Suicide inactivation of peroxidases and the challenge of engineering more robust enzymes

Ligninolytic enzymes and its mechanisms for degradation of lignocellulosic waste in environment

Ligninolytic enzymes play a key role in degradation and detoxification of lignocellulosic waste in environment. The major ligninolytic enzymes are laccase, lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase, and versatile peroxidase. The activities of these enzymes are enhanced by various mediators as well as some other enzymes (feruloyl esterase, aryl-alcohol oxidase, quinone reductases, lipases, catechol 2, 3-dioxygenase) to facilitate the process for degradation and detoxification of lignocellulosic waste in environment. The structurally laccase is isoenzymes with monomeric or dimeric and glycosylation levels (10–45%). This contains four copper ions of three different types. The enzyme catalyzes the overall reaction: 4 benzenediol + O₂ to 4 benzosemiquinone + 2H₂O. While, lignin peroxidase is a glycoprotein molecular mass of 38–46 kDa containing one mole of iron protoporphyrin IX per one mol of protein, catalyzes the H₂O₂ dependent oxidative depolymerization of lignin. The manganese peroxidase is a glycosylated heme protein with molecular mass of 40–50kDa. It depolymerizes the lignin molecule in the presence of manganese ion. The versatile peroxidase has broad range substrate sharing typical features of the manganese and lignin peroxidase families. Although ligninolytic enzymes have broad range of industrial application specially the degradation and detoxification of lignocellulosic waste discharged from various industrial activities, its large scale application is still limited due to lack of limited production. Further, the extremophilic properties of ligninolytic enzymes indicated their broad prospects in varied environmental conditions. Therefore it needs more extensive research for understanding its structure and mechanisms for broad range commercial applications.

Encapsulation of HRP Enzyme onto a Magnetic Fe3O4 Np–PMMA Film via Casting with Sustainable Biocatalytic Activity

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme was effectively encapsulated onto an Fe3O4 nanoparticle–polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) film via the casting method. The HRP was immobilized on the 0.5% Fe3O4Np–PMMA film and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the reusability, thermal stability, optimum pH, optimum temperature, the influence of metal ions, and the effects of detergent and organic solvent were investigated. After optimizing the immobilization conditions, the highest efficiency of the immobilized enzyme was 88.4% using 0.5% Fe3O4Np–PMMA. The reusability of the immobilized HRP activity was 78.5% of its initial activity after being repeatedly used for 10 cycles. When comparing the free and immobilized forms of the HRP enzyme, changes in the optimum temperature and optimum pH from 30 to 40 °C and 7.0 to 7.5, respectively, were observed. The Km and Vmax for the immobilized HRP were estimated to be 41 mM, 0.89 U/mL for guaiacol and 5.84 mM, 0.66 U/mL for H2O2, respectively. The high stability of the immobilized HRP enzyme was obtained using metal ions, a high urea concentration, isopropanol, and Triton X-100. In conclusion, the applicability of immobilized HRP involves the removal of phenol in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, therefore, it could be a potential catalyst for the removal of wastewater aromatic pollutants.

Oxidation of Flame Retardant Tetrabromobisphenol A by a Biocatalytic Nanofiber of Chloroperoxidase

Background: Tetrabromobisphenol (TBBPA), a flame retardant compound, is considered a ubiquitous pollutant, with potential impact on the environment and human health. Several technologies have been applied to accelerate its degradation and minimize environmental impacts. Due to its aromaticity character, peroxidase enzymes may be employed to carry out its transformation in mild conditions. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to determine the capacity of the enzyme chloroperoxidase (CPO) to oxidize TBBPA in several water samples. Methods: The oxidation capacity of CPO was evaluated in catalytic conditions using water samples from surface and groundwater, as well as effluents from wastewater treatment plants. The biocatalytic performance of CPO was improved due to its immobilization on nanofibers composed of polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan (PVA/chitosan). Results: Free and immobilized CPO were able to transform more than 80% in short reaction times (60 min); producing more biodegradable and less toxic products. Particularly, the immobilized enzyme was catalytically active in a wider range of pH than the free enzyme with the possibility of reusing it up to five times. Conclusions: The biocatalytic oxidation of TBBPA under environmental conditions is highly efficient, even in complex media such as treated effluents of wastewater treatment plants.

Addition of new catalytic sites on the surface of versatile peroxidase for enhancement of LRET catalysis

Versatile peroxidase (VP) from Bjerkandera adusta is an enzyme able to oxidize bulky and high-redox substrates trough a Long-Range Electron Transfer (LRET) pathway. In this study, the introduction of radical-forming aromatic amino acids by chemical modification of the protein surface was performed, and the catalytic implications of these additional surface active-sites on the oxidation of 2,6-dimethylphenol, Mn²⁺ and Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) were determined. These three different substrates are oxidized in different active-sites of enzyme molecule, of which the high redox RBBR the only one that is transformed by an external radical formed on the protein surface. Both catalytic constants k_cat and K_M were significantly affected by the chemical modifications. Tryptophan- and tyrosine-modified VP showed higher catalytic transformation than the unmodified enzyme for RBBR, while the Mn²⁺ oxidation was significantly reduced by all chemical modifications. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance studies demonstrated the formation of additional protein-based radicals after the chemical modification with radical-forming amino acids. In addition, the catalytic rate of the LRET-mediated transformation showed a good correlation with the ionization energy of the additional amino acid on the protein surface.

