Biochemical Engineering Fundamentals, Part 1 - Bailey J., Ollis D. 1989

Applications of enzyme-catalyzed reactions
Other applications of enzymatic reactions in solution

The Applications of Hydrolases discussed in the previous sections have historically dominated and continue to prevail in enzyme-based biochemical technology. At the same time, other enzymatic processes are utilized in the food, pharmaceutical, and biochemical industries. Moreover, as we will see in the subsequent sections of this chapter, new opportunities for enzyme application have emerged in recent years.

Class="center">Table 4.7. Enzymes used in medicine

Enzyme

Typical application

Trypsin

Anti-inflammatory agent; used in wound Treatment

Glucose oxidase

Determination of glucose in Blood and urine

Lysozyme (a protein not hydrolyzed by trypsin, Chymotrypsin, and Papain)

Recommended for the treatment of certain ulcers, measles, multiple sclerosis, various Skin diseases, and postoperative infections (antibacterial agent)

Hyaluronidase (from bovine Testes)

Hydrolyzes polyhyaluronic acid (a polymer found in The Human Body that hinders The transport of various substances); co-administered with other drugs to facilitate their diffusion (specifically, with Antibiotics, epinephrine, heparin, and local anesthetics in surgery and dentistry)

Digestive enzymes (mixtures of amylases, lipases, proteases, and cellulases)

Aid in Digestion

Streptokinase

Anti-inflammatory agent

Streptodornase

Anti-inflammatory agent; also hydrolyzes DNA, thereby reducing the viscosity of wound exudates

Penicillinase

Degrades allergenic forms of Penicillins in sensitive patients

Urokinase

Prevention and dissolution of blood clots in Blood Vessels

Tissue plasminogen activator

Dissolution of blood clots in blood vessels

Asparaginase

Antitumor agent


Last update: 06/08/2026

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