Degradation of chemicals by reactive radicals produced by cellobiose dehydrogenase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Rational Design for Enhancing Cellobiose Dehydrogenase Activity and Its Synergistic Role in Straw Degradation

Addressing the demand for efficient biological degradation of straw, this study employed rational design coupled with structural biology and enzyme engineering techniques to enhance the catalytic activity of cellobiose dehydrogenase (PsCDH, CDH form Pycnoporus sanguineus). By predicting and modifying the active site and key amino acids of PsCDH, several CDH immobilized enzyme preparations with higher catalytic activities were successfully obtained. The excellent mutant T1 (C286Y/A461H/F464R) exhibited a 2.7-fold increase in enzyme activity compared to the wild type. Simulated calculations indicated that the enhancement of catalytic activity was primarily due to the formation of additional intermolecular interactions between CDH and the substrate, as well as the enlargement of the substrate pocket to reduce steric hindrance effects. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulation analysis revealed a potential correlation between structural stability and enzyme activity. When PsCDH was added to a multienzyme synergistic straw degradation system, the cellulose degradation rate increased by 1.84-fold. Moreover, mutant T1 further increased the degradation of lignocellulose in the mixed system. This study provides efficient enzyme sources and modification strategies for the high-efficiency biological conversion of straw and unconventional feedstock degradation, thereby possessing significant academic value and application prospects.

Unraveling how Fe-Mn modified biochar mitigates sulfamonomethoxine in soil water: The activated biodegradation and hydroxyl radicals formation

This study indicated that the application of a novel Fe-Mn modified rice straw biochar (Fe/Mn-RS) as soil amendment facilitated the removal of sulfamonomethoxine (SMM) in soil water microcosms, primarily via activating degradation mechanism rather than adsorption. The similar enhancement on SMM removal did not occur using rice straw biochar (RS). Comparison of Fe/Mn-RS with RS showed that Fe/Mn-RS gains new physic-chemical properties such as abundant oxygenated C-centered persistent free radicals (PFRs). In the Fe/Mn-RS microcosms, the degradation contributed 79.5-83.8% of the total SMM removal, which was 1.28-1.70 times higher than that in the RS microcosms. Incubation experiments using sterilized and non-sterilized microcosms further revealed that Fe/Mn-RS triggered both the biodegradation and abiotic degradation of SMM. For abiotic degradation of SMM, the abundant •OH generation, induced by Fe/Mn-RS, was demonstrated to be the major contributor, according to EPR spectroscopy and free radical quenching experiments. Fenton-like bio-reaction occurred in this process where Fe (Ⅲ), Mn (Ⅲ) and Mn (Ⅳ) gained electrons, resulting in oxidative hydroxylation of SMM. This work provides new insights into the impacts of biochar on the fates of antibiotics in soil water and a potential solution for preventing antibiotic residues in agricultural soil becoming a non-point source pollutant.

Spotlight on the Life Cycle of Acrylamide-Based Polymers Supporting Reductions in Environmental Footprint: Review and Recent Advances

Humankind is facing a climate and energy crisis which demands global and prompt actions to minimize the negative impacts on the environment and on the lives of millions of people. Among all the disciplines which have an important role to play, chemistry has a chance to rethink the way molecules are made and find innovations to decrease the overall anthropic footprint on the environment. In this paper, we will provide a review of the existing knowledge but also recent advances on the manufacturing and end uses of acrylamide-based polymers following the "green chemistry" concept and 100 years after the revolutionary publication of Staudinger on macromolecules. After a review of raw material sourcing options (fossil derivatives vs. biobased), we will discuss the improvements in monomer manufacturing followed by a second part dealing with polymer manufacturing processes and the paths followed to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. In the following section, we will see how the polyacrylamides help reduce the environmental footprint of end users in various fields such as agriculture or wastewater treatment and discuss in more detail the fate of these molecules in the environment by looking at the existing literature, the regulations in place and the procedures used to assess the overall biodegradability. In the last section, we will review macromolecular engineering principles which could help enhance the degradability of said polymers when they reach the end of their life cycle.

