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Fungal Lipase

Also known as: Fungal lipase, Extracellular lipase from fungi, Microbial lipase, EC 3.1.1.3, Fungal Lipase

Overview

Fungal lipases are enzymes produced by various fungal species, including *Candida rugosa*, *Aspergillus carneus*, and *Rasamsonia emersonii*. Classified under EC 3.1.1.3, these enzymes belong to the hydrolase class and catalyze the breakdown of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol. They are secreted extracellularly by fungi and are valued for their broad substrate specificity, thermal and pH stability, and activity in organic solvents. Fungal lipases are used industrially in food processing, detergents, cosmetics, organic synthesis, and biofuel production. As a supplement, fungal lipases may aid digestion by enhancing fat breakdown. Research on fungal lipases is extensive, covering biochemical characterization, industrial applications, and enzyme optimization. While industrial applications are well-documented, clinical evidence for supplementation benefits in humans is limited.

Benefits

Fungal lipase primarily enhances lipid hydrolysis by breaking down triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol, potentially improving fat digestion and absorption. While direct clinical trials in humans are limited, it may benefit individuals with pancreatic insufficiency or fat malabsorption by supplementing endogenous lipase activity. Secondary benefits include potential use in industrial biocatalysis for esterification, transesterification, and organic synthesis under harsh conditions such as high temperature and the presence of solvents. Quantitative clinical data on supplementation effects in humans are scarce; most evidence is biochemical and industrial, highlighting enzyme stability and activity under various conditions.

How it works

Fungal lipase catalyzes the hydrolysis of ester bonds in triglycerides, releasing free fatty acids and glycerol. This enzymatic action occurs in the digestive tract, facilitating fat digestion. As an enzyme, fungal lipase acts locally in the gut lumen and is not absorbed systemically. In industrial settings, it catalyzes reactions in both aqueous and non-aqueous media. The enzyme's activity is influenced by factors such as pH, temperature, and the presence of specific cofactors, which can vary depending on the specific fungal lipase variant.

Side effects

Fungal lipase is generally regarded as safe when used in food and industrial applications, with low reported toxicity. Common side effects are not reported in the literature. Uncommon side effects are also not well-documented. Rare side effects include potential allergenicity in sensitive individuals exposed to fungal proteins, but this is uncommon. There are no known significant drug interactions. Contraindications include hypersensitivity to fungal proteins. Caution is advised in individuals with known fungal allergies due to limited data on specific allergic reactions to fungal lipase.

Dosage

A minimum effective dose for supplementation is not well established; industrial enzyme units vary widely depending on the application. Optimal dosage ranges for supplementation are also not well-defined. A maximum safe dose for human supplementation has not been established, but it is generally considered safe in food-grade enzyme amounts. For digestive aid purposes, fungal lipase should be taken with meals containing fats. It is available as purified enzyme powders or included in multi-enzyme supplements. Enzyme stability in gastric pH is a factor for efficacy, as the enzyme acts in the gut lumen. Some fungal lipases may require metal ions for optimal activity, depending on the specific enzyme variant.

FAQs

Is fungal lipase effective as a digestive supplement?

It can aid fat digestion by supplementing endogenous lipase, but direct clinical evidence in humans is limited. Its effectiveness depends on factors like enzyme stability and the specific formulation.

Are fungal lipases safe?

Yes, fungal lipases are generally safe with a low risk of side effects. However, individuals with fungal allergies should exercise caution.

When should fungal lipase be taken?

Ideally, fungal lipase should be taken with meals containing fats for optimal digestion. This timing ensures the enzyme is present when fat breakdown is needed.

Can fungal lipase withstand stomach acid?

Some fungal lipases show stability under acidic conditions, enhancing their potential efficacy. The stability varies depending on the source and preparation of the enzyme.

Is fungal lipase suitable for industrial use?

Yes, fungal lipase is highly valued for its stability and versatility in various industrial processes, including food processing and biofuel production.

Research Sources

https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/12/16/3058 – The systematic review on lipase use analyzed 357 documents, highlighting fungal lipases' broad applications and biochemical versatility. The review confirms the extensive research and industrial interest in fungal lipases but does not focus on clinical supplementation. It emphasizes the diverse applications of lipases across various industries.
https://www.btsjournals.com/assets/2017v8p58-77.pdf – The review of fungal lipases provides a detailed overview of their production, purification, and biochemical properties. It reports enzyme activity ranges from 7.78 to 6,230 U/ml under optimized conditions and discusses enzyme stability and substrate specificity. The review highlights fungal lipases' suitability for industrial biocatalysis and potential digestive applications.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2020.00304/full – The characterization of a novel fungal lipase from *Rasamsonia emersonii* describes its high methanol tolerance and activity under acidic pH and high temperature. It demonstrates the enzyme's robustness for industrial applications and potential for fat hydrolysis in harsh conditions. This study highlights the potential of novel fungal sources for robust lipase enzymes.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bit.28245 – The review on industrial applications summarizes fungal lipases' properties such as thermal and pH stability, broad substrate specificity, and retained activity in organic solvents. It emphasizes their commercial importance in the food, detergent, cosmetics, and organic synthesis industries. The review underscores the versatility and economic value of fungal lipases in various industrial processes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22072143/ – This comprehensive review on fungal lipase production, purification, and industrial uses confirms its safety and efficacy in various biotechnological applications. It provides an overview of the methods used to produce and purify fungal lipases, as well as their diverse applications. The review supports the widespread use of fungal lipases in biotechnology due to their safety and effectiveness.