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

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

Free or extracellular Enzymes are finding increasingly wide application in medicine. Table 4.7 provides a brief list of the most common and promising enzymes used in medical practice.

The body's protective fluids, such as nasal mucus and tears, contain the enzyme Lysozyme, which hydrolyzes the mucopolysaccharides in The Cell walls of several (Gram-positive) Bacteria. This enzyme is used as an antibacterial agent and likely performs other catalytic Functions as well.

The Cytology/cytology/16.html">Early stages of various diseases, as well as internal injuries, are often accompanied by a decrease or increase in the concentration of certain enzymes in easily analyzable Body Fluids, such as lymph, Blood, or urine. The presence of a specific enzyme can be easily determined using an appropriate substrate test. Consequently, measuring enzymatic activity in body fluids can serve as a diagnostic tool. Data on Changes in the concentration of specific enzymes in blood serum provide valuable information for diagnosing a wide range of conditions, including cardiac and pancreatic dysfunction, pathological changes in Muscle and Bone Tissues, and the growth of malignant tumors.

The enzyme L-asparaginase catalyzes the Hydrolysis of L-asparagine:

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For certain types of tumor Cells, L-asparagine is an essential nutrient; L-asparaginase breaks down asparagine, thereby inhibiting the growth of such cells. It is known that E. coli produces two different asparaginases, only one of which exhibits anti-lymphoma activity.

As previously noted, the permeability of cell membranes and their structural components to many substances is relatively low; in the cells of higher animals, this property is due to the presence of highly viscous polyhyaluronic acid. The efficacy of certain Pharmaceuticals and local anesthetics, for instance in dentistry, is enhanced by the simultaneous administration of hyaluronidase, which partially breaks down this membrane barrier.

Some unicellular organisms produce penicillinase (or ß-lactamase), thereby protecting themselves from lethal doses of penicillin Antibiotics. Since The Human Body does not produce penicillinase, an allergic reaction to administered penicillin can be mitigated by injecting a penicillinase solution, which ideally converts the antibiotic into a non-allergenic substance.

Glucose oxidase catalyzes The oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid:

Since the resulting hydrogen peroxide can be easily detected using an indicator, glucose oxidase can be used as a sensitive and specific reagent for determining glucose levels in fluids such as blood or urine (particularly in cases of Diabetes Mellitus). Other medical Applications of biological catalysts will be discussed during The Study of immobilized enzymes.