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Lipases and Esterases from Extremophiles: Overview and Case Example of the Production and Purification of an Esterase from Thermus thermophilus HB27

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Lipases and Phospholipases

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 861))

Abstract

Extremophiles are organisms that have evolved to exist in a variety of extreme environments. They fall into a number of different classes that include thermophiles, halophiles, acidophiles, alkalophiles, psychrophiles, and barophiles (piezophiles). Extremophiles have the potential to produce uniquely valuable biocatalysts that function under conditions in which usually the enzymes of their nonextremophilic counterparts could not. Among novel enzymes isolated from extremophilic microorganisms, hydrolases, and particularly lipases and esterases are experiencing a growing demand. Lipases (EC 3.1.1.3) and esterases (EC 3.1.1.1) catalyze the cleavage of ester bounds in aqueous media and the reverse reaction in organic solvents. Both lipolytic enzymes have relevant applications in food, dairy, detergent, biofuel, and pharmaceutical industries. Here, we summarize the properties of lipases and esterases from the main extremophile groups: thermophiles and hyperthermophiles, psychrophiles, halophiles, alkalophiles/acidophiles, and solvent-resistant microorganisms.

We report the biomass and lipolytic activity production by Thermus thermophilus HB27 in 5-L stirred-tank bioreactor at 70°C. Suitability of thermal spring water for culture media formulation is shown. In addition, a protocol to isolate and purify a cell-bound esterase from this microorganism is described.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the University of Vigo and Deputación Provincial de Ourense (Project INOU10-08). We thank Dr. Berenguer for providing the Thermus strain. Pablo Fuciños is an Ánxeles-Alvariño Research Fellow (Xunta de Galicia, Spain).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food and Analytical Chemistry, University of Vigo, Ourense, Spain

    Pablo Fuciños, Roberto González, Estrella Atanes, Ana Belén Fernández Sestelo, Nelson Pérez-Guerra, Lorenzo Pastrana & María Luisa Rúa

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  1. Pablo Fuciños
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Correspondence to María Luisa Rúa .

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  1. CIATEJ-CONACYT, Industrial Biotechnology Unit, Avda. Normalistas 800, Guadalajara, 44270, Jalisco, Mexico

    Georgina Sandoval

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Fuciños, P. et al. (2012). Lipases and Esterases from Extremophiles: Overview and Case Example of the Production and Purification of an Esterase from Thermus thermophilus HB27. In: Sandoval, G. (eds) Lipases and Phospholipases. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 861. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-600-5_15

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