Sustainable Biotransformation of Oleic Acid to 10-Hydroxystearic Acid by a Recombinant Oleate Hydratase from Lactococcus garvieae

Enzymatic hydration of oleic acid into 10-hydroxystearic acid (10-HSA) represents a theme of substantial scientific and practical interest. In this study, a fatty acid hydratase (OHase) from Lactococcus garvieae was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinantly expressed enzyme was identified as oleate hydratase (EC 4.2.1.53) confirming its highest hydration activity for oleic acid. The optimally yielded enzyme fraction was purified and subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). A solitary band on SDS-PAGE confirmed the molecular weight of 65 kDa. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis scrutinized the silylated hydroxy fatty acid products acquired from the hydration of oleic acid by the oleate hydratase from L. garvieae. Optimal reaction conditions for the enzymatic production of 10-HSA from oleic acid using the purified oleate hydratase were pH 7.5, 30 degrees C, 105.49 U/mL enzyme solution and 30 g/L oleic acid. In the presence of activity stimulators, that is, magnesium (II) (Mg2+), the oleate hydratase activity was found to be greatly improved at 30 degrees C. In conclusion, the results revealed the potential efficacy of recombinant enzyme for the biotechnological conversion of oleic acid to 10-HSA acid with high efficiency. The results would be useful for the improved industrial-scale biosynthesis of 10-HSA via an economical and environmentally friendly bioprocess approach.