Tannase

Tannase (CAS 9025-71-2, EC 3.1.1.20) is a hydrolytic enzyme that cleaves ester and depside bonds in hydrolysable tannins, releasing gallic acid and glucose. It is commercially available under trade names including Tannase S, Teazyme C, and DANNINGMEI, and is classified within the carboxylic ester hydrolases family.

In food and beverage processing, tannase reduces astringency in tea extracts and fruit juices by breaking down tannic acid into soluble gallic acid, improving clarity and palatability. In biotechnology, it is used to produce gallic acid as a precursor for propyl gallate synthesis and for detannification of plant-based fermentation media where tannin content inhibits microbial growth.

Tannase is supplied as a dry powder in food-grade and technical grades, with activity expressed in units per gram. Suppliers operating in Europe must comply with REACH registration requirements, and food-grade material is typically produced to FCC or equivalent quality standards. Packaging formats commonly include sealed drums or multi-layer bags.