12 Polyphenol oxidases : the future toward global sustainability

Abstract

Polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) are enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of phenolic compounds, which are abundant in many plant-based foods. PPOs are crucial in postharvest losses and food waste, especially in developing countries with underdeveloped food supply chains. There has been a growing interest in utilizing PPOs for sustainable food production and preservation, modifying phenolic compounds to develop new food products, detecting phenolic compounds in various products, and utilizing bioremediation, agriculture, biotechnology, and waste management techniques to promote global sustainability. These advances have the potential to provide effective solutions toward achieving a more sustainable future. The most promising application of PPOs for achieving global sustainability is their use as a natural preservative to prolong the shelf life of fresh produce. They can be used to produce novel food products, such as functional foods and nutraceuticals, by modifying the phenolic compounds. The approach can add value to the food industry by creating new products with health benefits and reducing waste. PPOs can be used in bioremediation processes to degrade phenolic compounds found in industrial wastewater and produce natural antioxidants from food waste, promoting circular economy principles. They can also contribute to sustainable agriculture by increasing plant resistance to pests and diseases, reducing synthetic pesticides and herbicides, and improving crop yields. Overall, PPOs have a promising role in creating a more sustainable environment. This chapter thoroughly examines the latest developments in utilizing PPOs for sustainable food production and waste management. It emphasizes the enzyme's potential in natural preservation, novel food production, bioremediation, and sustainable agriculture. Additionally, the authors explore the wide range of applications for PPOs, such as biosensors, bioremediation, agriculture, and biotechnology.