Positive effect of lyophilization on the stability of halohydrin dehalogenase

In this study, a lyophilization protocol was established for storable and ready-to-use halohydrin dehalogenase (HHDH) from Agrobacterium radiobacter AD1 (HheC), as a model enzyme. HheC showed high activity preservation after the lyophilization procedure, even in the absence of lyoprotectants. Freeze-dried HheC exhibited higher residual activity compared to the liquid form when stored at 50 degrees C. Among tested additives the formulation with glycine was found to be the best choice regarding the mechanical strength of the lyophilized pellets. Besides, the results revealed significant stability of dry HheC exposed to MTBE, toluene, and 2-MeTHF. However, no activity of the lyophilized HheC was observed in the dehalogenation of 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP) in non-aqueous organic media. This study showed that the lyophilization method provides a convenient way for long-term storage of HHDH enzymes and could have an impact on their wider application in the research and industrial biotechnology.