Characterization of a novel lipase and its specific foldase from Acinetobacter sp. XMZ-26

► A novel operon encoding the lipase Lip26 and its specific foldase Lif26 was cloned. ► Lif26 activated the folding of Lip26 as a steric chaperone. ► There was direct protein interaction between them in vitro and in vivo. ► The alkaline Lip26's activity was enhanced by many metal ions and organic solvents. ► It had great potentials for use in various industrial applications.