Potential for bioremediation of xenobiotic compounds by the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium
- Univ. of Idaho, Moscow, ID (United States)
The white-rot fungi produce an unusual enzyme system, characterized by a specialized group of peroxidases, that catalyzes the degradation of the complex plant polymer lignin. This ligninolytic system shows a high degree of nonspecificity and oxidizes a very large variety of compounds in addition to lignin. Among these compounds are numerous environmental pollutants. Thus, the white-rot fungi show considerable promise as bioremediation agents for use in the restoration of environments contaminated by xenobiotic molecules. One white-rot fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, has been studied in great detail with regard to ligninolytic enzymes and the degradation of anthropogenic chemicals. It has been widely promoted as a bioremediation agent. This article examines literature concerning the degradation of xenobiotic compounds by Phanerochaete chrysosporium and attempts to critically assess this organism`s real potential as a bioremediation tool. 130 refs., 5 figs.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 482274
- Journal Information:
- Biotechnology Progress, Journal Name: Biotechnology Progress Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 11; ISSN 8756-7938; ISSN BIPRET
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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