Functional and structural studies of Bacillus licheniformis carboxylesterases and their biotechnological potencial

• Grant number: 15/26041-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: April 01, 2016
• End date: March 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biophysics - Molecular Biophysics
• Principal Investigator: Igor Polikarpov
• Grantee: Aline Minali Nakamura
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Esterases (EC 3.1.1.1 - carboxylesterases) are biocatalysts widely used in industrial processes due to their versatility, accepting a wide range of substrates while maintaining the regio- and enantioselectivity, furthermore they do not require cofactors and are stable in organic solvents. Owing to these features, these enzymes have a great biotechnological potential and are widely used in various industry sectors such as food industry; synthesis of chiral compounds for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and fragrances development; and biodiesel production. Due to the constant search for new technologies and more efficient and economically viable enzymes, Bacillus licheniformis is a good prospecting source of new carboxylesterases as well as being an organism of great interest to industry. This is because it is found in soil and in plants; can be aerobic or facultative anaerobic, which allows its growth in different media and niche; it is not pathogenic; secretes enzymes efficiently; and its saprophytic habits make it a source of enzymes which degrade biopolymers. Despite the relevance, there is no structural studies of B. licheniformis carboxylesterases, which would be essential for understanding the enzyme catalytic mechanisms and assess its applications. Thus, this project aims to identify and characterize, both structural and biochemical B. licheniformis esterases, enabling provide knowledge about their enzymatic mechanisms and elucidate their biotechnological potential.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

NAKAMURA, Aline Minali. Functional and structural studies of carboxylesterases from Bacillus licheniformis. 2020. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC/BT) São Carlos.