Enzymatic remediation of water resources by a durable and potent peroxidase from the cell culture of Origanum vulgare

Enzymatic degradation of pollutants by peroxidases is considered an effective substitute for the bioremediation of water resources. Hence, a novel peroxidase (POX_ov) was obtained from the cell culture of Origanum vulgare with a good yield. The established cell culture had similar patterns of growth and POX_ov production, reaching maxima on day 25 of the subculture. POX_ov was purified to homogeneity (92 folds). The enzyme remained 100% active over one-year. POX_ov showed an exceptionally high affinity toward phenol (k_m = 3.41 μM) and H₂O₂ (20.5 μM). POX_ov could also oxidize recalcitrant chlorophenols much faster than phenol. The facile cell culture of O. vulgare, the simple extraction and purification procedure of POX_ov from an edible source, high functional stability, interesting physicochemical properties, and acting optimally under the circumstances (pH 6 and 30 °C) close to the natural conditions of many water sources make POX_ov a capable candidate for enzymatic remediation of polluted water resources, especially those contaminated by chlorophenols.