Reactivity of a Recombinant Esterase from Thermus thermophilus HB27 in Aqueous and Organic Media

The thermoalkalophilic membrane-associated esterase E34Tt from Thermus thermophilus HB27 was cloned and expressed in Kluyveromyces lactis (KLEST-3S esterase). The recombinant enzyme was tested as a biocatalyst in aqueous and organic media. It displayed a high thermal stability and was active in the presence of 10% (v/v) organic solvents and 1% (w/v) detergents. KLEST-3S hydrolysed triglycerides of various acyl chains, which is a rare characteristic among carboxylic ester hydrolases from extreme thermophiles, with maximum activity on tributyrin. It also displayed interfacial activation towards triacetin. KLEST-3S was also tested as a biocatalyst in organic media. The esterase provided high yields for the acetylation of alcohols. In addition, KLEST-3S catalyzed the stereoselective hydrolysis of (R,S)-ibuprofen methyl ester (87% ee). Our results indicate that KLEST-3S may be a robust and efficient biocatalyst for application in industrial bioconversions.