A complementary DNA encoding the thermostable chitinase of pineapple (Ananas comosus), designated PLChiA, was cloned, sequenced, and expressed in Escherichia coli cells. The determined nucleotide sequence of the gene revealed an 882-bp open reading frame that encoded a putative signal sequence (25 amino acids) and a mature protein (268 amino acids, 27,757 Da). Based on the amino acid sequence homology, PLChiA belongs to the class III chitinases in glycoside hydrolase family 18. The recombinant enzyme was purified to homogeneity by a single-step column chromatography. The purified enzyme displayed optimal catalytic activity at pH 3.0 and 70 degrees C and had a molecular mass of 27.8 kDa on SDS gel. Strikingly, the half-life was more than 5.2 days when heated at pH 7.0 and 75 degrees C. The half-lives at pH 7.0 were 4.5 h at 80 degrees C and 27 min at 85 degrees C. Even at 80 degrees C, the half-life was 65 min at pH 4.0. Hence, PLChiA is the most thermostable chitinase reported to date from land plants. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.