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Characterizing the Contaminant-Adhesion of a Dibenzofuran Degrader Rhodococcus sp.

Summary

Dibenzofuran is a toxic pollutant that bacteria can degrade, but the process of bacterial adhesion to this contaminant wasn’t well understood. Researchers found that the bacterium Rhodococcus sp. strain p52 produces sticky outer coatings called extracellular polymeric substances when exposed to dibenzofuran. These coatings change the bacteria’s surface properties, making them better able to stick to and degrade the pollutant. The study reveals how bacteria naturally adapt to efficiently clean up toxic contamination.

Background

Dibenzofuran (DF) is a toxic oxygen-containing heterocyclic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon produced by anthropogenic and natural processes. Despite its strong hydrophobicity and low bioavailability, DF-degrading bacteria such as Rhodococcus species have been identified. The adhesion mechanism between DF and degrading bacteria remains unclear, hindering optimization of degradation efficiency.

Objective

This study aimed to elucidate the adhesive behaviors and molecular mechanisms of Rhodococcus sp. strain p52 during dibenzofuran degradation, with focus on the role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) in mediating the adhesion process and enhancing biodegradation potential.

Results

DF induced higher biofilm yield and EPS production compared to sodium acetate. When DF was the carbon source, strain p52 exhibited increased hydrophobicity, reduced zeta potential, and produced more glucose-rich polysaccharides and stress-response proteins. Enzyme treatment reducing EPSs significantly decreased both biofilm formation and DF degradation efficiency.

Conclusion

EPSs mediate efficient adhesion between Rhodococcus sp. strain p52 and dibenzofuran through altered composition and increased content of polysaccharides and proteins. EPS-induced changes in surface characteristics and biofilm architecture increase contact area with DF, promoting biodegradation. These findings enhance understanding of PAH-degrading bacteria bioremediation mechanisms.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39858861, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13010093
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