High-level expression of Falcipain-2 in Escherichia coli by codon optimization and auto-induction

► Codon composition of proFP2 gene is critical for high-level expression in Escherichia coli. ► Codon-optimized proFP2 construction expresses to high-level in several E. coli strains. ► Auto-induction with lactose enhances proFP2 yield by increasing cell density. ► Recombinant FP2 display functional characteristics very similar to the native enzyme. ► The volumetric productivity of this system is ∼50 mg of active FP2 per L of culture.