Current industrial applications of microbial transglutaminase: A review

Abstract

Transglutaminases are commonly used in a number of manufacturing operations, including the food and pharmaceutical industry, owing to their protein cross-linking properties. Transglutaminases derived from animal tissues and lungs, which were the first origins of this enzyme, are being substituted out in preference of microbial sources, which are less expensive and simpler to generate and purify. Following the identification of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase), the enzyme was formulated for industrial purposes using a conventional fermentation process based on the bacterium S. mobaraensis. Many trials have been conducted in this area in order to improve enzyme efficiency for commercial purposes. Several hosts microorganisms such as E. coli, Y. lipolytica, S. lividans, P. pastoris and C. glutamicum gene expression studies were conducted for transglutaminase production. This study reflects on the MTGase application in two broad industries: food and biotechnology. The usage of mTGase is presented for many food classes, highlighting implementation possibilities and obstacles to further enhance end-product efficiency. Few applications in the textile and leather industry, as well as applications in the PEGylation reaction, the development of antibody drug conjugates, and regenerative medicine, are also addressed.

Recent Advances in the Use of Transglutaminase in Cheese Production

“…Transglutaminase is also found in plants, although it is hard to extract and purify (Duarte et al 2020). Microbial transglutaminase has been widely developed for industrial applications, because it is cheaper and simpler to generate and purify (Muhammad et al 2021). This enzyme works optimally at a pH of 5-8, but still shows enzymatic activities at a pH of 4 or 9 with a specific activity of 22.6 U/mg (Motoki and Seguro 1998).…”