Peroxygenase-Catalysed Epoxidation of Styrene Derivatives in Neat Reaction Media

Biocatalytic oxyfunctionalisation reactions are traditionally conducted in aqueous media limiting their production yield. Here we report the application of a peroxygenase in neat reaction conditions reaching product concentrations of up to 360 mM.

Enhancing microperoxidase activity and selectivity: immobilization in metal-organic frameworks

Microperoxidases 8 (MP8) and 11 (MP11) are heme-containing peptides obtained by the proteolytic digestion of Cytochrome c. They act as mini-enzymes that combine both peroxidase-like and Cytochrome P450-like activities that may be useful in the synthesis of fine chemicals or in the degradation of environmental pollutants. However, their use is limited by their instability in solution due to (i) the bleaching of the heme in the presence of an excess of H2O2, (ii) the decoordination of the distal histidine ligand of the iron under acidic conditions and, (iii) their tendency to aggregate in aqueous alkaline solutions, even at low concentrations. Additionally, both MP8 and MP11 show relatively low selectivity, due to the lack of control of the substrates by a specific catalytic pocket on the distal face of the heme. Both stability and selectivity issues can be effectively addressed by immobilization of microperoxidases in solid matrices, which can also lead to their possible recycling from the reaction medium. Considering their relatively small size, the pore inclusion of MPs into Metal-Organic Frameworks appeared to be more adequate compared to other immobilization methods that have been widely investigated for decades. The present minireview describes the catalytic activities of MP8 and MP11, their limitations, and various results describing their immobilization into MOFs which led to MP11- or MP8@MOF hybrid materials that display good activity in the oxidation of dyes and phenol derivatives, with remarkable recyclability due to the stabilization of the MPs inside the MOF cavities. An example of selective oxidation of dyes according to their charge by MP8@MOF hybrid materials is also highlighted.

Exoproduction and Molecular Characterization of Peroxidase from Ensifer adhaerens

The increased industrial application potentials of peroxidase have led to high market demand, which has outweighed the commercially available peroxidases. Hence, the need for alternative and efficient peroxidase-producers is imperative. This study reported the process parameters for enhanced exoperoxidase production by Ensifer adhaerens NWODO-2 (accession number: KX640918) for the first time, and characterized the enzyme using molecular methods. Peroxidase production by the bacteria was optimal at 48 h, with specific productivity of 12.76 U mg−1 at pH 7, 30 °C and 100 rpm in an alkali lignin fermentation medium supplemented with guaiacol as the most effective inducer and ammonium sulphate as the best inorganic nitrogen source. Upon assessment of some agricultural residues as sources of carbon for the enzyme production, sawdust gave the highest peroxidase productivity (37.50 U mg−1) under solid-state fermentation. A search of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified peroxidase gene in UniProtKB using blastx showed 70.5% similarity to an uncharacterized protein in Ensifer adhaerens but phylogenetic analysis suggests that the gene may encode a catalase-peroxidase with an estimated molecular weight of approximately 31 kDa and isoelectric point of about 11. The nucleotide sequence of the detected gene was deposited in the GenBank under the accession number MF374336. In conclusion, the ability of the strain to utilize lignocellulosic materials for peroxidase production augurs well for biotechnological application as this would greatly reduce cost, which is a major challenge in industrial enzyme production.

Effects of N-Terminal and C-Terminal Polyhistidine Tag on the Stability and Function of the Thermophilic P450 CYP119

Biocatalysts are sought-after in synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals due to their high regioselectivity and enantioselectivity. Among biocatalysts, heme-containing cytochrome P450 (P450) oxygenases are an attractive target since they catalyze oxidation of "unactivated" carbon-hydrogen bonds with high efficiency. CYP119 is an acidothermophilic P450 from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, which has the potential to be widely used as a biocatalyst since it shows activity at high temperatures and low pH. Polyhistidine tags (His-tags) are widely used to simplify purification of proteins. However, His-tags can cause changes to protein structure and function. Here, we demonstrate the effects of His-tags on CYP119. To this end, the His-tags were cloned at the N-terminus or C-terminus of the CYP119, and His-tagged proteins were expressed and isolated. The thermostability and peroxidase activity of His-tagged CYP119s were tested and compared to wild type CYP119. Results indicated that while addition of His-tags increased the yield and simplified isolation of CYP119, they also influenced the electronic structure of active site and the activity of the protein. We show that N-terminal His-tagged CYP119 has desirable properties and potential to be used in industrial applications, but mechanistic studies using this protein need careful interpretation since the His-tag affects electronic properties of the active site heme iron.

