Immobilized polyphenol oxidase: Preparation, optimization and oxidation of phenolic compounds

Immobilization, optimization, characterization and kinetic properties of polyphenol oxidase to multi-walled carbon nanotube

In this study, the kinetic properties of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) extracted from Satureja cuneifolia were investigated using catechol and 4-methylcatechol as substrates. Optimal pH and temperature values were determined at each purification step. Subsequently, the optimum immobilization conditions were established as 2 hours of stirring time and 0.05 g of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Characterization by BET, FTIR, DTA/TG, TEM, and SEM/EDX analyses confirmed the successful immobilization of PPO onto mesoporous MWCNTs, with notable changes in surface morphology and thermal degradation behavior. The optimum pH for the free enzyme remained constant across purification methods but varied with the substrate, while the optimum temperature was consistently found at 30 °C. Upon immobilization, the optimum temperature shifted to higher values, indicating enhanced thermal stability. Catalytic efficiency (Vmax/KM) for catechol decreased significantly after immobilization (from 2.5 × 106 to 5 × 104 min-1), whereas for 4-methylcatechol, the immobilized enzyme retained a high catalytic efficiency (Vmax/KM =1 × 106 min-1), comparable to that of the free enzyme. This shift suggests that immobilization favored substrate specificity toward 4-methylcatechol. Overall, the MWCNT-PPO system demonstrated enhanced stability, improved reusability, and altered substrate selectivity, making it a strong candidate for industrial biocatalytic applications where operational durability and efficiency are critical.

Tyrosinases: a family of copper-containing metalloenzymes

Tyrosinases (TYRs) are a family of copper-containing metalloenzymes that are present in all domains of life. TYRs catalyze the reactions that start the biosynthesis of melanin, the main pigment of the animal kingdom, and are also involved in the formation of the bright colors seen on the caps of mushrooms and in the petals of flowers. TYRs catalyze the ortho-hydroxylation and oxidation of phenols and the oxidation of catechols to the respective o-quinones. They only need molecular oxygen to do that, and the products of TYRs-o-quinones-are highly reactive and will usually react with the next available nucleophile. This reactivity can be harnessed for pharmaceutical applications as well as in environmental and food biotechnology. The majority of both basic and applied research on TYRs utilizes "mushroom tyrosinase", a crude enzyme preparation derived from button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) fruiting bodies. Access to pure TYR preparations comes almost exclusively from the production of recombinant TYRs as the purification of these enzymes from the natural source is usually very laborious and plagued by low yields. In this text an introduction into the biochemistry of the enzyme TYR will be given, followed by an overview of available structural data of TYRs, the current model for the catalytic mechanism, a survey of reports on the recombinant production of this important metalloenzyme family, and a review of the applications of TYRs for the synthesis of catechols, as biosensors, in bioremediation, for the cross-linking of proteins and medical hydrogels as well as for melanoma treatment.

Graphical Abstract

A critical review of enzymes immobilized on chitosan composites: characterization and applications

Enzymes with industrial significance are typically used in biological processes. However, instability, high sensitivity, and impractical recovery are the major drawbacks of enzymes in practical applications. In recent years, the immobilization technology has attracted wide attention to overcoming these restrictions and improving the efficiency of enzyme applications. Chitosan (CS) is a unique functional substance with biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and antibacterial properties. Chitosan composites are anticipated to be widely used in the near future for a variety of purposes, including as supports for enzyme immobilization, because of their advantages. Therefor this review explores the effects of the chitosan's structure, molecular weight, degree of deacetylation on the enzyme immobilized, effect of key factors, and the enzymes immobilized on chitosan based composites for numerous applications, including the fields of biosensor, biomedical science, food industry, environmental protection, and industrial production. Moreover, this study carefully investigates the advantages and disadvantages of using these composites as well as their potential in the future.

Immobilization of Agaricus bisporus Polyphenol Oxidase 4 on mesoporous silica: Towards mimicking key enzymatic processes in peat soils

HYPOTHESIS

The use of immobilized enzyme-type biocatalysts to mimic specific processes in soil can be considered one of the most promising alternatives to overcome the difficulties behind the structural elucidation of riverine humic-derived iron-complexes. Herein, we propose that the immobilization of the functional mushroom tyrosinase, Agaricus bisporus Polyphenol Oxidase 4 (AbPPO4) on mesoporous SBA-15-type silica could contribute to the study of small aquatic humic ligands such as phenols.

EXPERIMENTS

The silica support was functionalized with amino-groups in order to investigate the impact of surface charge on the tyrosinase loading efficiency as well as on the catalytic performance of adsorbed AbPPO4. The oxidation of various phenols was catalyzed by the AbPPO4-loaded bioconjugates, yielding high levels of conversion and confirming the retention of enzyme activity after immobilization. The structures of the oxidized products were elucidated by integrating chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. We also evaluated the stability of the immobilized enzyme over a wide range of pH values, temperatures, storage-times and sequential catalytic cycles.

FINDINGS

This is the first report where the latent AbPPO4 is confined within silica mesopores. The improved catalytic performance of the adsorbed AbPPO4 shows the potential use of these silica-based mesoporous biocatalysts for the preparation of a column-type bioreactor for in situ identification of soil samples.

