The microbial diversity of several environments has been explored by researchers for the biodegradation of pyrethroids. In this study, a new approach was employed aiming at the use of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, a strain commercially available as bioinsecticide, for Cypermethrin (Cyp) biodegradation. This bacterial strain grew in the presence of Cyp and biodegraded this xenobiotic in a liquid medium. A central composite design for surface response methodology was employed for biodegradation. Under optimized conditions (50 mg•L −1 of Cyp, pH 8.5, 37 °C), 83.5% biodegradation was determined with the production of 12.0 ± 0.6 mg•L −1 3-phenoxybenzoic acid after 5 days. Moreover, a biodegradation pathway with the 18 compounds identified by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS was proposed. Experiments in soil for 28 days at 30 °C were performed, and 16.7% Cyp degradation was determined under abiotic conditions, whereas 36.6 ± 1.9% biodegradation was observed for B. thuringiensis Berliner with the native microbiome, indicating that bioaugmentation with this strain promoted a significant increase in the Cyp decontamination. Therefore, B. thuringiensis Berliner can act as biodegrader agent and insecticide at the same time, promoting decontamination of chemicals as Cyp while maintaining the protection of crops against insects. Moreover, B. thuringiensis species can produce bacteriocins with antifungal activity, which may increase agricultural productivity.
Discovering exoplanets and satellites in habitable zones within and beyond our solar system has sparked intrigue in planetary setting varieties that could support life. Based on our understanding of life on Earth, we can shed light on the origin, evolution, and future of Earth-like organisms in the galaxy and predict extinct or extant extraterrestrial life. Hence, extremophiles thriving in mimic outer space environments are particularly interesting as they exhibit traits that preponderate our comprehension regarding the possibility of life elsewhere and in situ life detection. Additionally, many extremophiles have been used for astrobiological research model organisms to unveil native alien life or possible life-produced metabolites outside Earth. Laboratory-based simulation chambers mimic this outer space condition, helping researchers study life beyond Earth in near identical conditions and understand molecular mechanisms for survival. This review summarizes relevant studies with isolated microorganisms from extreme analog Earth environments, harnessing them as promising astrobiological model candidates for pursuing life potentialities in other planetary bodies. We also highlight the necessity of environmental simulation chamber approaches for mimicking extraterrestrial habitats.
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