Formate Oxidase (FOx) from Aspergillus oryzae: One Catalyst Enables Diverse H2 O2 -Dependent Biocatalytic Oxidation Reactions

An increasing number of biocatalytic oxidation reactions rely on H2 O2 as a clean oxidant. The poor robustness of most enzymes towards H2 O2 , however, necessitates more efficient systems for in situ H2 O2 generation. In analogy to the well-known formate dehydrogenase to promote NADH-dependent reactions, we here propose employing formate oxidase (FOx) to promote H2 O2 -dependent enzymatic oxidation reactions. Even under non-optimised conditions, high turnover numbers for coupled FOx/peroxygenase catalysis were achieved.

The Colorful Diversity of Thyroid Hormone Metabolites

Since the discovery of L-thyroxine, the main secretory product of the thyroid gland, and its major metabolite T3, which exerts the majority of thyroid hormone action via ligand-dependent modulation of the function of T3 receptors in nuclei, mitochondria, and other subcellular compartments, various other T4-derived endogenous metabolites have been identified in blood and tissues of humans, animals, and early protochordates. This review addresses major historical milestones and experimental findings resulting in the discovery of the key enzymes of thyroid hormone metabolism, the three selenoprotein deiodinases, as well as the decarboxylases and amine oxidases involved in formation and degradation of recently identified endogenous thyroid hormone metabolites, i.e. 3-iodothyronamine and 3-thyroacetic acid. The concerted action of deiodinases 2 and 3 in regulation of local T3 availability is discussed. Special attention is given to the role of the thyromimetic "hot" metabolite 3,5-T2 and the "cool" 3-iodothyronamine, especially after administration of pharmacological doses of these endogenous thyroid hormone metabolites in various animal experimental models. In addition, available information on the biological roles of the two major acetic acid derivatives of thyroid hormones, i.e. Tetrac and Triac, as well as sulfated metabolites of thyroid hormones is reviewed. This review addresses the consequences of the existence of this broad spectrum of endogenous thyroid hormone metabolites, the "thyronome," beyond the classical thyroid hormone profile comprising T4, T3, and rT3 for appropriate analytical coverage and clinical diagnostics using mass spectrometry versus immunoassays for determination of total and free concentrations of thyroid hormone metabolites in blood and tissues.

Methylation of the N-terminal histidine protects a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase from auto-oxidative inactivation

The catalytically crucial N-terminal histidine (His1) of fungal lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) is post-translationally modified to carry a methylation. The functional role of this methylation remains unknown. We have carried out an in-depth functional comparison of two variants of a family AA9 LPMO from Thermoascus aurantiacus (TaLPMO9A), one with, and one without the methylation on His1. Various activity assays showed that the two enzyme variants are identical in terms of substrate preferences, cleavage specificities and the ability to activate molecular oxygen. During the course of this work, new functional features of TaLPMO9A were discovered, in particular the ability to cleave xyloglucan, and these features were identical for both variants. Using a variety of techniques, we further found that methylation has minimal effects on the pK_a of His1, the affinity for copper and the redox potential of bound copper. The two LPMOs did, however, show clear differences in their resistance against oxidative damage. Studies with added hydrogen peroxide confirmed recent claims that low concentrations of H₂ O₂ boost LPMO activity, whereas excess H₂ O₂ leads to LPMO inactivation. The methylated variant of TaLPMO9A, produced in Aspergillus oryzae, was more resistant to excess H₂ O₂ and showed better process performance when using conditions that promote generation of reactive-oxygen species. LPMOs need to protect themselves from reactive oxygen species generated in their active sites and this study shows that methylation of the fully conserved N-terminal histidine provides such protection.

Combined Fenton and starvation therapies using hemoglobin and glucose oxidase

Separately, Fenton and starvation cancer therapies have been recently reported as impressive methods for tumor destruction. Here, we introduce natural hemoglobin and glucose oxidase (GOx) for efficient cancer treatment following combined Fenton and starvation therapies. GOx and hemoglobin were encapsulated in zeolitic imidazolate frameworks 8 (ZIF-8) to fabricate a pH-sensitive MOF activated by tumor acidity. In the slightly acidic environment of cancer cells, GOx is released and it consumes d-glucose and molecular oxygen, nutrients essential for the survival of cancer cells, and produces gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide, respectively. The produced gluconic acid increases the acidity of the tumor microenvironment leading to complete MOF destruction and enhances hemoglobin and GOx release. The Fe ions from the heme groups of hemoglobin also release in the presence of both endogenous and produced H2O2 and generate hydroxyl radicals. The produced OH˙ radical can rapidly oxidize the surrounding biomacromolecules in the biological system and treat the cancer cells. In vitro experiments demonstrate that this novel nanoparticle is cytotoxic to cancer cells HeLa and MCF-7, at very low concentrations (<2 μg mL-1). In addition, the selectivity index values are 5.52 and 11.04 for HeLa and MCF-7 cells, respectively, which are much higher than those of commercial drugs and those of similar studies reported by other research groups. This work thus demonstrates a novel pH-sensitive system containing hemoglobin and GOx for effective and selective cancer treatment using both radical generation and nutrient starvation.

