Bacterial lipases: Classification, properties and applications in biotechnology

The study of lipases is a subject of special interest, because it lies on the borderline where the biological and physical sciences meet. In addition, lipases are the most used enzymes in synthetic organic chemistry, catalyzing hydrolysis of fats or oil or the reverse reaction in organic solvents. The contribution of bacteria and fungi to microbial biotechnology for production of lipases has far exceeded those of the other classes. Bacteria as a group are more versatile than fungi. In the range of organic compounds it can use as sole carbon and energy sources. The seemingly limitless diversity of bacteria provides an immense pool of raw material for novel lipase production. Keeping in view of the importance of bacterial lipases in this review paper, the classification, production and utility of these remarkably versatile biocatalysts have been discussed.