Modification and Expression of Beta-1,4-Endoglucanase encoding sequences of fungal origin in Escherichia coli BL21 / Modificación y expresión de secuencias codificantes de Beta-1,4-Endoglucanasa de origen fúngico en Escherichia coli BL21

ABSTRACT Lignocellulose is the main and most abundant component of biomass. Annually, 200 million tons are generated in the world. Colombia has a high production of lignocellulosic residues that can be used in many industrial processes such as bioethanol produc-tion, promoting the bioeconomy. The objective of the present work was to express lignocellulolytic enzymes of eukaryotic origin in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Initially, endoglucanase eukaryotic genes were selected and modified using bioinformatics methods for their production in E. coli BL21 (DE3) and saccharification of pure cellulose substrates. The gene selected for its modification and expression was egl B from the fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Subsequently the enzyme integrity was tested by 3D modeling and molecular docking, as well as the conformation of its active site and its affinity for substrates of interest. Finally, cloning of the modified gene in plasmid pET151 TOPO was made and transformed in the strain E. coli BL21 (DE3) where several lignocellulose degradation tests were carried out using semiquantitative methods for the enzyme activity in carboxymethylcellulose. The presence of the three genes of interest within the plasmid pET151 TOPO and within the transformed cells of E. coli TOP10 and E. coli BL21 (DE3) was verified by colony PCRs performed. The presence of this gen was corroborated by sequencing. Expression of the modified endoglucanase enzyme was achieved in E. coli BL21 (DE3) expression cells, in soluble and functional form, demonstrated by the hydrolysis of the CMC substrate.

RESUMEN La lignocelulosa es el componente principal y más abundante de la biomasa. Anualmente se generan 200 millones de toneladas en el mundo. Colombia tiene una alta producción de residuos lignocelulósicos que pueden ser utilizados en muchos procesos industriales como la producción de bioetanol, promoviendo la bioeconomía. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue expresar enzimas lignocelulolíticas de origen eucariota en Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Inicialmente, los genes eucariotas de endoglucanasa se seleccionaron y modificaron mediante métodos bioinformáticos para su producción en E. coli BL21 (DE3) y la sacarificación de sustratos de celulosa. El gen seleccionado para su modificación y expresión fue eglB del hongo Aspergillus nidulans. Posteriormente se evaluó la integridad de la enzima mediante modelado 3D y acoplamiento molecular, así como la conformación de su sitio activo y su afinidad por sustratos de interés. Finalmente, se realizó la clonación del gen modificado en el plásmido pET151 TOPO y se transformó en la cepa E. coli BL21 (DE3) donde se realizaron varios ensayos de degradación de lignocelulosa utilizando métodos semicuantita-tivos para la actividad enzimática en carboximetilcelulosa. La presencia del gen de interés dentro del plásmido pET151 TOPO y dentro de las células transformadas de E. coli TOP10 y E. coli BL21 (DE3) se verificó mediante PCR de colonia. La presencia de este gene se corroboró por secuenciación eglB. La expresión de la enzima endoglucanasa modificada se logró en células de E. coli BL21 (DE3), en forma soluble y funcional, demostrada por la hidrólisis del sustrato de CMC.

Moringa straw as cellulase production inducer and cellulolytic fungi source / Residuo de moringa como inductor de la producción de celulasas y como fuente de hongos celulolíticos

