Metagenome-derived SusD-homologs affiliated with Bacteroidota bind to synthetic polymers

Starch utilization system (Sus)D-homologs are well known for their carbohydrate-binding capabilities and are part of the sus operon in microorganisms affiliated with the phylum Bacteroidota. Until now, SusD-like proteins have been characterized regarding their affinity toward natural polymers. In this study, three metagenomic SusD homologs (designated SusD1, SusD38489, and SusD70111) were identified and tested with respect to binding to natural and non-natural polymers. SusD1 and SusD38489 are cellulose-binding modules, while SusD70111 preferentially binds chitin. Employing translational fusion proteins with superfolder GFP (sfGFP), pull-down assays, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has provided evidence for binding to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and other synthetic polymers. Structural analysis suggested that a Trp triad might be involved in protein adsorption. Mutation of these residues to Ala resulted in an impaired adsorption to microcrystalline cellulose (MC), but not so to PET and other synthetic polymers. We believe that the characterized SusDs, alongside the methods and considerations presented in this work, will aid further research regarding bioremediation of plastics.

SusD1 and SusD38489 can be considered for further applications regarding their putative adsorption toward fossil-fuel based polymers. This is the first time that SusD homologs from the polysaccharide utilization loci (PUL), largely described for the phylum Bacteroidota, are characterized as synthetic polymer-binding proteins.