Lipase producing strains

Lipases are used for biotechnological applications like modification or hydrolysis of triacylglycerols, synthesis of fine chemicals, resolution of racemic mixtures and production of flavour compounds.

Most bacterial lipases are secreted into the medium and lipase expression can be induced by the addition of natural oils.

A specific and sensitive agar plate assay modified from Kouker and Jaeger 1987 was used to isolate and identify lipase producing strains.

From spoiled avocado, Pseudomonas tolaasii CCOS 195, a strong lipase producer could be isolated and Acinetobacter johnsonii CCOS 194 showing weaker lipase activity was obtained from a water sample from a rivulet.

In figure 1, P. tolasii CCOS 195 grown on Tributyrin (Figure 1 A) and Tricaprylin Agar (Figure 1 B) is shown. Note the clear halo around the colonies indicating strong lipase activity.

The lactonizing lipase gene (32 kDA) with the lipase-specific foldase chaperone gene (36.5kDa) from A. johnsonii CCOS 194 were cloned, sequenced and expressed in E. coli. The lipase gene showed two amino acid substitutions: N109G and K154Q with the NCBI protein sequence ZP_06063967 of Acinetobacter johnsonii SH046.

Please for lipase screening assays or ordering of strains.

Licensing of these strains for commercial use is possible.