Efficient enzyme-catalyzed production of diosgenin: inspired by the biotransformation mechanisms of steroid saponins in Talaromyces stollii CLY-6. Issue 16 (27th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cheng, Leiyu; Zhang, Han; Cui, Haiyang; Davari, Mehdi D.; Wei, Bin; Wang, Wenya; Yuan, Qipeng
• Is Part Of: Green chemistry. Volume 23:Issue 16(2021)
• Page Start: 5896
• Page End: 5910
• Publication Date: 2021-07-27
• Subjects: Environmental chemistry -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1039/d0gc04152a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-9262

Abstract

Abstract : Two novel glycosidases (Rhase-TS and Gluase-TS) were discovered from Talaromyces stollii CLY-6, followed by a whole-enzyme-catalyzed approach for highly efficient diosgenin production from steroid saponins. Abstract : Diosgenin is an important raw material of numerous synthetic steroidal drugs, such as sex hormones, contraceptives, and cortisone. Diosgenin production by enzymatic catalysis provides a solution for avoiding severe environmental issues caused by conventional acid hydrolysis. However, exploring high-efficiency enzymes and setting up catalytic processes still remain challenging. Herein, we identified a strain named Talaromyces stollii CLY-6, which showed efficient transformation of steroid saponins into diosgenin. Through genomic analysis and protein fingerprinting, two novel steroid saponin glycosidases (Rhase-TS: α-l -rhamnosidase; Gluase-TS: β-d -glucosidase) were discovered from Talaromyces stollii CLY-6. Enzyme over-expression and functional investigation suggested that Rhase-TS is capable of specifically hydrolyzing the terminal α-l -1, 2-rhamnoside of steroid saponins, and Gluase-TS can release the residual glucose groups, thereby revealing a microbial transformation mechanism of steroid saponins and providing an enzymatic foundation for guiding diosgenin production. Notably, Rhase-TS exhibited excellent enzymatic properties with high thermostability (<70 °C), broad pH stability (pH 3.0 to 10.0), high rhamnose tolerance ( K i : 0.5 M), and high catalytic activity (136.34 U mg −1 ). Inspired by the above studies, a whole-enzyme-catalyzed approach was explored and optimized to efficiently prepare diosgenin at the gram-level (up to 96.5% yield). Compared with conventional acid hydrolysis, this enzyme-based approach showed a significant advantage in reducing environmental pollution and increasing economic benefits, offering a promising alternative for green and eco-friendly diosgenin production.