Enzymatic Activity Control

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Induction and Stabilization of Enzymatic Activity in Microorganisms Inventor George Pierce IP Status Patent pending GSU Case Number 2006-06 Introduction There is considerable interest in using biological methods to remove and remediate hazardous industrial chemical waste. Bio-detoxifying microorganisms capable of utilizing their enzymes to break down the hazardous chemicals have been successful in industrial use. However, there is a need for methods with enhanced microbial activity and improved enzymatic stability. Another concern is that induction of several enzymes has traditionally required using hazardous materials. Less toxic and environment friendly methods are needed to employ microorganisms for biodegrading purposes. Technology Georgia State University has developed a technology of growing microorganisms for specifically producing enzymes with inducible and stabilized activity. The induction is done through the use of specific growth media comprising amide containing amino acids and their derivatives. This technology has been demonstrated in Rhodococcus bacteria producing nitrile hydratase, amidase and asparaginase-I enzymes. The enzymes break down toxic materials such as nitriles to relatively harmless amides and acids. Applications Microbial detoxification of harmful compositions containing nitrile compounds Cultivating and harvesting a variety of microorganisms capable of producing certain enzymes Induction, stabilization of nitrile hydratase, amidase and asparaginase-I in various microbes Simultaneous induction of enzymes leading to a one-step treatment process Advantages Bio-detoxifying catalysts capable of maintaining commercially useful enzymatic activity Enzyme induction and stabilization using non-hazardous media additives, such as amino acids Improved enzyme stability to facilitate immobilization Enhanced enzymatic activity