Biomolecular strategy to minimize chromate toxicity to the remediating bacteria
Protein and cellular engineering are powerful approaches to enhance the efficiency of biological processes. We are focusing on improving chromate bioremediation through these approaches. Hexavalent chromate is a carcinogen which is a wide-spread environmental pollutant, including at the Department of Energy (DOE) sites. Bacteria can detoxify chromate, but improvements are needed to make them efficient agents in this respect. We have cloned several genes that encode soluble chromate reductase activity, and using pure enzyme preparations, have identified suitable candidates for improvement through enzyme evolution. The improvements we seek are: (1) Greater affinity for chromate; (2) Decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation during chromate reduction, which is a major cause for chromate toxicity to the remediating bacteria; (3) Broader substrate range, so that the same enzyme can detoxify also other contaminants; (4) Bacteria capable of maximal expression of chromate reductase activity with minimal bacterial growth; and (5) Bacteria capable of functioning under the harsh conditions of polluted sites. Here we describe our studies on four bacterial enzymes, namely ChrR (from Pseudomonas putida) NfsA, and YieF (from Escherichia coli), and lipoyl dehydrogenase (LpDH, from Clostridium) aimed at attaining the above objectives, especially efficient chromate conversion with minimal toxic effects on the remediating bacterium.
- Research Organization:
- Stanford University, Stanford, CA; Xavier University of Louisiana, LA
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC)
- OSTI ID:
- 895280
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-NABIR2004-13; TRN: US200702%%731
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Annual NABIR PI Meeting, March 15-17, 2004, Warrenton, VA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Purification to homogeneity and characterization of a novel Pseudomonas putida chromate reductase
Chromium(VI) Bioremoval by Pseudomonas Bacteria: Role of Microbial Exudates for Natural Attenuation and Biotreatment of Cr(VI) Contamination