Strategies for the Biodegradation of Polyfluorinated Compounds
Many cite the strength of C–F bonds for the poor microbial biodegradability of polyfluorinated organic compounds (PFCs). However, commercial PFCs almost invariably contain more functionality than fluorine. The additional functionality provides a weak entry point for reactions that activate C–F bonds...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2022-08-01
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| Series: | Microorganisms |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/10/8/1664 |
| _version_ | 1797408771372220416 |
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| author | Lawrence P. Wackett |
| author_facet | Lawrence P. Wackett |
| author_sort | Lawrence P. Wackett |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Many cite the strength of C–F bonds for the poor microbial biodegradability of polyfluorinated organic compounds (PFCs). However, commercial PFCs almost invariably contain more functionality than fluorine. The additional functionality provides a weak entry point for reactions that activate C–F bonds and lead to their eventual cleavage. This metabolic activation strategy is common in microbial biodegradation pathways and is observed with aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated compounds, phosphonates and many other compounds. Initial metabolic activation precedes critical bond breakage and assimilation of nutrients. A similar strategy with commercial PFCs proceeds via initial attack at the non-fluorinated functionalities: sulfonates, carboxylates, chlorines, phenyl rings, or phosphonates. Metabolic transformation of these non-fluorinated groups can activate the C–F bonds, allowing more facile cleavage than a direct attack on the C–F bonds. Given that virtually all compounds denoted as “PFAS” are not perfluorinated and are not alkanes, it is posited here that considering their individual chemical classes is more useful for both chemical and microbiological considerations of their fate. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T04:03:27Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-4261cfcb3f7d4e7397cb7dbfcb6fc665 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2076-2607 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T04:03:27Z |
| publishDate | 2022-08-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Microorganisms |
| spelling | doaj.art-4261cfcb3f7d4e7397cb7dbfcb6fc6652023-12-03T14:09:45ZengMDPI AGMicroorganisms2076-26072022-08-01108166410.3390/microorganisms10081664Strategies for the Biodegradation of Polyfluorinated CompoundsLawrence P. Wackett0Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics and BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USAMany cite the strength of C–F bonds for the poor microbial biodegradability of polyfluorinated organic compounds (PFCs). However, commercial PFCs almost invariably contain more functionality than fluorine. The additional functionality provides a weak entry point for reactions that activate C–F bonds and lead to their eventual cleavage. This metabolic activation strategy is common in microbial biodegradation pathways and is observed with aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated compounds, phosphonates and many other compounds. Initial metabolic activation precedes critical bond breakage and assimilation of nutrients. A similar strategy with commercial PFCs proceeds via initial attack at the non-fluorinated functionalities: sulfonates, carboxylates, chlorines, phenyl rings, or phosphonates. Metabolic transformation of these non-fluorinated groups can activate the C–F bonds, allowing more facile cleavage than a direct attack on the C–F bonds. Given that virtually all compounds denoted as “PFAS” are not perfluorinated and are not alkanes, it is posited here that considering their individual chemical classes is more useful for both chemical and microbiological considerations of their fate.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/10/8/1664polyfluorinatedPFASbiodegradationbacteriaenzymemetabolism |
| spellingShingle | Lawrence P. Wackett Strategies for the Biodegradation of Polyfluorinated Compounds Microorganisms polyfluorinated PFAS biodegradation bacteria enzyme metabolism |
| title | Strategies for the Biodegradation of Polyfluorinated Compounds |
| title_full | Strategies for the Biodegradation of Polyfluorinated Compounds |
| title_fullStr | Strategies for the Biodegradation of Polyfluorinated Compounds |
| title_full_unstemmed | Strategies for the Biodegradation of Polyfluorinated Compounds |
| title_short | Strategies for the Biodegradation of Polyfluorinated Compounds |
| title_sort | strategies for the biodegradation of polyfluorinated compounds |
| topic | polyfluorinated PFAS biodegradation bacteria enzyme metabolism |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/10/8/1664 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT lawrencepwackett strategiesforthebiodegradationofpolyfluorinatedcompounds |