Peroxide-Induced Liberation of Iron from Heme Switches Catalysis during Luminol Reaction and Causes Loss of Light and Heterodyning of Luminescence Kinetics

The peroxidation of luminol yields bright luminescence when the reaction is catalyzed by heme proteins. However, an excess of peroxide leads to less light and altered luminescence kinetics, an effect commonly referred to as "suicide inactivation". The aim of this study is to present the molecular processes causing this effect. A comprehensive set of data reported here demonstrates that suicide inactivation is due to a peroxide-induced liberation of iron from its coordinating porphyrin. Liberated iron launches catalysis of the reaction at much lower efficiency. The light-yielding efficiencies of different organic and inorganic catalysts are precisely quantified and compared. It is shown that the catalysis by free iron involves superoxide. This is explained by the formation of a ferryl-oxo-iron complex. In this context, a complete reaction mechanism involving a modified Fenton-Haber-Weiss cycle is proposed for the first time. The switch from the highly efficient biogenically catalyzed luminescence to a less efficient inorganically catalyzed reaction is accompanied by a transition from "flash-type" to "glow-type" luminescence kinetics. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-mediated chelation of iron is used to demonstrate this effect and to separate both kinetics. The explanation of kinetic heterodyning is underpinned by mathematical modeling. The results are able to explain the as yet unexplained phenomena discussed in the less recent literature and to settle disputes about them. It is concluded that peroxide concentrations exceeding the level tolerated by the catalyzing heme protein negatively impact performance and precision of luminol-based assays, where the light yield is used as a quantitative measure for analyte concentrations.

Cytochrome c–poly(acrylic acid) conjugates with improved peroxidase turnover number

Cytochrome c–poly(acrylic acid) conjugates with 34-fold enhanced peroxidase activity due to acidification of enzyme microenvironment and suppression of wasteful intermediates.

Peroxidases-assisted removal of environmentally-related hazardous pollutants with reference to the reaction mechanisms of industrial dyes

Environmental protection is one of the most important challenges for the humankind. Increasing number of emerging pollutants resulting from industrial/human-made activities represents a serious menace to the ecological and environmental equilibrium. Industrial dyes, endocrine disrupters, pesticides, phenols and halogenated phenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and other xenobiotics are among the top priority environmental pollutants. Some classical remediation approaches including physical, chemical and biological are being employed, but are ineffective in cleaning the environment. Enzyme-catalyzed transformation reactions are gearing accelerating attention in this context as potential alternatives to classical chemical methods. Peroxidases are catalysts able to decontaminate an array of toxic compounds by a free radical mechanism resulting in oxidized or depolymerized products along with a significant toxicity reduction. Admittedly, enzymatic catalysis offers the hallmark of high chemo-, regio-, and enantioselectivity and superior catalytic efficiency under given reaction environment. Moreover, enzymes are considered more benign, socially acceptable and greener production routes since derived from the renewable and sustainable feedstock. Regardless of their versatility and potential use in environmental processes, several limitations, such as heterologous production, catalytic stability, and redox potential should be overcome to implement peroxidases at large-scale transformation and bio-elimination of recalcitrant pollutants. In this article, a critical review of the transformation of different types of hazardous pollutants by peroxidases, with special reference to the proposed reaction mechanisms of several dyes is presented. Following that major challenges for industrial and environmental applications of peroxidases are also discussed. Towards the end, the information is also given on miscellaneous applications of peroxidases, concluding remarks and outlook.

Oxidoreductases and Reactive Oxygen Species in Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass

Biomass constitutes an appealing alternative to fossil resources for the production of materials and energy. The abundance and attractiveness of vegetal biomass come along with challenges pertaining to the intricacy of its structure, evolved during billions of years to face and resist abiotic and biotic attacks. To achieve the daunting goal of plant cell wall decomposition, microorganisms have developed many (enzymatic) strategies, from which we seek inspiration to develop biotechnological processes. A major breakthrough in the field has been the discovery of enzymes today known as lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs), which, by catalyzing the oxidative cleavage of recalcitrant polysaccharides, allow canonical hydrolytic enzymes to depolymerize the biomass more efficiently. Very recently, it has been shown that LPMOs are not classical monooxygenases in that they can also use hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an oxidant. This discovery calls for a revision of our understanding of how lignocellulolytic enzymes are connected since H2O2 is produced and used by several of them. The first part of this review is dedicated to the LPMO paradigm, describing knowns, unknowns, and uncertainties. We then present different lignocellulolytic redox systems, enzymatic or not, that depend on fluxes of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Based on an assessment of these putatively interconnected systems, we suggest that fine-tuning of H2O2 levels and proximity between sites of H2O2 production and consumption are important for fungal biomass conversion. In the last part of this review, we discuss how our evolving understanding of redox processes involved in biomass depolymerization may translate into industrial applications.

