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The present work reviews the main advancements achieved in the last decades in the study of the fructose production process by inulin enzymatic hydrolysis. With the aim of collecting and clarifying the majority of the knowledge in this area, the research on this subject has been divided in three main parts: a) the characteristics of inulin (the process reactant); b) the properties of the enzyme inulinase and its hydrolytic action; c) the advances in the study of the applications of inulinases in bioreactors for fructose production. Many vegetable sources of inulin are reported, including information about their yields in terms of inulin. The properties of inulin that appear relevant for the process are also summarized, with reference to their vegetable origin. The characteristics of the inulinase enzyme that catalyzes inulin hydrolysis, together with the most relevant information for a correct process design and implementation, are described in the paper. An extended collection of data on microorganisms capable of producing inulinase is reported. The following characteristics and properties of inulinase are highlighted: molecular weight, mode of action, activity and stability with respect to changes in temperature and pH, kinetic behavior and effect of inhibitors. The paper describes in detail the main aspects of the enzyme hydrolysis reaction; in particular, how enzyme and reactant properties can affect process performance. The properties of inulinase immobilized on various supports are shown and compared to those of the enzyme in its native state. Finally, a number of applications of free and immobilized inulinases and whole cells in bioreactors are reported, showing the different operating procedures and reactor types adopted for fructose production from inulin on a laboratory scale.

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