Understanding Enzyme Classification

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. To bring order to the vast diversity of enzymes in nature, the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) created the Enzyme Commission (EC) classification system.

• The EC catalog now includes 7,000+ officially recognized enzymes, each with a unique numerical code.
• These enzymes are grouped into six major classes, based on the type of reaction they catalyze.
• While thousands exist in nature, only a fraction have been mobilized for industrial and commercial use, especially in cleaning and deodorizing.

The Six Major Classes of Enzymes

1. Oxidoreductases

Catalyze oxidation-reduction (electron transfer) reactions.

• Examples: Dehydrogenases, oxidases, catalases.
• Relevance: Some oxidoreductases (like laccases and peroxidases) are used in stain removal and oxidation-based odor control.

2. Transferases

Move functional groups (like phosphate or methyl groups) between molecules.

• Examples: Kinases, transaminases.
• Relevance: Less commonly used in cleaning, but essential in biochemistry and metabolism.

3. Hydrolases (Most Relevant for Cleaning)

Break bonds using water (hydrolysis).

• Examples: Proteases, Lipases, Amylases, Cellulases.
• Relevance: The backbone of enzymatic cleaning, breaking down proteins, fats, starches, and fibers.

4. Lyases

Break bonds without water or oxidation, often leaving double bonds or rings.

• Examples: Decarboxylases, aldolases.
• Relevance: Limited direct use in cleaning, though some deodorizing applications exist.

5. Isomerases

Rearrange molecules into their isomers (same atoms, different arrangement).

• Examples: Mutases, epimerases.
• Relevance: Rare in cleaning products but important in industrial biocatalysis.

6. Ligases (Synthetases)

Join two molecules together using energy (often ATP).

• Examples: DNA ligase, synthetases.
• Relevance: Not used in cleaning, but critical in molecular biology.

Enzyme Groups Used in Cleaning & Deodorizing

Although the six classes exist broadly in nature, cleaning and deodorizing applications draw primarily from the Hydrolases, supplemented by selected oxidoreductases.

Here are the major enzyme groups mobilized for industry:

• Proteases – Break down proteins (blood, food residues, pet urine, mold residues).
• Amylases – Break down starches and carbohydrates (sauces, baked-on foods).
• Lipases – Break down fats, oils, and grease (kitchens, food plants, laundry).
• Cellulases – Break down plant fibers and soil residues; brighten fabrics.
• Mannanases & Pectinases – Target complex carbohydrates in beans, fruit residues, sauces.
• Ureases & Uricase – Specialized for breaking down urine compounds; critical for pet odor and restroom cleaning.
• Oxidoreductases (like laccase, peroxidase, catalase) – Used in stain removal and oxidation-based odor elimination.

From Thousands in Nature to Dozens in Industry

While there are thousands of enzymes known, the commercial toolbox is more compact:

• Roughly 50–100 enzyme types are used across cleaning, sanitation, and odor remediation.
• Most commercial products contain blends of 3–6 enzyme groups, chosen for their complementary action.
• The result is a cleaning solution that digests the root cause of stains, soils, and odors, rather than masking them.

This practical focus makes enzymes an indispensable part of industries ranging from laundry and home care to mold remediation, agriculture, and food processing sanitation.

Why It Matters to Us and to You...

Enzyme-based products continue to expand because they offer:

• Targeted action against organic waste.
• Long-term protection, as enzymes keep working after application.
• Safety and sustainability, replacing harsh chemicals with biodegradable proteins.

At SynergyGreenClean, our line of enzyme-powered solutions — Synergy Consume, Synergy BioClean, PROZYM-X, and PROZYM-Z — harness these principles to deliver safe, effective, and environmentally sound cleaning.