High surfactant-tolerant β-mannanase isolated from Dynastes hercules larvae excrement, and identification of its hotspot using site-directed mutagenesis and molecular dynamics simulations

The beta-mannanase from Bacillus subtilis HM7 (Man26HM7) isolated from Dynastes hercules larvae excrement was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Biochemical characterization shows that optimal pH and temperature for catalysis are 6.0 and 50 degrees C, respectively. Man26HM7 displayed excellent surfactant stability by retaining 70% of initial activity in 1%(w/v) SDS, and more than 90% of initial activity in 1%(w/v) Triton X-100 and Tween 80. Results from amino acid sequence alignment and molecular modeling suggest residue 238 of beta-mannanase as a hotspot of SDS-tolerance. Mutagenesis at the equivalent residue of another homolog, beta-mannanase from Bacillus subtilis CAe24 (Man26CAe24), significantly enhanced the SDS stability of this enzyme. Comparative computational analysis, including molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation, were then performed to compute the binding free energy of SDS to Man26HM7, Man26CAe24, and variant enzymes. The results suggest that residue 238 of Man26HM7 is involved in SDS binding to the hydrophobic surface of beta-mannanase. This study provides not only the promising application of Man26HM7 in detergent and cleaning products but also valuable information for enhancing the surfactant stability of beta-mannanase by enzyme engineering.

Automated summary

In this study, the beta-mannanase from Bacillus subtilis HM7 (Man26HM7) isolated from Dynastes hercules larvae excrement was cloned and expressed. It exhibited excellent surfactant stability and has potential applications in detergent and cleaning products. Mutagenesis and computational analysis were performed to enhance the surfactant stability of beta-mannanase.