Biochemical properties of purified polyphenol oxidase from bitter leaf (Vernoniaamygdalina)

Polyphenol oxidase which is responsible for oxidative conversion of phenolic compounds to polymers, has continued to attract the attention of scientists. Here, we report the extraction, purification and biochemical properties of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) from bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina). The enzyme was purified and concentrated using a non-conventional approach, aqueous two-phase partitioning (ATPS) and the biochemical properties of the purified enzyme were investigated. Substrate specificity studies revealed that the enzyme predominantly exhibits diphenolase activity. The order of substrate preference was catechol > L-DOPA > caffeic acid > L-tyrosine > resorcinol>2-naphthol > phenol. The optimum pH and temperature obtained for the enzyme using catechol as substrate were 5.5 and 50 °C respectively. The estimated Michaelis constant (K_m) and maximum velocity (V_max) for the purified vaPPO using catechol as substrate were 183 ± 5.0 mM and 2000 ± 15 units/mg protein respectively. The catalytic efficiency (V_max/K_m) of the purified vaPPO was 10.9 ± 0.03 min/mg. Na⁺, K⁺ and Ba²⁺ remarkably activated the enzyme and the level of activation was proportional to the concentration. The vaPPO presented stability in the presence of up to 50 mM of the different metal ions tested. In contrast, Cu²⁺ and NH₄⁺ inhibited the enzyme even 10 mM concentrations. The enzyme was stable in chloroform retaining up to 60% relative activity at 50% (v/v) concentration. There was an increase in the activity (143%) of the enzyme at 30% (v/v) chloroform., revealing that vaPPO could catalyze the substrate more efficiently in 30% (v/v) chloroform. Total loss of enzyme activity was observed at 20% (v/v) concentrations of acetone, ethanol and methanol. In conclusion, the properties of the vaPPO such as its catalysis in the presence of organic solvents, metals and high temperature would be of interest in many biotechnological applications.

A comprehensive review of polyphenol oxidase in tea (Camellia sinensis): Physiological characteristics, oxidation manufacturing, and biosynthesis of functional constituents

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is a metalloenzyme with a type III copper core that is abundant in nature. As one of the most essential enzymes in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), the further regulation of PPO is critical for enhancing defensive responses, cultivating high-quality germplasm resources of tea plants, and producing tea products that are both functional and sensory qualities. Due to their physiological and pharmacological values, the constituents from the oxidative polymerization of PPO in tea manufacturing may serve as functional foods to prevent and treat chronic non-communicable diseases. However, current knowledge of the utilization of PPO in the tea industry is only available from scattered sources, and a more comprehensive study is required to reveal the relationship between PPO and tea obviously. A more comprehensive review of the role of PPO in tea was reported for the first time, as its classification, catalytic mechanism, and utilization in modulating tea flavors, compositions, and nutrition, along with the relationships between PPO-mediated enzymatic reactions and the formation of functional constituents in tea, and the techniques for the modification and application of PPO based on modern enzymology and synthetic biology are summarized and suggested in this article.

Chitosan fabricated biogenic silver nanoparticles (Ch@BSNP) protectively modulate the defense mechanism of tomato during bacterial leaf spot (BLS) disease

Herein, the impact of chitosan fabricated biogenic silver nanoparticles (Ch@BSNP) has been evaluated for the protective management of bacterial leaf spot (BLS) disease in tomatoes caused by Xanthomonas campestris (NCIM5028). The Ch@BSNP originated by the Trichoderma viride (MTCC5661) derived extracellular compounds and subsequent chitosan hybridization. Spherical-shaped Ch@BSNP (30-35 nm) treated diseased plants were able to combat the biotic stress, as evidenced by the decreased elevated response of stress markers viz; anthocyanin (34.02%), proline (45.00%), flavonoids (20.26%), lipid peroxidation (10.00%), guaiacol peroxidase (36.58%), ascorbate peroxidase (41.50%), polyphenol oxidase (25.34%) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (2.10 fold) as compared to untreated diseased plants. Increased biochemical content specifically sugar (15.43%), phenolics (49.10%), chlorophyll, and carotenoids were measured in Ch@BSNP-treated diseased plants compared to untreated X. campestris-infested plants. The Ch@BSNP considerably reduced stress by increasing net photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency along with decreased transpiration rate and stomatal conductance in comparison to infected plants. Additionally, the expression of defense-regulatory genes viz; growth responsive (AUX, GH3, SAUR), early defense responsive (WRKYTF22, WRKY33, NOS1), defense responsive (PR1, NHO1, NPR1), hypersensitivity responsive (Pti, RbohD, OXI1) and stress hormones responsive (MYC2, JAR1, ERF1) were found to be upregulated in diseased plants while being significantly downregulated in Ch@BSNP-treated diseased plants. Furthermore, fruits obtained from pathogen-compromised plants treated with Ch@BSNP had higher levels of health-promoting compounds including lycopene and beta-carotene than infected plant fruits. This nano-enabled and environmentally safer crop protection strategy may encourage a sustainable agri-system towards the world's growing food demand and promote food security.