Biodegradation mechanisms of sulfonamides by Phanerochaete chrysosporium - Luffa fiber system revealed at the transcriptome level

The overuse of antibiotics and subsequent enrichment of antibiotic resistant microbes in the natural and built environments is a severe threat to global public health. In this study, a Phanerochaete chrysosporium fungal-luffa fiber system was found to efficiently biodegrade two sulfonamides, sulfadimethoxine (SDM) and sulfadizine (SDZ), in cow urine wastewater. Biodegradation pathways were proposed on the basis of key metabolites identified using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QqTOF-MS). Transcriptomic, metabolomic, and free radical analyses were performed to explore the functional groups and detailed molecular mechanisms of SDM and SDZ degradation. A total of 27 UniGene clusters showed significant differences between luffa fiber and luffa fiber-free systems, which were significantly correlated to cellulose catabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and oxidoreductase activity. Carbohydrate-active enzymes and oxidoreductases appear to play particularly important roles in SDM and SDZ degradation. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy revealed the generation and evolution of OH and R during the biodegradation of SDM and SDZ, suggesting that beyond enzymatic degradation, SDM and SDZ were also transformed through a free radical pathway. Luffa fiber also acts as a co-substrate to improve the activity of enzymes for the degradation of SDM and SDZ. This research provides a potential strategy for removing SDM and SDZ from agricultural and industrial wastewater using fungal-luffa fiber systems.

Immobilization of ligninolytic enzymes from white-rot fungi in cross-linked aggregates

Ligninolytic enzymes from white-rot fungi are widely used in biotechnological processes. However, the application of these enzymes as free enzymes is limited due to their instability and lack of reusability. Enzyme stabilization is therefore a major challenge in biocatalytic process research, and immobilization methods are desirable. Using cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) such as magnetic CLEAs, porous-CLEAs and combi-CLEAs is a promising technique for overcoming these issues. Cross-linking methods can stabilize and immobilize enzymes by interconnecting enzyme molecules via multiple bonds using cross-linking agents such as glutaraldehyde. The high catalyst density and microporous assembly of CLEAs guarantee high catalyst activity, which, together with their long shelf life, operational stability, and reusability, provide a cost-efficient alternative to matrix-assisted immobilization approaches. Here, we review current progress in ligninolytic enzyme immobilization and provide a comprehensive review of CLEAs. Moreover, we summarize the use of these CLEAs for biocatalysis processes, bioremediation such as dye decolourization, wastewater treatment or pharmaceutically active compound elimination.

White rot fungi and advanced combined biotechnology with nanomaterials: promising tools for endocrine-disrupting compounds biotransformation

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) can interfere with endocrine systems and bio-accumulate through the food chain and even decrease biodiversity in contaminated areas. This review discusses a critical overview of recent research progress in the biotransformation of EDCs (including polychlorinated biphenyl and nonylphenol, and suspected EDCs such as heavy metals and sulfonamide antibiotics) by white rot fungi (WRF) based on techniques with an emphasis on summarizing and analyzing fungal molecular, metabolic and genetic mechanisms. Not only intracellular metabolism which seems to perform essential roles in the ability of WRF to transform EDCs, but also advanced applications are deeply discussed. This review mainly reveals the removal pathway of heavy metal and antibiotic pollutants because the single pollution almost did not exist in a real environment while the combined pollution has become more serious and close to people's life. The trends in WRF technology and its related advanced applications which use the combined technology, including biocatalysis of WRF and adsorption of nanomaterials, to degrade EDCs have also been introduced. Furthermore, challenges and future research needs EDCs biotransformation by WRF are also discussed. This research, referring to metabolic mechanisms and the combined technology of WRF with nanomaterials, undoubtedly contributes to the applications of biotechnology. This review will be of great benefit to an understanding of the trends in biotechnology for the removal of EDCs.

Characterization of cellobiose dehydrogenase and its FAD-domain from the ligninolytic basidiomycete Pycnoporus sanguineus

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH), an extracellular flavocytochrome produced by several wood-degrading fungi, was detected in the culture supernatant of the selective delignifier Pycnoporus sanguineus maintained on a cellulose-based liquid medium. Cellobiose dehydrogenase was purified as two active fractions: CDH1-FAD (flavin domain) (40.4 fold) with recovery of 10.9% and CDH1 (flavo-heme enzyme) (54.7 fold) with recovery of 9.8%. As determined by SDS-PAGE, the molecular mass of the purified enzyme was found to be 113.4kDa and its isoelectric point was 4.2, whereas these values for the FAD-domain were 82.7kDa and pI=6.7. The carbohydrate content of the purified enzymes was 9.2%. In this work, the cellobiose dehydrogenase gene cdh1 and its corresponding cDNA from fungus P. sanguineus were isolated, cloned, and characterized. The 2310bp full-length cDNA of cdh1 encoded a mature CDH protein containing 769 amino acids, which was preceded by a signal peptide of 19 amino acids. Moreover, both active fractions were characterized in terms of kinetics, temperature and pH optima, and antioxidant properties.

