Characterization of lipases and esterases from metagenomes for lipid modification

Article abstract of DOI:10.1007/s11746-007-1161-2

Three hundred and fifty novel lipases and esterases discovered from environmental DNA samples were characterized for their fatty acid profile using GC-analysis. Enzymes were selected for further study based on activity and fatty acid chain length specificity. Additional characterization was based on enzyme activity towards tributyrin and 4-methylumbelliferyl butyrate, and enzyme heat stability. Several lipases were identified, which show high specificity towards short-chain fatty acids similar to pregastric lipases from kid and calf and a lipase from Mucor javanicus. Additionally, the metagenome-derived enzymes were thermostable. Selected metagenomic lipases were immobilized on Celite and used for the synthesis of structured triglycerides.