Highly reusable invertase biocatalyst: Biological fibrils functionalized by photocrosslinking

Magnetic amyloid-based biocatalyst for the hydrolysis of urea

The presence of urea in wines and other alcoholic beverages represents a critical problem since it can chemically react with ethanol, which leads to the formation of ethyl carbamate, a carcinogenic agent according to the World Health Organization. Here we report the creation of a biocatalyst for the hydrolysis of urea, which could potentially be used before bottling alcoholic drinks. For this, the effective surface area of streptavidin-labeled magnetic microparticles was amplified by functionalization with biotin-labeled hen egg lysozyme amyloid fibers. Subsequently, by using copper and hydrogen peroxide induced cross-linking of unmodified proteins (CHICUP), soybean urease was immobilized to the fibers. This gave rise to a magnetic biocatalyst with remarkable urease activity, which was maintained even after 10 reuses. We propose that this strategy could be used as a platform for immobilizing other molecules to design and develop a myriad of biocatalysts for the food industry.

Contemporary Enzyme-Based Methods for Recombinant Proteins In Vitro Phosphorylation

Phosphorylation is a reversible, enzyme-controlled posttranslational process affecting approximately one-third of all proteins in eukaryotic cells at any given time. Any deviation in the degree and/or site of phosphorylation leads to an abnormal conformation of proteins, resulting in a decline or loss of their function. Knowledge of phosphorylation-related pathways is essential for understanding the understanding of the disease pathogenesis and for the design of new therapeutic strategies. Recent availability of various kinases at an affordable price differs in activity, specificity, and stability and provides the opportunity of studying and modulating this reaction in vitro. We can exploit this knowledge for other applications. There is an enormous potential to produce fully decorated and active recombinant proteins, either for biomedical or cosmetic applications. Closely related is the possibility to exploit current achievements and develop new safe and efficacious vaccines, drugs, and immunomodulators. In this review, we outlined the current enzyme-based possibilities for in vitro phosphorylation of peptides and recombinant proteins and the added value that immobilized kinases provide.