In vivo human time-exposure study of orally dosed commercial silver nanoparticles

Human biodistribution, bioprocessing and possible toxicity of nanoscale silver receive increasing health assessment. We prospectively studied commercial 10- and 32-ppm nanoscale silver particle solutions in a single-blind, controlled, cross-over, intent-to-treat, design. Healthy subjects (n=60) underwent metabolic, blood counts, urinalysis, sputum induction, and chest and abdomen magnetic resonance imaging. Silver serum and urine content were determined. No clinically important changes in metabolic, hematologic, or urinalysis measures were identified. No morphological changes were detected in the lungs, heart or abdominal organs. No significant changes were noted in pulmonary reactive oxygen species or pro-inflammatory cytokine generation. In vivo oral exposure to these commercial nanoscale silver particle solutions does not prompt clinically important changes in human metabolic, hematologic, urine, physical findings or imaging morphology. Further study of increasing time exposure and dosing of silver nanoparticulate silver, and observation of additional organ systems are warranted to assert human toxicity thresholds.

FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR

In this study, the effects of commercially available nanoparticles were studied in healthy volunteers, concluding no detectable toxicity with the utilized comprehensive assays and tests. As the authors rightfully state, further studies are definitely warranted. Studies like this are much needed for the more widespread application of nanomedicine.

Use of insoluble polyacrylate polymers to aid phytostabilization of mine soils: effects on plant growth and soil characteristics

We evaluated the use of polyacrylate polymers to aid phytostabilization of mine soils. In a pot experiment, perennial ryegrass was grown in a mine soil and in uncontaminated soil. Growth was stimulated in the polymer-amended mine soil compared with an unamended control, and water-extractable levels of soil Cu and Zn decreased after polymer application. In an experiment performed in six 60-cm-diameter cylinders filled with fertilized mine soil, polymers were applied to three cylinders, with the remainder used as unamended control. Total biomass produced by indigenous plant species sown in polymer-amended soil was 1.8 (Spring-Summer) or 2.4 times (Fall-Winter) greater than that of plants from unamended soil. The application of polymers to the mine soil led to the greatest activity of soil enzymes. Soil pH, biomass of Spergularia purpurea and Chaetopogon fasciculatus, and activities of protease and cellulase had large loadings on principal component (PC)1, whereas growth of Briza maxima and the activities of urease, acid phosphatase, and beta-glucosidase had large loadings on PC2. The treatments corresponding to controls were located on the negative side of PC1 and PC2. Amended treatments were on the positive side of PC2 (Spring-Summer) or on the positive side of PC1 (Fall-Winter), demonstrating differential responses of plants and soil parameters in the two growth cycles.

Enhancing the production of hydroxyl radicals by Pleurotus eryngii via quinone redox cycling for pollutant removal

The induction of hydroxyl radical (OH) production via quinone redox cycling in white-rot fungi was investigated to improve pollutant degradation. In particular, we examined the influence of 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (anisaldehyde), Mn(2+), and oxalate on Pleurotus eryngii OH generation. Our standard quinone redox cycling conditions combined mycelium from laccase-producing cultures with 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DBQ) and Fe(3+)-EDTA. The main reactions involved in OH production under these conditions have been shown to be (i) DBQ reduction to hydroquinone (DBQH(2)) by cell-bound dehydrogenase activities; (ii) DBQH(2) oxidation to semiquinone (DBQ(-)) by laccase; (iii) DBQ(-) autoxidation, catalyzed by Fe(3+)-EDTA, producing superoxide (O(2)(-)) and Fe(2+)-EDTA; (iv) O(2)(-) dismutation, generating H(2)O(2); and (v) the Fenton reaction. Compared to standard quinone redox cycling conditions, OH production was increased 1.2- and 3.0-fold by the presence of anisaldehyde and Mn(2+), respectively, and 3.1-fold by substituting Fe(3+)-EDTA with Fe(3+)-oxalate. A 6.3-fold increase was obtained by combining Mn(2+) and Fe(3+)-oxalate. These increases were due to enhanced production of H(2)O(2) via anisaldehyde redox cycling and O(2)(-) reduction by Mn(2+). They were also caused by the acceleration of the DBQ redox cycle as a consequence of DBQH(2) oxidation by both Fe(3+)-oxalate and the Mn(3+) generated during O(2)(-) reduction. Finally, induction of OH production through quinone redox cycling enabled P. eryngii to oxidize phenol and the dye reactive black 5, obtaining a high correlation between the rates of OH production and pollutant oxidation.

