alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases: biochemistry, molecular biology and application in biotechnology

Interest in the alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases has increased in recent years because of their application in the conversion of various hemicellulosic su bstrates to fermentable sugars for subsequent production of fuel alcohol. X ylanases, in conjunction with alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases and other access ory enzymes, act synergistically to degrade xylan to component sugars. The induction of alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase production, physico-chemical chara cteristics, substrate specificity, and molecular biology of the enzyme are described. The current state of research and development of the arabinofura nosidases and their role in biotechnology are presented. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Inc.