Exploring the potential of xylooligosaccharides as prebiotics: insights from CAZymes families and their emerging health benefits

Converting xylan from the hemicellulosic fraction of lignocellulose into xylooligosaccharides (XOS) has attracted intense research focus in the recent years for obtaining high added-value products. These XOS are emerging prebiotic compounds that present significant functional properties. This paper reviewed the current status of lignocellulosic pretreatments and the CAZymes hydrolysis of xylan, investigating the previously reported alternatives and enzymes. The evaluation criteria and parameters for XOS production processes, which can differ significantly between studies, are also reported. For example, one study may focus on the cost of production, while another may focus on the environmental impact. Most generally, however, XOS are produced in two stages through acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. This process is known to be highly effective, and it yields a product that is rich in nutrients and beneficial for many purposes. This two-stage production process is also easy to regulate and control, which makes it an ideal method of production when looking to create a high-quality XOS product. Throughout this work, we discuss relevant topics that should be considered when exploring the enzymatic production of XOS, including strategies for producing XOS by CAZymes and the evaluation of the prebiotic effects of XOS on the gut microbiota.