In vitro studies on the degradation of common rubber waste material with the latex clearing protein (Lcp1) of Gordonia polyisoprenivorans VH2.

The enzymatic degradation of the rubber polymer poly(cis-1,4-isoprene), e.g. by the latex clearing protein Lcp1 of Gordonia polyisoprenivorans VH2 has been demonstrated with latex milk or pure isoprene-rubber particles, recently.

High yield production of the latex clearing protein from Gordonia polyisoprenivorans VH2 in fed batch fermentations using a recombinant strain of Escherichia coli.

The enzymatic degradation of rubber with the latex clearing protein (Lcp1) from Gordonia polyisoprenivorans VH2, is a promising option as an environmentally friendly and economical solution to treat the enormous amount of rubber waste. Here we present a fed batch fermentation process on a 10 L scale, using E.coli C41 pET23a(+)::Hislcp1 and a modified defined mineral salt medium, designed for high cell densities, for a proper synthesis of Lcp1.

Characterization of the latex clearing protein of the poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) and poly(trans-1,4-isoprene) degrading bacterium Nocardia nova SH22a.

Nocardia nova SH22a is an actinobacterium capable of degrading the polyisoprenes poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) and poly(trans-1,4-isoprene). Sequencing and annotating the genome of this strain led to the identification of a single gene coding for the key enzyme for the degradation of rubber: the latex clearing protein (Lcp). In this study, we showed that Lcp-contrary to other already characterized rubber cleaving enzymes-is responsible for the initial cleavage of both polyisoprene isomers.

Impact of additives of commercial rubber compounds on the microbial and enzymatic degradation of poly(cis-1,4-isoprene).

Much fundamental research has already been performed to understand the mechanism of microbial rubber degradation. Due to the increasing amount of rubber waste, biotechnical methods to degrade that particular waste are strongly needed. The present study evaluates whether a microbial or an enzymatic process is more suitable for efficient biodegradation, due to less sensitivity towards rubber additives.