Isolation and functional characterization of lipase from the thermophilic alkali-tolerant bacterium Thermosyntropha lipolytica

As a result of sequencing the genome of the termophilic alkali-tolerant lipolytic bacterium Thermosyntropha lipolytica, the gene encoding a lipase secreted into the medium was identified. The recombinant enzyme was expressed in Escherichia coli. It was isolated, purified, and functionally characterized. The lipase exhibited hydrolytic activity toward para-nitrophenyl esters of various chain lengths, as well as triglycerides, including vegetable oils. The optimal reaction conditions were achieved at temperatures from 70 to 80°C and pH 8.0. This new thermostable lipase may be a promising biocatalyst for organic synthesis; it may find application in the food and detergent industry and biodiesel production.