The exceptional ability of microorganisms to exploit toxic substances for growth is the basis of bioremediation. Burkholderia sp. C3, a bacterial species isolated from soil, can degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides such as N-methyl carbamates. Comparative mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and proteomics showed putative catabolic networks and pathways of the aromatics in C3. It is interesting that addition of glycerol largely enhanced biodegradation of the aromatics. The results indicate that glycerol induces C3 to secrete rhamnolipids that enhance PAH biodegradation. Rhamnolipids are non-toxic and biodegradable glycolipid biosurfactants with a wide range of commercial applications. The relevant proteins profiled and genes (i.e., rhl genes) detected and cloned allow further understanding of metabolism of PAHs and biosynthesis of rhamnolipids. The results provided insights into bacterial adaptation to overcome stress conditions and might lead us to the improvement of bioremediation technologies.

Bacterial surfactant enhanced degradation of aromatic compounds: An omics approach of study

248th National Meeting (2014)

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