Biochemical Characterization of Heat-Tolerant Recombinant l-Arabinose Isomerase from Enterococcus faecium DBFIQ E36 Strain with Feasible Applications in d-Tagatose Production

摘要

d-Tagatose is a ketohexose, which presents unique properties as a low-calorie functional sweetener possessing a sweet flavor profile similar to d-sucrose and having no aftertaste. Considered a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substance by FAO/WHO, d-tagatose can be used as an intermediate for the synthesis of other optically active compounds as well as an additive in detergent, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations. This study reports important features for l-arabinose isomerase (EC 5.3.1.4) (L-AI) use in industry. We describe arabinose (araA) gene virulence analysis, gene isolation, sequencing, cloning, and heterologous overexpression of L-AI from the food-grade GRAS bacterium Enterococcus faecium DBFIQ E36 in Escherichia coli and assess biochemical properties of this recombinant enzyme. Recombinant L-AI (rL-AI) was one-step purified to homogeneity by Ni2+-agarose resin affinity chromatography and biochemical characterization revealed low identity with both thermophilic and mesophilic L-AIs but high degree of conservation in residues involved in substrate recognition. Optimal conditions for rL-AI activity were 50 degrees C, pH 5.5, and 0.3mM Mn2+, exhibiting a low cofactor concentration requirement and an acidic optimum pH. Half-life at 45 degrees C and 50 degrees C were 1427h and 11h, respectively, and 21.5h and 39.5h at pH 4.5 and 5.6, respectively, showing the high stability of the enzyme in the presence of a metallic cofactor. Bioconversion yield for d-tagatose biosynthesis was 45% at 50 degrees C after 48h. These properties highlight the technological potential of E. faecium rL-AI as biocatalyst for d-tagatose production.