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Evaluation of Antibiotic Biodegradation by a Versatile and Highly Active Recombinant Laccase from the Thermoalkaliphilic Bacterium Bacillus sp. FNT

Summary

Scientists have developed a special enzyme from heat-loving bacteria that can break down tetracycline antibiotics in wastewater. Using this enzyme called FNTL along with a natural chemical helper called acetosyringone, they were able to eliminate over 90% of tetracycline in laboratory tests. This breakthrough offers a promising new way to clean up pharmaceutical pollution in water, which is important because antibiotics in the environment can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Background

Laccases are industrially relevant enzymes from extremophiles that have potential for biotechnological applications. A recombinant spore-coat laccase from thermoalkaliphilic Bacillus sp. FNT (FNTL) has been previously characterized as thermostable and highly active across a wide temperature range (20-90°C) with versatility toward various structurally different substrates including recalcitrant environmental pollutants.

Objective

To evaluate the potential of recombinant laccase FNTL to biodegrade antibiotics from tetracycline, β-lactam, and fluoroquinolone families using molecular docking analysis and experimental biodegradation assays.

Results

HPLC results demonstrated that FNTL with acetosyringone efficiently biodegraded 91%, 90%, and 82% of tetracycline at 40, 30, and 20°C respectively within 24 hours, with no apparent ecotoxicity of the products on E. coli and B. subtilis. Oxytetracycline was biodegraded to lesser extents, while β-lactams and fluoroquinolones showed no statistically significant biodegradation.

Conclusion

The recombinant spore-coat laccase FNTL demonstrates promising potential for application in wastewater bioremediation, particularly for tetracycline antibiotics. The enzyme’s thermostability, high activity across various temperatures, and versatility toward structurally different substrates position it as a valuable extremozyme for biotechnological applications in pharmaceutical pollutant degradation.
  • Published in:Biomolecules,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 38540787
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