MICROBIAL AND ENZYMATIC EXTRACTION OF PEC TIN - A REVIEW

Great amounts of agroindustrial wastes rich in polysaccharides, such a s pectic substances, are produced worldwide. Some of these wastes are used for the production of pectin. Currently, pectin is extracted at i ndustrial scale by physicochemical means, but lately new biotechnologi cal alternatives have been developed. In this review, the principal ch aracteristics of pectic substances and pectic enzymes are described. T he traditional physicochemical method for the pectin extraction is des cribed and the new biotechnological (microbial and enzymatic) methods for pectin extraction are discussed and commented as well.