Mechanism of the reductive half-reaction in cellobiose dehydrogenase

The extracellular flavocytochrome cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH; EC ) participates in lignocellulose degradation by white-rot fungi with a proposed role in the early events of wood degradation. The complete hemoflavoenzyme consists of a catalytically active dehydrogenase fragment (DH(cdh)) connected to a b-type cytochrome domain via a linker peptide. In the reductive half-reaction, DH(cdh) catalyzes the oxidation of cellobiose to yield cellobiono-1,5-lactone. The active site of DH(cdh) is structurally similar to that of glucose oxidase and cholesterol oxidase, with a conserved histidine residue positioned at the re face of the flavin ring close to the N5 atom. The mechanisms of oxidation in glucose oxidase and cholesterol oxidase are still poorly understood, partly because of lack of experimental structure data or difficulties in interpreting existing data for enzyme-ligand complexes. Here we report the crystal structure of the Phanerochaete chrysosporium DH(cdh) with a bound inhibitor, cellobiono-1,5-lactam, at 1.8-A resolution. The distance between the lactam C1 and the flavin N5 is only 2.9 A, implying that in an approximately planar transition state, the maximum distance for the axial 1-hydrogen to travel for covalent addition to N5 is 0.8-0.9 A. The lactam O1 interacts intimately with the side chains of His-689 and Asn-732. Our data lend substantial structural support to a reaction mechanism where His-689 acts as a general base by abstracting the O1 hydroxyl proton in concert with transfer of the C1 hydrogen as hydride to the re face of the flavin N5.

Crystal structure of the flavoprotein domain of the extracellular flavocytochrome cellobiose dehydrogenase

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) participates in the degradation of cellulose and lignin. The protein is an extracellular flavocytochrome with a b-type cytochrome domain (CYT(cdh)) connected to a flavodehydrogenase domain (DH(cdh)). DH(cdh) catalyses a two-electron oxidation at the anomeric C1 position of cellobiose to yield cellobiono-1,5-lactone, and the electrons are subsequently transferred from DH(cdh) to an acceptor, either directly or via CYT(cdh). Here, we describe the crystal structure of Phanerochaete chrysosporium DH(cdh) determined at 1.5 A resolution. DH(cdh) belongs to the GMC family of oxidoreductases, which includes glucose oxidase (GOX) and cholesterol oxidase (COX); however, the sequence identity with members of the family is low. The overall fold of DH(cdh) is p-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase-like and is similar to, but also different from, that of GOX and COX. It is partitioned into an FAD-binding subdomain of alpha/beta type and a substrate-binding subdomain consisting of a seven-stranded beta sheet and six helices. Docking of CYT(cdh) and DH(cdh) suggests that CYT(cdh) covers the active-site entrance in DH(cdh), and that the resulting distance between the cofactors is within acceptable limits for inter-domain electron transfer. Based on docking of the substrate, cellobiose, in the active site of DH(cdh), we propose that the enzyme discriminates against glucose by favouring interaction with the non-reducing end of cellobiose.

Production and chemiluminescent free radical reactions of glyoxal in lipid peroxidation of linoleic acid by the ligninolytic enzyme, manganese peroxidase

Glyoxal is a key compound involved in glyoxal oxidase (GLOX)-dependent production of glyoxylate, oxalate and H2O2 by lignin-degrading basidiomycetes. In this paper, we report that glyoxal was produced from a metabolite of ligninolytic fungi, linoleic acid, by manganese peroxidase (MnP)-dependent lipid peroxidation. In the absence of the parent substrate of linoleic acid, the dialdehyde was oxidized by MnP and Mn(III) chelate to start free radical reactions with emission of chemiluminescence at 700-710 nm. The spectroscopic profile of the light emission is distinguishable from (a) singlet oxygen, (b) triplet carbonyls from dioxetane and alpha-hydroxyperoxyl radicals, and (c) biacyl triplet formed by the coupling of two acyl radicals. The photon emission of glyoxal by MnP was activated by co-oxidation of tartrate. The MnP-dependent oxidation of glyoxal in tartrate buffers continued for 10 days without addition of exogenous H2O2. The importance of these results is discussed in relation to the free radical chemistry of lignin biodegradation by wood rot fungi.

