Bioprospecting of Fungi to Produce Protease and Amylase

Fungi have played a significant role in both historical and contemporary biotechnological applications, including the production of various food items such as sugars, beverages like bread and beer and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, they have been used in the manufacturing of enzymes, antibiotics, organic acids and other valuable compounds. The most commonly utilized commercial enzymes are protease, cellulase, xylanase, lipase, amylase, and phytase which various types of microorganisms such as fungi from the genera Aspergillus, Rhizopus and Penicillium can produce. The majority of commercially used enzymes are classified as hydrolytic depolymerases with the largest industrial application being the incorporation of proteases and amylases into detergent products, food, textile and leather industries. The focus of this chapter is on developing and utilizing two key enzymes such as protease and amylase through various methods such as screening, optimization, and use of these enzymes in industrial applications.