In the transition to the post-petroleum economy, there is a growing demand for novel enzymes with high process performances to replace traditional chemistry with a more 'green' approach. To date, microorganisms encompass the richest source of industrial biocatalysts, but the Earth-living microbiota remains largely untapped by using traditional isolation and cultivation methods. Metagenomics, which is culture independent, represents a powerful tool for discovering novel enzymes from unculturable microorganisms. Herein, we summarize the variety of approaches adopted for mining environmental DNA and, based on a systematic literature review, we provide a comprehensive list of 332 industrially relevant enzymes discovered from metagenomes within the last three years.

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This study provides an integrated experimental approach to evaluate the effects of fungal chitinases on Lepidoptera. The encouraging results obtained herein make us confident about the possible use of fungal chitinases to control lepidopteran pests.