β-1,4-Xylan is the main component
of hemicelluloses in land
plant cell walls, whereas β-1,3-xylan is widely found in seaweed
cell walls. Complete hydrolysis of xylan requires a series of synergistically
acting xylanases. High-saline environments, such as saline–alkali
lands and oceans, frequently occur in nature and are also involved
in a broad range of various industrial processes. Thus, salt-tolerant
xylanases may contribute to high-salt and marine food processing,
aquatic feed production, industrial wastewater treatment, saline–alkali
soil improvement, and global carbon cycle, with great commercial and
environmental benefits. This review mainly introduces the definition,
sources, classification, biochemical and molecular characteristics,
adaptation mechanisms, and biotechnological applications of salt-tolerant
xylanases. The scope of development for salt-tolerant xylanases is
also discussed. It is anticipated that this review would serve as
a reference for further development and utilization of salt-tolerant
xylanases and other salt-tolerant enzymes.