Characterization of Lipases and Esterases from Metagenomes for Lipid Modification

Three hundred and fifty novel lipases and esterases discovered from environmental DNA samples were characterized for their fatty acid profile using GC-analysis. Enzymes were selected for further study based on activity and fatty acid chain length specificity. Additional characterization was based on enzyme activity towards tributyrin and 4-methylumbelliferyl butyrate, and enzyme heat stability. Several lipases were identified, which show high specificity towards short-chain fatty acids similar to pregastric lipases from kid and calf and a lipase from Mucor javanicus. Additionally, the metagenome-derived enzymes were thermostable. Selected metagenomic lipases were immobilized on Celite and used for the synthesis of structured triglycerides.