Purification and characterization of cellobiose dehydrogenase from the plant pathogen Sclerotium (Athelia) rolfsii

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) is an extracellular hemoflavoenzyme produced by several wood-degrading fungi. In the presence of a suitable electron acceptor, e.g., 2,6-dichloro-indophenol (DCIP), cytochrome c, or metal ions, CDH oxidizes cellobiose to cellobionolactone. The phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotium rolfsii (teleomorph: Athelia rolfsii) strain CBS 191.62 produces remarkably high levels of CDH activity when grown on a cellulose-containing medium. Of the 7,500 U of extracellular enzyme activity formed per liter, less than 10% can be attributed to the proteolytic product cellobiose:quinone oxidoreductase. As with CDH from wood-rotting fungi, the intact, monomeric enzyme from S. rolfsii contains one heme b and one flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor per molecule. It has a molecular size of 101 kDa, of which 15% is glycosylation, and a pI value of 4.2. The preferred substrates are cellobiose and cellooligosaccharides; additionally, beta-lactose, thiocellobiose, and xylobiose are efficiently oxidized. Cytochrome c (equine) and the azino-di-(3-ethyl-benzthiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) cation radical were the best electron acceptors, while DCIP, 1,4-benzoquinone, phenothiazine dyes such as methylene blue, phenoxazine dyes such as Meldola's blue, and ferricyanide were also excellent acceptors. In addition, electrons can be transferred to oxygen. Limited in vitro proteolysis with papain resulted in the formation of several protein fragments that are active with DCIP but not with cytochrome c. Such a flavin-containing fragment, with a mass of 75 kDa and a pI of 5.1 and lacking the heme domain, was isolated and partially characterized.

Cellobiose dehydrogenase-an extracellular fungal flavocytochrome

Wood-degrading fungi, including white-rot and soft-rot fungi as well as at least one brown-rot fungus, produce cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH). CDH has generated recent interest because of its ability to facilitate the formation of free radicals and because it makes a nice model to study intraprotein electron transfer. While the physiological function of CDH is not known, a considerable portion of this review discusses the strength of the data dealing with individual hypotheses. New evidence dealing with proteolysis of CDH in relationship to the interaction of CDH with lignin and manganese peroxidases are discussed. Additionally, recent information dealing with the catalytic mechanism and reactivity of the individual domains of CDH is detailed.

Production of hydroxyl radical by the synergistic action of fungal laccase and aryl alcohol oxidase

A mechanism for the production of hydroxyl radical (*OH) during the oxidation of hydroquinones by laccase, the ligninolytic enzyme most widely distributed among white-rot fungi, has been demonstrated. Production of Fenton reagent (H2O2 and ferrous ion), leading to *OH formation, was found in reaction mixtures containing Pleurotus eryngii laccase, lignin-derived hydroquinones, and chelated ferric ion. The semiquinones produced by laccase reduced both ferric to ferrous ion and oxygen to superoxide anion radical (O2*-). Dismutation of the latter provided the H2O2 for *OH generation. Although O2*- could also contribute to ferric ion reduction, semiquinone radicals were the main agents accomplishing the reaction. Due to the low extent of semiquinone autoxidation, H2O2 was the limiting reagent in Fenton reaction. The addition of aryl alcohol oxidase and 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol (the natural H2O2-producing system of P. eryngii) to the laccase reaction greatly increased *OH generation, demonstrating the synergistic action of both enzymes in the process.

