In this study, the key enzymes involved in 2-benzoxazolinone (BOA) degradation by Pigmentiphaga sp. DL-8 were further verified and characterized in Escherichia coli. By codon optimization and coexpression of molecular chaperones in a combined strategy, recombinant BOA amidohydrolase (rCbaA) and 2-aminophenol (2-AP) 1,2-dioxygenase (rCnbC(alpha)C(beta)) were expressed and purified with the highest activity of 1934.6 U.mg protein(-1) and 32.80 U.mg protein(-1), respectively. BOA could be hydrolyzed to 2AP by rCbaA, which was further transformed to picolinic acid by rCnbC(alpha)C(beta) based on identified catalytic product. The optimal pH and temperature for rCbaA are 9.0 and 55 degrees C with excellent stability for catalytic environments, and the residual activity was > 50% after incubation at temperatures < 45 degrees C or at pH between 6.0 and 10.0 for 24 h. On the contrary, rCnbC(alpha)C(beta) composed of a-subunit (33 kDa) and b-subunit (38 kDa) showed poor stability against environmental factors, including temperature, pH, metal ions and chemicals. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.