In Brazil, a large amount of a fibrous residue is generated as result of soybean (Glycine max) protein production. This material, which is rich in hemicellulose and cellulose, can be used in solid state cultivations for the production of valuable metabolites and enzymes. In this work, we studied the bioconversion of this residue by bacteria strains isolated from water and soil collected in the Amazon region. Five strains among 87 isolated bacteria selected for their ability to produce either celullases or xylanases were cultivated on the aforementioned residue. From strain BL62, identified as Bacillus subtilis, it was obtained a preparation showing the highest specific cellulase activity, 1.08 UI/mg protein within 24 hours of growth. Concerning xylanase, the isolate BL53, also identified as Bacillus subtilis, showed the highest specific activity for this enzyme, 5.19 UI/mg protein within 72 hours of cultivation. It has also been observed the production of proteases that were associated with the loss of cellulase and xylanase activities. These results indicated that the selected microorganisms, and the cultivation process, have great biotechnological potential. No Brasil, uma grande quantidade de resíduos fibrosos de soja (Glycine max) são gerados no processo de produção de proteína de soja. Estes materiais, ricos em celulose e hemicelulose, podem ser usados como substratos para cultivos microbianos visando a produção de valiosos metabólitos e enzimas. Neste trabalho, estudou-se a produção de enzimas, utilizando estes resíduos, por bactérias isoladas da água e do solo da região amazônica. Cinco cepas, dentre 87 iniciais, foram selecionadas e crescidas em cultivo semi-sólido (CSS). Preparações obtidas do isolado BL 62, identificado como Bacillus subtilis, apresentaram a maior atividade específica para celulase, 1,08 UI/ mg de proteína, em 24 horas de cultivo. No que se refere às xilanases, preparações obtidas do isolado BL 53, também identificado como Bacillus subtilis, apresentaram a maior atividade específica para esta enzima, com um valor de 5,19 UI/ mg de proteína, em 72 horas de cultivo. Também foi demonstrada a produção simultânea de proteases, o que pode ser associado à perda das atividades de celulase e xilanase durante o cultivo. Os resultados indicam que os microrganismos selecionados e o processo de cultivo empregado utilizando resíduo da soja apresentam grande potencial biotecnológico

Glycoside hydrolases (GH) are enzymes capable to hydrolyze the glycosidic bond between two carbohydrates or even between a carbohydrate and a non-carbohydrate moiety. Because of the increasing interest for industrial applications of these enzymes, the immobilization of GH has become an important development in order to improve its activity, stability, as well as the possibility of its reuse in batch reactions and in continuous processes. In this review, we focus on the broad aspects of immobilization of enzymes from the specific GH families. A brief introduction on methods of enzyme immobilization is presented, discussing some advantages and drawbacks of this technology. We then review the state of the art of enzyme immobilization of families GH1, GH13, and GH70, with special attention on the enzymes β-glucosidase, α-amylase, cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase, and dextransucrase. In each case, the immobilization protocols are evaluated considering their positive and negative aspects. Finally, the perspectives on new immobilization methods are briefly presented.