Catalytically active protein aggregates and methods for producing the same

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent discloses a new format for enzymatically active, water-insoluble protein aggregates composed of fusion proteins with a coiled-coil domain and a catalytic domain. These aggregates can be efficiently produced in host cells (e.g., bacteria), separated from cellular contents, and used directly as robust biocatalysts. The inventors also present methods for making these protein aggregates and demonstrate their functional stability and reusability under industrial conditions.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Industrial biocatalysis for producing specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or fine chemicals using robust enzyme aggregates.
• Bioremediation processes for degrading hazardous or polluting substances with stable, recyclable enzyme aggregates.
• Synthesis of chiral compounds in organic (micro-aqueous) solvents where traditional enzymes may lose activity.
• Enzyme-catalyzed processes where repetitive or continuous usage and easy recovery of the catalyst are needed (e.g., in packed bed reactors).
• Production of biosensors or diagnostic devices utilizing stable enzyme aggregates.
• Research tools for studying enzyme kinetics or protein aggregation in biotech settings.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides catalytically active, insoluble protein aggregates that are easily separated from reaction mixtures, allowing for catalyst recovery and reuse.
• Enables production of robust, stable biocatalysts that retain activity in harsh or non-aqueous environments where normal enzymes may denature.
• Simplifies downstream processing by eliminating the need for enzyme purification and immobilization steps.
• Offers longer operational lifetimes and stability (e.g., extended activity at non-ideal pH and temperature) compared to traditional soluble enzymes.
• Versatile applicability to many different enzymes by fusing with selected coiled-coil domains.
• Facilitates high-yield production in various host systems, most notably bacteria such as E. coli.
• Reduces cost and complexity for industrial bioprocesses requiring high enzyme stability and recyclability.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Catalytically active water-insoluble protein aggregates comprising fusion proteins which comprise a coiled-coil domain and a catalytic domain are claimed. The coiled-coil domain may be at least three heptad repeats, domains predicted by the PCOILS or MARCOILS webservers. The domain may be from the group consisting of TDoT, 3HAMP, GCN4-p1 or GCN4-pL1. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing such protein aggregates, nucleic acids and vectors encoding the fusion proteins, and their use.