Microbial proteases—robust biocatalytic tools for greener biotechnology

Proteases have been proven most important protein hydrolyzing group of enzymes with a wide range of enzymes. Microbial-based proteases have remained the highest product of interest for industrial applications. This chapter aims to cover the latest approaches for protease utilization. Protease has been classified into four major groups (serine, aspartic, cysteine/thiol, and metalloproteases) with different mechanisms of action. Bacteria and fungi are the sources of microbial proteases. Researchers have found different ways (structural engineering and immobilizations) to increase catalytic activity and stability for different physiological and chemical conditions. On the other hand, their applications in foods, tanning, waste management, silk degumming, detergent, silver recovery, medical, and different chemical industries have been addressed. But this is not ending as the demand for proteases and their different resources are still under study.