• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.1067-1076
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• 2016

The gene encoding lipase (Lip98) from Aeromicrobium sp. SCSIO 25071 was cloned and functionally expressed in Escherichia coli. Lip98 amino acid sequence shares the highest (49%) identity to Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 lipase and contains a novel motif (GHSEG), which is different from other clusters in the lipase superfamily. The recombinant lipase was purified to homogeneity with Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. Lip98 showed an apparent molecular mass of 30 kDa on SDS gel. The optimal temperature and pH value for enzymatic activity were recorded at 30℃ and 7.5, respectively. Lip98 exhibited high activity at low temperatures with 35% maximum activity at 0℃ and good stability at temperatures below 35℃. Its calculated activation energy was 4.12 kcal/mol at the low temperature range of 15-30℃. Its activity was slightly affected by some metal ions such as K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Na⁺. The activity of Lip98 was increased by various organic solvents such as DMSO, ethanol, acetone, and hexane with the concentration of 30% (v/v) and retained more than 30% residual activity in neat organic solvent. The unique characteristics of Lip98 imply that it is a promising candidate for industrial application as a nonaqueous biocatalyst and food additive.