Research progress of fusion glycoside hydrolase in biomass conversion

The abundant biomass polysaccharides in nature can be degraded into oligo-oligosaccharides or monosaccharides. These sugars with small molecule can be used to produce ethanol, pharmaceutical products and other chemical materials. The structure of plant polysaccharides is very complex, and its degradation involves the synergistic catalysis of various glycoside hydrolases, such as xylanase, glucanase, cellulose. Compared with a single enzyme or simple mixed enzymes, the degradation efficiency of the polysaccharides by the fusion enzyme is higher. The expression level, activity and stability of the enzyme could also be improved by choosing the appropriate strategy to construct fusion enzyme. This fusion enzyme could achieve the process integration when using the biomass to produce energy substances and other chemical materials, which would simplify the production steps and save costs. Therefore, the fusion glycoside hydrolase could effectively solve the bottleneck problem in the utilization of biomass. This article reviews the research progress of glycoside hydrolases modification by fusion technology, including the construction strategies, the capability and application of fusion glycoside hydrolase, the practical applications and prospects for fundamental research in this field. It provides a reference for the further development and utilization of the fusion glycoside hydrolase in the biomass degradation.