Cometabolic degradation of enviromental pollutants. We have identified over thirty halogenated aliphatics and aromatics that are transformed by ammonia monooxygenase including trichloroethylene, chlorobenzene, vinyl chloride and dibromochloropropane. Our current research with N. europaea is directed at establishing sustainable rates of transformations. We are also investigating the bioremediation potential of other bacteria capable of cometabolism. In particular, we have shown that organisms which express a butane monooxygenase can degrade a number of chlorinated aliphatics.
Butane is used as an energy source by a number of bacteria.
The proposed pathway for butane metabolism involves oxidation to butanol, followed by conversion to butyaldehyde, and then to butyric acid which is metabolized as a fatty acid. The enzymes which harvest butane, butane monooxygenases, have not been characterized at the molecular level. Our preliminary evidence suggests that three different types of butane monooxygenase exist. The enzyme from Mycobacterium vaccae is likely to harbor a diiron center, the enzyme from Pseudomonas butanovora is likely to contain a P450 heme, and the enzyme from our isolate, CF8, may contain copper. We are currently investigating the substrate and inhibitor range of each enzyme.