Mannanase

Function

Mannanase is an Enzym, that breaks down compounds known as mannanes. These polysaccharides are constructed from the simple sugar mannose and are found widely in nature. In many plants (and, for example, in their seeds), mannanes serve as carbohydrate reserves.

Application

Mannanases are used foremost as additives in feed that contains soya and maize and that is intended for broiler hens and swine. The relevant aim is the improvement of nutrient uptake and weight gain.

In laundry agents, mannanases are used in combination with other enzymes as an effective medium against soil from food products such as ice cream, tomato sauce or salad dressing that contain guar gum. Guar gum is an additive that is obtained from the seed of the guar tree and is used in numerous products as ballast or as a gelling agent.

Gene technology

To date, four mannanase preparations are on the market, two of which are manufactured with the aid of genetically modified microorganisms (Bacillus- and Trichoderma-types).

Labelling: labelling of enzymes in regard to their production using GM microorganisms is generally not foreseen in the European Union.