Assessment of the efficiency of synergistic photocatalysis on penicillin G biodegradation by whole cell Paracoccus sp

Abstract

Background The Paracoccus sp. strain isolated from sludge was identified and evaluated for catalytic activity in the degradation of penicillin G. Results High degradation efficiency and synergistic catalytic effects of the whole cell and visible light without additional catalysts were observed. The key factors influencing the degradation and kinetics of penicillin G were investigated. The results showed the phenylacetic acid, which was produced during penicillin G biodegradation, exhibited stronger inhibiting effects on KDSPL-02. However, this effect was reduced by visible light irradiation without any additional photocatalyst; furthermore, the rate of penicillin G biodegradation was accelerated, reaching a 100% rate in 12 h at a penicillin G concentration of 1.2 g/L. Four key intermediates produced during penicillin G degradation were isolated and identified by LC–MS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. Enzymes involved in the PAA pathway were proposed from a genomic analysis of KDSPL-02. Conclusions These results provide a new method for bio-degrading of penicillin or other antibiotic pollutants using photoaccelerating biocatalysts with greater efficiency and more environmentally friendly conditions.

Investigation of the mechanism of accelerated biodegradation ofParacoccus-KDSPL-02

“…Based on previous studies, it was shown that Paracoccus-KDSPL-02 accelerates the rate of degradation of penicillin G in the presence of light [8-10] . However, the molecular mechanism by which it accelerates the degradation of penicillin G is unclear.…”

“…There are various degradation methods for penicillin G, such as physical degradation, chemical degradation, and biodegradation, among which biodegradation has attracted much attention because of its green, environmental, friendly, and efficient advantages [6,7] . Isolation of a strain of Paracoccus-KDSPL-02 from the sludge of a pharmaceutical factory, which is highly efficient for the degradation of penicillin G [8] . The strain has a wide range of degradation capabilities and can biodegrade a variety of compounds [11] .…”