title: Alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases: the potential applications in biotechnology.
abstract: Recently, alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases (EC3.2.1.55) have received increased attention primarily due to their role in the degradation of lignocelluloses as well as their positive effect on the activity of other enzymes acting on lignocelluloses. As a result, these enzymes are used in many biotechnological applications including wine industry, clarification of fruit juices, digestion enhancement of animal feedstuffs and as a natural improver for bread. Moreover, these enzymes could be used to improve existing technologies and to develop new technologies. The production, mechanisms of action, classification, synergistic role, biochemical properties, substrate specificities, molecular biology and biotechnological applications of these enzymes have been reviewed in this article.
authors.affiliation: National Institute Of Oceanography, 403004 Dona Poula, Goa, India. mnoman@nio.org
authors.forename: Mondher Th
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Numan
authors.forename: Narayan B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Bhosle
mesh_terms: D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D002240:Carbohydrate Sequence; D002482:Cellulose / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D006026:Glycoside Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism*; D008031:Lignin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D015394:Molecular Structure; D015202:Protein Engineering / Q000379:methods; D013379:Substrate Specificity
chemical_list: C036909:lignocellulose; D002482:Cellulose; D008031:Lignin; D006026:Glycoside Hydrolases; C019713:alpha-N-arabinofuranosidase