Chitodextrinase
Description
Definition and Basic Properties
Chitodextrinase (EC 3.2.1.14) is a membrane-bound endoenzyme produced by Clostridium botulinum and recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli . Unlike typical chitinases, it selectively cleaves soluble chitin oligomers (e.g., chitodextrins) into di- and trisaccharides but cannot degrade insoluble chitin polymers . Key properties include:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 66.9 kDa (590 amino acids) |
| Purity | >95% (SDS-PAGE verified) |
| Optimal Storage | Lyophilized at -18°C (desiccated) |
| Reconstitution Solubility | ≥100 µg/ml in sterile water |
Industrial and Research Applications
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Biocatalysis: Used to generate chitooligosaccharides (COS) for pharmaceutical and agricultural applications, including elicitors for plant immunity and anti-tumor agents .
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Waste Management: Degrades chitinous waste into bioavailable sugars for microbial fermentation .
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Limitations: Restricted to laboratory research due to its inability to process bulk chitin .
Comparative Analysis with Other Chitinases
| Feature | Chitodextrinase | Standard Chitinases |
|---|---|---|
| Substrate Specificity | Soluble oligomers only | Insoluble chitin + oligomers |
| Product Profile | Di-/trisaccharides | Mono- to oligosaccharides |
| Structural Domains | Single catalytic domain | CBDs + multiple catalytic domains |
| Source Organism | Clostridium botulinum | Fungi, plants, insects, bacteria |
Stability and Handling
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Lyophilized Form: Stable for 3 weeks at room temperature but requires long-term storage at -18°C with carrier proteins (e.g., 0.1% HSA/BSA) to prevent aggregation .
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Reconstituted Form: Retains activity for 2–7 days at 4°C; repeated freeze-thaw cycles degrade enzymatic activity .
Research Gaps and Future Directions
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Structural Insights: The full 3D structure of chitodextrinase remains unresolved, limiting engineering efforts to enhance thermostability or substrate range .
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Biotechnological Potential: Synergy with exochitinases or lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) could enable full chitin valorization .
Product Specs
LQWDSLTHIQYSFAMVDPSTNKITLSNKHAAIEEDFSEFDLNYNGKKIELDPS
LPYKGHFNVLQTMKKNYPDVSLLISVGGWTGTRCFYTMIDTDNRINTFADSCV
DFIRKYGFDGVDIDFEYPSSTSQSGNPDDFDLSEPRRTKLNERYNILIKTLRE
KIDMASKEDGKEYLLTAAVTASPWVLGGISDNTYAKYLDFLSIMSYDYHGGWN
EYVEHLAGIYPNKEDRETVTQIMPTLCMDWAYRYYRGVLPAEKILMGIPYYTR
GWENVQGGINGLHGSSKTPASGKYNILGDDLNNDGVLEPDGANPLWHVLNLME
QDPNLKVYWDEISKVPYVWQNDKKVFVSFENEKSIDARLEYIQNKNLGGALIW
VMNGDYGLNPNYVEGSNKINEGKYTFGDTLTKRLSQGLKKMGVCNKTPDDLNI
SLEPINVDVKFNGKYDHPNYTYSIDITNYTDKEIKGGWNVSFDLPKSAVFKSS
WGGTYSVTDNGDFNTITLTSGAWQNIAPNSTITVQGMIGLCFSGIRNVTFNGM
NPIGNDK.
Product Science Overview
Chitodextrinase from Clostridium botulinum is produced recombinantly in Escherichia coli (E. coli). The recombinant form of this enzyme is fused with a 13 amino acid His tag at the N-terminus, resulting in a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 590 amino acids and having a molecular mass of approximately 66.9 kDa . The enzyme is purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques to ensure high purity, typically greater than 95% as determined by SDS-PAGE .
The recombinant Chitodextrinase is typically provided as a sterile, lyophilized (freeze-dried) white powder. It is recommended to reconstitute the lyophilized enzyme in sterile 18MΩ-cm H2O at a concentration of not less than 100 µg/ml, which can then be further diluted into other aqueous solutions . The enzyme is stable at room temperature for up to three weeks when lyophilized, but for long-term storage, it should be kept desiccated below -18°C. Upon reconstitution, it should be stored at 4°C for short-term use (2-7 days) and below -18°C for long-term storage .
Chitodextrinase is an endoenzyme that specifically targets and cleaves soluble chitin oligosaccharides into smaller units, such as di- and trisaccharides . This enzyme is particularly useful in research settings for studying the degradation of chitin and its derivatives. It has applications in various fields, including biotechnology, agriculture, and environmental science, where understanding chitin degradation is essential.
The recombinant Chitodextrinase from Clostridium botulinum is intended for laboratory research use only. It is not suitable for use as a drug, agricultural or pesticidal product, food additive, or household chemical . Proper handling and storage conditions should be followed to maintain the enzyme’s activity and stability.
