Effect of nonionic surfactants on Rhizopus homothallicus lipase activity: a comparative kinetic study.

Based on amino-terminal sequencing and mass spectrometry data on the Rhizopus homothallicus lipase extracted using solid (SSF) and submerged state fermentation (SmF) methods, we previously established that the two enzymes were identical. Differences were observed, however, in terms of the specific activity of these lipases and their inhibition by diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate (E600). The specific activity of the SSF lipase (10,700 mumol/min/mg) was found to be 1.2-fold that of SmF lipase (8600 mumol/min/mg). These differences might be the result of residual Triton X-100 molecules interacting with the SSF lipase. To check this hypothesis, the SmF lipase was incubated with submicellar concentrations of Triton X-100. The specific activity of the lipase increased after this treatment, reaching similar values to those measured with the SSF lipase. Preincubating SSF and SmF lipases with E600 at a molar excess of 100 for 1 h resulted in 80% and 60% enzyme inhibition levels, respectively. When the SmF lipase was preincubated with Triton X-100 for 1 h at a concentration 100 times lower than the Triton X-100 critical micellar concentration, the inhibition of the lipase by E600 increased from 60% to 80%. These results suggest that residual detergent monomers interacting with the enzyme may affect the kinetic properties of the Rh. homothallicus lipase.