Peroxidase Enzyme

Microbial Enzyme | Cellulase | Laccase | Xylanase | Pectinase | Peroxidase

Peroxidase – A Catalytic Enzyme for Enhanced Agarwood Resin Formation

Peroxidase enzymes are oxidative catalysts that use hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to oxidize phenolic compounds, playing a crucial role in lignin polymerization, stress signaling, and defense response activation in plants. In Aquilaria malaccensisperoxidase activity is naturally elevated during wounding or fungal infection and is associated with oleoresin biosynthesis.

Scientific Overview

  • Enzyme Class: EC 1.11.1.7 (Class III Plant Peroxidases)
  • Substrates: Phenolic acids (e.g., coniferyl alcohol, ferulic acid), lignin monomers
  • Cofactor: H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide)
  • Sources:
    • Plants (AquilariaHorseradish)
    • Fungi (Coprinus cinereus)
    • Commercial (Horseradish Peroxidase, HRP)

Role in Agarwood Induction

FunctionEffect
Lignin PolymerizationEnhances rigidification and darkening of infected wood
Phenolic OxidationPromotes formation of chromogenic resin precursors
Stress AmplifierBoosts host oxidative burst in response to fungal/abiotic stress
Synergy with LaccaseDual oxidation of monolignols → faster and darker resin streaks

Use in Inoculant Enhancement

Peroxidase can be used:

  1. As a pre-treatment enzyme
  2. In co-inoculation with fungi or abiotic inducers (FeCl₃, salicylic acid)
  3. In BarIno™-style formulations for boosting oxidative stress responses

Field Application Protocol

Peroxidase Pre-Inoculation Formula

ComponentAmount per Tree
Peroxidase (HRP)5–10 mg (≥100 U/mg activity)
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂, 0.1%)10 mL
Sterile buffer (pH 5.5)Adjust volume to 20 mL

Application:

  • Drill 3–5 holes (2–3 cm deep) in the trunk
  • Inject 2–3 mL of peroxidase solution per hole
  • Wait 6–8 hours
  • Then inject fungal inoculant or BarIno™ product
  • Seal holes with wax or parafilm

Expected Benefits

FeatureImpact
Increased oxidative stressTriggers plant defense metabolites
Enhanced resin polymerizationLeads to darker, denser agarwood
Faster onsetVisible wood discoloration in 2–4 weeks
Improved oil profileMore complex sesquiterpenoid content

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