Are Si-C bonds cleaved by microorganisms? A critical review on biodegradation of methylsiloxanes

Methylsiloxanes, compounds that contain H3C-Si-O subunits in their molecular structure, are emerging ubiquitous pollutants now detected in many environmental compartments. These compounds and generally Si-C bonds do not occur in living nature, but are industrially produced worldwide in millions of tons per annum and are widely used, resulting in their release to the environment. It is an open question whether or to what extent microorganisms are able to decompose these compounds. The presence of methylsiloxanes in many biogases adds to the economic relevance of this question. We here review and critically discuss, for the first time, the evidence obtained for and against degradation of methylsiloxanes by microorganisms, and in particular for microbial cleavage of Si-CH3 bonds. As a result, no convincing demonstration of Si-C cleavage by native environmental microorganisms has been found.

Automated summary

Methylsiloxanes, compounds containing H3C-Si-O subunits, are pervasive environmental pollutants created through industrial production and widely used. Whether and to what extent microorganisms can degrade these compounds remains uncertain. This review critically examines existing evidence for and against microbial degradation of methylsiloxanes, particularly the cleavage of Si-CH3 bonds, finding no convincing proof of cleavage by native environmental microorganisms.