Work

Biodesulfurization enhancement via targeted re-insertion of the flavin reductase dszD in the genome of the model strain Rhodococcus qingshengii IGTS8

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Biodesulfurization has emerged as an alternative to the excessively costly hydrodesulfurization of recalcitrant heterocyclic sulfur compounds, such as dibenzothiophene (DBT) and its derivatives. The model desulfurizing strain Rhodococcus qingshengii IGTS8 is responsible for the removal of sulfur through the 4S metabolic pathway, operating through a plasmid-borne dszABC operon, as well as the chromosomal gene for the flavin reductase, DszD. However, naturally occurring biocatalysts do not exhibit the required BDS activity to be useful for industrial applications and for this reason, genetic modifications are currently being explored. Here, we constructed a genetically modified R. qingshengii IGTS8 strain, which carries an additional copy of the flavin reductase gene dszD under the control of the rhodococcal promoter P kap1 , inserted in the neutral chromosomal genetic locus crtI . We conducted a comparative study of the growth and biodesulfurization capabilities of P kap1 -dszD , wild-type and crtIΔ strains, grown on different types and concentrations of carbon and sulfur sources. A significant enhancement of dszD transcript levels, biodesulfurization activity, and maximum calculated biomass for the P kap1 -dszD strain was achieved in the presence of DBT as the sole sulfur source, paving the way for further studies that could lead to a more viable commercial biodesulfurization process.

Source: Heliyon

DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e41899

Authors: Olga Martzoukou, Fotios Klenias, Eleni Kopsini, Dimitris G. Hatzinikolaou

Institution: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Language: English

Topic: Catalysis and Hydrodesulfurization Studies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,270