Fungal lipase

Fungal lipases are a class of hydrolytic enzymes produced by filamentous fungi and yeasts that catalyze the cleavage of ester bonds in triglycerides, liberating free fatty acids and glycerol. These enzymes are part of the α/β hydrolase superfamily and exhibit high substrate specificity and enantioselectivity, making them valuable for numerous industrial applications such as food processing, biodiesel production, and pharmaceuticals. Fungal lipases include diverse isoforms—each with specific substrate affinities and properties—produced by different genera and species, notably Aspergillus and Candida. Biotechnologically, they are prized for their stability, ease of production, and broad range of substrate utilization. In pathogenic fungi, these lipases also contribute to virulence by facilitating tissue invasion through lipid degradation. However, “fungal lipase” is not a single protein but a functional class of enzymes, and any research purpose should specify the exact isoform or species (e.g., Aspergillus niger lipase, Candida rugosa lipase) for precise targeting.

Other names

Lipase (fungal)Fungal triglyceride lipaseCandida lipaseAspergillus lipase

Inhibition of the hydrolysis of triglycerides to fatty acids (for lipase inhibitors); substrate competition