Direct production of a genetically-encoded immobilized biodiesel catalyst

Sci Rep. 2018 Aug 24;8(1):12783. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-31213-y.

Abstract

The use of immobilized enzymes as biocatalysts has great potential to improve the efficiency and environmental sustainability of many industrial processes. Here, we report a novel approach that allows for the direct production of a highly active immobilized lipase within the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. Cry3Aa-lipA crystals were generated by genetically fusing Bacillus subtilis lipase A to Cry3Aa, a protein that naturally forms crystals in the bacteria. The crystal framework significantly stabilized the lipase against denaturation in organic solvents and high temperatures, resulting in a highly efficient fusion crystal that could catalyze the conversion of triacylglycerols to fatty acid methyl ester biodiesel to near-completion over 10 cycles. The simplicity and robustness of the Cry-fusion crystal (CFC) immobilization system could make it an appealing platform for generating industrial biocatalysts for multiple bioprocesses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus thuringiensis / ultrastructure
  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Bacterial Proteins / ultrastructure
  • Biofuels*
  • Biotechnology / methods*
  • Catalysis
  • Crystallization
  • Endotoxins / metabolism
  • Enzymes, Immobilized / metabolism*
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli / ultrastructure
  • Hemolysin Proteins / metabolism
  • Hemolysin Proteins / ultrastructure
  • Kinetics
  • Lipase / genetics*
  • Lipase / metabolism
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Biofuels
  • Endotoxins
  • Enzymes, Immobilized
  • Hemolysin Proteins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • insecticidal crystal protein, Bacillus Thuringiensis
  • Lipase