Peroxidases are a group of enzymes that catalyze oxidation-reduction reactions. As such, they are classified as oxidoreductases. Toxic molecules such as superoxide and hydroxide radicals can be found in cells due to the presence of oxygen. These are byproducts of aerobic respiration. They are eliminated by a number of enzymes present inside the cell. Superoxide, for example, is destroyed by superoxide dismutase. The degradation, however, produces more hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), which is, in turn, destroyed by peroxidase. Peroxidases reduce H₂O₂ to water while oxidizing a variety of substrates. Thus, peroxidases are oxidoreductases which use H₂O₂ as electron acceptor for catalyzing different oxidative reactions.

The overall reaction is as follows:
donor + H₂O₂ <=> oxidized donor + 2H₂O

Some enzymes require the presence of certain molecules, which are not part of their primary structure or amino acid sequence, for their enzymatic activity. These molecules are called cofactors. In peroxidase, the bound cofactor necessary for its activity is heme. Heme is a complex between an iron ion and the molecule protoporphyrin IX.

Origin: erythrocytes, fungal cells (Aspergillus species.)
EC number: 1.11.1.6

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Glutathione Peroxidase 1

Peroxidases are sometimes used as histological markers. Peroxidase is used as a soluble, easily purified model for cytochrome c oxidase.

Glutathione peroxidase is a peroxidase found in humans, which contains selenocysteine. It uses glutathione as an electron donor and is active with both hydrogen peroxide and organic hydroperoxide substrates. Amyloid beta, when bound to heme has been shown to have peroxidase activity.

Applications of Peroxidase:
• It can be used in elimination of peroxides after bleaching of cotton in fabric industry.
• It can be used in curing of oral lesions caused due to hydrogen peroxide.
• It can be used in bacterial inhibition of anaerobic bacteria as peroxidase will liberate oxygen which will be lethal to anaerobes.
• It can be used in detoxication process.
• It is an antioxidant hence can be used in stress management.
• It can be used in contact lens cleaning solution.
• It can also oxidize different toxins, such as formaldehyde, formic acid, and alcohols.
• It can be used in biodegradation of phenolic compounds.
• It can be used in food and bakery industry as whitener of bread and other bakery products.
• It can be used as inhibitor of gas formers in cheese industry.
• It can be used in processing of hydrogel preparations in medical applications.
• It can be used as supporting enzyme in diagnostic preparations.
• It can be used in biosensor in nanotechnology.
• Since Peroxidase is antibacterial in nature it can be used in cleansing agents.

Benefits of Peroxidase:
• Since Peroxidase is biodegradable it is safe for the ecosystem.
• Since it is a protein it is non toxic to human body.
• It is a good replacement to anti stress drugs.
• It can replace harsh chemicals in bleaching process.
• It can replace heavy salt additions for bakery product bleaching process.
• It is an antimicrobial enzyme which can be used against MDR strains instead of antibiotics and side effects of antibiotics
  can be eliminated.