Characterization of thermophilic ?-Mannanase of Thermomyces lanuginosus for production of health promoting prebiotics from agro-waste products.

This research proposal deals with characterization of thermophilic ?-Mannanase of Thermomyces lanuginosus and using this enzyme for hydrolysis of natural mannan to produce prebiotic MOS (Mannooligosaccharides). Alternative routes for the utilization of agricultural by-products are of interest because the economic value of these by-products as animal feed compounds is decreasing. MOS are non-digestible sugar oligomers made up of mannose units. The growing commercial importance of these non-digestible oligosaccharides is based on their beneficial health properties, particularly the prebiotic activity. The high cost of MOS, is a big hurdle in incorporating them into food products and this can be prevented by some efficient ?-Mannanase and economical substrates. The agro-waste products rich in mannan content can be utilized for producing mannan and, its further hydrolysis with a potent ?-mannanase will generate health promoting mannooligosaccharides. The exploitation of agro-waste as a source of mannan will not only control the issue of waste disposal but also promote the generation of the value-added products. Thermophiles producing thermophilic enzymes are always a considerable product of interest as biocatalysts for large-scale applications. Mannooligosaccharides shows tremendous potential as prebiotics by ameliorating the beneficial gut microflora and thus, can be applied as functional food ingredients.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kesen Ma

Student:

Partner:

Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture and Food; Biotechnology; Clean Technology

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: