Uptake and trans-membrane transport of petroleum hydrocarbons by microorganisms

Abstract

Petroleum-based products are a primary energy source in the industry and daily life. During the exploration, processing, transport and storage of petroleum and petroleum products, water or soil pollution occurs regularly. Biodegradation of the hydrocarbon pollutants by indigenous microorganisms is one of the primary mechanisms of removal of petroleum compounds from the environment. However, the physical contact between microorganisms and hydrophobic hydrocarbons limits the biodegradation rate. This paper presents an updated review of the petroleum hydrocarbon uptake and transport across the outer membrane of microorganisms with the help of outer membrane proteins.

A high-throughput fluorescence-based assay for rapid identification of petroleum degrading bacteria

“…We have observed a similar phenomenon in other wild-type strains of bacteria that produce biosurfactants ( SI Fig. 4 ) and we know that Pseudomonas species produce rhamnolipids during the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons (Hua and Wang 2014; Mulligan and Gibbs 2004). Our follow-up experimental research also confirms that biosurfactants can spontaneously form vesicles 5-150 μm in diameter in the presence of water and crude oil ( SI Fig.…”

The Impact of Biosurfactants on Microbial Cell Properties Leading to Hydrocarbon Bioavailability Increase

“…On the other hand, long-term closure of the biodegradable substance in the micelles may occur. Then, its penetration into the cells is significantly reduced, especially when the micelles combine and their mass increases, which is associated with an increase in the sedimentation rate [38]. In addition, the surfactant adsorbs at the interface to inhibit cell access to the hydrophobic substrate [39].…”

Overview of Natural Source Zone Depletion: Processes, Controlling Factors, and Composition Change

“…Ng et al ( 2015 ) stated, " Our proposed conceptual model includes direct outgassing of CO 2 and CH 4 from the oil body source zone in order to match surface efflux measurements from Sihota [ 2014 ]. Biodegradation of petroleum constituents can be modeled as firstorder decay process Suarez and Rifai 1999 Biodegradation of oil constituents can occur without solubilization into bulk groundwater Hua and Wang 2014 ;Meckenstock et al 2014 Some hydrocarbon constituents inhibit the biodegradation of other hydrocarbons Sherry et al 2014 Petroleum hydrocarbons can generate polar metabolites Zemo et al 2013 ;Bekins et al 2016 Zero vs. first-order reaction rate order for bulk petroleum biodegradation Siddique et al 2008 In the model, we attribute this mechanism to poorly soluble short and long-chain n-alkanes that degrade in pore spaces within the oil body. "…”