Enzymes – nature’s own catalysts
But what exactly are enzymes? They are proteins with unique properties that enable them to deliver extraordinary benefits to a diverse range of industries. Basic enzyme processes have been used in brewing, alcohol production and baking since prehistoric times. Enzymes are found in all living matter, where they catalyze all the biochemical reactions that constitute life. They are obtained from plant, animal, or microbial sources. Enzymes work by temporarily binding to one or more specific elements of the reaction that they affect. In doing so, they lower the amount of activation energy needed to trigger the reaction and speed it up. In this respect, enzymes are like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle, where only certain pieces fit together. Unlike many chemical alternatives, enzymes are efficient, specific, and biodegradable.