The enhancement of biodesulfurization activity in a novel indigenous engineered Pseudomonas putida

The combustion of sulfur-rich fossil fuels leads to release of sulfur oxide pollution in the environment. In biodesulfurization process, an organism is able to remove sulfur from fossil fuels without decreasing the caloric value of those substrates. The main aim of this research was to design a recombinant microorganism to remove the highest amount of sulfur compounds in fossil fuels.

Three genes (dszA,B,C) from dsz operon are responsible for the 4S pathway (biodesulfurization pathway) in Rhodococcus erythropolis IGTS8 were inserted into the chromosome of a novel indigenous Pseudomonas putida. The reaction catalyzed by products of dszA,B,C genes require FMNH2 supplied by dszD enzyme. Thus, pVLT31 vector harboring dszD gene was transferred into this recombinant strain.

The results demonstrated a higher biodesulfurization activity when the flavin reductase gene was transferred into recombinant P. putida harboring dszA,B,C. These results were approved by the Gibbs test and HPLC analysis.

These analyses showed that this novel indigenous engineered P. putida could be a promising candidate for an industrial and environmental application for Biodesulfurization process.