Heterologous expression and characterization of Rhodococcus opacus R7 laccase-like multicopper oxidase (LMCO1) enzyme...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Environmental Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Polyethylene (PE) production is rising, causing environmental concerns.
• Effective strategies are needed to degrade PE and mitigate its environmental impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of laccase-like multicopper oxidase (LMCO1) in the oxidative degradation of PE.
• To evaluate LMCO1's efficiency using machine learning, recombinant expression, and physio-chemical analyses.

Main Methods:

• Machine learning analysis of RNA-seq data to identify LMCO1's role in PE degradation.
• Recombinant expression and characterization of LMCO1 activity.
• Physio-chemical assays including weight loss, water contact angle, FTIR, and SEM to assess PE degradation.

Main Results:

• Cu²⁺ significantly enhanced LMCO1 activity by 490% at optimal pH 8 and 60°C.
• LMCO1 achieved a 14.28% weight loss rate in LDPE over 72 hours, reducing water contact angle.
• FTIR and SEM confirmed surface modification and structural damage, indicating effective PE degradation.

Conclusions:

• LMCO1 demonstrates high potential for efficient oxidative degradation of PE films and particles without pre-treatment.
• LMCO1 is presented as a promising, environmentally friendly catalyst for plastic degradation, validated by machine learning and experimental data.