose residues at position 6. Each form of side chain is denoted by a single letter code to facilitate a more precise description.
• G — unbranched Glc residue; X — α-d-Xyl-(1→6)-Glc. L — β-Gal , S — α-l-Araf, F– α-l-Fuc. These are the most commonly encountered side chains. 
• XXXG and XXGG are the two most frequent forms of xyloglucans found in plant cell walls.

What are hemicellulases?

• Hemicellulases are a type of enzyme that can break down hemicellulose, which is a complex carbohydrate found in the cell walls of plants. Hemicellulases are produced by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, as well as by some animals and insects that consume plant material.
• There are several different types of hemicellulases, each with a specific function and substrate specificity. For example, xylanases are hemicellulases that break down xylan, a type of hemicellulose found in some plant tissues. Similarly, mannanases can break down mannans, another type of hemicellulose.
• Hemicellulases play an important role in the biodegradation of plant material in natural environments, as well as in industrial processes such as the production of biofuels and paper. They are also used in animal feed to improve the digestibility of plant-based feed ingredients.
• In biotechnology, hemicellulases are often used in combination with other enzymes such as cellulases to break down lignocellulosic biomass into its constituent sugars, which can then be used as a feedstock for the production of biofuels or other chemicals. The development of efficient and cost-effective hemicellulase enzymes is therefore an important area of research in the field of biotechnology.
• Hemicellulases are enzymes that can break down hemicellulose, which is a complex carbohydrate found in the cell walls of plants.
• There are several different types of hemicellulases, including xylanases, mannanases, and xyloglucanases, among others.
• Hemicellulases are produced by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, as well as by some animals and insects that consume plant material.
• Hemicellulases have a specific substrate specificity, meaning that they are only able to break down certain types of hemicellulose.
• Hemicellulases work by breaking the bonds between the individual sugars in hemicellulose, releasing the constituent sugars for use by the organism.
• Hemicellulases are often used in industrial processes, such as the production of biofuels and paper, to break down plant material into its constituent sugars.
• Hemicellulases can also be used in animal feed to improve the digestibility of plant-based feed ingredients.
• The development of efficient and cost-effective hemicellulase enzymes is an important area of research in the field of biotechnology, as it can help to improve the sustainability of industries that rely on plant-based materials.
• Hemicellulases can have different optimal conditions for activity, including pH and temperature, which can vary depending on the specific type of enzyme.
• Hemicellulases are an important part of the complex network of enzymes and microorganisms involved in the biodegradation of plant material in natural environments, contributing to the cycling of nutrients in ecosystems.

Microorganisms involved in hemicellulose degradation

Microorganisms play an important role in the degradation of hemicellulose in natural environments. Here are some of the microorganisms involved in hemicellulose degradation:

• Bacteria: Many bacteria are able to produce hemicellulases that can break down hemicellulose into its constituent sugars. Some examples of bacteria that are known to produce hemicellulases include Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium thermocellum, and Cellvibrio japonicus.
• Fungi: Fungi are also important decomposers of plant material, including hemicellulose. Some fungi, such as Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma reesei, are known to produce hemicellulases that can break down hemicellulose.
• Actinomycetes: Actinomycetes are a group of bacteria that are commonly found in soil and are known for their ability to produce a wide range of enzymes, including hemicellulases.
• Protozoa: Some protozoa, such as ciliates, are able to break down hemicellulose in the digestive tracts of animals that consume plant material.
• Insects: Some insects, such as termites and certain beetles, are able to break down hemicellulose in the wood and plant material that they consume. They have specialized symbiotic microorganisms in their gut that produce hemicellulases.

Enzymes involved in the degradation of hemicellulose

There are several types of enzymes involved in the degradation of hemicellulose, including:

1. Xylanases

• Xylanases are a type of enzyme that is involved in the degradation of hemicellulose, specifically xylan. Xylan is a major component of hemicellulose, and breaking it down into its constituent sugars is a crucial step in the process of converting plant biomass into biofuels or other useful products.
• Xylanases are produced by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, and they work by breaking down the bonds that hold xylan together. The end result of this process is the release of xylose, which can then be further processed into other useful products.
• One of the key challenges in the degradation of hemicellulose by xylanases is the complexity of the substrate. Xylan is a complex carbohydrate, and different types of xylan require different types of xylanases for effective degradation. Additionally, xylan is often found in association with other plant cell wall components, such as cellulose and lignin, which can make it more difficult to access.
• Despite these challenges, xylanases are an important tool for the degradation of hemicellulose in biotechnological processes. They have been used in the production of biofuels, such as ethanol, as well as in the production of other useful products, such as food additives and animal feed. Ongoing research is focused on improving the efficiency of xylanase-based processes and identifying new types of xylanases that can break down different types of xylan more effectively.

