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Revolutionary enzyme discovery in Greifswald: water as a secret!
Researchers at the University of Greifswald are discovering a novel role for water molecules in enzymes, relevant for numerous applications.
Revolutionary enzyme discovery in Greifswald: water as a secret!
Researchers at the University of Greifswald have recently made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of enzyme research. These new insights into the structure and function of enzymes involved in the conversion of sugar molecules could have far-reaching applications in food processing and biofuel production. The results were published on July 31, 2025 in the renowned specialist journal Nature Communications published.
The central component of this study is the discovery of a precisely integrated water molecule that takes over the function in the active center of carbohydrate esterases instead of an amino acid. These enzymes, which belong to the hydrolase family, are responsible for the cleavage and formation of ester bonds. Their importance in the industrial enzyme market is enormous as they are widely used in sectors such as biomass mining, food and feed industry, agrochemical production and bioremediation.
The Water-Mediated Catalytic Triad
The study focused in particular on two representatives of the CE20 enzyme family, Fl8CE20_II and PpCE20_II. These enzymes were decoded in their complete structure using X-ray crystallography, which was carried out by a DFG-funded research group. The surprising results led to the structure being named a “water-mediated catalytic triad.”
A crucial finding was that the water molecule plays a central role in the activity of the enzymes. In order to test the influence on the coordination of the water molecule, various mutants of the enzyme were examined. The results significantly expand the understanding of enzyme mechanisms and open new perspectives for the biotechnological application of this knowledge.
Industrial applications and future prospects
The extensive possibilities for industrial applications of esters are remarkable. Esterases are in demand in the food industry, the textile industry and in the production of biosensors, among others. There is also increasing demand for extremophilic esterases that can be used under extreme conditions, highlighting their importance for environmentally friendly and sustainable chemistry. Innovative methods for extracting and using these enzymes are also being developed.
In addition, Fraunhofer IGB is active in the production and optimization of enzymes. Not only hydrolytic enzymes such as lipases and proteases, but also oxidoreductases are being researched. The focus on biotechnological processes enables recombinant production of these enzymes, which increases their availability for industrial use.
An example of such applications are lipases, which account for approximately 5% of the global enzyme market and are used in numerous processes, such as the hydrolysis of triglycerides. Proteases are also important, making up around 60% of all commercial enzymes or special enzymes for refining vegetable oils.
The latest discoveries from the University of Greifswald not only support basic research, but also have practical relevance for sustainable development in chemistry. The findings provide starting points for further research in biotechnology and could lead to significant advances in industry.
The contact persons for this research are Prof. Uwe Bornscheuer and Prof. Michael Lammers from the Institute of Biochemistry at the University of Greifswald.