Role of phytase producing microorganisms towards agricultural sustainability

Focusing towards sustainable and environment friendly agricultural techniques, phytase enzymes have proved to be beneficial in many aspects. It is a group of enzymes, which are capable of degrading phosphate containing organic molecules, henceforth release inorganic phosphorus in a stepwise reaction. Studies have shown that soil contain phosphorus mainly in the form of an organic compound, phytate, which cannot be directly utilized by plants and can cause heavy contamination. Hence, phytases are exogenously added which modify these molecules such that their uptake can enhance the growth of plants and provide appropriate nutrition. Numerous phytases have now been characterized from different sources and employed to protein engineering techniques, bioremediation of phytate-contaminated soil, animal nutrition and in food processing for humans, which has now included the enzyme in the category of nutraceuticals. Formulations in phytase enzyme have helped in achieving good stability during storage, high bioefficacy, and dust freeness.