Biotransformation of the Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic, Levofloxacin, by the Free and Immobilized Secretome of Coriolopsis gallica
Researchers discovered that a type of fungus called Coriolopsis gallica can break down the antibiotic levofloxacin, which persists in the environment and contributes to antibiotic resistance. They tested both free enzymes from the fungus and enzymes trapped in alginate beads to see which worked better. The study found that free enzymes degraded more of the antibiotic when a chemical helper molecule called HBT was added, while immobilized enzymes were more stable and could be reused multiple times.