Table of Contents

ABSTRACT

Tannin acyl hydrolase, commonly known as tannase, is a hydrolytic enzyme which catalyzes the hydrolysis of gallotannins, complex tannins, and gallic acid esters. Tannase is extensively used in food, feed, beverage, brewing, pharmaceutical, chemical, and leather industries. The most important commercial applications of tannase are production of gallic acid, manufacture of instant tea, and acorn wine. Although tannase can be obtained from some plants, animals, and microbial sources, it is mostly produced by fungi, mainly Aspergillus and Penicillium species, bacteria, and yeasts. This review describes sources, substrates, production, physicochemical properties, various industrial applications and potential uses of the microbial tannase.

Keywords: tannase, tannins, production, applications