Towards an Electrochemical Immunosensor System with Temperature Control for Cytokine Detection

The cytokine interleukin-13 (IL-13) plays a major role in airway inflammation and is a target of new anti-asthmatic drugs. Hence, IL-13 determination could be interesting in assessing therapy success. Thus, in this work an electrochemical immunosensor for IL-13 was developed and integrated into a fluidic system with temperature control for read-out. Therefore, two sets of results are presented. First, the sensor was set up in sandwich format on single-walled carbon nanotube electrodes and was read out by applying the hydrogen peroxide–hydroquinone–horseradish peroxidase (HRP) system. Second, a fluidic system was built up with an integrated heating function realized by Peltier elements that allowed a temperature-controlled read-out of the immunosensor in order to study the influence of temperature on the amperometric read-out. The sensor was characterized at the temperature optimum of HRP at 30 °C and at 12 °C as a reference for lower performance. These results were compared to a measurement without temperature control. At the optimum operation temperature of 30 °C, the highest sensitivity (slope) was obtained compared to lower temperatures and a limit of detection of 5.4 ng/mL of IL-13 was calculated. Taken together, this approach is a first step towards an automated electrochemical immunosensor platform and shows the potential of a temperature-controlled read-out.

Enzyme Activities of Two Recombinant Heme-Containing Peroxidases, TvDyP1 and TvVP2, Identified from the Secretome of Trametes versicolor

Trametesversicolor is a wood-inhabiting agaricomycete known for its ability to cause strong white-rot decay on hardwood and for its high tolerance of phenolic compounds. The goal of the present work was to gain insights into the molecular biology and biochemistry of the heme-including class II and dye-decolorizing peroxidases secreted by this fungus. Proteomic analysis of the secretome of T. versicolor BRFM 1218 grown on oak wood revealed a set of 200 secreted proteins, among which were the dye-decolorizing peroxidase TvDyP1 and the versatile peroxidase TvVP2. Both peroxidases were heterologously produced in Escherichia coli, biochemically characterized, and tested for the ability to oxidize complex substrates. Both peroxidases were found to be active against several substrates under acidic conditions, and TvDyP1 was very stable over a relatively large pH range of 2.0 to 6.0, while TvVP2 was more stable at pH 5.0 to 6.0 only. The thermostability of both enzymes was also tested, and TvDyP1 was globally found to be more stable than TvVP2. After 180 min of incubation at temperatures ranging from 30 to 50°C, the activity of TvVP2 drastically decreased, with 10 to 30% of the initial activity retained. Under the same conditions, TvDyP1 retained 20 to 80% of its enzyme activity. The two proteins were catalytically characterized, and TvVP2 was shown to accept a wider range of reducing substrates than TvDyP1. Furthermore, both enzymes were found to be active against two flavonoids, quercetin and catechin, found in oak wood, with TvVP2 displaying more rapid oxidation of the two compounds. They were tested for the ability to decolorize five industrial dyes, and TvVP2 presented a greater ability to oxidize and decolorize the dye substrates than TvDyP1.IMPORTANCETrametesversicolor is a wood-inhabiting agaricomycete known for its ability to cause strong white-rot decay on hardwood and for its high tolerance of phenolic compounds. Among white-rot fungi, the basidiomycete T. versicolor has been extensively studied for its ability to degrade wood, specifically lignin, thanks to an extracellular oxidative enzymatic system. The corresponding oxidative system was previously studied in several works for classical lignin and manganese peroxidases, and in this study, two new components of the oxidative system of T. versicolor, one dye-decolorizing peroxidase and one versatile peroxidase, were biochemically characterized in depth and compared to other fungal peroxidases.

Catalase and its mysteries

Catalase is one of the firsts in every realm of biological sciences. At the same time it also has a number of unusual features. It has one of the highest turnover numbers of all enzymes. It is essential for neutralizing the noxious hydrogen peroxide both in the nature and the various industries such as dairy, textile and pharmaceutics. It also has the merit of being one of the first protein crystals to be isolated. Ironically its three-dimensional structure was discerned some forty years later. However through the times this senile enzyme has continued to intrigue the scientists by surprising facts and phenomena, such as peculiar interweaving of subunits and remarkable thermal stability. It is also known for suicide inactivation by its own substrate. Catalase is known to be implicated in various medical scenarios and its levels have served as a marker in that capacity. It has even been incorporated into several pharmaceuticals. This review strives to clarify these perspectives. It also draws attention to the biophysical contributions offered by thermodynamics and kinetics in these discoveries. The ultimate aim of this review, however, is to state that the venerable catalase will continue to bewilder us with its mysteries well into the twenty-first century.