A critical review of cellobiose dehydrogenases

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) is an extracellular enzyme produced by various wood-degrading fungi. It oxidizes soluble cellodextrins, mannodextrins and lactose efficiently to their corresponding lactones by a ping-pong mechanism using a wide spectrum of electron acceptors including quinones, phenoxyradicals, Fe(3+), Cu(2+) and triiodide ion. Monosaccharides, maltose and molecular oxygen are poor substrates. CDH that adsorbs strongly and specifically to cellulose carries two prosthetic groups; namely, an FAD and a heme in two different domains that can be separated after limited proteolysis. The FAD-containing fragment carries all known catalytic and cellulose binding properties. One-electron acceptors, like ferricyanide, cytochrome c and phenoxy radicals, are, however, reduced more slowly by the FAD-fragment than by the intact enzyme, suggesting that the function of the heme group is to facilitate one-electron transfer. Non-heme forms of CDH have been found in the culture filtrate of some fungi (probably due to the action of fungal proteases) and were for a long time believed to represent a separate enzyme (cellobiose:quinone oxidoreductase, CBQ). The amino acid sequence of CDH has been determined and no significant homology with other proteins was detected for the heme domain. The FAD-domain sequence belongs to the GMC oxidoreductase family that includes, among others, Aspergillus niger glucose oxidase. The homology is most distinct in regions that correspond to the FAD-binding domain in glucose oxidase. A cellulose-binding domain of the fungal type is present in CDH from Myceliophtore thermophila (Sporotrichum thermophile), but in others an internal sequence rich in aromatic amino acid residues has been suggested to be responsible for the cellulose binding. The biological function of CDH is not fully understood, but recent results support a hydroxyl radical-generating mechanism whereby the radical can degrade and modify cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. CDH has found technical use in highly selective amperometric biosensors and several other applications have been suggested.

A new scaffold for binding haem in the cytochrome domain of the extracellular flavocytochrome cellobiose dehydrogenase

BACKGROUND

The fungal oxidoreductase cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) degrades both lignin and cellulose, and is the only known extracellular flavocytochrome. This haemoflavoenzyme has a multidomain organisation with a b-type cytochrome domain linked to a large flavodehydrogenase domain. The two domains can be separated proteolytically to yield a functional cytochrome and a flavodehydrogenase. Here, we report the crystal structure of the cytochrome domain of CDH.

RESULTS

The crystal structure of the b-type cytochrome domain of CDH from the wood-degrading fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium has been determined at 1.9 A resolution using multiple isomorphous replacement including anomalous scattering information. Three models of the cytochrome have been refined: the in vitro prepared cytochrome in its redox-inactive state (pH 7.5) and redox-active state (pH 4.6), as well as the naturally occurring cytochrome fragment.

CONCLUSIONS

The 190-residue long cytochrome domain of CDH folds as a beta sandwich with the topology of the antibody Fab V(H) domain. The haem iron is ligated by Met65 and His163, which confirms previous results from spectroscopic studies. This is only the second example of a b-type cytochrome with this ligation, the first being cytochrome b(562). The haem-propionate groups are surface exposed and, therefore, might play a role in the association between the cytochrome and flavoprotein domain, and in interdomain electron transfer. There are no large differences in overall structure of the cytochrome at redox-active pH as compared with the inactive form, which excludes the possibility that pH-dependent redox inactivation results from partial denaturation. From the electron-density map of the naturally occurring cytochrome, we conclude that it corresponds to the proteolytically prepared cytochrome domain.

Cellobiose dehydrogenase-dependent biodegradation of polyacrylate polymers by Phanerochaete chrysosporium

When Phanerochaete chrysosporium was cultured using conditions which promote the expression of cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH), but not the ligninolytic peroxidases, the fungus effectively solubilized and mineralized an insoluble, crosslinked polyacrylate and an insoluble polyacrylate/polyacrylamide copolymer. Addition of iron to the cultures increased CDH activity in the cultures and the rate and extent of solubilization and mineralization of both polymers. Solubilization of both polymers was observed when incubated with purified CDH, ferric iron and hydrogen peroxide.

Biodegradation of superabsorbent polymers in soil

Biodegradation of two superabsorbent polymers, a crosslinked, insoluble polyacrylate and an insoluble polyacrylate/ polyacrylamide copolymer, in soil by the white-rot fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium was investigated. The polymers were both solubilized and mineralized by the fungus but solubilization and mineralization of the copolymer was much more rapid than of the polyacrylate. Soil microbes poorly solublized the polymers and were unable to mineralize either intact polymer. However, soil microbes cooperated with the fungus during polymer degradation in soil, with the fungus solubilizing the polymers and the soil microbes stimulating mineralization. Further, soil microbes were able to significantly mineralize both polymers after solubilization by P. chrysosporium grown under conditions that produced fungal peroxidases or cellobiose dehydrogenase, or after solubilization by photochemically generated Fenton reagent. The results suggest that biodegradation of these polymers in soil is best under conditions that maximize solubilization.