Abstract

High throughput screening (HTS) is a powerful tool in biotechnology. The search for new or improved enzymes with suitable biochemical properties for industrial processes, has resulted in high efforts and research activities to develop new methodologies for activity screening. In this context, important advances have been achieved for the screening of cellulases and xylanases activities from wild and recombinant microorganisms, and from sequence databases. These enzymes have a wide range of industrial applications, including food, animal feed, textile, pulp and paper industries and detergents. Cellulases and xylanases along with pectinases, represent 20% of the world enzyme market. Recently, cellulases and xylanases have been used on fermentable sugars recovered from lignocellulosic biomass for second-generation biorefineries, aimed to produce chemical and biofuel platforms. As a result, HTS methods for biomass or biomass-degrading enzymes are gaining importance. This article presents evidence of the studies carried out for HTS of cellulase and xylanase activities.

Keywords: High throughput screening, cellulases, xylanases.