Abstract:

β-1,3-1,4-Glucanases (EC 3.2.1.73) are a class of endo-type glucoside hydrolases widely distributed in bacteria,
fungi and plants. They can randomly hydrolyze β-1,4-linkages in β-1,3-1,4-glucans from cereals and have great potential
in the food and feed industries. To date, there are three glycoside hydrolase families (GH16, GH17 and GH26) which
β-1,3-1,4-glucanases belong to whose crystal structures have been resolved. This paper reviews the current knowledge about
the sources, properties, structures and functionalities of β-1,3-1,4-glucanases as well as their recent applications in the food
and feed industry.

Key words: β-1,3-1,4-glucanase, enzyme characteristics, structure and functionality, application