There are natural compounds which are known as Enzymes. They are molecules of protein molecules which serve as efficient catalysts in biochemical reactions. This simply means that they increase the processing rate of biochemical agents. In addition, the rise of biocatalysis flow chemistry is becoming a key area of focus in the production of fine chemicals, biofuels, biotherapeutics and other medical drugs.
Bio-technology has advanced to the point where we are now using various enzymatic agents in cosmetic production. A good example would be the documented use in skin peeling.
Enzymes play a crucial role in our day to day life. They aid in digestion, creation of food and in the application of several industrial products. Over the years, humans have used enzymes to carry out chemical reactions required in making products like wine, cheese and beer.
Did you know that the flavor and texture of yoghurt is as a result of a range of enzyme producing organisms that were domesticated several years ago?
With that said, let us look at some of the benefits that have been introduced in the world today through the science of enzyme application.
- Food Production
In the modern society, almost all commercially prepared foods have been made using enzyme application. Some of the common foods that use this application include chocolate, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bakery products, infant foods, precooked cereals, flavor extract and dairy products.
It has been proven that using enzymes to produce various foods bears the following advantages:
- Production of a higher quality of food products
- Energy efficiency which is achieved through increased reaction in the food making process.
- Botanical starches have been used as nutritional sweeteners.
- This reaction is also necessary in tenderizing food.
- Industrial Application
The use of this protein also plays a crucial role in industrial application. Non-food enzymes have been used in making detergents, paper manufacture, degreasing of hides, stone washing jeans, desizing of textiles, leather dehairing and tanning.
Other notable benefits of this protein application include:
There is a growing interest in the use of enzyme application as a form of animal nutrition,
especially in pigs and poultry. This feeding program offers the benefit of strictly degrading specific feed components that would otherwise be harmful or of no value. The Application is now being tested on other various livestock.
Notable enzymatic drugs have been used as digestive aids and wound cleaning agents.
Others have been used as therapy for myocardial infraction, support therapy of certain strains of leukemia and lysis of vein thrombosis.
- Modern Opportunities
Modern techniques are leading to the development of tailored enzymes which have been harnessed to produce useful biochemical such as antibiotics, amino acids and vitamins. Specific proteins like insulin erythroprotein and human growth hormone have tremendously changed the medical world.
- Conclusion
Since the dawn of time, enzymes have played a vital role in many aspects of our life. Over the years, science has unlocked the mystery of this protein and has applied its knowledge to making our lives better. The many benefits of enzymes in our everyday life is today’s best kept secret.