Diastase is a digestive enzyme responsible for breaking down starch into simple sugars. It is widely used in various industries including food brewing and pharmaceuticals. This enzyme is naturally produced by several biological sources such as plants animals and microorganisms.
Understanding the biological sources of diastase helps in its industrial applications and medical benefits. This topic explores where diastase comes from its functions production methods and its role in different fields.
What Is Diastase?
Diastase is a group of amylase enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of starch into maltose and glucose. It plays a crucial role in digestion and industrial processes that involve starch conversion.
Key Characteristics of Diastase
- It is a type of amylase enzyme.
- It converts starch into maltose and glucose.
- It is found in plants animals and microorganisms.
- It functions best in warm temperatures and slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Biological Sources of Diastase
Diastase is naturally produced by various organisms including plants fungi bacteria and even the human body.
1. Plant Sources of Diastase
Plants are one of the primary sources of diastase particularly in seeds and tubers where starch is stored.
- Malted Barley – Barley seeds contain high amounts of diastase making it essential for the brewing industry.
- Wheat and Rye – These grains also produce diastase aiding in fermentation and food processing.
- Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes – These tubers store starch and naturally produce diastase to help in germination.
In plants diastase helps break down stored starch into simple sugars to provide energy for seed germination and growth.
2. Microbial Sources of Diastase
Microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria are widely used in industrial diastase production due to their efficiency.
- Aspergillus niger (Fungi) – This fungus is commonly used in commercial enzyme production including diastase.
- Bacillus subtilis (Bacteria) – This bacterium is another microbial source that produces diastase for industrial applications.
- Yeasts – Some yeasts produce diastase aiding in fermentation processes.
Microbial diastase is used in food processing textile and pharmaceutical industries due to its high enzyme yield and cost-effectiveness.
3. Animal Sources of Diastase
Animals including humans produce diastase in their digestive systems to help break down starch into sugars for energy.
- Human Saliva – The salivary glands produce salivary amylase (ptyalin) a type of diastase that begins starch digestion in the mouth.
- Pancreas – The pancreas secretes pancreatic amylase which continues starch digestion in the small intestine.
In animals diastase is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
Industrial Production of Diastase
Diastase is commercially produced using biotechnological methods to meet the high demand in industries.
Steps in Commercial Production
- Microbial Fermentation – Selected strains of fungi or bacteria are cultured in controlled conditions.
- Enzyme Extraction – The produced diastase is extracted from the microbial culture.
- Purification – The enzyme is purified to remove unwanted substances.
- Formulation – The purified enzyme is processed into powder liquid or tablet form for industrial use.
Functions and Uses of Diastase
Diastase has multiple applications in food medicine and other industries.
1. Role in Digestion
Diastase plays a key role in breaking down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars which can be easily absorbed by the body.
- It helps in starch digestion.
- It prevents bloating and indigestion caused by undigested carbohydrates.
- It is often used in digestive enzyme supplements for people with digestive disorders.
2. Importance in the Food and Beverage Industry
Diastase is essential in food production and processing.
- Brewing Industry – Malted barley diastase helps convert starch into fermentable sugars for alcohol production.
- Baking – Diastase improves dough quality and enhances bread texture.
- Dairy Industry – It helps in lactose-free product formulations by breaking down carbohydrates.
3. Use in Pharmaceuticals
Diastase is commonly included in digestive enzyme supplements to help individuals with enzyme deficiency indigestion or chronic conditions like pancreatitis.
- It is prescribed for stomach discomfort and digestive disorders.
- It enhances the absorption of nutrients in the intestines.
- It is used in enzyme replacement therapy for patients with pancreatic insufficiency.
4. Textile and Paper Industry
Diastase is used in textile and paper manufacturing to break down starches used in fabric processing and paper coating.
- It removes starch-based adhesives from fabrics.
- It improves paper production efficiency.
Factors Affecting Diastase Activity
The efficiency of diastase depends on several factors including:
- Temperature – Diastase works best at 37-50°C (98.6-122°F).
- pH Levels – It is most active at a pH of 5.5-7.0.
- Substrate Availability – The presence of starch enhances enzyme activity.
- Inhibitors – Certain chemicals like heavy metals or extreme pH changes can deactivate diastase.
Can Diastase Be Harmful?
Diastase is generally safe but excessive consumption may cause:
- Mild stomach discomfort in sensitive individuals.
- Allergic reactions in rare cases.
- Over-digestion of starch leading to rapid sugar absorption.
Diastase is a powerful enzyme that plays a crucial role in starch digestion food production and industrial applications. It is naturally found in plants microbes and animals making it widely available for commercial use.
With its extensive applications in medicine food and industry diastase remains an essential enzyme with numerous health and economic benefits.
