Biodegradation of polyvinyl alcohol using cross-linked enzyme aggregates of degrading enzymes from Bacillus niacini

In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-degrading bacteria were screened from sludge samples using PVA as a sole source of carbon. A novel strain was obtained and identified as Bacillus niacini based on the analysis of a partial 16S rDNA nucleotide sequence and morphological characteristics. PVA-degrading enzyme (PVAase) from Bacillus niacini was immobilized as cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) via precipitation with ammonium sulfate followed by glutaraldehyde cross-linking. The effects of precipitation and cross-linking on PVAase-CLEAs activity were investigated and characterized. 70% ammonium sulfate and 1.5% glutaraldehyde were used for precipitation and 1-h cross-linking reaction. The activity recovery of PVAase-CLEAs was approximately 90% starting from free PVAase, suggesting non-purification steps are required for extended use. No significant differences in optimum pH and temperature values of the PVAase were recorded after immobilization. The PVAase-CLEAs showed a ball-like morphology and enhanced PVA degradation efficiency in comparison with the free PVAase in solution. Furthermore, the PVAase-CLEAs exhibited excellent thermal stability, pH stability and storage stability compared to free PVAase. The PVAase-CLEAs retained about 75% of initial PVAase activity after 4 cycles of use. These results suggest that this CLEA is potentially usable for PVA degradation in industrial applications.