Design of a Genetically Programmed Biomimetic Lipase Nanoreactor

Abstract

Alternative to the traditionally independent production of lipase, chemical synthesis of nano-carriers, and then preparing nanoimmobilized enzymes, we exploit a yeast genetically programmed virus biomimetic lipase nanoreactor in a sustainable manner. The nanoreactor biogenesis process integrated lipase production, protein component (coat-protein subunit and scaffold protein) production, self-assembly of protein components, and the encapsulation of lipase into protein nanocages using a simple process. It included overexpression of nanocage components, coat-protein subunits, and fused lipase–scaffold proteins and subsequent spontaneous self-assembly and encapsulation based on the specific interaction between the coat-protein subunit and the scaffold protein fused in the target lipase enzyme. The genetically programmable lipase nanoreactor showed improved stability under various harsh conditions, and was validated in fatty acid methyl ester synthesis with 86% yield at a high concentration of waste cooking oil (200 mM), which demonstrates the robustness and feasibility of the lipase nanoreactor in biodiesel production.