A phytase (myo -inositol hexakisphosphate phosphohydrolase) is any type of phosphatase enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of phytic acid (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate) – an indigestible, organic form of phosphorus that is found in many plant tissues, especially in grains and oil seeds – and releases a usable form of inorganic phosphorus. [1]

Phytase is a natural chemical found in animals, plants, and microbes like bacteria. It helps to break down another chemical called phytic acid. Phytic acid can bind to important minerals like...

Dec 14, 2023 · Phytase is an enzyme that specifically acts on phytic acid (phytate), one of the primary storage forms for phosphorus in plants. Phytase helps liberate the phosphorus and other minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron and magnesium from phytic acid.

Phytases are phosphohydrolytic enzymes that initiate stepwise removal of phosphate from phytate. Simple-stomached species such as swine, poultry, and fish require extrinsic phytase to digest phytate, the major form of phosphorus in plant-based feeds.

Apr 6, 2017 · Phytase is a phosphatase enzyme that catalyzes, or kickstarts, the hydrolysis of phytic acid, also known as phytate. Phytic acid is a form of indigestible phosphorus that’s present in plant-based foods such as cereal, wheat, and various grains.

Microbial phytases are enzymes that break down phytic acid, an anti-nutritional compound found in plant-based foods. These enzymes which are derived from bacteria and fungi have diverse properties and can function under different pH and temperature conditions.

Phytate is the primary molecule that plants use to store phosphorus, comprising >90% of phosphorus in seeds and between 20% and 80% of organic phosphorus in soil and manure (Liu et al., 2022).

Phytate (C 6 H 18 O 24 P 6), also known as phytic acid (myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate; PA; IP 6), has a molecular weight of 660 g mol −1 (Figure 1) and is considered the main source of stored phosphorus in seeds, grains, and vegetables.

Phytase is an enzyme that helps to break down phytate P (the main form of P in grains) allowing better absorption of grain P by poultry (and other monogastric animals such as swine) and reduces the need for addition of calcium phosphate supplements.

This review deals with phytase (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate phosphohydrolase) and covers microbiological sources, phytase occurrence in plants and animals, its purification, physico-chemical and molecular properties.