Biochemical characteristics of recombinant -glucosidase (MtBgl3c) applicable in cellulose bioconversion.

The GH3 β-glucosidase gene of () has been cloned and heterologously expressed in for the first time. This study highlights the important characteristics of recombinant MtBgl3c (rMtBgl3c) which make it a promising candidate in industrial applications. Optimization of the production of rMtBgl3c led to 28,000 U L. On purification, it has a molecular mass of ∼100 kDa. It is a broad substrate specific thermostable enzyme that exhibits pH and temperature optima at 5.0 and 55 °C, respectively. The amino acid residues Asp287 and Glu514 act as nucleophile and catalytic acid/base, respectively in the enzyme catalysis. Its low value (1.28 mM) indicates a high substrate affinity as compared to those previously reported. The rMtBgl3c displays a synergistic action with the commercial enzyme cocktail in the saccharification of sugarcane bagasse suggesting its utility in the cellulose bioconversion. Tolerance to solvents, detergents as well as glucose make this enzyme applicable in wine, detergent, paper and textile industries too.