Enzymes from Fungus: Breaking Down Plant Material Efficiently

Scientists have found two special enzymes from a fungus that can help break down plant material. These enzymes, called α-L-Arabinofuranosidases (ABFs), are important because they remove arabinose, a type of sugar, from plant fibers. This makes it easier for other enzymes to break down the plant material further.

Enzyme Details

The enzymes, named TsAbf62A and TsAbf62B, were taken from a fungus called Talaromyces stollii and then produced in another fungus, Pichia pastoris.

Optimal Conditions

pH Levels:
TsAbf62A: Optimal pH 3.0, functional range 2.0 to 8.0
TsAbf62B: Optimal pH 3.0, functional range 2.0 to 7.0
Temperature:
Optimal Temperatures: 40°C (TsAbf62A) and 45°C (TsAbf62B)
Cold-Adapted: Retain 35.1% (TsAbf62A) and 28.9% (TsAbf62B) activity at 10°C

Specificity and Activity

Specific Activity:
TsAbf62A: 78.99 U/mg
TsAbf62B: 11.52 U/mg
Product Tolerance:
TsAbf62A: 85.5% activity in 1 M D-xylose, 51.9% in L-arabinose

Enhancing Stability and Efficiency

Calcium Ions (Ca2+): Improve stability at high temperatures
Manganese Ions (Mn2+): Enhance catalytic efficiency by altering enzyme function

Industrial Applications

When used with a xylanase from Trichoderma viride, these enzymes can break down bran more effectively, releasing beneficial reducing sugars and phenolic compounds.

Potential Uses

These properties make TsAbf62A and TsAbf62B promising biocatalysts for the feed and food industries, aiding in more efficient and sustainable plant material breakdown.