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Phytase enzymology, applications, and biotechnology

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Abstract

Phytases are phosphohydrolases that initiate the step-wise removal of phosphate from phytate. These enzymes have been widely used in animal feeding to improve phosphorus nutrition and to reduce phosphorus pollution of animal waste. The potential of phytases in improving human nutrition of essential trace minerals in plant-derived foods is being explored. This review covers the basic biochemistry and application of phytases, and emphasizes the emerging biotechnology used for developing new effective phytases with improved properties.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA

    Xin Gen Lei

  2. Departamento de Fisiología, Instituto de Nutrición, Universidad de Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja s/n, Granada, 18071, Spain

    Jesús M. Porres

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  1. Xin Gen Lei
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Lei, X.G., Porres, J.M. Phytase enzymology, applications, and biotechnology. Biotechnology Letters 25, 1787–1794 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026224101580

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