The xylanolytic enzyme system from the genus Penicillium.

In nature, there are numerous microorganisms that efficiently degrade xylan, a major component of lignocellulose. In particular, filamentous fungi have demonstrated a great capability for secreting a wide range of xylanases, being the genus Aspergillus and Trichoderma the most extensively studied and reviewed among the xylan-producing fungi. However, an important amount of information about the production and genetics of xylanases from fungi of the genus Penicillium has accumulated in recent years. A great number of Penicillia are active producers of xylanolytic enzymes, and the use of xylanases from these species has acquired growing importance in biotechnological applications. This review summarizes our current knowledge about the properties, genetics, expression and biotechnological potential of xylanases from the genus Penicillium.