LAHORE: While the scientists around the globe are in search of efficient enzymes that can simplify the process of starch hydrolysis for glucose and maltose production, four scientists from Punjab University have discovered a unique enzyme -- thermo-acidophilic.

This enzyme can efficiently hydrolyze starch into glucose and maltose syrups in a single step and in a simpler way, in the absence of any other enzyme. It will simplify the industrial process of glucose production and in turn greatly benefit the country’s economy.

The brilliant features of the enzyme resulted in the publication of US patent titled; “Single Step Liquefaction and Saccharification of Corn Starch Using an Acidophilic, Calcium Independent and Hyperthermophilic Pullulanase” (United States Patent Pub. No. US 2014/0227744 A1) published on 14/08/2014; Funded (US $ 11000) by the Higher Education Commission.

A PU spokesman says the scientists who discovered the enzyme are: PU’s Institute of Agricultural Sciences’ Dr Nasir Ahmad, Dr Muhammad Saleem Haider and PU’s School of Biological Sciences’ Dr Naeem Rashid, Dr Muhammad Akhtar.

He says there is not even a single unit of enzyme production in Pakistan, hence, there is great potential in this field. With the support of public and private organisations the efficiency of this excellent enzyme may be further improved. Mass production of the enzyme will not only suffice country’s own needs but can also help it earn foreign exchange, he adds.

Dr Nasir Ahmad, the first author of patent and an experienced food technologist, had completed this job during his PhD research (2005-2011) at School of Biological Sciences, PU. During this period, Prof Dr Muhammad Saleem Haider and Prof Dr Naeem Rashid were his supervisors. It is worth mentioning that all the work was completed within Pakistan using indigenous resources.

The group preferred to complete the whole research within the country, in spite of the option to get six-month research training in a technologically advanced country under HEC’s International Research Support Initiative Programme.

Dr Nasir Ahmad has previously served at various food industries in quality assurance/production departments. Currently, he is serving as an assistant professor of Food Technology (on contract basis) at PU’s Institute of Agricultural Sciences.

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2014