Glucose oxidase, which uses molecular oxygen as an electron acceptor to specifically catalyze the conversion of β-d-glucose to gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), has been considered an important enzyme in increasing environmental sustainability and food security. However, achieving the high yield, low price and high activity required for commercial viability remains challenging. In this review, we first present a brief introduction, looking at the sources, characteristics, catalytic process, and applications of glucose oxidase. Then, the predictive structures of glucose oxidase from two different sources are comparatively discussed. We summarize the inhibitors of glucose oxidase. Finally, we highlight how the production of glucose oxidase can be improved by optimizing the culture conditions and microbial metabolic engineering.
Keywords: glucose oxidase; inhibitors; structures; yield improvement.