More than 18,000 tonnes of oil were spilled in a single crash.
Alcanivorax borkumensis thrives in hydrocarbon-rich environments, naturally secreting enzymes like alkane monooxygenases, cytochrome P450s, and biosurfactant pathways. We identified candidate proteins from proteomic data and literature, expressed them in E. coli, and validated their activity through SDS-PAGE, western blotting, and biochemical assays. This pipeline highlights enzymes such as the flavin-binding monooxygenase AlmA as promising starting points for engineering more efficient oil degradation.
The project moves beyond laboratory discovery. A. borkumensis is salt-tolerant, easy to culture, and requires minimal nutrients, making it a suitable candidate for real-world cleanup efforts. By designing broad-host-range plasmid systems and conjugation methods, we began creating a genetic toolbox to introduce additional plastic-degrading pathways. Our strategy emphasizes practical deployment at spill sites while minimizing ecological disruption.
We tested A. borkumensis in assays mimicking oil and plastic pollution: biofilm formation on hydrophobic surfaces, growth on hydrocarbons as the sole carbon source, and FTIR analysis of degradation byproducts. Comparisons with mealworm-derived isolates showed superior alkane breakdown performance. These controlled experiments confirm its potential as a dual oil- and plastic-remediating system, laying the foundation for safer and faster cleanup technologies.
Harnessing microbial solutions to oil and plastic pollution advances progress toward clean water, resilient ecosystems, sustainable industry, and healthy communities under the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Cleaner coasts, healthier ecosystems, safer communities.
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By the time you finish reading this website, there is another oil spill somewhere in the US.