Aeromonas punctata derived depolymerase that disrupts the integrity of Klebsiella pneumoniae capsule: optimization of depolymerase production

Formation of dense, highly hydrated biofilm structures pose a risk for public and environmental health. Extracellular polymeric substances encompassing biofilms offer 1000-fold greater resistance as compared to the planktonic cells. Using enzymes as anti-biofouling agents, will improve penetration of antimicrobials and increase susceptibility of biofilms to components of immune system. The challenge of using enzymes derived from unrelated bacteria for the degradation of capsular matrix of Klebsiella pneumoniae has not been dealt in the past. Thus, statistical optimization was done to enhance depolymerase production by Aeromonas punctata, directed against the exopolysaccharide matrix of Klebsiella pneumoniae B5055, capable of substituting the available phage borne depolymerase enzyme. Optimization via central composite design (CCD) resulted in 16-fold enhancement in depolymerase yield (166.65 mu moles ml(-1) min(-1)) over unoptimized medium. Out of the 19 variables, media composition giving maximum expression levels of the enzyme consisted of 1 mg ml(-1) galactose and ammonium chloride, 1.5 mg ml(-1) each of capsular polysaccharide (CPS) and magnesium sulfate. Tryptic peptide analysis of the purified 29 kDa band by Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) showed a high homology with a protein of unknown function from Aeromonas cavaie Ae398. Further improvements in the enzyme can lead to its successful development as prophylactic and/or a therapeutic agent.