Structure, Function and Applications of a Classic Enzyme: Horseradish Peroxidase

An oxidation-reduction catalyzing enzyme i.e. peroxidases that are produced by numerous plants and microorganism are widely known in today’s world. This enzyme can catalyze peroxide based reactions. Novel types of aromatic polymers may result from the oxidative polymerization of aromatic amines and phenols by horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) present in water or water-soluble organic solvents. Besides, playing a potential role by the peroxidases in the soil detoxification, HRP, turnip and soybean peroxidases have also shown their significance in the bioremediation of cresols, phenols and chlorinated phenols contaminated water. Other types like manganese peroxidase (MnP) and Lignin Peroxidase (LiP) are of important use in paper industry for performing bio-bleaching and bio-pulping. These enzymes can also oxidatively breakdown the synthetic azo dyes. One of the major use of peroxidases are in analytical systems where peroxidase based biosensors are used for organic hydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide determination. On the other hand, if co-immobilized with H2O2–producing enzyme, it can be used for determination of range of compounds e.g. alcohols, choline, glucose and glutamate. Furthermore, peroxidases are simple and trustworthy way of detecting pathogens, toxins and antigens in various analytes by labeling a pre applied antibody like in ELISA (enzyme immuno sorbent assay) and quantification of chemicals like glucose, lactose, uric acid and cholesterol that are its practical analytical applications in diagnostic kits.