2. Mannanases

• Mannanases are a type of enzyme that is involved in the degradation of hemicellulose, specifically mannan. Mannan is another major component of hemicellulose, and breaking it down into its constituent sugars is important for the production of biofuels and other useful products from plant biomass.
• Mannanases are produced by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, and they work by breaking down the bonds that hold mannan together. The end result of this process is the release of mannose, which can then be further processed into other useful products.
• The mechanism of hemicellulose degradation by mannanases is similar to that of xylanases. Mannanases hydrolyze the glycosidic bonds between the sugar units in mannan, breaking it down into smaller oligosaccharides and ultimately releasing the constituent monosaccharides. Mannanases are specific for different types of mannan, with some enzymes being able to degrade galactomannan and others being able to degrade glucomannan.
• One of the challenges in the degradation of hemicellulose by mannanases is the presence of other plant cell wall components, such as cellulose and lignin, which can make it more difficult to access the mannan. In addition, some types of mannan are more difficult to degrade than others, requiring specific types of mannanases for efficient degradation.
• Despite these challenges, mannanases are an important tool for the degradation of hemicellulose in biotechnological processes. They have been used in the production of biofuels, such as ethanol, as well as in the production of other useful products, such as food additives and animal feed. Ongoing research is focused on improving the efficiency of mannanase-based processes and identifying new types of mannanases that can break down different types of mannan more effectively.

3. Arabinanases

• Arabinanases are a type of enzyme that is involved in the degradation of hemicellulose, specifically arabinan. Arabinan is a minor component of hemicellulose, but its breakdown is still important for the production of biofuels and other useful products from plant biomass.
• Arabinanases are produced by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, and they work by breaking down the bonds that hold arabinan together. The end result of this process is the release of arabinose, which can then be further processed into other useful products.
• The mechanism of hemicellulose degradation by arabinanases is similar to that of xylanases and mannanases. Arabinanases hydrolyze the glycosidic bonds between the sugar units in arabinan, breaking it down into smaller oligosaccharides and ultimately releasing the constituent monosaccharides. Arabinanases are specific for different types of arabinan, with some enzymes being able to degrade arabinoxylan, which contains both arabinan and xylan.
• One of the challenges in the degradation of hemicellulose by arabinanases is the presence of other plant cell wall components, such as cellulose and lignin, which can make it more difficult to access the arabinan. In addition, some types of arabinan are more difficult to degrade than others, requiring specific types of arabinanases for efficient degradation.
• Despite these challenges, arabinanases are an important tool for the degradation of hemicellulose in biotechnological processes. They have been used in the production of biofuels, such as ethanol, as well as in the production of other useful products, such as food additives and animal feed. Ongoing research is focused on improving the efficiency of arabinanase-based processes and identifying new types of arabinanases that can break down different types of arabinan more effectively.

4. Galactanases

• Galactanases are enzymes that are involved in the degradation of hemicellulose, specifically galactan. Galactan is a minor component of hemicellulose, but its breakdown is important for the production of biofuels and other useful products from plant biomass.
• Galactanases are produced by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, and they work by breaking down the bonds that hold galactan together. The end result of this process is the release of galactose, which can then be further processed into other useful products.
• The mechanism of hemicellulose degradation by galactanases is similar to that of other hemicellulose-degrading enzymes such as xylanases, mannanases, and arabinanases. Galactanases hydrolyze the glycosidic bonds between the sugar units in galactan, breaking it down into smaller oligosaccharides and ultimately releasing the constituent monosaccharides. Galactanases are specific for different types of galactan, with some enzymes being able to degrade galactoglucomannan, which contains galactan, glucomannan, and xylan.
• One of the challenges in the degradation of hemicellulose by galactanases is the presence of other plant cell wall components, such as cellulose and lignin, which can make it more difficult to access the galactan. In addition, some types of galactan are more difficult to degrade than others, requiring specific types of galactanases for efficient degradation.
• Despite these challenges, galactanases are an important tool for the degradation of hemicellulose in biotechnological processes. They have been used in the production of biofuels, such as ethanol, as well as in the production of other useful products, such as food additives and animal feed. Ongoing research is focused on improving the efficiency of galactanase-based processes and identifying new types of galactanases that can break down different types of galactan more effectively.

