Chitinases: expanding the boundaries of knowledge beyond routinized chitin degradation.

• DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33728-6
• Publication Date: 2024-05-24T23:02:49Z
• Authors: John Onolame Unuofin; Olubusola Ayoola ...; Omolara Sola Maje...; Aboi Igwaran; Karabelo MacMilla...; Zenzile Peter Khe...; Samuel Ayodele Iw...; Michael Olawale D...
• Keywords: Chitinase; Biopesticide

Abstract Chitinases, enzymes that degrade chitin, have long been studied for their role in various biological processes. They play crucial roles the moulting process of invertebrates, digestion chitinous food, and defense against chitin-bearing pathogens. Additionally, chitinases are involved physiological functions crustaceans, such as food digestion, moulting, stress response. Moreover, universally distributed organisms from viruses to mammals diverse including tissue degradation remodeling, nutrition uptake, pathogen invasion, immune response regulation. The discovery these expands our understanding significance potential applications chitinases. However, recent research has shown possess several other beyond just chitin degradation. Their biopesticides, therapeutic agents, tools bioremediation underscores addressing global challenges. More importantly, we noted they may be applied bioweapons if ethical regulations regarding production, engineering application overlooked.