Achievement: PU scientists discover new enzyme

LAHORE: Scientists from University of the Punjab (PU) Institute of Agricultural Sciences have discovered a novel thermo-acidophilic enzyme that simplifies a process of starch hydrolysis for glucose and maltose production.Nasir Ahmad and Muhammad Saleem Haider from the Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Naeem Rashid and Muhammad Akhtar of the School of Biological Sciences have made the discovery that had eluded scientists across the globe for three decades. The enzyme hydrolyses starch into glucose and maltose syrups in a single step, in the absence of any other enzyme. Ahmed said he hoped the enzyme’s efficiency could be improved.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2014.