5. Acetyl xylan esterases

• Acetyl xylan esterases are a type of enzyme that is involved in the degradation of hemicellulose, specifically xylan. Xylan is a major component of hemicellulose, and its breakdown is important for the production of biofuels and other useful products from plant biomass.
• Acetyl xylan esterases are produced by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, and they work by breaking down the acetyl groups that are attached to the xylan backbone. The removal of these acetyl groups allows other enzymes, such as xylanases, to more efficiently break down the xylan into smaller oligosaccharides and ultimately release the constituent monosaccharides.
• The mechanism of hemicellulose degradation by acetyl xylan esterases involves the hydrolysis of the acetyl groups from the xylan backbone. This releases acetic acid and produces a modified xylan that is more susceptible to hydrolysis by other enzymes. The resulting xylan fragments can be further processed by other hemicellulose-degrading enzymes, such as xylanases, mannanases, and arabinanases, to release the constituent monosaccharides.
• One of the challenges in the degradation of hemicellulose by acetyl xylan esterases is the presence of other plant cell wall components, such as lignin and cellulose, which can make it more difficult to access the xylan. In addition, the efficiency of the process is dependent on the accessibility of the acetyl groups to the acetyl xylan esterases, which can be influenced by the structural properties of the hemicellulose.
• Despite these challenges, acetyl xylan esterases are an important tool for the degradation of hemicellulose in biotechnological processes. They have been used in the production of biofuels, such as ethanol, as well as in the production of other useful products, such as food additives and animal feed. Ongoing research is focused on improving the efficiency of acetyl xylan esterase-based processes and identifying new types of enzymes that can more efficiently degrade hemicellulose.

Factors affecting hemicellulose degradation

There are several factors that can affect the degradation of hemicellulose, including:

1. Substrate complexity: The complexity of the hemicellulose substrate can affect the efficiency of degradation. More complex hemicellulose structures may require a more diverse set of enzymes and longer degradation times.
2. pH: The optimal pH for hemicellulose degradation can vary depending on the type of microorganism and enzyme being used. In general, hemicellulases function best in slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
3. Temperature: The temperature can also affect the efficiency of hemicellulose degradation. Different enzymes have different optimal temperatures, and higher temperatures can increase the rate of degradation but can also lead to enzyme denaturation.
4. Enzyme concentration: The amount of hemicellulases present can affect the rate of degradation. Increasing the concentration of hemicellulases can increase the rate of degradation up to a certain point, beyond which enzyme inhibition can occur.
5. Inhibitors: Various inhibitors, such as lignin and other components of the plant cell wall, can inhibit the activity of hemicellulases and decrease the efficiency of degradation.
6. Co-factors: Hemicellulase activity can also be affected by the presence or absence of certain co-factors, such as metal ions, which can be required for enzyme activity.
7. Substrate pretreatment: Pretreatment of the hemicellulose substrate, such as by chemical or mechanical methods, can increase the accessibility of the hemicellulose to enzymes and increase the efficiency of degradation.

Simple Steps of hemicellulose degradation

• The convoluted process of hemicellulose degradation seems to be nearly identical to that of homopolymers, such as cellulose. However, the breakdown of hemicelluloses follows one of two pathways to acquire the monomeric units.
• The initial stage of degradation involves exoglycocides mercilessly attacking hemicelluloses to eliminate the side-chain substituents. This action causes the backbone glycan chain to be ‘uncovered’ or exposed, allowing it to be effortlessly targeted by hemicellulases. By removing the side-chain residues, the steric hindrance is diminished, facilitating the process of degradation.
• On the other hand, the degradation can also start with endohemicellulases assaulting the unbranched or moderately branched sections of the glycan chain. Subsequently, endohemicellulases generate a series of oligosaccharides with a mixed constitution. The resulting fragments are then degraded further by both exoglycosidases and endohemicellulases.

