Pectinase is heterogeneous group of related enzymes that hydrolyze the pectic substances,which can break down complex pectin into simpler molecules like galacturonic acids.Over the years,pectinases have been widely used in many fields,such as food,medicine,textile,paper making,environment,biotechnology and feed.Microbes are the main source of pectinases.The research advance in genus,screening,breeding,identification,fermentation process and optimizing of fermentation conditions of the pectinase-producing microorganisms was summarized,as well as the separation,purification,properties and molecular biology of microbial pectinases.