Microbial β-glucosidases: Recent advances and applications

The global beta-glucosidase market is currently estimated at similar to 400 million USD, and it is expected to double in the next six years; a trend that is mainly ascribed to the demand for the enzyme for biofuel processing. Microbial beta-glucosidase, particularly, has thus garnered significant attention due to its ease of production, catalytic efficiency, and versatility, which have all facilitated its biotechnological potential across different industries. Hence, there are continued efforts to screen, produce, purify, characterize and evaluate the industrial applicability of beta-glucosidase from actinomycetes, bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. With this rising demand for beta-glucosidase, various cost-effective and efficient approaches are being explored to discover, redesign, and enhance their production and functional properties. Thus, this present review provides an up-to-date overview of advancements in the utilization of microbial beta-glucosidases as "Emerging Green Tools" in 21st-century industries. In this regard, focus was placed on the use of recombinant technology, protein engineering, and immobilization techniques targeted at improving the industrial applicability of the enzyme. Furthermore, insights were given into the recent progress made in conventional beta-glucosidase production, their industrial applications, as well as the current commercial status-with a focus on the patents. (c) 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-NDlicense