CHITINASE CHRONICLES: UNVEILING EVOLUTION, MECHANISMS, CLONING, AND APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Chitin, the second most ubiquitous polysaccharide (after cellulose) is found in the shells of crustaceans, insects, and some fungi and in the internal structures of many vertebrates. Chitinases catalyze the cleavage of β-1,4 glycosidic linkages in chitin and contribute to the generation of carbon and nitrogen in the ecosystem. Chitinases can be used to control pests and diseases in plants. Chitinases can also enhance plant growth by breaking down chitin in the soil and making nutrients more available to plants. Chitinases can be used to break down chitin in agricultural and industrial waste to produce biofuels. Chitinases can also be used to develop new anti-fungal drugs to treat fungal infections. In the food industry chitinases can be used to extract protein from shrimp and other crustacean shells, that can be used as a food ingredient. Further, chitinases can be used in the textile industry to improve the texture of the fabric and waste management strategies. Overall, chitinases have a wide range of potential applications in various industries, and ongoing research is exploring new applications for this versatile enzyme. Conceivable outcomes of a few possible utilizations of chitinases make it an intriguing objective polymer for protein engineering. Hence, this article focuses on properties of chitinase, its mechanism of action, cloning strategy for commercial production and various associated applications. Here, in-silico agarose gel analysis of the PCR product with 1Kb maker has been carried out after cloning.