Biotransformation of Amides to Acids Using a Co-Cross-Linked Enzyme Aggregate of Rhodococcus erythropolis Amidase

Rhodococcus erythropolis amidase was expressed in Escherichia coli cells. The crude amidase in the cell-free extract was immobilized using the cross-linked enzyme aggregate (CLEA) method. The crude amidase was mixed with bovine serum albumin and then precipitated with ammonium sulfate. The resultant precipitant was subsequently cross-linked with glutaraldehyde. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that this co-CLEA had a ball-like shape with a diameter of approximately 1 mu m. This co-CLEA evidenced hydrolytic activity toward a variety of amide substrates. The amidase co-CLEA evidenced an optimum temperature of 60 degrees C and an optimum pH of 8.0, results that were similar to those of the soluble amidase. The reaction stability of the co-CLEA was increased. That is, it was stable up to 50 degrees C and in a pH range of 5.0-12.0. Additionally, the co-CLEA could be recovered by centrifugation, and retained 96% activity after 3 repeated cycles. This amidase co-CLEA may prove useful as a substitute for soluble amidase as a biocatalyst in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.