Screening of solvents for favoring hydrolytic activity of Candida antarctica Lipase B

Streamlined Chemo-Enzymatic Synthesis of Molnupiravir via Lipase Catalyst

An enzymatic approach for the synthesis of Molnupiravir has been developed using immobilized lipase as a biocatalyst. This method involves a concise process of the regioselective esterification of uridine with isobutyric anhydride using Lipase (Addzyme-011). This efficient route gets 97% conversion of uridine 3, with an overall 73% yield of molnupiravir 1 in two steps. The use of inexpensive and easily available lipase makes the synthesis cost-effective and accessible globally, promoting the principles of green chemistry.

Engineered Geobacillus lipolytic enzymes - Attractive polyesterases that degrade polycaprolactones and simultaneously produce esters

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental problems plaguing the modern world. Polyester-based plastics contribute significantly to this ecological safety concern. In this study, lipolytic biocatalysts GD-95RM and GDEst-lip developed based on lipase/esterase produced by Geobacillus sp. 95 strain were applied for the degradation of polycaprolactone films (Mn 45.000 (PCL45000) and Mn 80.000 (PCL80000)). The degradation efficiency was significantly enhanced by the addition of short chain alcohols. Lipase GD-95RM (1 mg) can depolymerize 264.0 mg and 280.7 mg of PCL45000 and PCL80000, films respectively, in a 24 h period at 30 °C, while the fused enzyme GDEst-lip (1 mg) is capable of degrading 145.5 mg PCL45000 and 134.0 mg of PCL80000 films in 24 h. The addition of ethanol (25 %) improves the degradation efficiency ~2.5 fold in the case of GD-95RM. In the case of GDEst-lip, 50 % methanol was found to be the optimal alcohol solution and the degradation efficiency was increased by ~3.25 times. The addition of alcohols not only increased degradation speeds but also allowed for simultaneous synthesis of industrially valuable 6-hydroxyhexonic acid esters. The suggested system is an attractive approach for removing of plastic waste and supports the principles of bioeconomics.

Do they make a good match? Molecular dynamics studies on CALB-catalyzed esterification of 3-phenylpropionic and cinnamic acids

Lipases are versatile catalysts widely used in industrial biotransformations and laboratory-scale developed reactions with industrial potential. Despite the fact that lipase B from Candida antarctica (CALB) is one of the most widely used lipolytic enzymes, its substrate specificity is still poorly understood. One observed trend is that reactions carried out with carboxylic acids containing a double bond are less efficient on average. Here, we have utilized a combination of in vitro and in silico techniques, to better understand the negative impact of a double bond on CALB-mediated esterification. Then through extensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we were able to map the entry pathway of cinnamic acid and its derivative into the CALB active site, and their interactions with catalytic residues. We observed a 2 step binding mechanism of studied compounds, where they first penetrate the enzyme pocket in a conformation where their carboxylic groups are extended towards the solvent. This is followed by further penetration of the acid into the enzymatic active pocket, and a full rotation within the active site, which orients the acid in a conformation that allows further steps of the esterification reaction. As acids containing a double bond are more rigid, their mobility and thus ability to rotate in the narrow CALB active site is hampered, which provides a structural explanation for the decreased efficiency of such acids. Our data provide insight into the substrate specificity of CALB-mediated esterification, providing important structural guidelines to better understand and potentially improve the efficiency of such reactions.

Effects of alcohol concentration and temperature on the dynamics and stability of mutant Staphylococcal lipase

The stability and activity of lipase in organic media are important parameters in determining how quickly biocatalysis proceeds. This study aimed to examine the effects of two commonly used alcohols in industrial applications, methanol (MtOH) and ethanol (EtOH) on the conformational stability and catalytic activity of G210C lipase, a laboratory-evolved mutant of Staphylococcus epidermidis AT2 lipase. Simulation studies were performed using an open-form predicted structure under 30, 40 and 50% of MtOH and EtOH at 25 °C and 45 °C. The overall enzyme structure becomes more flexible with increasing concentration of MtOH and exhibited the highest flexibility in 40% EtOH. In EtOH, the movement of the lid was found to be temperature-dependent with a noticeable shift in the lid position at 45 °C. Lid opening was evidenced at 50% of MtOH and EtOH which was supported by the increase in SASA of hydrophobic residues of the lid and catalytic triad. The active site remained mostly intact. An open-closed lid transition was observed when the structure was re-simulated in water. Experimental evaluation of the lipase stability showed that the half-life reduced when the enzyme was treated with 40% (v/v) and 50% (v/v) of EtOH and MtOH respectively. The finding implies that a high concentration of alcohol and elevated temperature can induce the lid opening of lipase which could be essential for the activation of the enzyme, provided that the catalytic performance in the active site is not compromised.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Enhanced activity of Candida antarctica lipase B in cholinium aminoate ionic liquids: a combined experimental and computational analysis

