Biochemical Properties of Oregano b-Glucosidase Supports Origanum Onites L. as a Feed Additive

Background: 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. Methods: 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. Results: Oregano β-glucosidase was purified 23.15-fold with a yield of 8.2%. The purified enzyme 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 400C, 500C, and 60°C. The effect of glucose on the purified enzyme was determined by finding the relative activity at different glucose concentrations. When the glucose concentration in the reaction medium was 0.6 M, the relative activity was 52%, and the enzyme showed a high tolerance to glucose. The enzyme was also found to be tolerant to alcohol. The enzyme's high activity at acidic pH, its ability to maintain its activity for a long time, and its tolerance to glucose and alcohol make the enzyme valuable. β-glucosidase of Origanum onites L. used as a feed additive was purified for the first time and some biochemical properties were determined. It showed it’s biochemical properties similar to exogenous enzymes recommended as feed additives. Therefore, the results of this study provide information supporting the use of oregano as a feed additive.