RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Toluene bioconversion into ectoines by halophile mixed microbial cultures
A1 Díaz Moreno, Nicolás
A1 Lebrero Fernández, Raquel
A1 Cantera Ruiz De Pellon, Sara
K1 Ectoine
K1 High-value chemicals
K1 Hydroxyectoine
K1 Mixed defined consortium
K1 Toluene valorization
K1 VOC
K1 3308 Ingeniería y Tecnología del Medio Ambiente
AB Toluene, which has been listed in the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) of many countries, is one ofthe most emitted pollutants to the atmosphere. This study demonstrates for the first time a new perspective intoluene treatment based on its continuous bioconversion into high-value chemicals, specifically ectoine andhydroxyectoine, which hold considerable commercial relevance in the cosmetic industry with market pricesreaching 1000 € kg 1. Specific ectoine and hydroxyectoine contents of 27.3 mg gTSS 1 were achieved together withtoluene elimination capacities of 7.2 ± 1.9 g m 3 h 1 and a maximum biomass concentration of 1.8 g L 1.Ectoine synthesis predominated initially, later shifting toward hydroxyectoine, reaching a combined amount of71.2 mg L 1 (ectoine:hydroxyectoine 32:68) by the end of the assay. Metagenomic analysis revealed key path-ways and taxa involved in toluene degradation and ectoine and hydroxyectoine synthesis. Members of Paeni-bacillus, Rhodococcus and Microbacterium were identified as possessing the enzymes required for toluenedegradation via the TOL pathway, while Gordonia, the most abundant genus, was primarily associated with thedegradation of intermediates such as benzoate, muconate, or oxoadipate derivatives and their bioconversion intoectoine. These findings revealed a potential metabolically diverse consortium with functional complementarities,where metabolic synergies overcome species-specific limitations and promote the elimination and subsequentvalorization of toluene into high-value products fostering sustainable industrial innovation.
PB Elsevier
SN 0304-3894
YR 2026
FD 2026
LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/82484
UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/82484
LA eng
NO Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2026, vol. 503, p. 141045
NO Producción Científica
DS UVaDOC
RD 24-feb-2026