Kinetics of H2O2-driven degradation of chitin by a bacterial lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) catalyze the oxidative cleavage of glycosidic bonds in recalcitrant polysaccharides, such as cellulose and chitin, and are of interest in biotechnological utilization of these abundant biomaterials. It has recently been shown that LPMOs can use H₂O₂, instead of O₂, as a cosubstrate. This peroxygenase-like reaction by a monocopper enzyme is unprecedented in nature and opens new avenues in chemistry and enzymology. Here, we provide the first detailed kinetic characterization of chitin degradation by the bacterial LPMO chitin-binding protein CBP21 using H₂O₂ as cosubstrate. The use of ¹⁴C-labeled chitin provided convenient and sensitive detection of the released soluble products, which enabled detailed kinetic measurements. The k_cat for chitin oxidation found here (5.6 s^-1) is more than an order of magnitude higher than previously reported (apparent) rate constants for reactions containing O₂ but no added H₂O₂ The k_cat/K_m for H₂O₂-driven degradation of chitin was on the order of 10⁶ m^-1 s^-1, indicating that LPMOs have catalytic efficiencies similar to those of peroxygenases. Of note, H₂O₂ also inactivated CBP21, but the second-order rate constant for inactivation was about 3 orders of magnitude lower than that for catalysis. In light of the observed CBP21 inactivation at higher H₂O₂ levels, we conclude that controlled generation of H₂O₂in situ seems most optimal for fueling LPMO-catalyzed oxidation of polysaccharides.

Peroxidase-like activity of cytochrome b5 is triggered upon hemichrome formation in alkaline pH

In alkaline media (pH12) a catalytic peroxidase activity of cytochrome b₅ was found associated to a different conformational state. Upon incubation at this pH, cytochrome b₅ electronic absorption spectrum was altered, with disappearance of characteristic bands of cytochrome b₅ at pH7.0. The appearance of new electronic absorption bands and EPR measurements support the formation of a cytochrome b₅ class B hemichrome with an acquired ability to bind polar ligands. This hemichrome is characterized by a negative formal redox potential and the same folding properties than cytochrome b₅ at pH7. The acquired peroxidase-like activity of cytochrome b₅ found at pH12, driven by a hemichrome formation, suggests a role of this protein in peroxidation products propagation.

Heterogeneous multi-compartmental hydrogel particles as synthetic cells for incompatible tandem reactions

In nature, individual cells contain multiple isolated compartments in which cascade enzymatic reactions occur to form essential biological products with high efficiency. Here, we report a cell-inspired design of functional hydrogel particles with multiple compartments, in which different enzymes are spatially immobilized in distinct domains that enable engineered, one-pot, tandem reactions. The dense packing of different compartments in the hydrogel particle enables effective transportation of reactants to ensure that the products are generated with high efficiency. To demonstrate the advantages of micro-environmental modifications, we employ the copolymerization of acrylic acid, which leads to the formation of heterogeneous multi-compartmental hydrogel particles with different pH microenvironments. Upon the positional assembly of glucose oxidase and magnetic nanoparticles, these hydrogel particles are able to process a glucose-triggered, incompatible, multistep tandem reaction in one pot. Furthermore, based on the high cytotoxicity of hydroxyl radicals, a glucose-powered therapeutic strategy to kill cancer cells was approached.Cells contain isolated compartments where cascade enzymatic biochemical reactions occur to form essential biological products with high efficiency. Here the authors produce functional hydrogel particles with multiple compartments via microfluidics that contain spatially immobilized natural enzymes in distinct domains for one-pot, tandem reactions.

Perspectives for biocatalytic lignin utilization: cleaving 4-O-5 and Cα-Cβ bonds in dimeric lignin model compounds catalyzed by a promiscuous activity of tyrosinase

BACKGROUND

In the biorefinery utilizing lignocellulosic biomasses, lignin decomposition to value-added phenolic derivatives is a key issue, and recently biocatalytic delignification is emerging owing to its superior selectivity, low energy consumption, and unparalleled sustainability. However, besides heme-containing peroxidases and laccases, information about lignolytic biocatalysts is still limited till date.

RESULTS

Herein, we report a promiscuous activity of tyrosinase which is closely associated with delignification requiring high redox potentials (>1.4 V vs. normal hydrogen electrode [NHE]). The promiscuous activity of tyrosinase not only oxidizes veratryl alcohol, a commonly used nonphenolic substrate for assaying ligninolytic activity, to veratraldehyde but also cleaves the 4-O-5 and C_α-C_β bonds in 4-phenoxyphenol and guaiacyl glycerol-β-guaiacyl ether (GGE) that are dimeric lignin model compounds. Cyclic voltammograms additionally verified that the promiscuous activity oxidizes lignin-related high redox potential substrates.

