Immobilization of proteases extracted from Bromelia fastuosa (Gravatá): an alternative source of enzymes for the hydrolysis of protein substrates?

• Grant number: 21/11384-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2022
• End date: March 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Ariela Veloso de Paula
• Grantee: Lucas Butrico Barbosa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Proteases are one of the main enzymes used in industrial processes today. These enzymes are responsible for catalyzing the hydrolysis of peptide bonds present in proteins. As these bonds are responsible for maintaining the native structure of these molecules, when they are hydrolyzed, their fragments, the peptides, are released. These peptides, with bioactive potential, may have several properties that are beneficial to human health, such as antioxidants, antihypertensive and antibacterial. Among the sources of these proteases, those of plant origin stand out, which for the most part are classified as cysteine proteases. This class of proteases has some of the main enzymes used in bioprocesses in general, such as bromelain (Ananas comosus) and papain (Carica papaya). One of the fruits that stands out as a recent alternative source of these cysteine proteases is the Gravatá (Bromelia fastuosa). However, not many studies have been carried out on this fruit and its enzymes. However, among the studies carried out, it has already been shown that at least one of its proteases, fastuosain, has characteristics similar to those of papain, demonstrating the possible applications of these enzymes. In this context, the objective of the present work is to evaluate the Gravatá as a new alternative source for the extraction of proteases and to determine possible supports to immobilize them. In addition, the operating parameters of both free enzymes and immobilized derivatives will also be analyzed, applying them in whey hydrolysis reactions for the production of bioactive peptides. (AU)