Biodegradation of the endocrine-disrupting compound bisphenol F by Sphingobium yanoikuyae DN12

Author: mycolabadmin
12/6/2025
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Summary

Scientists discovered a bacterium called Sphingobium yanoikuyae that can break down bisphenol F (BPF), a toxic chemical used in plastics and coatings. The bacterium uses three special enzymes working together like a molecular assembly line to safely degrade BPF into harmless byproducts. This discovery could lead to better methods for cleaning up polluted water and soil contaminated with BPF and similar harmful chemicals.

Background

Bisphenol F (BPF) is an emerging environmental pollutant widely used as a substitute for bisphenol A. BPF is commonly detected in industrial wastewater, municipal wastewater, and landfill leachate, and poses toxicological risks including developmental and reproductive effects. Although microbial degradation pathways for BPF have been identified in various bacteria, the specific genes and enzymatic mechanisms remain unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to isolate a BPF-degrading bacterial strain and elucidate the molecular mechanisms and key enzymes involved in BPF biodegradation. The researchers sought to identify the genetic basis and biochemical characterization of the catabolic pathway through comparative transcriptomics and enzyme characterization.

Results

Strain DN12 was identified as Sphingobium yanoikuyae capable of utilizing BPF as sole carbon source. Three enzymes were biochemically characterized: BpfAB (two-component oxidoreductase), BpfC (Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase), and BpfD (α/β hydrolase). Isotope tracing showed BpfAB oxygen derives from water while BpfC oxygen derives from molecular O2, revealing a three-step oxidation-hydrolysis pathway.

Conclusion

This study elucidates the complete BPF biodegradation mechanism at molecular and biochemical levels, identifying key enzymes and their catalytic roles. The findings provide theoretical guidance for designing efficient and sustainable remediation technologies for BPF-contaminated environments and expand understanding of microbial degradation capabilities for synthetic endocrine disruptors.

Published in:Applied and Environmental Microbiology,
Study Type:Experimental Study,
Source: 10.1128/aem.01830-25; PMID: 41196031