Advances in Production and Characteristic Features of Microbial Tannases: An Overview

The enzyme tannase (tannin acyl hydrolase, E.C.3.1.1.20) has diverse applications, but are currently limited due to inadequate information on the basic characteristics such as physicochemical and catalytic properties, regulation mechanisms and high production cost. Tannases are gaining more scientific relevance because of their hydrolytic as well as synthetic capability in suitable solvent systems. Available art on tannases is either superficial or forms a part of other information. This review attempts to present a state-of-art and detailed information on various aspects of tannases, exploring scientific and technological facets, emphasizing on substrates, production, physicochemical properties, effect of inhibitors and purification strategies.