Enzymatic Hydrolysis
Enzymatic hydrolysis is a biochemical process where enzymes break down complex molecules into simpler ones by adding water. This process is essential in various biological systems, such as digestion, where enzymes like amylase and protease help convert carbohydrates and proteins into sugars and amino acids, respectively.
In industrial applications, enzymatic hydrolysis is used to produce biofuels and other valuable products from biomass. For example, cellulase enzymes can break down cellulose in plant materials, making it easier to convert them into fermentable sugars for ethanol production. This method is often more environmentally friendly compared to chemical hydrolysis.