Beta-Glucanase: Diverse Bacterial Sources and its Applications

AbstractBeta-glucans are found in various microorganisms like Bacteria, Actinomycetes, Fungi, Yeast, and Algae also found in some plants such as oats and barley. These are enzymes that are capable to break down a polysaccharide beta-glucan into glucose subunits by hydrolyzing the glycosidic bond. Numerous wild and recombinant beta-glucanases are isolated and well characterized from a wide range of microorganisms. These enzymes from microbes are specific on the substrates β-glucan and capable to cleave within the chain. Microbial beta-glucanases are economically important enzymes and have applications in various industries like textile, brewing and food industries also in agriculture. This chapter deals with the advisable perceptive of the beta-glucanase enzyme from the diverse bacterial community and their applications.KeywordsBeta-glucanasesEndo-glycosidasePolysaccharidesBeta-1,3-glucanaseEndo-1,3-beta-glucanase