Abstract Currently, the valorization of agroindustrial waste is of great interest. Moringa oleifera is a multipurpose tree whose softwood residues could be used as raw material for low-cost cellulase production. The aim of this study was to isolate, identify, and characterize microorganisms with cellulolytic activity in different carbon sources. We isolated and puri-fied 42 microorganisms from M. oleifera biomass. Fungi presenting the largest hydrolytic halos in carboxymethylcellulose as a substrate were molecularly identified as Penicillium funiculosum (FG1), Fusarium verticillioides (FG3) and Cladosporium cladosporioides (FC2). The ability of these fungal strains to break down cellulose was assessed in a submerged fermentation using either amorphous CMC or crystalline form (Avicel). P. funiculosum and C. cladosporioides displayed similar endoglucanase (606 U/l) and exoglucanase (205 U/l) activities in the Avicel-containing medium, whereas F. verticillioides showed the highest level of p-glucosidase activity (664 U/l) in the carboxymethylcellulose medium. In addition, the effect of three culture media (A, B, and C) on cellulase production was evaluated in P. funiculosum using moringa straw as a carbon source. The results showed a volumetric productivity improvement of cellulases that was 2.77-, 8.26-, and 2.30-fold higher for endoglucanase, exoglucanase and p-glucosidase, respectively when medium C containing moringa straw was used as a carbon source. The enzymatic extracts produced by these fungi have biotechnological potential especially for second-generation bioethanol production (2G) from moringa straw. This is the first report on the use of M. oleifera biomass to induce the production of various cellulases in P. funiculosum. © 2019 Asociación Argentina de Microbiología. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Resumen Actualmente, la valorización de los residuos agroindustriales es de gran interés. En este trabajo se emplearon residuos de madera blanda de Moringa oleifera para la producción de celulasas de bajo costo. El objetivo fue aislar, identificar y caracterizar microorganismos con actividad celulolítica en diferentes fuentes de carbono. A partir de la biomasa de M. oleifera, se aislaron e identificaron 42 microorganismos productores de celulasas. Los hongos que presentaron los mayores halos de hidrólisis en carboximetilcelulosa como sustrato fueron identificados molecularmente como Penicillium funiculosum (FG1), Fusarium verticillioides (FG3) y Cladosporium cladosporioides (FC2). Mediante fermentación sumergida, se evaluó la capacidad de estas cepas en la producción de celulasas utilizando celulosa cristalina (Avicel) y amorfa (CMC) como fuentes de carbono. P. funiculosum y C. cladosporioides presentaron las mayores actividades de endoglucanasa (606 U/l) y exoglucanasa (205 U/l) en medio Avicel, mientras que F. verticillioides mostró la mayor actividad de p-glucosidasa (664 U/l) en medio CMC. Además, se evaluó el efecto de tres medios de cultivo (A, B y C) sobre la producción de celulasas en P. funiculosum empleando residuos de moringa como fuente de carbono. Los resultados mostraron que en el medio C, la productividad volumétrica de celulasas se incrementó en 2,77; 8,26 y 2,30 veces para las actividades de endoglucanasa, exoglucanasa y p-glucosidasa, respectivamente. Los extractos enzimáticos producidos tienen gran potencial para su utilización biotecnológica, especialmente en la sacarificación de residuos de moringa y la producción de bioetanol de segunda generación. Este es el primer estudio del uso de la biomasa de M. oleifera para inducir la producción de diversas celulasas en P. funiculosum.

Production of thermostable ß-glucosidase and CMCase by Penicillium sp: LMI01 isolated from the Amazon region

Background: Cellulolytic enzymes of microbial origin have great industrial importance because of their wide application in various industrial sectors. Fungi are considered the most efficient producers of these enzymes. Bioprospecting survey to identify fungal sources of biomass-hydrolyzing enzymes from a high-diversity environment is an important approach to discover interesting strains for bioprocess uses. In this study, we evaluated the production of endoglucanase (CMCase) and ß-glucosidase, enzymes from the lignocellulolytic complex, produced by a native fungus. Penicillium sp. LMI01 was isolated from decaying plant material in the Amazon region, and its performance was compared with that of the standard isolate Trichoderma reesei QM9414 under submerged fermentation conditions. Results: The effectiveness of LMI01 was similar to that of QM9414 in volumetric enzyme activity (U/mL); however, the specific enzyme activity (U/mg) of the former was higher, corresponding to 24.170 U/mg of CMCase and 1.345 U/mg of ß-glucosidase. The enzymes produced by LMI01 had the following physicochemical properties: CMCase activity was optimal at pH 4.2 and the ß-glucosidase activity was optimal at pH 6.0. Both CMCase and ß-glucosidase had an optimum temperature at 60°C and were thermostable between 50 and 60°C. The electrophoretic profile of the proteins secreted by LMI01 indicated that this isolate produced at least two enzymes with CMCase activity, with approximate molecular masses of 50 and 35 kDa, and ß-glucosidases with molecular masses between 70 and 100 kDa. Conclusions: The effectiveness and characteristics of these enzymes indicate that LMI01 can be an alternative for the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials and should be tested in commercial formulations.

Production of cellulases by Penicillium oxalicum through solid state fermentation using agroindustrial substrates / Produção de celulases por Penicillium oxalicum em fermentação em estado sólido usando diferentes substratos agroindustriais

The purpose of this study was to define the factors that influence the production of cellulases by Penicillium oxalicum, a strain obtained from a leaf-cutting ant colony and identified based on the ITS gene. The experimental design included solid state fermentation using sugarcane bagasse and lignocellulosic sorghum as the lignocellulosic substrate. The variables were analyzed using a 25-1 fractional factorial design, with three replicates on the central point. All the variables analyzed influenced the production of at least one of the three cellulose types analyzed. The highest values observed were: FPase 4.2 U g-1, CMCase 9.2 U g-1 and Avicelase 8.4 U g-1 using lignocellulosic sorghum as the substrate. The best conditions for enzyme production were: incubation temperature at 40ºC, initial moisture of 60%, pH of 4.0 and a growth period of four days using lignocellulosic sorghum as the substrate.

