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Advances in the Degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Yeasts: A Review

Summary

This review explores how yeasts, tiny single-celled fungi, can clean up environments contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) – harmful chemicals produced by car emissions, factories, and burning. These yeasts use special enzymes to break down these toxic compounds into less harmful substances, making them a promising natural solution for environmental cleanup. Scientists are also improving these yeasts through genetic engineering to make them even more effective at removing pollution.

Background

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are toxic organic compounds produced during incomplete combustion of organic materials and are persistent environmental pollutants with carcinogenic potential. Yeasts have emerged as promising microorganisms for PAH degradation through enzymatic pathways, offering a sustainable bioremediation alternative to physicochemical methods.

Objective

This review synthesizes recent advancements in yeast-mediated degradation of PAHs, focusing on the role of key enzymes and genetic engineering approaches. The review examines enzymatic mechanisms, metabolic pathways, and the application of omics technologies to enhance bioremediation efficiency.

Results

Multiple yeast species including Debaryomyces hansenii, Yarrowia lipolytica, and Candida species demonstrate high efficacy in degrading PAHs through cytochrome P450, epoxide hydrolases, and glutathione S-transferases. Genetic engineering has enhanced degradation efficiency, with D. hansenii achieving over 80% BaP degradation and omics tools revealing extensive metabolic pathways involved in detoxification.

Conclusion

Yeasts represent promising organisms for PAH bioremediation with engineered strains showing significantly enhanced degradation capacity. Future developments should focus on optimizing genetic modifications, understanding regulatory mechanisms, and implementing field-scale bioremediation strategies with appropriate safety measures for genetically modified organisms.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 39770687
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