Multiple approaches are available for the identification of novel microbial lipases. Despite the growing importance of metagenomics in bioprospecting, limitations in recombinant protein expression, in particular for lipases, remain. In a recently published paper, Luís C. de Sousa and Carla C. C. R. de Carvalho and a former MSc student, Ana J. Caeiro (currently PhD student at UGent), demonstrate that culture-based bioprospecting approaches are still valuable. Six isolates presenting high activity were characterized as whole-cell biocatalysts. Genomic analyses of two Gram-negative lipase-producing isolates revealed the presence of several hypothetical genes encoding for lipolytic enzymes, including outer cell-bound enzymes, predicted through the application of machine-learning tools.
Link to paper: https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14061355