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Biodegradation of Phenol by the Yeast Candida tropicalis: An Investigation by NMR Spectroscopy

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology volume 169, pages 2029–2037 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

The process of phenol biodegradation by the yeast Candida tropicalis NCIM 3556 in aqueous medium was studied by 1H, 13C, and DOSY NMR techniques. Samples at regular intervals were centrifuged to separate the cells, and 1H spectral data were collected at 400 MHz. Though a gradual decrease in the concentration of phenol was observed, after an incubation period of ~8 h, formation of any intermediate products could not be detected. Experiments carried out with uniformly 13C-labeled phenol also failed to detect formation of any carboxylic acid intermediates during degradation. The studies indicated that the phenol was completely degraded to carbon dioxide and water in approximately 20 h. Self-diffusion coefficient measurements showed that the lifetime of phenol in the bound form is too small to impart any change in its diffusion behavior and the intermediates formed are converted to carbon dioxide and water at a very fast rate.

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Affiliations

  1. Central NMR Facility, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India

    U. D. Phalgune & P. R. Rajamohanan

  2. Chemical Engineering Division, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India

    B. G. Gaikwad & R. J. Varma

  3. Department of Biochemistry, Muthayammal College of Arts and Science, Rasipuram, Tamil Nadu, India

    S. George

Authors
  1. U. D. Phalgune
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  2. P. R. Rajamohanan
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  3. B. G. Gaikwad
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  4. R. J. Varma
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  5. S. George
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Correspondence to U. D. Phalgune.

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Phalgune, U.D., Rajamohanan, P.R., Gaikwad, B.G. et al. Biodegradation of Phenol by the Yeast Candida tropicalis: An Investigation by NMR Spectroscopy. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 169, 2029–2037 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-013-0119-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-013-0119-0

Keywords

  • Enzyme
  • NMR spectroscopy
  • Carboxylic acid
  • Biocatalysis
  • Diffusion
  • Phenol