Overexpression and characterization of a new organic solvent-tolerant esterase derived from soil metagenomic DNA

► A metagenome-derived esterase was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. ► High expression level constituted about 30% of the total cell protein was achieved. ► The enzyme has maximal activity at 40 °C and maintains 50% its activity at 5-10 °C. ► The enzyme is highly resistant to organic solvents with high log P. ► The enzyme has ability to cleave esters of tertiary alcohols.