Genome, metabolic pathways and characteristics of cometabolism of dibenzothiophene and the biodiesel byproduct glycerol in Paraburkholderia sp. C3

Utilization of glycerol, a biodiesel byproduct, has not been well explored. In the present study, glycerol and the other carbon sources were studied for cometabolism of dibenzothiophene (DBT), a model chemical commonly used in bioremediation studies, by Paraburkholderia sp. C3. This study showed a direct association between rhamnolipids (RLs) biosynthesis and DBT biodegradation induced by different carbon sources in a Paraburkholderia specie. Glycerol can induce the strain C3 produce at least four RLs. The RL precursor is mainly derived from the fatty acid synthesis (FAS II) and beta-oxidation pathway. The genome contained two (fabF and fabG) and four (fadA, fadE, fadB and echA) genes involved in FAS II and beta-oxidation, respectively. The genome also carried the rhIA and rhiB genes involved in rhamnosyltransferase for RL biosynthesis and two DBT dioxygenase genes (nahAc and catA). The findings suggest a viable approach of using the biodiesel byproduct glycerol to remediate contaminated environments.

Automated summary

The study showed a direct association between rhamnolipids biosynthesis and DBT biodegradation induced by different carbon sources in a Paraburkholderia specie. Glycerol can induce the strain C3 to produce at least four rhamnolipids, suggesting a viable approach of using the biodiesel byproduct to remediate contaminated environments.