Trends in inulinase production – a review

Abstract

This article highlights the research work carried out in the production of inulinases from various inulin substrates using strains of bacteria, yeast and fungi. Inulin is one of the numerous polysaccharides of plant origin that contains glucose or fructose. It is used as a substrate in industrial fermentation processes and in food industries due to its relatively cheap and abundant source for the microbiological production of high-fructose syrups, ethanol and acetone–butanol. The various oligosaccharides derived from inulin also find their application in the medical and dietary sector. The inulinase acts on the β-(2,1)-D-fructoside links in inulin releasing D-fructose. Hence, this article illustrates the capability of various microbes in hydrolyzing the carbon at its optimum nutrient concentration and operating condition towards inulinase production.

Keywords::

• Inulin
• inulinases
• bacteria
• fungi
• yeast
• fructose

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to the Chairman, Principal and Management of Prathyusha Institute of Technology & Management for providing us all the facilities in carrying out the review and research work in inulinase production.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.