Choline oxidase: An enzyme of immense industrial potential

Enzymes are responsible for carrying out more than 5,000 biochemical reaction types. They have remarkable efficiency and specificity. They have been widely used in many industrial processes such as food processing, beer fermentation, laundry detergents, pickling purposes, and work as biomarkers for various health conditions. One of the commercially important enzymes is choline oxidase. It belongs to the oxidoreductase family. Oxidoreductases catalyze the transfer of electrons, from electron-donating molecules (reductants) to electron-accepting molecules (oxidants). The current review is focused on the understanding of the wider range of applications of choline oxidase. Choline oxidase plays a key role in the development of resistant transgenic plants against salt, drought, salinity, and low temperature. This enzyme catalyzes the reaction between choline and betaine glycine. Betaine glycine is an osmoprotectant and instrumental in helping plants and bacteria survive dry conditions. Choline oxidase helps in the determination of mustard agents. This insight has helped in devising sensors and developing bioassays for the determination of mustard agents in contaminated environmental sites. Betaine glycine inhibits the growth of cancer cells in vitro. Betaine intake as a nutrient is helpful in the management of good liver, kidney, and heart health. Feeding broiler chicken with choline and betaine glycine as dietary supplements, had a huge positive impact on weight gain, feed efficiency and consumption, and as well as on mortality. Choline oxidase has been engineered for the potential application as biological bleach in detergents. Choline oxidase is having a promising future as an industrial enzyme.