Enzymatic remediation of water resources by a durable and potent peroxidase from the cell culture of Origanum vulgare

Enzymatic degradation of pollutants by peroxidases is considered an effective substitute for the bioremediation of water resources. Hence, a novel peroxidase (POXov) was obtained from the cell culture of Origanum vulgare with a good yield. The established cell culture had similar patterns of growth and POXov production, reaching maxima on day 25 of the subculture. POXov was purified to homogeneity (92 folds). The enzyme remained 100% active over one-year. POXov showed an exceptionally high affinity toward phenol (k(m) = 3.41 mu M) and H2O2 (20.5 mu M). POXov could also oxidize recalcitrant chlorophenols much faster than phenol. The facile cell culture of O. vulgare, the simple extraction and purification procedure of POXov from an edible source, high functional stability, interesting physicochemical properties, and acting optimally under the circumstances (pH 6 and 30 degrees C) close to the natural conditions of many water sources make POXov a capable candidate for enzymatic remediation of polluted water resources, especially those contaminated by chlorophenols.