Biodegradation of acetaminophen: Microcosm centric genomic-proteomic-metabolomics evidences

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Bioremediation
• Pharmaceutical pollution

Background:

• Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used drug with increasing environmental presence.
• Its environmental ubiquity raises concerns about potential toxic impacts.
• Bioremediation is crucial for addressing this emerging contaminant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biodegradation of acetaminophen (APAP) by Paracoccus sp. APAP_BH8.
• To elucidate the genetic and enzymatic mechanisms underlying APAP degradation.
• To assess the potential of Paracoccus sp. APAP_BH8 for in situ bioremediation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a microcosm-centric omics approach.
• Performed genome and whole proteome analysis of Paracoccus sp. APAP_BH8.
• Identified degradation intermediates and enzyme active site interactions using bioinformatics.

Main Results:

• Paracoccus sp. APAP_BH8 metabolized 300 mg kg-1 APAP in soil microcosms within 16 days.
• Identified key genes involved in APAP degradation, including M20 aminoacylase family protein and 4-hydroxybenzoate 3-monooxygenase.
• Confirmed differential enzyme expression and stable binding of intermediates at active sites.
• Identified 4-aminophenol, hydroquinone, and 3-hydroxy-cis, cis-muconate as degradation metabolites.

Conclusions:

• Paracoccus sp. APAP_BH8 demonstrates significant APAP degradation capabilities.
• The bacterium possesses versatile enzymatic and genetic attributes for bioremediation.
• This strain is a promising candidate for developing effective in situ APAP bioremediation strategies.