Crystallographic studies of lactate oxidase from Aerococcus viridans

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Project leader: Professor Edward Hough

This enzyme is one of a number which are finding applications in the biosensor field where it may be used to determine redox levels in biological and other fluids. The process involves immobilisation of the enzyme on a membrane. Much work has been carried out on the determination of glucose using biosensors but work with lactate oxidase is still under development. Knowledge of the detailed 3-D Structure will be invaluable in assessing how one may
    a) stabilise the enzyme for repeated use,
    b) increase the reaction rate,
    c) covalently bind the FMN cofactor and
    d) best bind the enzyme to an electrode surface.
The Aerococcus viridans enzyme catalyses the reversible, FMN dependant, reduction of pyruvate to lactate. Details of the reaction mechanism for this and related enzymes are still not completely understood. The present series of experiments may contribute with new mechanistic data and will certainly be of assistance in the development of new bio-sensors.

The project is in collaboration with the University of Aalborg, Denmark.