Xylanase
Xylanase is an enzyme that breaks down xylan, a hemicellulose found in cereal and other plant cell walls. It is made by fermenting molds such as Trichoderma reesei or Aspergillus niger, or bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, then filtering out the organism and concentrating the enzyme. It is used mainly in baking and brewing, and as a powder in supplement enzyme blends.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Xylanase on a flour or starch carrier, dosed in parts per million of flour for dough handling and volume.
Stabilized liquid for brewing, distilling and cereal processing.
Xylanase standardized in xylanase units (XU) per gram on maltodextrin for capsules and blends.
Mixtures with other hemicellulases, cellulase or beta-glucanase sold as one product.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Enzyme powders lose activity with heat and moisture, so keep them sealed in the original lined container in a cool, dry place, and refrigerate liquid preparations if the supplier says to. Shelf life is set by each supplier's specification, usually as a guaranteed minimum activity to a stated date, and older stock is retested for activity before use. Supplier safety data sheets for enzyme powders call for dust control and respiratory protection when weighing and blending.
Because xylanase units are method-specific, record the activity, unit and method for each lot and do not switch suppliers on unit value alone. Note the production organism and carrier, and rotate stock first-expired, first-out.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
FDA's GRAS Notice Inventory lists GRN 567, for xylanase from Trichoderma reesei notified by Danisco USA as a processing aid in brewing, potable alcohol, cereal beverage and bakery uses; FDA had no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's GRAS Notice Inventory lists GRN 589, for xylanase from Aspergillus niger notified by DSM Food Specialties for brewing and baking; FDA had no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's List of Permitted Food Enzymes includes xylanase (item X.1), with sources including Aspergillus, Bacillus and Trichoderma strains.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Digestive Enzymes natural health product monograph lists xylanase with Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Trichoderma reesei as source material.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Darmstadt, Germany
German enzyme company, part of ABF Ingredients, that develops and produces enzymes for baking, juice, brewing, protein hydrolysis and oil processing.
Manufacturer · Troy, VA
Virginia-based enzyme and Bacillus probiotic company that formulates and blends ingredients for supplement, food and animal nutrition brands. Its news page says it has joined the Lallemand group.
Manufacturer · Scranton, PA
US enzyme supplier founded in 1953 that produces papain at its Scranton, Pennsylvania plant and sells food-grade proteases, carbohydrases and lipases for supplements and food processing.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include baking grade powder, liquid concentrate, supplement grade powder and hemicellulase blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect xylanase activity, production strain, production strain and antibiotic activity, heavy metals, microbiology and loss on drying, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Enzyme powders lose activity with heat and moisture, so keep them sealed in the original lined container in a cool, dry place, and refrigerate liquid preparations if the supplier says to. Shelf life is set by each supplier's specification, usually as a guaranteed minimum activity to a stated date, and older stock is retested for activity before use. Supplier safety data sheets for enzyme powders call for dust control and respiratory protection when weighing and blending.
FDA's GRAS Notice Inventory lists GRN 567, for xylanase from Trichoderma reesei notified by Danisco USA as a processing aid in brewing, potable alcohol, cereal beverage and bakery uses; FDA had no questions. FDA's GRAS Notice Inventory lists GRN 589, for xylanase from Aspergillus niger notified by DSM Food Specialties for brewing and baking; FDA had no questions. Health Canada's List of Permitted Food Enzymes includes xylanase (item X.1), with sources including Aspergillus, Bacillus and Trichoderma strains. Health Canada's Digestive Enzymes natural health product monograph lists xylanase with Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Trichoderma reesei as source material.
Request a free listing for the ingredients you make or distribute. No paid placement.