Molecular cloning and biochemical characterization of a novel cold-adapted alpha-amylase with multiple extremozyme characteristics

A gene coding for an alpha-amylase (Amy-E) from Exiguobacteriurn sp. SH3 was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli. The enzyme was purified as a functional His-tagged protein of about 53 kDa with maximum activity at 30 degrees C and pH 6.5. Amy-E was also able to function well at low temperatures, retaining 41% of its maximum activity in assays conducted at 0 degrees C. The activation and inactivation energies of the enzyme were found to be 4.46 and 11.76 kcal mol(-1), respectively. The substrate specificity of Amy-E was in the following order: soluble starch (100%), maltodextrin (87.6%); amylopectin (62.2%), wheat flour (53%), and rice flour (48.7). The K-m and V-max of soluble starch hydrolysis were found to be 2.29 mg ml(-1) and 1405 U. Amy-E not only was halotolerant but also its activity was stimulated at high salt concentrations in the range of 1-5 M. The enzyme activity was also stimulated by non-ionic surfactants (Triton X-100 and Tween 20) at 20% and 50% concentrations. It was remarkably stable against sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), alcohols, and acetone. Amy-E as an extremozyme, seems quite promising for applications that are conducted at low temperatures and low water activity conditions. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.