Abstract

Background: Considerable evidences shows that inulinases are important industrial enzymes; however, the information on microbial sources, characteristics, and applications of inulinases is scattered in the available literature. Therefore, this study aimed to collate all information, particularly on fungal sources, characteristics, and applications of inulinases.

Methods: Peer-reviewed research articles were searched in bibliographic databases in a conceptual mode using inclusion of new findings/exclusion of repeated methodology. In this substantial review, each screened paper is described and its findings are proposed as viewpoints.

Results: In the present review, various properties of inulin as a potent substrate for inulinase production are summarized. Many inulin-containing plants and the applications of inulin in the food industry have been reported. In addition, extended data on inulinase producing fungal strains have also been reviewed. The progress in inulinase production under submerged and solid-state fermentation is presented along with the description of innovations used in the production of recombinant inulinases. Furthermore, this review highlights the various physico-chemical characteristics of fungal inulinases to determine their suitability for industrial use. Besides, various promising applications and aspects of enzymatic hydrolysis for producing important industrial products also have been discussed.

Conclusions: Inulinases are important industrial hydrolysing enzymes which are generally used for the production of high fructose syrup and fructooligosaccharides. Biochemical, biophysical properties and structure-function analysis elucidates the substrate specificity of enzyme as well as its phylogenetic evolution and relationship. However, to expand the utility of inulinases in various industries, an extensive investigation for novel microbial sources should be conducted and low cost substrates, and improved bioprocessing technology should be used.

Keywords: Inulin, inulinases, purification, high fructose syrup, fructooligosaccharides, enzymes.

Graphical Abstract