The tale of a versatile enzyme: Alpha-amylase evolution, structure, and potential biotechnological applications for the bioremediation of n-alkanes.

The tale of a versatile enzyme: Alpha-amylase evolution, structure, and potential biotechnological applications for the bioremediation of n-alkanes. Chemosphere. 2020 Jul;250:126202 Authors: Pinto ÉSM, Dorn M, Feltes BC Abstract As the primary source of a wide range of industrial products, the study of petroleum-derived compounds is of pivotal importance. However, the process of oil extraction and refinement is among the most environmentally hazardous practices, impacting almost all levels of the ecological chain. So far, the most appropriate strategy to overcome such an issue is through bioremediation, which revolves around the employment of different microorganisms to degrade hazardous compounds, generating less environmental impact and lower monetary costs. In this sense, a myriad of organisms and enzymes are considered possible candidates for the bioremediation process. Amidst the potential candidates is α-amylase, an evolutionary conserved starch-degrading enzyme. Notably, α-amylase was not only seen to degrade n-alkanes, a subclass of alkanes considered the most abundant petroleum-derived compounds but also low-density polyethylene, a dangerous pollutant produced from petroleum. Thus, due to its high conservation in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic lineages, in addition to the capability to degrade different types of hazardous compounds, the study of α-amylase becomes a rising interest. Nevertheless, there are no studies tha...
Source: Chemosphere - Category: Chemistry Authors: Tags: Chemosphere Source Type: research