Bisphenol A degradation by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum AM employing Fenton chemistry

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Gram-positive facultative anaerobic strain with antioxidant potential, can degrade and detoxify xenobiotic compounds. In this study, we evaluated Lpb. plantarum AM for its antioxidant properties, bisphenol A (BPA) degradation, and Lpb. plantarum AM mediated-Fenton reaction for BPA degradation. ≤ 43.8 µmol BPA did not affect the growth of Lpb. plantarum AM even in glucose-deficient MRS medium. BPA at ≥ 52.56 µmol significantly inhibited growth (p < 0.001) of Lpb. plantarum AM and delayed transition from the logarithmic (log) phase to the stationary phase. When ≥ 52.56 µmol BPA was added at 0 or 4 h, the transition from log phase was delayed from 12 h (control) to 16 h, and at 61.32 µmol BPA further to 18 h. Lpb. plantarum AM produced 1 µmol cell-associated H₂O₂ at 20 h and > 45 nmol Fe^II within 26 h. Lpb. plantarum AM is capable of performing extracellular Fenton reactions. In the presence of FeCl₃Lpb. plantarum AM caused disappearance of the characteristic BPA absorption peaks and emergence of new spectral peaks (∼258-265 nm), suggesting BPA transformation. Functional and comparative genomics revealed genes associated with oxidativestress management, antioxidant defence, and H₂O₂-production, supporting the experimental observed phenotype. Overall, Lpb. plantarum AM demonstrated strong antioxidant and Fenton-driven BPA-transforming capabilities, highlighting its potential as a sustainable microbial candidate for detoxification of xenobiotic pollutants.