Research progress and biotechnological applications of feruloyl esterases

Plant biomass is a kind of renewable, abundant, eco-friendly, and clean natural resource. Recent increase in industrial demand, coupled with development and utilization of biocatalysts for utilization and production of high value-added products from plant biomass have attracted numerous research interest. The ester bond, between plant cell wall polysaccharides and ferulic acid (FA), can be hydrolysed by feruloyl esterases (FAE), thereby destroying compactness of lignocellulosic materials, which is beneficial during utilization of biomass resources. This is this research focus. In this article, we reviewed classification, characteristics, and application of FAE from different species, then highlighted the synergistic effect of FAE action with other enzymes. The findings are considered to provide insights into role of FAE in functional research, biochemical properties, and industrial application, especially with focus on processing of lignocellulosic biomass, harnessing hydroxycinnamate from agricultural by-products, and production of biofuels among other industrial uses.