As a class of ionic liquids with higher biocompatibility, cholinium aminoates ([Cho][AA]) hold potential as solvation media for enzymatic bioprocessing. Herein, solvation effect of [Cho][AA] on structural stability and enzymatic activity of Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) was evaluated using experimental and computational approaches. Influence of [Cho][AA] on CALB stability was investigated using amino acid anions ([AA]-) with varying hydrophobicity levels. Choline phenylalaninate ([Cho][Phe]) resulted in 109.1% and 110.4% of relative CALB activity to buffer medium at 25 °C and 50 °C, respectively. Simulation results revealed the improvement of CALB's enzymatic activities by [AA]- with a strong hydrophobic character. Shielding of CALB from water molecules by [AA]- was observed. The level of CALB activity was governed by accumulation level of [AA]- at CALB's first hydration layer. The stronger interaction between His224 and Asp187 was postulated to be driven by [Cho][AA], resulting in the activity enhancement of CALB. The slight improvement of CALB activity in 0.05 M [Cho][Phe] at 50 °C could be due to the larger size of entrance to the catalytic site and the stronger interaction between the catalytic residues. The promising effect of [Cho][Phe] on CALB activation may stimulate research efforts in designing a 'fully green' bioreaction for various industrial applications.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

A Sustainable Green Enzymatic Method for Amide Bond Formation

A sustainable enzymatic strategy for the preparation of amides by using Candida antarctica lipase B as the biocatalyst and cyclopentyl methyl ether as a green and safe solvent was devised. The method is simple and efficient and it produces amides with excellent conversions and yields without the need for intensive purification steps. The scope of the reaction was extended to the preparation of 28 diverse amides using four different free carboxylic acids and seven primary and secondary amines, including cyclic amines. This enzymatic methodology has the potential to become a green and industrially reliable process for direct amide synthesis.

Lipase-mediated flow synthesis of nature-inspired phenolic carbonates

A facile and convenient lipase-catalyzed flow approach for the chemoselective synthesis of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol methyl carbonates has been developed in neat dimethylcarbonate. The products were obtained in quantitative yield with high catalyst productivity. The biocatalytic approach was then exploited for the preparation of value-added symmetrical tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol carbonates.

Enzymatic synthesis of amlodipine amides and evaluation of their anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity

Advancing with our project about the development of new antiparasitic agents, we have enzymatically synthesized a series of amides derived from amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker used as an antihypertensive drug. Through lipase-catalyzed acylation with different carboxylic acids, nineteen amlodipine derivatives were obtained, eighteen of which were new compounds. To optimize the reaction conditions, the influence of several reaction parameters was analyzed, finding different requisites for aliphatic carboxylic acids and phenylacetic acids. All synthesized compounds were evaluated as antiproliferative agents against Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of American trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease). Some of them showed significant activity against the amastigote form of T. cruzi, the clinically relevant form of the parasite. Among synthesized compounds, the derivatives of myristic and linolenic acids showed higher efficacy and lower cytotoxicity. These results added to the advantages shown by the enzymatic methodology, such as mild reaction conditions and low environmental impact, making this approach a valuable way to synthesize these amlodipine derivatives with an application as promising antiparasitic agents.

