Utilization of Soybean Oil Waste for a High-Level Production of Ceramide by a Novel Phospholipase C as an Environmentally Friendly Process

Ceramide is a natural functional ingredient as food additive and medicine that has attracted extensive attention in the food, medical, and cosmetic industries. Here, we developed a biotechnological strategy based on a recombinant whole-cell biocatalyst for efficiently producing ceramide from crude soybean oil sediment (CSOS) waste. A novel phospholipase C (PLCac) from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus isolated from soil samples was identified and characterized. Furthermore, recombinant Komagataella phaffii displaying PLCac (dPLC(ac)) on the cell surface was constructed as a whole-cell biocatalyst with better thermostability (30-60 degrees C) and pH stability (8.0-10.0) to successfully produce ceramide. After synergistical optimization of reaction time and dPLCac dose, the ceramide yield of hydrolyzing from CSOS using dPLC(ac) was 51% (the theoretical maximum yield of converting sphingomyelin, similar to 70%) and the relative yield was over 50% after seven consecutive 4 h batches under the optimized conditions. Our study provides a potentially promising strategy for the commercial production of ceramide.

Automated summary

In this study, a biotechnological strategy based on a recombinant whole-cell biocatalyst was developed for the efficient production of ceramide. By constructing a dPLC(ac) whole-cell biocatalyst, ceramide was successfully produced. Multiple batches were conducted under optimized conditions, resulting in a relatively high yield. This study provides a promising strategy for the commercial production of ceramide.