Part:BBa_K4773000

This part contains a strong bacterial ribosome binding site (RBS) (BBa_B0034) followed by the coding sequence of NicA, a nicotine-degrading enzyme from Pseudomonas putida S16. NicA catalyzes the oxidation of nicotine to pseudooxynicotine, which is less toxic and less addictive than nicotine. This part can be used to engineer bacteria that can degrade nicotine in tobacco products or in the environment. NicA has a molecular weight of about 55 kDa and requires FAD as a cofactor. NicA has an optimal pH of 7.5 and an optimal temperature of 30°C. NicA is active against other pyridine derivatives, such as cotinine, anabasine, and nicotyrine. The expression of NicA may affect the growth and viability of the bacterial cells, due to the production of pseudooxynicotine and other toxic intermediates. Therefore, it may be necessary to optimize the culture conditions and/or provide detoxification mechanisms for the bacterial cells.