Gene Technology

Abstract

Chemical Characterization of Aspergillus flavus ?-Amylase Synthesized in Tobacco Plants Engineered by CRISPR/Cas 9

Cunha NB, Lacerda TS, Lorena SL Costa, Victor A Cunha, Michel L Leite, Simoni C Dias

The endo-type group digestive enzymes, such as α-amylases, play a crucial role in insect carbohydrate metabolism. They primarily catalyze the conversion of starch into structurally simpler carbohydrates by hydrolysis. Despite causing post-harvest damage to grains, such as peanuts and beans, Apergillus sp. α-amylases can be used for industrial purposes in food, chemical, and textile modification, adding value to the production chain by increasing the conversion of useful carbohydrates for manufacturing purposes. The amylolytic enzyme studied in this report was biosynthesized in tobacco plants transiently transformed by genome editing using CRISPR/Cas 9 system. It showed specific characteristics when compared to other α-amylases from different organisms, such as unique kinetics, an optimal temperature of 50^oC, and an optimal pH (6.0). Starch hydrolysis catalyzed by Apergillus flavus. α-amylase was measured using Ionic enhancers and different inhibitors, revealing a decreased amylolytic activity when complexed with metallic ions and organic compounds.

Published Date: 2020-12-28; Received Date: 2020-12-07