Enhanced BDE-47 biotransformation via cross-feeding in an aerobic-facultative anaerobic bacterial synthetic community

2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) is a persistent organic pollutant that poses significant environmental challenges. Microbial transformation plays a crucial role in removing BDE-47. While most studies to date have focused on its degradation using single microbial strains under specific conditions, research on combined degradation approaches remains limited. This study developed a stable, reciprocal synthetic microbial community (SynCom) comprising aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. By integrating experimental validation with molecular sequencing, the study analyzed degradation efficiency, pathways, interspecies interactions, and key genes involved in the process. The findings reveal mechanisms underlying enhanced biotransformation efficiency. In the SynCom, two bacterial strains complemented each other's degradation pathways and gene functions, working synergistically through cross-feeding. This collaboration resulted in a more complete, efficient, and environmentally friendly degradation process compared to individual strain degradation. Specifically, Enterobacter sp. strain XM utilized hydroxylation products generated by Stenotrophomonas sp. strain WZN-1 to cleave ether bonds, producing smaller monocyclic compounds that entered the TCA cycle. This research introduces a novel and highly efficient SynCom for BDE-47 bioremediation and identifies key genes involved in its degradation. These findings offer valuable insights and potential strategies for the bioremediation of BDE-47-contaminated environments.