Biocatalysis requires the use of stable and versatile enzymes that can be exposed to a vast range of reaction conditions often deleterious for optimal enzyme activity. Hydrolases are synthetic useful biocatalysts because of  their high operational stability, chemo- and stereo-selectivity. In this project four metagenomic libraries and 150 microorganisms isolated from tropical solar salterns at Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico were screened for the presence of hydrolases (proteases lipases, esterases, and epoxy hydrolases). Microorganisms were cultivated in marine broth while metagenomic in LB medium containing 4.5% NaCl. The positive microorganisms were identified by colorimetric estimation of the released para-nitro phenol, para-nitro aniline or adrenaline assay, using a microplate reader. Positives were tested for different hydrolase activities in organic solvents and ionic liquids and stability over a period of 24 hours in 15%, 30% and 50% (v/v) concentrations. The most promising enzymes were purified and characterized.

Activity and stability of halophilic hydrolases in nonaqueous media

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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