O estudo teve como foco a determinação de fatores que influenciam a produção de celulases por uma cepa isolada de ninho de formigas cortadeiras e identificada por meio do gene ITS como Penicillium oxalicum. O processo produtivo foi Fermentação em Estado Sólido utilizando como substrato lignocelulósico bagaço de cana-de-açúcar e sorgo lignocelulósico. As variáveis foram analisadas através de um planejamento fatorial fracionário 25-1, com três repetições no ponto central. Todas as variáveis analisadas influenciaram a produção de pelo menos um dos três tipos de celulases analisados. As maiores atividades observadas foram: FPase 4,2 U g-1; CMCases 9,2 U g-1 e avicelase 8,4 U g-1, utilizando sorgo lignocelulósico como substrato. As melhores condições para produção foram: temperatura de incubação a 40oC, umidade inicial 60%, pH 4,0, tempo de cultivo de quatro dias, utilizando como substrato sorgo lignocelulósico.

Strategies to increase cellulase production with submerged fermentation using fungi isolated from the Brazilian biome / Estratégias para produção de celulases através de fermentação submersa utilizando fungos isolados do bioma brasileiro

Studies on new microbial sources of cellulase and accurate assessment of the steps that increase cellulase production are essential strategies to reduce costs of various processes using such enzymes. This study aimed at the selection of cellulase-producing filamentous fungi, and at the research of parameters involving cellulase production by submerged fermentation. The first test consisted of selecting the best cellulase-producing microorganisms (FPase) in Erlenmeyer flasks containing 200 mL of specific growth medium. The next test was designed to further investigate the enzyme production in fermentation with four types of soluble sugars: glucose, lactose, sucrose and xylose. In bioreactor tests, three different inoculation strategies were analyzed. The best FPase activity was presented by the strain Trichoderma sp. CMIAT 041 (49.9 FPU L-1) and CMCase by the fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae CMIAT 096 (350.0 U L-1). Sucrose proved to be the best option among the soluble sugars tested, with higher rates of FPase activity (49.9 FPU L-1) and CMCase (119.7 U L-1). The best inoculation strategy for the bioreactor was a spore suspension obtained from a semi-solid state fermentation of wheat bran for 72h.

Estudos sobre novas fontes microbianas e análises mais acuradas das etapas que compõem a produção de celulases são essenciais como estratégias para diminuir os custos gerados pelo uso de celulases nos processos de obtenção de açúcares fermentescíveis. O trabalho teve como objetivo a seleção de fungos filamentosos produtores de celulases e a investigação de parâmetros que envolvem a produção enzimática em fermentação submersa. O primeiro teste consistiu em selecionar os melhores fungos produtores de celulases totais em frascos Erlenmeyer contendo 200 mL de meio de cultura específico. O teste subsequente teve o intuito de investigar a produção enzimática com quatro tipos de açúcares solúveis: glicose, lactose, sacarose e xilose. Nos testes em biorreator foram analisados três diferentes estratégias de inoculação. Na etapa de seleção a melhor atividade de FPase foi apresentada por Trichoderma sp. CMIAT 041 (49,9 FPU L-1) e CMCase pelo fungo Lasiodiplodia theobromae CMIAT 096 (350,0 U L-1). O uso de sacarose mostrou-se ser a melhor opção dentre os açúcares solúveis testados, apresentando os maiores valores de atividade de FPase (49,9 FPU L-1) e CMCase (119,7 U L-1). A melhor estratégia de inoculação foi a suspensão de esporos obtidos a partir de fermentação em farelo de trigo, no tempo 72h.

