Work

Discovery and Characterization of Mannan-Specialized GH5 Endo-1,4-β-mannanases: a Strategy for Açaí ( Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Seeds Upgrading

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The pulp of açaí palm fruits ( Euterpe oleracea Mart.) is a valuable export commodity in Brazil. Its production generates 1.6 million tons/year of açaí seeds, a resource largely wasted. The seeds consist mainly of linear β-mannan, offering potential for prebiotic β-mannan-derived oligomers and mannose production. However, the crystalline structures of β-mannan hinder enzymatic hydrolysis. This study aimed to discover and characterize fungal enzymes targeting açaí seed β-mannan using a palm β-mannanase ( Eg Man5A) as a guide. Recombinant expression, enzyme optimization, kinetics, substrate specificity, and structural modeling were performed. The two fungal enzymes, Ja Man5A and Sl Man5A, were found to be specific for unsubstituted mannan, showing no activity toward galacto- and glucomannan. Among them, Sl Man5A showed the highest activity on açaí seed β-mannan (∼24 U/mg) and other unsubstituted mannan substrates, likely due to its greater thermal robustness. These results provide valuable insights into β-mannan specificity contributing to the sustainable valorization of açaí seeds.

Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c07018

Authors: Roberta P. Espinheira, Kristian Barrett, Lene Lange, Ayla Sant’Ana da Silva, Anne S. Meyer

Institutions: Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia, Technical University of Denmark

Language: English

Topic: Enzyme Production and Characterization

Subfield: Biotechnology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500