Enzyme applications for agro-processing in developing countries: an inventory of current and potential applications

The use of enzymes has the potential to increase productivity, efficiency and quality output in agro-industrial processing operations in many developing countries. Enzyme-catalysed processes generally have requirements for a simple manufacturing base, low capital investment and consume relatively small amounts of energy, when compared with other methods of food processing. This review presents an inventory of current and potential areas in which the use of enzymes may expand and diversify markets for agricultural products, facilitate agro-industrial development, improve nutrition, and reduce toxicity in foods produced and consumed in developing countries.