Tanase, also known as cellulase, is an enzyme complex that catalyzes the hydrolysis of cellulose into glucose, cellobiose, and other smaller polysaccharides. Cellulase is not a single enzyme but rather a group of enzymes that work synergistically to break down cellulose, a major structural component of plant cell walls. These enzymes typically include endoglucanases, exoglucanases, and beta-glucosidases. Endoglucanases randomly cleave internal bonds in the cellulose chain, creating shorter chains. Exoglucanases then remove cellobiose units from the ends of these chains, while beta-glucosidases hydrolyze cellobiose into glucose [1].
The production process of Tanase involves several steps, beginning with the selection of a suitable microorganism capable of producing cellulase. Fungi, such as Trichoderma reesei, and bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, are commonly used for cellulase production. These microorganisms are cultivated in a fermentation medium containing cellulose or cellulose-rich materials as the primary carbon source [2]. The fermentation process is carefully controlled to optimize enzyme production, including monitoring temperature, pH, and aeration. After fermentation, the cellulase enzymes are extracted from the culture broth through various methods, such as centrifugation, filtration, and precipitation. The extracted enzyme is then purified and concentrated to improve its activity and stability. Finally, the purified cellulase is dried and formulated into a usable form, such as a powder or liquid [3].
The enzymatic action of Tanase offers several benefits across various applications. In the textile industry, cellulase is used for biopolishing and biofinishing of fabrics, particularly cotton, to improve softness, smoothness, and appearance. It removes fuzz and pills from the fabric surface, enhancing its quality and feel [4]. In animal feed, cellulase improves the digestibility of plant-based feedstuffs by breaking down cellulose, making nutrients more accessible to animals. This can lead to improved animal growth and feed efficiency [5]. In the brewing industry, cellulase aids in the breakdown of cellulose in barley, increasing the extract yield and improving beer clarity [6]. Additionally, cellulase plays a crucial role in the production of biofuels by converting cellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars, which can then be converted into ethanol or other biofuels [7].
Tanase finds extensive applications across multiple industries owing to its ability to degrade cellulose. In the textile industry, it enhances fabric quality by removing surface fuzz and pills. For animal feed, it increases the digestibility of plant materials, leading to better nutrient absorption. In brewing, it improves extract yield and beer quality by breaking down cellulose in barley. Furthermore, its role in converting cellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars makes it indispensable in biofuel production [4, 5, 6, 7].
Tanase is generally packaged in airtight containers, such as bags or drums, to protect it from moisture and contamination. It should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. The recommended storage temperature is typically between 4°C and 25°C to maintain its stability and activity [8]. Proper packaging and storage are crucial to ensure that Tanase retains its enzymatic activity and performance over its shelf life.
Citations:
[1] Bhat, M. K. (2000). Cellulases and related enzymes in biotechnology. Biotechnology Advances, 18(6), 355-383.
[2] Lynd, L. R., Weimer, P. J., Zyl, W. H. V., & Pretorius, I. S. (2002). Microbial cellulose utilization: fundamentals and biotechnology. Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, 66(3), 506-577.
[3] Kirk, O., Borchert, T. V., & Fuglsang, C. C. (2002). Industrial enzyme applications. Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 13(4), 345-351.
[4] Cavaco-Paulo, A. (1998). Textile processing with enzymes. Journal of Biotechnology, 62(2), 149-158.
[5] Attwood, G. T., & McSweeney, C. S. (2008). Use of enzyme technology to improve the nutritional value of animal feeds. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 147(1-3), 1-9.
[6] Stewart, G. G. (2006). Enzymes in brewing. *Enzymes in Food Technology (2nd ed.), 311-344.
[7] Himmel, M. E., Ding, S. Y., Johnson, D. K., Adney, W. S., Nimlos, M. R., Brady, J. W., & Foust, T. D. (2007). Biomass recalcitrance: Engineering plants and enzymes for biofuels production. *Science, 315*(5813), 804-807.
[8] Product Data Sheet - Cellulase Enzyme. (n.d.). Retrieved from a chemical supplier website.
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