Isolation and characterization of a novel thermo-solvent-stable lipase from Pseudomonas brenneri and its application in biodiesel synthesis

Pseudomonads are one of the most studied species of bacteria as they display remarkable metabolic and physiological versatility. This enables them to colonize a wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic habitats, generating biotechnologically interesting enzymes. Here, the partial purification and characterization of a novel, extracellularly-produced, lipase from Pseudomonas brenneri is described. The partially purified lipase was active over a broad pH range (5.0-9.0) and was stable at 70 degrees C for 45 min. The lipase displayed significant stability, and in some cases activation, in the presence of organic solvents with log P >= 2.0. Such stability characteristics indicated that this lipase could potentially be useful as a biocatalyst for biodiesel production. This was subsequently demonstrated through the facile production of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters in the presence of olive oil and methanol. Possible applications for this novel, stable lipase include the bioremediation of oil in the environment.