Amyloglucosidase

Amyloglucosidase (EC 3.2.1.3) is an important industrial enzyme that is used by the manufacturers of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). More than half of all commercial baked goods and practically all soft drink bottlers use this syrup instead of sugar because HFCS is both sweeter and cheaper. Amyloglucosidase catalyzes the breakdown of malto-oligosaccharides to glucose.

Amylase is a digestive enzyme classified as a saccharidase (an enzyme that cleaves polysaccharides). It is mainly a constituent of pancreatic juice and saliva, needed for the breakdown of long-chain carbohydrates (such as starch) into smaller units.

Amylase is a digestive enzyme made primarily by the pancreas and salivary glands. Enzymes are substances made and used by the body to trigger specific chemical reactions. The primary function of the enzyme amylase is to break down starches in food so that they can be used by the body. Amylase is also synthesised in the fruit of plants during ripening, causing them to become sweeter.

Amylases are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of alpha-1, 4-glycosidic linkages of polysaccharides to yield dextrins, oligosaccharides, maltose and D-glucose. Amylases are derived from animal, fungal and plant sources. Pancreatin and pancrelipase contain amylase derived from the pancreas of animals, usually porcine pancreas.

Amylase is also derived from barley malt and the fungus Aspergillus oryzae. There are a few different amylases. These enzymes are classified according to the manner in which the glysosidic bond is attacked. Alpha-amylases hydrolyze alpha-1, 4-glycosidic linkages, randomly yielding dextrins, oligosaccharides and monosaccharides. Alpha-amylases are endo- amylases. Exoamylases hydrolyze the alpha-1, 4-glycosidic linkage only from the non-reducing outer polysaccharide chain ends. Exoamylases include beta-amylases and amyloglucosidases (gamma-amylases, amyloglucosidases). Beta-amylases yield beta-limit dextrins and maltose. Gamma-amylases yield glucose. Amylases are used as digestants.

Amyloglucosidase is an enzyme preparation which decomposes starch into glucose by tearing-off glucose units from the non-reduced end of the polysaccharide chain. It is derived by submerged fermentation of specially selected producer strains of Aspergillus Niger.

Amyloglucosidase is used for saccharification of liquid starch in

• Preparation of amylaceous hydrolysates and of crystal glucose
• Brewing of beer with low dextrine content
  
• Production of bread and juices.