High activity enzymatic cocktail for efficient degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons

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Spilling and release of petroleum hydrocarbons to the environment caused serious contamination to the soil and groundwater. These compounds deteriorate the quality of soil for agriculture and can be toxic to different organisms. The proposed work will optimize one of the current biological methods for addressing the problem of soil contamination. A. borkumensis is a bacterium able to assimilate different hydrocarbons by producing a set of enzymes such as esterase, lipase and alkane hydroxylase. In lab experiments, A. borkumensis showed high degradation efficiency when it was used as live culture or enzyme extracts. However, practical limitations (such as low temperature and oxygen), as well as economical concerns, challenge the application of A. borkumensis in these two forms. The objective of this proposal is to optimize the production of enzymes in big scales and therefore eliminating the need for the concentration of enzyme. This approach will be used to integrate process optimization with industrial-scale production of enzymes. Our pathway to reach this goal starts from optimizing the enzyme production at small scale by modifying the media composition (addition of inducers) and ends into scaled-up fermenter (2,000 L) working at semi-continuous mode with in-situ sonication Finally, the cost evaluation of the whole process will facilitate the choice of the best production scenario for optimal application.The Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP), will acquire essential skills for future careers in Canada. They will learn techniques for optimization and production of enzymes at large scale and their application in field conditions. Specifically, they will be trained in biotechnology, microbiology, chemistry, and biochemical engineering to obtain enzyme formulations that meet the technical and economical requirements.