In Vivo Enzyme Entrapment in a Protein Crystal

J Am Chem Soc. 2020 Jun 3;142(22):9879-9883. doi: 10.1021/jacs.9b13462. Epub 2020 May 19.

Abstract

Cry3Aa is a protein that forms crystals naturally in the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. Here we report that coexpression of Cry3Aa and a Proteus mirabilis lipase without recombinant fusion results in the efficient passive entrapment of the lipase within the nanoporous channels of the resulting crystals. This Cry3Aa crystal-mediated entrapment provides multiple benefits to the lipase including a high enzyme loading, significantly improved thermostability, increased proteolytic resistance, and the ability to be utilized as a recyclable biodiesel catalyst. These characteristics, along with its greatly simplified method of isolation, highlight the potential of Cry3Aa crystal-mediated enzyme entrapment for use in biocatalysis and other biotechnological applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins / chemistry*
  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins / metabolism
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Endotoxins / chemistry*
  • Endotoxins / metabolism
  • Hemolysin Proteins / chemistry*
  • Hemolysin Proteins / metabolism
  • Models, Molecular

Substances

  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins
  • Endotoxins
  • Hemolysin Proteins
  • insecticidal crystal protein, Bacillus Thuringiensis