Improvement in desulfurization of dibenzothiophene and dibenzothiophene sulfone by Paenibacillus strains using immobilization or nanoparticle coating

Abstract

Aims: Biodesulfurization of fossil fuels is a promising technology for deep desulfurization. Previously, we have shown that Paenibacillus strains 32O-W and 32O-Y can desulfurize dibenzothiophene (DBT) and DBT sulfone (DBTS) effectively. In this work, improvements in DBT and DBTS desulfurization by these strains were investigated through immobilization and nanoparticle coating of cells. Methods and Results: Paenibacillus strains 32O-W and 32O-Y immobilized in alginate gel beads or coated with Fe 3 O 4 magnetite nanoparticles were grown at various concentrations (0.1-2 mmol l −1 ) of DBT or DBTS for 96 h. The production of 2-hydroxybiphenyl (2-HBP) from the 4S pathway biotransformation of DBT or DBTS was measured. The highest amounts of 2-HBP production occurred at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.5 mmol l −1 . Compared to planktonic cultures maximum 2-HBP production increased by 54% for DBT and 90% for DBTS desulfurization with immobilized strains, and 44% for DBT and 66% for DBTS desulfurization by nanoparticle-coated strains.Conclusions: Nanoparticle-coated and immobilized cells may be of use in efforts to increase the efficiency of biodesulfurization.Significance and Impact of the Study: Alginate immobilization or nanoparticle coating of bacterial cells may be useful approaches for the enhancement of biodesulfurization for eventual use on an industrial scale.

New Adsorption Materials for Deep Desulfurization of Fuel Oil

“…In general, most microorganisms isolated from natural habitats do not specifically remove sulfur from fuel oil, but several bacterial species can achieve the utilization of sulfide as an energy source. For example, some isolated microorganisms utilize thiophene as a carbon and sulfur source [21].…”

Bacillales: From Taxonomy to Biotechnological and Industrial Perspectives

“…The type genus of Paenibacillaceae is Paenibacillus consists of important species and strains associated with nitrogen fixation, iron acquisition, enzymes, EPSs production, and desulfurization [196][197][198][199]. There are apparently more than 3000 articles about industrial and biotechnological applications of this genus, so it is impossible to discuss all the details in this review.…”