Improvement of stability and lipophilicity of pelargonidin-3-glucoside by enzymatic acylation with aliphatic dicarboxylic acid

Dicarboxylic acids derived acylated-anthocyanins are common in nature, which can also be obtained by enzymatic acylation of anthocyanins. However, little research have focused on the properties of anthocyanins with dicarboxylic acid derivatives due to the complexity of isolation, detection, and identification. In this work, pelargonidin-3-glucoside (Pg3G) was acylated with various dicarboxylic acids. The conversion yields of acylated Pg3G were positively associated with carbon chain lengths of dicarboxylic acids. The primary acylated products were identified as pelargonidin-3-(6″-malonyl) glucoside, pelargonidin-3-(6″-succinyl) glucoside, and pelargonidin-3-(6″-glutaryl) glucoside using LC-MS and NMR. Furthermore, the three acylated Pg3G derivatives exhibited improved thermostability and enhanced lipophilicity compared with Pg3G. The improved thermostability was attributed to the influence of dicarboxylic acids substituent on the distribution of flavylium cation, quinoidal base, hemiketal, cis-chalcone, and trans-chalcone at the equilibrium condition. Overall, our research provided insights about the improved stability and lipophilicity of pelargonidin-3-glucoside following enzymatic acylation with aliphatic dicarboxylic acids.

Advances in enzyme biocatalysis for the preparation of functional lipids

Functional lipids, mainly ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic (DHA; 22:6n-3), are known to have a variety of health benefits. Lipases and phospholipases are widely used to prepare different forms of structured lipids, since biocatalytic methods can be carried out under mild conditions, preserving the quality of the products. On the other hand, many processes still are conducted at high temperatures and with organic solvents, which are conditions unfavorable for the production of nutritional products. This article gives an updated overview of enzyme biocatalysis methods for the preparation of different derivatives containing n-3 PUFAs, including specific reactions, enzyme immobilization research for high-efficiency catalysis, and enzyme engineering technologies (higher selectivity, stability, and activity). Furthermore, advanced control strategies of biocatalytic processes and reactors are presented. The future prospect and opportunities for marine functional lipids are also discussed. Therefore, the obtainment of enzymes endowed with superior properties and the development of optimized processes, still have to be pursued to achieve greener bio-catalyzed processes.

Biocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of secondary allylic alcohols using Burkholderia cepacia lipase immobilized on multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The lipase from Burkholderia cepacia (BCL) was immobilized through physical adsorption on pristine and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with carboxyl or amine groups and used in the stereoselective acylation of (R,S)-1-octen-3-ol (1) and (R,S)-(E)-4-phenyl-3-buten-2-ol (4) with vinyl acetate. All immobilized preparations produced better results than free BCL. For (R,S)-4, 50% conversion and E > 200 were obtained in n-hexane or in solvent-free medium. For (R,S)-1, in solvent-free medium, the conversion was 38% with a slight increase in the E-value (E = 10).

Machine learning aided experimental approach for evaluating the growth kinetics of Candida antarctica for lipase production

A hybrid machine learning (ML) aided experimental approach was proposed in this study to evaluate the growth kinetics of Candida antarctica for lipase production. Different ML models were trained and optimized to predict the growth curves at various substrate concentrations. Results on comparison demonstrate the superior performance of the Gradient boosting regression (GBR) model in growth curves prediction. GBR-based growth kinetics was found to be matching well with the results of the conventional experimental approach while significantly reducing the experimental effort, time, and resources by ∼ 50%. Further, the activity and enzyme kinetics of lipase produced in this study was investigated on hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl butyrate resulting in a maximum lipase activity of 24.07 U at 44 h. The robustness and significance of developed kinetic models were ensured through detailed statistical analysis. The application of the proposed hybrid approach can be extended to any other microbial process.

Reactivity of a Recombinant Esterase from Thermus thermophilus HB27 in Aqueous and Organic Media

The thermoalkalophilic membrane-associated esterase E34Tt from Thermus thermophilus HB27 was cloned and expressed in Kluyveromyces lactis (KLEST-3S esterase). The recombinant enzyme was tested as a biocatalyst in aqueous and organic media. It displayed a high thermal stability and was active in the presence of 10% (v/v) organic solvents and 1% (w/v) detergents. KLEST-3S hydrolysed triglycerides of various acyl chains, which is a rare characteristic among carboxylic ester hydrolases from extreme thermophiles, with maximum activity on tributyrin. It also displayed interfacial activation towards triacetin. KLEST-3S was also tested as a biocatalyst in organic media. The esterase provided high yields for the acetylation of alcohols. In addition, KLEST-3S catalyzed the stereoselective hydrolysis of (R,S)-ibuprofen methyl ester (87% ee). Our results indicate that KLEST-3S may be a robust and efficient biocatalyst for application in industrial bioconversions.