CONCLUSION

These results might be applicable for extending the versatility of tyrosinase toward biocatalytic delignification as well as suggesting a new perspective for sustainable lignin utilization. Furthermore, the results provide insight for exploring the previously unknown promiscuous activities of biocatalysts much more diverse than ever thought before, thereby innovatively expanding the applicable area of biocatalysis.

Self-Assembled DNA/Peptide-Based Nanoparticle Exhibiting Synergistic Enzymatic Activity

Designing enzyme-mimicking active sites in artificial systems is key to achieving catalytic efficiencies rivaling those of natural enzymes and can provide valuable insight in the understanding of the natural evolution of enzymes. Here, we report the design of a catalytic hemin-containing nanoparticle with self-assembled guanine-rich nucleic acid/histidine-rich peptide components that mimics the active site and peroxidative activity of hemoproteins. The chemical complementarities between the folded nucleic acid and peptide enable the spatial arrangement of essential elements in the active site and effective activation of hemin. As a result, remarkable synergistic effects of nucleic acid and peptide on the catalytic performances were observed. The turnover number of peroxide reached the order of that of natural peroxidase, and the catalytic efficiency is comparable to that of myoglobin. These results have implications in the precise design of supramolecular enzyme mimetics, particularly those with hierarchical active sites. The assemblies we describe here may also resemble an intermediate in the evolution of contemporary enzymes from the catalytic RNA of primitive cells.

Nitroxides protect horseradish peroxidase from H2O2-induced inactivation and modulate its catalase-like activity

BACKGROUND

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) catalyzes H₂O₂ dismutation while undergoing heme inactivation. The mechanism underlying this process has not been fully elucidated. The effects of nitroxides, which protect metmyoglobin and methemoglobin against H₂O₂-induced inactivation, have been investigated.

METHODS

HRP reaction with H₂O₂ was studied by following H₂O₂ depletion, O₂ evolution and heme spectral changes. Nitroxide concentration was followed by EPR spectroscopy, and its reactions with the oxidized heme species were studied using stopped-flow.

RESULTS

Nitroxide protects HRP against H₂O₂-induced inactivation. The rate of H₂O₂ dismutation in the presence of nitroxide obeys zero-order kinetics and increases as [nitroxide] increases. Nitroxide acts catalytically since its oxidized form is readily reduced to the nitroxide mainly by H₂O₂. The nitroxide efficacy follows the order 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-N-oxyl (TPO)>4-OH-TPO>3-carbamoyl proxyl>4-oxo-TPO, which correlates with the order of the rate constants of nitroxide reactions with compounds I, II, and III.

CONCLUSIONS

Nitroxide catalytically protects HRP against inactivation induced by H₂O₂ while modulating its catalase-like activity. The protective role of nitroxide at μM concentrations is attributed to its efficient oxidation by P940, which is the precursor of the inactivated form P670. Modeling the dismutation kinetics in the presence of nitroxide adequately fits the experimental data. In the absence of nitroxide the simulation fits the observed kinetics only if it does not include the formation of a Michaelis-Menten complex.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Nitroxides catalytically protect heme proteins against inactivation induced by H₂O₂ revealing an additional role played by nitroxide antioxidants in vivo.

Differential Degradation and Detoxification of an Aromatic Pollutant by Two Different Peroxidases

Enzymatic degradation of organic pollutants is a new and promising remediation approach. Peroxidases are one of the most commonly used classes of enzymes to degrade organic pollutants. However, it is generally assumed that all peroxidases behave similarly and produce similar degradation products. In this study, we conducted detailed studies of the degradation of a model aromatic pollutant, Sulforhodamine B dye (SRB dye), using two peroxidases-soybean peroxidase (SBP) and chloroperoxidase (CPO). Our results show that these two related enzymes had different optimum conditions (pH, temperature, H₂O₂ concentration, etc.) for efficiently degrading SRB dye. High-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography -mass spectrometry analyses confirmed that both SBP and CPO transformed the SRB dye into low molecular weight intermediates. While most of the intermediates produced by the two enzymes were the same, the CPO treatment produced at least one different intermediate. Furthermore, toxicological evaluation using lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seeds demonstrated that the SBP-based treatment was able to eliminate the phytotoxicity of SRB dye, but the CPO-based treatment did not. Our results show, for the first time, that while both of these related enzymes can be used to efficiently degrade organic pollutants, they have different optimum reaction conditions and may not be equally efficient in detoxification of organic pollutants.

