Agro-Industrial Wastes as Sustainable Substrates for Microbial Enzyme Production

This review highlights the growing significance of microbial enzymes as sustainable biocatalysts in diverse industries, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, biofuels, and environmental management. Agro-industrial wastes generated from agricultural and food-processing activities present an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to synthetic substrates, contributing to waste valorization and circular bioeconomy goals. Recent research (2020–2024) has demonstrated promising enzyme production using lignocellulosic residues, fruit peels, and oilseed cakes through optimized fermentation and pretreatment strategies. Advances in strain improvement, synthetic biology, and omics-based tools have further enhanced enzyme yield and efficiency. However, key challenges persist in scaling up production, managing substrate variability, and conducting comprehensive techno-economic and life-cycle analyses. Addressing these gaps through integrated bioprocess optimization and cross-sector collaboration will be critical for translating laboratory findings into viable industrial applications.