Enantiodivergent Synthesis of Halofuginone by Candida antarctica Lipase B (CAL-B)-Catalyzed Kinetic Resolution in Cyclopentyl Methyl Ether (CPME)

The synthesis of both enantiomers of a key intermediate in the synthesis of halofuginone was accomplished by a Candida antarctica lipase B (CAL-B)-catalyzed kinetic resolution of the corresponding racemate. When the resolution was carried out in the versatile solvent cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME) using p-chlorophenylbutyrate (PCPB) as the acylating reagent, the highest enantiomeric ratio (E) values were measured, and highly enantioenriched (95% ee) compounds could be obtained in a single iteration. As an example, one of the two enantiomers was used as a starting material to prepare (+)-halofuginone in a three-step procedure.

Studies on the Catalytic Properties of Crude Freeze-Dried Preparations of Yarrowia lipolytica Extracellular Lipases for Geranyl Ester Derivative Synthesis

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of selected factors of the freeze-drying process on the hydrolytic and synthetic activity of the extracellular lipases of Y. lipolytica KKP 379 and to attempt the use of the crude enzyme preparation as a biocatalyst in the synthesis of geranyl 4-hydroxyphenylpropanoate. Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the geranyl ester derivative were also investigated in order to evaluate their usefulness as a novel food additive. The studies confirmed that freeze-drying was an effective method of dehydrating yeast supernatant and allowed for obtaining lyophilizates with low water activity from 0.055 to 0.160. The type and concentration of the additive (2-6% whey protein hydrolyzate, 0.5% and 1% ammonium sulphate) had a significant effect on the hydrolytic activity of enzyme preparations, while the selected variants of drying temperature during the freeze-drying process were not significant (10 °C and 50 °C). Low yield of geranyl 4-hydroxyphenylopropionate was shown when the lyophilized supernatant was used (5.3%), but the yield of ester synthesis increased when the freeze-dried Y. lipolytica yeast biomass was applied (47.9%). The study confirmed the antioxidant properties of the synthesized ester by the DPPH• and CUPRAC methods, as well as higher antibacterial activity against tested bacteria than its precursor with 0.125 mM MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) against L. monocytogenes.

Aeration and Stirring in Yarrowia lipolytica Lipase Biosynthesis during Batch Cultures with Waste Fish Oil as a Carbon Source

Yarrowia lipolytica is one of the most studied non-conventional forms of yeast, exhibiting a high secretory capacity and producing many industrially important and valuable metabolites. The yeast conceals a great biotechnological potential to synthesize organic acids, sweeteners, microbial oil, or fragrances. The vast majority of bioprocesses are carried out in bioreactors, where suitable culture conditions are provided. In the current study, the effect of agitation speed (200–600 rpm) and air flow rate (0.0375–2.0 dm3/(dm3 × min)) on the biomass yield and lipase activity of Y. lipolytica KKP 379 is analyzed in a growth medium containing waste fish oil. The increase of aeration intensity limited the period of oxygen deficit in the medium. Simultaneously, an increase in lipolytic activity was observed from 2.09 U/cm3 to 14.21 U/cm3; however, an excessive agitation speed likely caused oxidative or shear stresses, and a reduction in lipolytic activity was observed. Moreover, it is confirmed that the synthesis of lipases is related to oxygen consumption, pH, and the yeast growth phase, and appropriate process selection may provide two advantages, namely, the maximum use of the waste carbon source and the production of lipolytic enzymes that are valuable in many industries.

Preparing spray-dried cholesterol free salad dressing emulsified with enzymatically synthesized mixed mono- and diglycerides from rice bran oil and glycerol

A spray-dried cholesterol free salad dressing powder was developed using mixed mono- and diglycerides (MG-DG) as emulsifier. The optimum conditions for enzymatic synthesis of the MG-DG from rice bran oil (RBO) and glycerol (Gly) using Candida antarctica lipase was investigated. The synthesis was done by glycerolysis of refined RBO and Gly at molar ratios of 2:1, 2.5:1 and 3:1 (Gly to RBO) and enzyme concentrations of 2% and 5%. Highest MG and DG yield (0.54 ± 0.01 and 0.49.03 ± 0.0 mg/mL) was obtained in sample prepared using 2:1 molar ratio and 5% enzyme concentration and this sample is considered optimum. Salad dressings prepared using 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% MG-DG concentration (of optimum MG-DG) were spray dried at inlet temperatures of 150, 160 and 170 °C to find the best conditions. Salad dressing of 0.5% MG-DG spray-dried at 170 °C had the highest powder yield (42.70%), solubility (98.04%) and stability (100%). After reconstitution, this optimum sample was compared well next to a control salad dressing prepared using commercial distilled monoglycerides. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of preparing a spray dried salad dressing powder with the synthesized MG-DG as an emulsifier.

