Cellulases and their biotechnological applications

Abstract

For a long-range solution to the global issues of energy, chemical and food, the most abundant, renewable and sustainable bioresource cellulose could be a feasible solution. The depolymerisation of cellulose by a group of enzyme cellulases could potentially lead to the development of various value added products. Due to their immense potential, cellulases are involved in various industrial and biotechnological applications related to pulp and paper, textile, fuel and other organic chemical synthesis industries. However, to further economise the cellulase production, extensive research is being carried out using various approaches including genetic manipulation and process engineering. In this chapter, a brief overview of cellulases and their potential applications are being discussed.