ABSTRACT
This chapter considers basic information about enzymes, discusses their sources and main features, and introduces their classifications based on International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology standards. It deals with the main industrial applications of common enzymes and genetic protein engineering. Industrial enzyme production should be practical and economically feasible. The selection of a particular enzyme production process depends on the production level, source of the enzyme, and type of application. The majority of the enzymes produced are usually retained within the cells, and only a small proportion may be released into the surrounding environment. Extracellular enzymes from fugal or bacterial sources are the leading commercial enzymes. The foremost difference between extracellular and intracellular enzymes purification is the need for cell disruption. Enzymes are used as ingredients in laundry and dishwashing detergents to improve their efficiency. Starch-breaking enzymes are used instead due to their high efficiency in removing size without affecting the fabric and its specific character.
