Biodegradation of recalcitrant compounds and phthalates by a consortium of Liometopum apiculatum gut microbiota

Abstract

Liometopum apiculatum ants species are widely distributed in arid and semi-arid ecosystems where there is a relative food shortage. They have established an ecological balance involving symbiotic interactions, which have allowed them to survive through mechanisms that are still unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the metabolic potential of isolated bacteria from L. apiculatum using substrate assimilation and enzymatic activity assay. Results revealed a complex bacteria consortium belonging to Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria phylum. These symbionts showed activities associated with biopolymers degradation, suggesting their important role in nutrients release stored in plant-derived material. By other hand, some microorganisms had a high capacity for degradation of phthalate esters. These results not only revealed the important contribution of the symbionts in L apiculatum ants feeding habits, but also they showed a promising source of enzymes with high potential for biotechnological applications such as lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysis and bioremediation.