Biochemical properties of oregano β-Glucosidase supports Origanum onites L. as a feed additive

Feed additives are used for different purposes and include different substances. Recently, the feed additive potential of aromatic plants has been frequently investigated. β-glucosidases are used as feed additive enzymes to increase nutritional value. This study was carried out to determine the biochemical properties of Oregano onites L. β-glucosidase in terms of expected biochemical properties from feed additive enzymes.

Oregano β-glucosidase was purified by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The purified enzyme was checked the purity on SDS-PAGE. The biochemical properties (optimal pH and temperature, thermal stability, glucose and alcohol tolerance) of the purified enzyme were determined using para-Nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside as a substrate.

Origanum onites L. β-glucosidase was purified to electrophoretic homojenity with 23.15-fold with a yield of 8.2% and it was visualised as a single band at 65.7 kDa on SDS-PAGE. The enzyme had maximum activity at pH 4.0 and 45°C and retained over 50% activity at pH 4-7. The enzyme maintained up to 50% of its activity after 60 minutes of incubation at 40°C, 50°C and 60°C. The purified enzyme showed a high tolerance to glucose and was also found to be tolerant to alcohol. The enzyme's biochemical properties similar to exogenous enzymes recommended as feed additives. Therefore, the results of this study supports the use of oregano as a feed additive.