The 46 kDa dimeric protein from Variovorax paradoxus shows faster methotrexate degrading activity in its nanoform compare to the native enzyme

• Methotrexate degrading enzyme of Variovorax paradoxus is a dimeric 46 kDa protein.
• Enzyme nanoparticles degrade methotrexate faster than the native enzyme.
• Enzyme nanoparticles show lower Km compare to the native enzyme.
• Enzyme nanoparticles show better serum stability compare to the native enzyme.
• Enzyme nanoparticles show better functionality compare to the native enzyme.

Methotrexate degrading enzymes are required to overcome the toxicity of the methotrexate while treating the cancer. The enzyme from Variovorax paradoxus converts the methotrexate in to non toxic products. Methotrexate degrading enzyme from V. paradoxus is a dimeric protein with a molecular mass of 46 kDa and it acts on casein and gelatin. This enzyme is optimally active at pH 7.5 and 40 °C and nanoparticles of this enzyme were prepared by desolvation-crosslinking method. Enzyme nanoparticles could degrade methotrexate faster than the native enzyme and they show lower Km compare to the native enzyme. Enzyme nanoparticles show better thermostability and they were stable for much longer time in the serum compare to the native enzyme. Enzyme nanoparticles show better functionality than the native enzyme while clearing the methotrexate added to the serum suggesting their advantage over the native enzyme for the therapeutic and biotechnological applications.