Screening and Development of Unique Microbial Functions and Their Industrial Applications

Abstract

Over the past decade, the industrial useofmicrobial functions, suchas their unique enzyme systems, catalysis and so on,has developed rapidly and is gathering increasing attention,particularly their use in solving environmental problems.Here,several unique microbial enzymes or reactions recently discovered in ou n l aboratory and nowused industrially are introduced, through which I will emphasize importance of screeningfor potential microorganisms and mutual collaboration between academia and industries. Screening is a key step in process devel opment,because,in many cases,the substrates in industrial processes are artificial compounds,and enzymes known tocatalyze suitable reactions for such processes are still unknown.Therefore,screening for novel enzymes that are capable of catalyzing new reactions is constantly needed.In addition,the discovery of new enzymes sometimes provides clues for designing new enaymatic processes.One of the most efficient and successf ulmeans of finding new enzymes is to screen a large number of microorganisms,because of their characteristic diversity and versatility.However,it is obviously very difficu It to propose rational method of screening for novel enzymes;It is solnething like midnight-walk without moonlight.There are three important stages in ageneral strategy:(1)designing the process and deciding the type of enzymatic activity desired;(2)deciding which groups of microorganisms are to be selected and screened;and(3)designing an appropriate,convenient and sensitive assay thatwill allow as many microorganisms as possible to be screened.It is also important,during the course of screening,to observe the functions of microorganisms carefu!ly in order to obtain the desired(but serendipitoes or random)result.