An uncharacterized protein from the metagenome with no obvious homology to known lipases shows excellent alkaline lipase properties and potential applications in the detergent industry.

A novel lipase, Lip486, which has no obvious homology with known lipases, was discovered using functional metagenomics technology. Phylogenetic tree analysis suggested that the enzyme belongs to a new subfamily called lipolytic enzyme family II. To explore the enzymatic properties, lip486 was expressed heterologously and efficiently in Escherichia coli. The recombinant enzyme displayed the highest activity on the substrate p-nitrophenyl caprate with a carbon chain length of 10, and its optimum temperature and pH were 53 °C and 8.0, respectively. The recombinant Lip486 showed good activity and stability in strong alkaline and medium-low-temperature environments. The results of compatibility and soaking tests showed that the enzyme had good compatibility with 4 kinds of commercial detergents, and an appropriate soaking time could further improve the enzyme activity. Oil stain removal test results for a cotton cloth indicated that the washing performance of commercial laundry detergent supplemented with Lip486 was further improved. In addition, as one of the smallest lipases found to date, Lip486 also has the advantages of high yield, good stability and easy molecular modification. These characteristics reflect the good application prospects for Lip486 in the detergent and other industries in the future.