LAUSR

Abstract The whole genome sequencing of a novel isoprene degrading strain of Sphingobium sp. BHU LFT2, its in silico analysis for identifying and characterizing enzymes, especially isoprene monooxygenases (IsoMO), which initiate the degradation process, and in vitro validation with cell extract of optimal temperature and pH and analysis for utilizing isoprene as the preferential substrate, were conducted. The most efficient monooxygenase was identified through comparative analyses using molecular docking followed by molecular dynamics simulation approach. The in silico results revealed high thermostability for most of the monooxygenases. Most potent monooxygenase with locus ID JQK15_20300 exhibiting high sequence similarity with known monooxygenases of isoprene-degrading Rhodococcus sp. LB1 and SC4 strains was identified. Interaction energy of −17.25 kJ/mol for JQK15_20300 with isoprene, was almost similar as that analysed for above-mentioned similar known counterparts, was exhibited by the molecular docking. Molecular dynamic simulation of 100 ns and free energy analysis of JQK15_20300 in the complex with isoprene gave persistent interaction of isoprene with JQK15_20300 during the simulation with high average binding energy of −47.13 kJ/mol thus proving higher affinity of JQK15_20300 for isoprene. The study revealed that the highly efficient isoprene degrading strain of Sphingobium sp. BHU LFT2 having effective monooxygenase could be utilized for large-scale applications including detoxification of air contaminated with isoprene in closed working systems. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma