Mechanoresponsive Protein Crystals for NADH Recycling in Multicycle Enzyme Reactions.

NAD(H)-dependent enzymes play a crucial role in the biosynthesis of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, but the limited recyclability of the NAD(H) cofactor hinders its more general application. Here, we report the generation of mechano-responsive PEI-modified Cry3Aa protein crystals and their use for NADH recycling over multiple reaction cycles. For demonstration of its practical utility, a complementary Cry3Aa protein particle containing genetically encoded and co-immobilized formate dehydrogenase for NADH regeneration and leucine dehydrogenase for catalyzing the NADH-dependent l- tert -leucine (l- tert -Leu) biosynthesis has been produced. When combined with the PEI-modified Cry3Aa crystal, the resultant reaction system could be used for the efficient biosynthesis of l- tert -Leu for up to 21 days with a 10.5-fold improvement in the NADH turnover number.