Microbial α-Amylases and their industrial applications: A review

The biotechnological potential of α-amylases from microorganisms has drawn a great deal of attention from various researchers worldwide as likely biological catalysts in a variety of industrial processes. The rapid developments in the field of genetic engineering have given a new impetus to the biotechnology. Biotechnology also offers the potential for new industrial processes that require less energy and are based on renewable raw materialsand environmentally healthy practices.This work represents a review of α-amylase family and the major characteristics, microbial sources, production, properties, industrial applicationsas highly demanded industrial enzyme in various sectors such as food, textiles, detergents, pharmaceuticals, etc. The review intends to explore the potential of these enzymes and to encourage new α-amylase-based industrial technology.