Lipolytic microorganisms and their wide range of microbial extracellular lipases: Diverse biotechnological applications

Abstract

Lipases are economically important, effective biocatalysts widely used in various industries. These enzymes can catalyse the hydrolysis of esters formed from glycerol and long-chain fatty acids. Lipases can be extracted from plant and animal sources, even though they can be synthesised via chemical processes. Currently, microbial enzymes are being used for industrial purposes. There are 150 industrial enzymes with hydrolytic action, including lipase, which is the third largest group of industrial enzymes. Microbial lipases are utilised as biocatalysts in various biotechnological applications due to their stability in organic solvents, broad substrate specificity without a cofactor, and higher enantioselectivity. Microbial lipases are more crucial in biotechnological applications due to their ease of production and environmentally sustainable production ability. Among them, extracellular microbial lipases play a crucial role in the enzyme production industry because of their ease of production and purification. The ability of microorganisms to adapt to extreme environmental conditions has been advantageous in industrial microbiology. The organisms in those environments utilise various substances as their primary energy source, so they possess specific enzymes that break down these energy sources. To utilise microbial lipases in industry, they must withstand harsh environments. The current review provides key information about the diversity of lipolytic microorganisms. These various microbial sources can be utilised to produce lipases, including different types of microbial lipases, their classification, general structure, catalytic activity, and their wide range of biotechnological applications. In addition to the enzyme, this review discusses lipolytic microorganisms, which can be applied to wastewater treatment.