Biodegradação do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar por microrganismos ruminais de caprinos e ovinos / Biodegradation of sugarcane bagasse by ruminal microorganisms from sheep or goats

No presente estudo objetivou-se avaliar a degradação do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar (BCA) integral (BIN) ou hidrolisado (BH) pela microbiota ruminal de caprinos e ovinos de raças naturalizadas do Nordeste brasileiro e o potencial desses animais como fontes de microrganismos e/ou enzimas celulolíticas para degradação da fibra do BCA. Para hidrólise do BCA foi utilizada uma solução de NaOH a 50%, 30% na matéria seca (MS). Foram determinadas as concentrações de MS, proteína bruta (PB), cinzas (CZ), fibra detergente neutro (FDN), fibra detergente ácido (FDA), celulose (Cel), hemicelulose (Hcel) e lignina (Lig). A degradação in situ da FDN do BH foi determinada pela incubação ruminal em sacos de náilon nos tempos: 0, 6, 24 e 96 horas. A técnica de duas etapas preconizada por Tilley e Terry foi utilizada para determinar a digestibilidade in vitro da MS (DIVMS). Foi coletado conteúdo ruminal dos animais quatro horas após a infusão de 100g de BIN via fístula ruminal para a separação de microrganismos associados às fases líquida e sólida, utilizando filtragem e extração com tampão fosfato de sódio 50 mM e pH 6,9, respectivamente. A fração sólida foi submetida ao cultivo in vitro com o substrato BIN, por 96 horas, para determinação da taxa de degradação da MS, FDN e atividade celulolítica. O pH foi determinado nos tempos de cultivo de 24, 48 e 96 horas. O pré-tratamento com NaOH aumentou a DIVMS (P<0,05). Não houve efeito de espécie sobre a DIVMS (P>0,05). A inclusão de NaOH aumentou a degradação in situ da FDN, apresentando os ovinos menor tempo de colonização (TC). Houve solubilização da Hcel, da Cel e da Lig no BCA pré-tratado com NaOH. A atividade celulolítica se concentrou na fração sólida independente da espécie doadora do inóculo, sendo observado crescimento microbiano no cultivo in vitro do BIN a partir dessa fração. O pH aumentou com o tempo de cultivo in vitro. Microrganismos ruminais de caprinos e ovinos naturalizados do Nordeste brasileiro colonizaram e degradaram o BIN e BH. O NaOH pode ser utilizado no pré-tratamento alcalino do BCA.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biodegradation of sugar cane bagasse (SCB), whole (WB) or hydrolyzed (HB) by ruminal microorganisms from Brazilian naturalized goat and sheep breeds, and the animals' potential as a source of microorganisms and/or cellulolytic enzymes for the biodegradation of SCB fiber. SCB hydrolysis was performed using 50% sodium hydroxide solution on 30% of dry matter (DM). The concentrations of DM, crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose (Cel), hemicellulose (Hcel) and lignin (Lig) were determined in the WB and HB. For the in situ biodegradation of NDF, the HB was placed in nylon bags and incubated in rumen for 0, 6, 24 and 96 hours. The two-step technique recommended by Tilley and Terry was used to determine the in vitro digestibility of DM (IVDDM). Four hours after infusion of WB (100 g) through the ruminal fistula, the rumen content was collected from the animals and the microorganisms associated with the liquid and solid phases were separated, the former by filtration and the latter by extraction with 50 mM sodium phosphate buffer, pH 6.9. The solid fraction was subjected to in vitro culture with WB substrate for 96 hours to determine the biodegradation rate of DM, NDF and cellulolytic activity. The pH was measured after culture times of 24, 48 and 96 hours. Pretreatment with NaOH increased the IVDDM (P <0.05). No species effect on the IVDDM was detected (P> 0.05). The addition of NaOH increased the in situ biodegradation rate of NDF, with sheep showing a lower lag time (LT). There was a solubilization of Hcel, Cel and Lig in SCB pretreated with NaOH. Cellulolytic activity was higher in the solid phase, irrespective of the inoculum source, and microbial growth was observed in in vitro cultures using microorganisms from the solid phase and WB as substrate. The pH of the in vitro culture increased over time. Ruminal microorganisms from Brazilian naturalized goat and sheep breeds successfully colonized and biodegraded both WB and HB. Sodium hydroxide proved useful as an alkaline pretreatment for SCB.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse pretreated with acid or alkali

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of enzymatic hydrolysis of acid or alkali pretreated sugarcane bagasse for the production of fermentable sugars. The first step consisted of selection of commercial enzymes presenting the highest cellulolytic activities. After selection of four enzymes: HPL, CL, P1 and P4, their performances were tested in the bagasse pretreated with acid and alkali. The sugar content of the hydrolysates was analyzed by anion exchange liquid chromatography. Data showed that the joint action of 0.5 percent acid pretreatment, 121ºC, 30 minutes and enzyme CL provides the best results, 67.25 g of hexose and 148.13g of pentose per kg of dry bagasse.