Recent insights into microbial catalases: Isolation, production and purification

•Catalase, an oxidoreductase enzyme, works as a detoxification system inside living cells against reactive oxygen species formed as a by-product of different metabolic reactions.•Catalase has been employed as biosensors and biomarkers in addition to its various applications.•Types, structure and mechanism of action of different catalases have been discussed.•Comprehensive information has been compiled on isolation, production and purification of the enzyme from various microbial sources.•Significant applications of catalases along with their patenting status have also been discussed.

Catalase, an oxidoreductase enzyme, works as a detoxification system inside living cells against reactive oxygen species formed as a by-product of different metabolic reactions. The enzyme is found in a wide range of aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Catalase has also been employed in various analytical and diagnostic methods in the form of biosensors and biomarkers in addition to its other applications in textile, paper, food and pharmaceutical industries. New applications for catalases are constantly emerging thanks to their high turnover rate, distinct evolutionary origin, relatively simple and well-defined reaction mechanisms. The following review provides comprehensive information on isolation, production and purification of catalases with different techniques from various microbial sources along with their types, structure, mechanism of action and applications.