Bio-imprinted magnetic cross-linked polyphenol oxidase aggregates for enhanced synthesis of L-dopa, a neurodegenerative therapeutic drug

Bio-imprinted magnetic cross-linked enzyme aggregates (i-m-CLEAs) of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) obtained from potato peels were prepared using amino-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. Bio-imprinting is being used to improve the catalytic efficiency and conformational stability of enzymes. For bio-imprinting, PPO was incubated with different imprint/template molecules (catechol, 4-methyl catechol and l-3,4-dihydroxy phenylalanine) before cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. CLEAs imprinted with 4-methyl catechol showed maximum activity as compared with non-bio-imprinted magnetic CLEAs (m-CLEAs). They were further characterized by scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy. In bio-imprinted m-CLEAs, half-life (t_1/2) of PPO significantly improved (364.74 min) as compared to free PPO (43.58 min) and non-bio-imprinted m-CLEAs (266.54 min). Bio-imprinted m-CLEAs showed excellent thermal and storage stability as well as reusability. The CLEAs preparation were used for the synthesis of l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa, a therapeutic drug to treat neurodegenerative disorder) and a remarkable increase in L-dopa yield (23.5-fold) was obtained as compared to free enzyme. A cost effective and reusable method has been described for the production of L-dopa.

Energetic Bio-Activation of Some Organic Molecules and Their Antioxidant Activity in the Pulp of the Moroccan Argan Tree «Argania spinosa L.»

Argania spinosa L. Skeels is an emblematic tree in Morocco, known worldwide for its medicinal and nutritional value. Its fruits contain kernels used to prepare an edible oil, the leaves are used to feed livestock, and its wood is used as fuel. If the oil acquires high importance, the other components of the fruit of the argan are undervalued. Our objective is to invest the waste of the argan industry. Particularly, our study aimed to assess the effect of thermal activation of argan pulp on its therapeutic value, its phenolic profile and its functional and physicochemical properties. After heat treatment, the HPLC analysis for the average total phenolic content varied from 2% to 37%, depending on temperature. The antioxidant activity was increased with heat treatment. Higher values of antioxidant activity, polyphenol and pigment content were recorded at 70 °C. Functional properties analysis indicated that water solubility index and water absorption capacity were significantly affected by heat stress. Physicochemical analysis showed that moisture content, titratable acidity and soluble solids were affected.

Immobilized enzymes and cell systems: an approach to the removal of phenol and the challenges to incorporate nanoparticle-based technology

The presence of phenol in wastewater poses a risk to ecosystems and human health. The traditional processes to remove phenol from wastewater, although effective, have several drawbacks. The best alternative is the application of ecological biotechnology tools since they involve biological systems (enzymes and microorganisms) with moderate economic and environmental impact. However, these systems have a high sensitivity to environmental factors and high substrate concentrations that reduce their effectiveness in phenol removal. This can be overcome by immobilization-based technology to increase the performance of enzymes and bacteria. A key component to ensure successful immobilization is the material (polymeric matrices) used as support for the biological system. In addition, by incorporating magnetic nanoparticles into conventional immobilized systems, a low-cost process is achieved but, most importantly, the magnetically immobilized system can be recovered, recycled, and reused. In this review, we study the existing alternatives for treating wastewater with phenol, from physical and chemical to biological techniques. The latter focus on the immobilization of enzymes and microorganisms. The characteristics of the support materials that ensure the viability of the immobilization are compared. In addition, the challenges and opportunities that arise from incorporating magnetic nanoparticles in immobilized systems are addressed.

Process optimization of polyphenol oxidase immobilization: Isotherm, kinetic, thermodynamic and removal of phenolic compounds

Chitosan/montmorillonite (CTS/MMT) and chitosan‑gold nanoparticles/montmorillonite (CTS-Au/MMT) composites were prepared, characterized through Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and utilized as support for immobilization of polyphenol oxidase (PPO). PPO was immobilized on CTS/MMT (IPPO) and CTS-Au/MMT (IPPO-Au) by physical adsorption, respectively. In order to achieve simultaneous maximization of immobilization efficiency and enzyme activity, the immobilization process parameters were optimized by Taguchi-Grey relational analysis (TGRA) approach. Under the optimal immobilization condition, the immobilization efficiency and enzyme activity reached at 50.16% and 1.46 × 10⁴ U/mg for IPPO, and 63.35% and 3.01 × 10⁴ U/mg for IPPO-Au, respectively. The isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamics of PPO adsorption were investigated in detail. The adsorption process was better explained by Toth isotherm and Fractal-like pseudo second order model, respectively. Intra-particle diffusion and film diffusion were involved in the adsorption process and intra-particle diffusion was not the only rate-controlling step. The adsorption of PPO was exothermic, physical and spontaneous at the investigated temperature range. The immobilized PPO were used to oxidize phenolic compounds. All investigated phenolic compounds showed the higher conversion as catalyzed by IPPO-Au. For both IPPO and IPPO-Au, the conversion of substituted phenols was higher than that of phenol.