Tailor-made biocatalysts based on scarcely studied acidic horseradish peroxidase for biodegradation of reactive dyes

Peroxidases (EC 1.11.1.7) have enormous biotechnological applications. Usage of more abundant, basic isoforms of peroxidases in diagnostic kits and/or in immunochemistry has led to under exploitation and disregard of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) acidic isoforms. Therefore, acidic horseradish peroxidase (HRP-A) isoenzyme was used for the preparation of a biocatalyst with improved ability in dye decolorization. Ten biocatalysts were prepared by covalent binding of enzyme to chitosan and alginate, adsorption followed by cross-linking on inorganic support (aluminum oxide), and encapsulation in spherical calcium alginate beads via polyethylene glycol. Model dyes of 50 to 175 mg l^-1 were removed by the biocatalysts. Among the tested biocatalysts, the three with the highest specific activity and biodegradation rate were further studied (Chitosan-HRP, Al-Gel-HRP and Al-HRP-Gel). The impact of hydrogen peroxide concentration on dye decolorization was examined on the Chitosan-HRP biocatalyst, since the HRP is susceptible to inhibition/inactivation by high H₂O₂. On the other hand, H₂O₂ is needed as a co-substrate for the HRP, and the H₂O₂/dye ratio can greatly influence decolorization efficiency. Concentrations of H₂O₂ ranging from 0.22 to 4.4 mM showed no difference in terms of impact on the biocatalyst decolorization efficiency. The high decolorization efficiency of the biocatalysts was validated by the removal of 25 and 100 mg l^-1 anthraquinone (Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR)), triphenylmethane (Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB)), acridine (Acridine Orange (AO)), and formazan metal complex dye (Reactive Blue 52 (RB52)). After the seven consecutive decolorization cycles, the decolorization was still 53, 78, and 67% of the initial dye for the Al-HRP-Gel, Al-Gel-HRP, and Chitosan-HRP immobilizate, respectively. The results obtained showed potential of otherwise neglected acidic HRP isoforms as a cost-effective biocatalyst with significant potential in wastewater dyestuff treatment.

Biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by fungal enzymes: A review

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a large group of chemicals. They represent an important concern due to their widespread distribution in the environment, their resistance to biodegradation, their potential to bioaccumulate and their harmful effects. Several pilot treatments have been implemented to prevent economic consequences and deterioration of soil and water quality. As a promising option, fungal enzymes are regarded as a powerful choice for degradation of PAHs. Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pleurotus ostreatus and Bjerkandera adusta are most commonly used for the degradation of such compounds due to their production of ligninolytic enzymes such as lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase and laccase. The rate of biodegradation depends on many culture conditions, such as temperature, oxygen, accessibility of nutrients and agitated or shallow culture. Moreover, the addition of biosurfactants can strongly modify the enzyme activity. The removal of PAHs is dependent on the ionization potential. The study of the kinetics is not completely comprehended, and it becomes more challenging when fungi are applied for bioremediation. Degradation studies in soil are much more complicated than liquid cultures because of the heterogeneity of soil, thus, many factors should be considered when studying soil bioremediation, such as desorption and bioavailability of PAHs. Different degradation pathways can be suggested. The peroxidases are heme-containing enzymes having common catalytic cycles. One molecule of hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the resting enzyme withdrawing two electrons. Subsequently, the peroxidase is reduced back in two steps of one electron oxidation. Laccases are copper-containing oxidases. They reduce molecular oxygen to water and oxidize phenolic compounds.

Hemin-micelles immobilized in alginate hydrogels as artificial enzymes with peroxidase-like activity and substrate selectivity

Hemin-micelles immobilized in hydrogels were designed, which function as efficient artificial enzymes with high catalytic activity and substrate selectivity.

Enhancement of Peroxidase Stability Against Oxidative Self-Inactivation by Co-immobilization with a Redox-Active Protein in Mesoporous Silicon and Silica Microparticles

The study of the stability enhancement of a peroxidase immobilized onto mesoporous silicon/silica microparticles is presented. Peroxidases tend to get inactivated in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, their essential co-substrate, following an auto-inactivation mechanism. In order to minimize this inactivation, a second protein was co-immobilized to act as an electron acceptor and thus increase the stability against self-oxidation of peroxidase. Two heme proteins were immobilized into the microparticles: a fungal commercial peroxidase and cytochrome c from equine heart. Two types of biocatalysts were prepared: one with only covalently immobilized peroxidase (one-protein system) and another based on covalent co-immobilization of peroxidase and cytochrome c (two-protein system), both immobilized by using carbodiimide chemistry. The amount of immobilized protein was estimated spectrophotometrically, and the characterization of the biocatalyst support matrix was performed using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses. Stability studies show that co-immobilization with the two-protein system enhances the oxidative stability of peroxidase almost four times with respect to the one-protein system. Thermal stability analysis shows that the immobilization of peroxidase in derivatized porous silicon microparticles does not protect the protein from thermal denaturation, whereas biogenic silica microparticles confer significant thermal stabilization.