Amylase is an enzyme that facilitates the breakdown of starch into simpler sugars such as maltose and glucose. It is commonly produced by various organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and plants.
The “a-” in “a-amylase” refers to the type of amylase that specifically hydrolyzes the internal alpha-1,4 glycosidic bonds within the starch molecule. This results in the production of shorter chain polysaccharides, which can be further broken down into glucose by other amylase enzymes.
Aspergillus oryzae is a species of filamentous fungus known for its ability to produce high amounts of amylase. It is commonly used in industrial enzyme production processes due to its potent amylolytic activity. The enzymes produced by Aspergillus oryzae, including a-amylase, are widely utilized in various industries, such as food, brewing, textile, and detergent manufacturing.
In the food industry, a-amylase derived from Aspergillus oryzae is often used in baking, brewing, and starch processing. It helps to break down starch in dough, malt, and other raw materials, facilitating the conversion of complex carbohydrates into simple sugars that can be metabolized by yeast or bacteria during fermentation. This enzyme is also utilized in textile manufacturing to facilitate the removal of starch-based sizing agents from fabrics.