Biochemical and Structural Characterization of a novel thermophilic esterase EstD11 provide catalytic insights for the HSL family

A novel esterase, EstD11, has been discovered in a hot spring metagenomic library. It is a thermophilic and thermostable esterase with an optimum temperature of 60°C. A detailed substrate preference analysis of EstD11 was done using a library of chromogenic ester substrate that revealed the broad substrate specificity of EstD11 with significant measurable activity against 16 substrates with varied chain length, steric hindrance, aromaticity and flexibility of the linker between the carboxyl and the alcohol moiety of the ester. The tridimensional structures of EstD11 and the inactive mutant have been determined at atomic resolutions. Structural and bioinformatic analysis, confirm that EstD11 belongs to the family IV, the hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) family, from the α/β-hydrolase superfamily. The canonical α/β-hydrolase domain is completed by a cap domain, composed by two subdomains that can unmask of the active site to allow the substrate to enter. Eight crystallographic complexes were solved with different substrates and reaction products that allowed identification of the hot-spots in the active site underlying the specificity of the protein. Crystallization and/or incubation of EstD11 at high temperature provided unique information on cap dynamics and a first glimpse of enzymatic activity in vivo. Very interestingly, we have discovered a unique Met zipper lining the active site and the cap domains that could be essential in pivotal aspects as thermo-stability and substrate promiscuity in EstD11.

Exploring the Impact of Lipid-Rich Food Industry Waste Carbon Sources on the Growth of Candida cylindracea DSM 2031

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using several lipid-rich food industry wastes in the culture medium on the growth of Candida cylindracea DSM 2031 yeast strain. Four lipid wastes from the food industry: waste fish oil, rancid ghee, waste pork lard, and waste duck processing oil were investigated. It has been shown in the laboratory scale that the above-mentioned wastes can be used to obtain biomass and produce lipolytic enzymes by the tested strain and the C. cylindracea extracellular lipase is not constitutive. High yields of biomass (12.84, 12.75, and 12.24 g/dm3) were obtained in media containing waste duck processing oil, olive oil, and waste pork lard, respectively. The highest lipolytic activity was obtained in the media containing waste fish oil and rancid ghee (0.050 and 0.047 U/cm3). During 192-h flask cultures the highest extracellular lipase activity and biomass yield were observed in the late logarithmic phase. The study showed that there is a potential for waste management to produce lipolytic enzymes or to produce yeast biomass. The use of waste substrates may contribute to lowering the costs of commercial production, and such a solution is part of the sustainable development strategy.

One Pot Use of Combilipases for Full Modification of Oils and Fats: Multifunctional and Heterogeneous Substrates

Lipases are among the most utilized enzymes in biocatalysis. In many instances, the main reason for their use is their high specificity or selectivity. However, when full modification of a multifunctional and heterogeneous substrate is pursued, enzyme selectivity and specificity become a problem. This is the case of hydrolysis of oils and fats to produce free fatty acids or their alcoholysis to produce biodiesel, which can be considered cascade reactions. In these cases, to the original heterogeneity of the substrate, the presence of intermediate products, such as diglycerides or monoglycerides, can be an additional drawback. Using these heterogeneous substrates, enzyme specificity can promote that some substrates (initial substrates or intermediate products) may not be recognized as such (in the worst case scenario they may be acting as inhibitors) by the enzyme, causing yields and reaction rates to drop. To solve this situation, a mixture of lipases with different specificity, selectivity and differently affected by the reaction conditions can offer much better results than the use of a single lipase exhibiting a very high initial activity or even the best global reaction course. This mixture of lipases from different sources has been called “combilipases” and is becoming increasingly popular. They include the use of liquid lipase formulations or immobilized lipases. In some instances, the lipases have been coimmobilized. Some discussion is offered regarding the problems that this coimmobilization may give rise to, and some strategies to solve some of these problems are proposed. The use of combilipases in the future may be extended to other processes and enzymes.