Mechanisms of Enzymatic degradation of hemicellulose

1. Hemicellulose degradation by Xylanases

• Xylanases are enzymes that break down xylan, a complex polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants. They are widely used in various industrial applications, such as pulp and paper production, food processing, animal feed, and biofuel production. Xylanases are classified into two types based on their mode of action: endo-xylanases and exo-xylanases.
• Endo-xylanases cleave the internal β-1,4-glycosidic bonds in xylan chains, while exo-xylanases hydrolyze the terminal xylose residues from the non-reducing end of the xylan chain. In this article, we will focus on endo-xylanases, particularly D-xylanases, which are the most well-characterized enzymes in this class.
• D-xylanases are endo-enzymes that hydrolyze the 1,4-β-D-xylopyranosyl linkages of D-glycans, such as L-arabino-D-xylans, L-arabino-D-glucoro-D-xylans, and D-glucorono-D-xylans. They are produced by a wide range of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and plants.
• Among the different types of xylanases, D-xylanases have been the most extensively studied due to their wide range of applications in various industries. These enzymes have shown great potential in the production of biofuels, such as ethanol, as well as in the pulp and paper industry, where they are used to enhance the efficiency of the pulping process.
• Some D-xylanases can even hydrolyze the (1,3)-α-L-arabinofuranosyl branch points of arabinoxylan, making them useful for the degradation of complex xylan structures. Moreover, some D-xylanases can produce xylooligosaccharides (XOS) from xylan, which have prebiotic properties and are used in animal feed and human nutrition.
• Bacteria, such as Bacillus and Streptomyces, are among the most common sources of xylanases. Bacillus xylanases are of particular interest due to their high catalytic activity, stability, and specificity for arabinoxylan. The xylanase preparation from the alkalophilic Bacillus species degrades arabinoxylan to xylobiose and xylotriose as major end products with smaller amounts of higher xylooligosaccharides.
• Streptomyces xylanases are also widely used in various industrial applications, such as biofuel production and pulp and paper processing. Streptomyces strains produce both endo- and exo-xylanases, which can degrade xylan to xylose, xylobiose, and XOS.

D-xylanases are enzymes that play a vital role in the degradation of xylan, a complex polysaccharide found in plant cell walls. These enzymes are widely used in various industrial applications due to their high catalytic activity, specificity, and stability. Bacteria, such as Bacillus and Streptomyces, are among the most common sources of xylanases, and their enzymes have shown great potential in biofuel production, pulp and paper processing, and animal feed production.

2. Hemicellulose degradation by Xylanases

• Mannanases are enzymes that break down mannan, a complex polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants and some microorganisms. They are classified into two types based on their mode of action: endo-mannanases and exo-mannanases.
• Endo-mannanases cleave the internal β-1,4-glycosidic bonds in mannan chains, while exo-mannanases hydrolyze the terminal mannose residues from the non-reducing end of the mannan chain. In this article, we will focus on endo-mannanases, which are further divided into two types: β-mannanases and α-galactosidases.
• β-Mannanases are endo-enzymes that hydrolyze the 1,4-β-D-mannopyranosyl linkages of branched mannans, copolymer mannans, and linear D-mannans. They are produced by a wide range of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and plants. These enzymes have been extensively studied due to their wide range of applications in various industries, such as food processing, pulp and paper production, animal feed, and biofuel production.
• β-Mannanases degrade β-D-mannans to D-mannose and a series of mannose oligosaccharides. On acid hydrolysis, the enzymic degradation with a β-D-mannosidase yields D-mannose as the only hydrolysis product. The preferential attack of endo-mannanases is on the D-mannose chain at the 3rd and 4th linkages from the non-reducing end of the molecule.
• Fungal mannanases are among the most commonly used sources of β-mannanases. They have been known to degrade D-mannans in a random manner and are of the endo-type. Mixed oligosaccharides resulting from enzymatic hydrolysis of galactoglucomannans are likely to contain D-galactose in addition to D-glucose and D-mannose.
• These enzymes have a wide range of industrial applications. They are used in food processing, such as the production of prebiotic oligosaccharides from mannans, which are used in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Mannanases are also used in the pulp and paper industry to improve the efficiency of the pulping process.

