Dr Madeeha Shahzad Lodhi innovates nanotech method for increasing juice production

 The University of Lahore (UOL) continues to lead in biotechnological exploration and novel development, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to advancing scientific frontiers. In regard to this, Dr Madeeha Shahzad Lodhi (Assistant Professor, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), UOL), along with her team of researchers, has developed a novel method to purify the exo-polygalacturonase (Exo-PG) enzyme using nanotechnology.

It is pertinent to mention here that Exo-PG is an enzyme vital for food processing, predominantly in juice production. This new approach has significantly increased juice production when the purified enzyme is used.

The study concentrated on purifying Exo-PG from Aspergillus flavus, a fungus known for its enzyme production capabilities. The scientists utilised galacturonic acid-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs); a novel strategy for purifying pectinase enzyme in its active form. However, the optimal Exo-PG activity was achieved after 4 days at 30°C and pH 5.0. The purified Exo-PG showed a single protein band of 66 kDa in SDS PAGE, confirming successful purification.

Using galacturonic acid-conjugated MNPs, the researchers successfully enhanced enzyme purity ten times, achieving around 29% yield. Remarkably, the purified Exo-PG showed exceptional stability – it retained 98% activity when stored with 15% glycerol at 4°C. This is an important breakthrough for industrial applications.

The research found that using purified Exo-PG in juice production increased juice yield by 10–12% compared to untreated juices. This method offers a more efficient and sustainable technique for purifying enzymes and producing juice. “It can enhance Exo-PG’s stability and consistency, improve juice texture and thickness by reducing pulp fiber, and potentially lower production costs for manufacturers,” the study further stated.

This research by Dr Lodhi and her team has received international recognition, evidenced by the patent granted to them in China. The team includes researchers Dr Muhammad Tahir Khan (Assistant Professor, IMBB, UOL), Dr Muhammad Imtiaz Shafiq (Professor, University of the Punjab) Dr Zahoor Qadir Samra (Professor, University of the Punjab), Ms Ayesha Shaheen (Student, University of Punjab) and Mr Dong-Qing Wei (Professor, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University).

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