Enzymatic modification of a model homogalacturonan with the thermally tolerant pectin methylesterase from Citrus: 1. Nanostructural characterization, enzyme mode of action, and effect of pH

J Agric Food Chem. 2011 Mar 23;59(6):2717-24. doi: 10.1021/jf104845j. Epub 2011 Mar 2.

Abstract

Methyl ester distribution in pectin homogalacturonan has a major influence on functionality. Enzymatic engineering of the pectin nanostructure for tailoring functionality can expand the role of pectin as a food-formulating agent and the use of in situ modification in prepared foods. We report on the mode of action of a unique citrus thermally tolerant pectin methylesterase (TT-PME) and the nanostructural modifications that it produces. The enzyme was used to produce a controlled demethylesterification series from a model homogalacturonan. Oligogalacturonides released from the resulting demethylesterified blocks introduced by TT-PME using a limited endopolygalacturonase digestion were separated and quantified by high-pressure anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC) coupled to an evaporative light-scattering detector (ELSD). The results were consistent with the predictions of a numerical simulation, which assumed a multiple-attack mechanism and a degree of processivity ∼10, at both pH 4.5 and 7.5. The average demethylesterified block size (0.6-2.8 nm) and number of average-sized blocks per molecule (0.8-1.9) differed, depending upon pH of the enzyme treatment. The mode of action of this enzyme and consequent nanostructural modifications of pectin differ from a previously characterized citrus salt-independent pectin methylesterase (SI-PME).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biocatalysis
  • Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases / chemistry*
  • Citrus / chemistry
  • Citrus / enzymology*
  • Enzyme Stability
  • Hot Temperature
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Models, Chemical
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Molecular Structure
  • Pectins / chemistry*
  • Plant Proteins / chemistry*

Substances

  • Plant Proteins
  • Pectins
  • Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases
  • pectinesterase
  • polygalacturonic acid