Mannanases are enzymes that play a vital role in the degradation of mannan, a complex polysaccharide found in plant cell walls and some microorganisms. They are widely used in various industrial applications due to their high catalytic activity, specificity, and stability. Fungal mannanases are among the most commonly used sources of β-mannanases and have shown great potential in food processing and the pulp and paper industry.

3. Hemicellulose degradation by Galactanases

• Galactanases are a group of hydrolytic enzymes that break down polysaccharides composed of D-galactose and L-arabino-D-galactose units. These enzymes have important industrial and biotechnological applications due to their ability to degrade complex plant cell wall materials and facilitate the extraction of valuable compounds from plant biomass.
• Two distinct types of endogalactanases, which randomly degrade the 1,4-β-D-galactosyl linkages of D-galactans, have been identified along with a single exo type. Endogalactanases break down D-galactans into D-galactose and galactose oligosaccharides, which can contain L-arabinose residues. The exogalactanase, on the other hand, cleaves the nonreducing ends of D-galactans and L-arabino-D-galactans, releasing individual galactose units.
• One example of galactanases comes from fungal sources, particularly the Rhizopus species. Rhizopus sp. galactanases exhibit specificity towards (13)-β-D-galactopyranosylinkages and are also capable of removing L-arabinofuranose from arabinogalactosides without releasing L-arabinose from oligosaccharides.
• Galactanases have applications in several industries, including food, paper, textile, and biofuel production. In the food industry, these enzymes can be used to modify the texture and mouthfeel of products such as dairy, meat, and baked goods. Galactanases are also used in paper production to increase the drainage rate of pulp fibers, resulting in improved product quality and reduced energy consumption. In the textile industry, these enzymes are used to modify natural fibers to enhance their functionality and performance. Furthermore, galactanases are used in the production of biofuels by breaking down plant biomass into fermentable sugars.

In conclusion, galactanases are important enzymes that play a critical role in the degradation of complex plant polysaccharides. With their diverse industrial and biotechnological applications, these enzymes are becoming increasingly important in a variety of fields. The characterization and optimization of these enzymes will continue to drive advances in various industries, contributing to a more sustainable future.

4. Hemicellulose degradation by Arabinanases

• Arabinanases are a type of hydrolytic enzyme that breaks down L-arabinan, a polysaccharide that is found in the cell walls of many plants. These enzymes are important in the biotechnology industry, as they can be used to extract L-arabinose, a sugar that has various applications in food and pharmaceuticals.
• There are two types of arabinanases: endo-arabinanases and exo-arabinanases. Endo-arabinanases break down L-arabinan into L-arabinose and L-arabinose oligosaccharides, while exo-arabinanases completely degrade L-arabinan to L-arabinose.
• Arabinanases are capable of hydrolyzing both (1→3) and (1→5)-α-L-arabinofuranosyl linkages of L-arabinan at one active site, and the substrate is attacked from the non-reducing end by a multi-chain mechanism. In its attack on L-arabinan, it hydrolyzes the substrate rapidly to the extent of 30%; thereafter, the attack is slow. This initial, rapid hydrolysis of L-arabinan corresponds to the favored attack on the (α-L-(1→3)-linked L-arabinofuranosyl residues, leaving a mainly linear (1→5)-α-L-arabinan which is slowly, and eventually, completely, hydrolyzed to L-arabinose.
• In addition, arabinanases are also capable of removing L-arabinofuranose from arabinogalactosides, but do not liberate any L-arabinose from oligosaccharides.
• Fungal arabinanases have been widely studied, and it has been found that these enzymes degrade L-arabinan in a random manner. It is important to note that L-arabinan is often found in association with other polysaccharides such as xylans, and the presence of these polysaccharides can affect the activity of arabinanases.
• Overall, arabinanases are important enzymes with a wide range of applications in the biotechnology industry. By breaking down L-arabinan into L-arabinose and L-arabinose oligosaccharides, these enzymes can be used to extract valuable sugars that have various applications in food and pharmaceuticals.

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References

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