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Purification and characterization of a soybean-milk-coagulating enzyme from Bacillus pumilus TYO-67

M Yasuda1, M Aoyama, M Sakaguchi

  • 1Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan. yasuda@agr.u-ryukyu.ac.jp

Insights

Bacillus pumilus TYO-67 produces a novel soybean-milk-coagulating enzyme. This purified enzyme, a 30 kDa monomer, shows optimal activity at pH 6.0-6.1 and 65°C, with notable metal ion activation.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Enzymology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Bacillus pumilus TYO-67 was isolated from tofu.
  • It was identified as a high-producing strain for a soybean-milk-coagulating enzyme.
  • Enzyme production was induced by soybean protein in the growth medium.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize a novel soybean-milk-coagulating enzyme from Bacillus pumilus TYO-67.
  • To determine the enzyme's biochemical properties, including molecular mass, isoelectric point, amino acid composition, and optimal conditions.
  • To investigate the enzyme's activation and stability in the presence of metal ions.

Main Methods:

  • Enzyme purification using standard biochemical techniques, achieving approximately 30-fold purification.
  • Characterization of the purified enzyme using SDS-PAGE for molecular mass determination.
  • Isoelectric focusing to determine the isoelectric point.
  • Amino acid composition analysis.
  • Determination of optimal pH and temperature.
  • Enzyme activity assays in the presence of various metal ions (Mn2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Sr2+).

Main Results:

  • The enzyme was purified to homogeneity, revealing a monomeric protein with a molecular mass of approximately 30 kDa and an isoelectric point of pH 9.75.
  • Amino acid analysis indicated a high content of alanine, aspartic acid, glycine, serine, and valine.
  • The enzyme exhibited optimal activity at pH 6.0-6.1 and 65°C.
  • Significant activation was observed with Mn2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Sr2+ ions.
  • Ca2+ ion notably enhanced the enzyme's thermal stability.

Conclusions:

  • Bacillus pumilus TYO-67 produces a unique soybean-milk-coagulating enzyme with distinct biochemical properties.
  • The enzyme's characteristics suggest potential applications in food processing, particularly in soy product manufacturing.
  • Metal ion activation and stabilization offer avenues for optimizing enzyme performance in industrial settings.

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