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Plant phospholipases A2: perspectives on biotechnological applications

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Abstract

The recent progress in knowledge on biochemical properties and functions of phospholipases A2 in plants paved the way for approving the suitability of these enzymes for commercial use now. The secreted phospholipases A2, representing one type of phospholipases A2 occurring in plants, show distinct differences in substrate specificities with respect to headgroup and acyl chains of the glycerophospholipids in comparison to their counterparts from animal sources. The other type of phospholipases A2 in plants, the patatin-related phospholipases A2, is characterized by broad substrate specificity. Accordingly, the unique properties of the plant enzymes open new horizons to engineered biocatalysts with improved performance, e.g., for vegetable oil refinement by degumming and for targeted modification of phospholipids.

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Acknowledgment

I thank Prof. Renate Ulbrich-Hofmann for critical reading of the manuscript and appreciate her continuous support throughout all of time.

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  1. Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin-Luther University, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3, 06120, Halle, Germany

    Johanna Mansfeld

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  1. Johanna Mansfeld
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Correspondence to Johanna Mansfeld.

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Mansfeld, J. Plant phospholipases A2: perspectives on biotechnological applications. Biotechnol Lett 31, 1373–1380 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10529-009-0034-1

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