Soapwort oxidoreductase is involved in trinitrotoluene detoxification

Abstract

Plant enzymes participating in degradation of nitroaromatic compounds have not been biochemically characterized in details so far. From suspension culture of soapwort (Saponaria officinalis L.) we isolated a novel plant oxidoreductase involved in degradation of trinitrotoluene (TNT). The enzyme catalyses first steps of reduction of TNT nitro groups in the presence of NAD(P)H under anaerobic conditions. The enzyme is monomeric with molecular mass 29 kDa, its two isoforms have pI 4.8 and 5.1. According to the spectral and activation analysis the enzyme contains flavinmononucleotide as a prosthetic group. The structure properties suggest an evolutional relationship to oxophytodienoate reductase. The N-terminal amino acid sequence shows homology to family of Old Yellow Enzyme (E.C. 1.6.99.1).

Detoxification of a carcinogenic paint preservative by Blumea malcolmii Hook cell cultures

“…For more accurate and precise studies on phytoremediation, aseptic cultures of plants provide a convenient and efficient alternative [10]. The cell suspension cultures proved to be an effective tool for removal of a variety of environmental pollutants such as bisphenol A [11], pesticides [12], explosives [13], and heavy metals [14]. The plant under present study is an annual, wooly herb, belonging to the family Asteraceae and mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions.…”