Back to: MICROBIOLOGY 400 LEVEL
Welcome to class!
Hey brilliant mind! It’s a beautiful day to learn, and I’m so glad you’re here. Today, we’re looking at a topic that connects directly to real-life industries in Nigeria and around the world—Production and Applications of Amylase, Protease, and Cellulase. These enzymes are the champions of modern biotechnology. They help make our food tastier, clothes better, and even keep our homes cleaner. Let’s walk through how they’re produced and why they are so important.
Production And Applications (Amylase, Protease, Cellulase)
Amylase
Production:
Amylase is usually produced by microorganisms like Bacillus subtilis (a bacterium) and Aspergillus oryzae (a fungus).
Method: These organisms are grown in fermentation tanks with a starch-rich medium. After fermentation, the broth is filtered, the amylase is extracted, and purified using techniques like centrifugation and drying.
Nigeria’s relevance: Cassava industries in places like Ogun State often use amylases to break down starch for sweeteners.
Applications:
Food industry: Used in baking to improve dough handling and increase sugar for yeast action.
Brewing: Converts starch from grains into fermentable sugars for alcohol production.
Textile: Removes starch-based sizing agents from fabrics.
Detergents: Helps remove starchy food stains from clothes.
Protease
Production:
Protease is mainly produced by bacteria such as Bacillus licheniformis and fungi like Aspergillus niger.
Method: The microbes are grown on a protein-rich medium (like casein or gelatin). After fermentation, the enzyme is extracted and purified.
Example in Nigeria: Soap and detergent factories in Aba or Lagos use proteases for improving stain removal.
Applications:
Detergent industry: Breaks down protein-based stains like blood or egg.
Food industry: Tenderises meat and improves protein digestibility.
Leather industry: Softens hides and removes hair.
Pharmaceuticals: Helps in wound cleaning and treatment.
Cellulase
Production:
Cellulases are produced mainly by fungi like Trichoderma reesei.
Method: These fungi are cultivated on cellulose-based media, such as sawdust or agricultural waste. The cellulase is extracted and purified from the culture broth.
Local relevance: Pulp and paper mills in places like Delta State can use cellulases to improve paper quality.
Applications:
Textile industry: Used in “bio-polishing” fabrics to reduce fuzziness and give a smooth finish.
Paper industry: Softens pulp, reducing the need for harsh chemicals.
Food industry: Helps in extracting juices from fruits and vegetables.
Animal feed: Breaks down plant fibres to improve nutrient absorption in livestock.
Imagine a juice company in Benue State wants to improve yield from mangoes. By adding cellulase, they can break down the fruit fibres more efficiently, getting more juice and reducing waste. At the same time, a bakery in Lagos is using amylase to make softer bread with better shelf life, while a detergent brand in Aba is using protease to create soap that removes stubborn stew stains.
Summary
- Amylase is produced by bacteria or fungi and used in baking, brewing, and textile industries.
- Protease is produced using protein-rich media and is key in detergents, food, and leather processing.
- Cellulase is grown on cellulose-based materials and used in textiles, food, and paper industries.
- These enzymes make processes faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly.
Evaluation
- What types of media are used to produce amylase, protease, and cellulase?
- Give two examples of how cellulase is used in Nigerian industries.
- Why is protease important in detergent production?
Keep going—you’re gaining practical knowledge that connects science with real-world applications across Africa. Remember, Afrilearn believes in your journey and is always here to help you shine brighter every day. Let’s meet in the next lesson!