Sulfur metabolism in Rhodococcus species and their application in desulfurization of fossil fuels

Organosulfur compounds in fossil fuels have been a major concern in the process of achieving zero-sulfur fuel production. Biodesulfurization (BDS) is an environmentally friendly strategy for the removal of refractory organosulfur compounds from fossil fuels. Even though researchers are committed to engineering the desulfurization-specific pathway for improving BDS efficiency, the industrial application of BDS is still difficult. Recently, the sulfur metabolism of Rhodococcus has begun to attract attention due to its influences on the BDS process. In this review, we introduce the sulfur metabolism in Rhodococcus, including sulfur absorption, reduction, and assimilation; and summarize desulfurization in Rhodococcus, including the desulfurization mechanism, the regulation mechanism of the 4S pathway, and the strategies of optimizing the 4S pathway to improve BDS efficiency. In particular, the influence of sulfur metabolism on BDS efficiency is discussed. In addition, we consider the latest genetic engineering strategies in Rhodococcus. An improved understanding of the relationship between sulfur metabolism and desulfurization will enable the industrial application of BDS.

Automated summary

This article introduces the sulfur metabolism mechanism of the well-known anaerobic bacteria Rhodococcus, including sulfur absorption, reduction, and assimilation, as well as the regulation mechanism and optimization strategies of the 4S pathway. The influence of sulfur metabolism on the efficiency of biodesulfurization is discussed, along with the latest genetic engineering strategies in Rhodococcus. A better understanding of the relationship between sulfur metabolism and desulfurization can promote the industrial application of biodesulfurization.