Deactivation of TEM-1 beta-Lactamase investigated by isothermal batch and non-isothermal continuous enzyme membrane reactor methods

The thermal deactivation of TEM-1 β-lactamase was examined using two experimental techniques: a series of isothermal batch assays and a single, continuous, non-isothermal assay in an enzyme membrane reactor (EMR). The isothermal batch-mode technique was coupled with the three-state Equilibrium Model of enzyme deactivation, while the results of the EMR experiment were fitted to a four-state molten globule model . The two methods both led to the conclusions that the thermal deactivation of TEM-1 β -lactamase does not follow the Lumry-Eyring model and that the Teq of the enzyme (the point at which active and inactive states are present in equal amounts due to thermodynamic equilibrium) is at least 10 °C from the Tm (melting temperature), contrary to the idea that the true temperature optimum of a biocatalyst is necessarily close to the melting temperature