Anaerobic biodegradation of methyl esters by Acetobacterium woodii and Eubacterium limosum

The ability of Acetobacterium woodii and Eubacterium limosum to degrade methyl esters of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and isobutyrate was examined under growing and resting-cell conditions. Both bacteria hydrolyzed the esters to the corresponding carboxylates and methanol under either condition. Methanol was further oxidized to formate under growing but not resting conditions. Unlike the metabolism of phenylmethylethers, no H2 requirement was evident for ester biotransformation. The hydrolysis of methyl carboxylates is thermodynamically favorable under standard conditions and the mixotrophic metabolism of ester/CO2 allowed for bacterial growth. These results suggest that the degradation of methyl carboxylates may be a heretofore unrecognized nutritional option for acetogenic bacteria.