Cross-Linked Enzyme Aggregates of Feruloyl Esterase Preparations from Thermothelomyces thermophila and Talaromyces wortmannii

Cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEA®) technology is a well-established method in the current literature for the low-cost and effective immobilization of several enzymes. The main advantage of this particular method is the simplicity of the process, since it consists of only two steps. However, CLEA immobilization must be carefully designed for each desired enzyme, since the optimum conditions for enzymes can vary significantly, according to their physicochemical properties. In the present study, an investigation of the optimum CLEA immobilization conditions was carried out for eight feruloyl esterase preparations. Feruloyl esterases are a very important enzyme group in the valorization of lignocellulosic biomass, since they act in a synergistic way with other enzymes for the breakdown of plant biomass. Specifically, we investigated the type and concentration of precipitant and the crosslinker concentration, for retaining optimal activity. FAE68 was found to be the most promising enzyme for CLEA immobilization, since in this case, the maximum retained activity, over 98%, was observed. Subsequently, we examined the operational stability and the stability in organic solvents for the obtained CLEA preparations, as well as their structure. Overall, our results support that the maximum activity retaining and the stability properties of the final CLEAs can vary greatly in different FAE preparations. Nevertheless, some of the examined FAEs show a significant potential for further applications in harsh industrial conditions.