Cellulase

Cellulase is the enzyme that hydrolyses the (1→4)-β-D-glucosidic bonds holding cellulose chains together — the linkage the human gut does not produce an enzyme for. IUBMB classifies the endo-acting enzyme as EC 3.2.1.4, CAS 9012-54-8, catalysing the endohydrolysis of (1→4)-β-D-glucosidic linkages in cellulose, lichenin and cereal β-D-glucans. A commercial preparation is never a single protein: endoglucanase (EC 3.2.1.4) opens internal sites on the chain, cellobiohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.91) clips units from the new chain ends, and β-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) takes the fragments through to glucose. What a buyer is really purchasing is a defined activity, not a defined molecule, which is why the unit system and assay method belong in the purchase specification. Thovek supplies cellulase produced by submerged fermentation of Trichoderma reesei (T. longibrachiatum) or Aspergillus niger — the two organisms behind most of the world's food-enzyme cellulase. The production organism is removed during downstream processing and the concentrate is standardised on a food-grade carrier to the activity ordered. Cellulase from A. niger has a long documented history in food processing; the US FDA covers carbohydrase and cellulase derived from Aspergillus niger at 21 CFR 173.120, although that section's own permitted uses are narrow (clam and shrimp processing) and supplement or general food use rests on separate GRAS and national food-enzyme positions that the buyer should confirm for the destination market. In formulation the enzyme does three distinct jobs. It is the plant-cell-wall activity in multi-enzyme digestive complexes, sitting alongside protease, amylase and lipase. It reduces viscosity and improves filtration in cereal, fruit and vegetable processing. And in botanical extraction it opens the cell wall so more of the target constituent is released per kilo of biomass. Material is vegan and free of animal-derived inputs, and ships with a lot-specific activity, allergen and non-GMO status statement. Thovek describes composition and food-technology function only, and makes no health or therapeutic claim for this enzyme.