Tipparat Hongpattarakere

pp. 481 - 491

Abstract

Hyperthermal cellulases and hemicellulases have been intensively studied due to their highly
potential applications at extreme temperatures, which mimic industrial processes involving cellulose and
hemicellulose degradation. More than 50 species of hyperthermophiles have been isolated, many of which
possess hyperthermal enzymes required for hydrolyzing cellulose and hemicelluloses. Endoglucanases,
exoglucanases, cellobiohydrolases, xylanases, β-glucosidase and β-galactosidase, which are produced by the
hyperthermophiles, are resistant to boiling temperature. The characteristics of these enzymes and the ability
to maintain their functional integrity at high temperature as well as their biotechnological application
are discussed.