[Nitro esterase activity of Pseudomonas fluorescens]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Nitrocellulose, a polymer with nitroester bonds, is widely used but persistent in the environment.
• Microbial degradation of synthetic polymers is an area of active research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biological hydrolysis of nitroester bonds in nitrocellulose.
• To identify microorganisms capable of degrading nitrocellulose and utilizing its components.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and selection of microorganisms from active ooze using continuous cultivation.
• Immobilization of microorganisms on nitrocellulose fibers.
• Analysis of nitrocellulose degradation and nitrate ion utilization by the selected strain.

Main Results:

• Pseudomonas fluorescens strain 1/2 was isolated and demonstrated the ability to hydrolyze nitroester bonds in nitrocellulose.
• The bacterium cleaves nitro groups from nitrocellulose, releasing nitrate ions.
• These nitrate ions are assimilated by the bacteria for their metabolic processes.

Conclusions:

• The biological degradation of nitrocellulose is feasible through microbial action.
• Pseudomonas fluorescens strain 1/2 possesses enzymatic machinery for nitrocellulose hydrolysis and nitrogen assimilation.
• This finding opens avenues for bioremediation strategies targeting nitrocellulose-containing waste.