Protein Engineering

Introduction: Why Subtilisins Need Reinvention Subtilisins are a remarkable family of serine proteases secreted by Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Known for their strong proteolytic activity, they are widely used in biodegradable laundry detergents, food processing, leather industries, and even pharmaceuticals. However, subtilisins are naturally calcium-dependent enzymes. Their structure and activity rely on the presence of tightly bound calcium ions (affinity K…

In the age of climate change and industrial pollution, sustainable solutions are not a luxury—they are a necessity. One area often overlooked is the paper manufacturing industry, a major contributor to water pollution due to the use of harsh chemicals in the pulping process. Fortunately, protein engineering has offered a groundbreaking innovation: thermostable xylanase enzymes that could make the industry…

Introduction: From Bull Semen to Cancer Therapy Cancer remains one of the deadliest diseases worldwide, with millions of lives affected annually. Current treatment options like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, while effective, often lack cell specificity and cause significant side effects. In an innovative turn, researchers have discovered that ribonuclease (RNase) enzymes derived from bull semen can act as highly…

Introduction Disulfide bond formation plays a crucial role in stabilizing protein structures. But have you ever wondered how a simple sulfur-to-sulfur link can impact the functionality of proteins so dramatically? From medicine to material science, the influence of disulfide bonds is vast and powerful. A disulfide bond forms when the sulfur atom of one cysteine residue…