Biodegradation of Mandelonitrile Using Bacillus sp.: A Potential Approach for Environmental Remediation

Abstract

Mandelonitrile, a cyanogenic compound, poses environmental risks due to its toxicity and potential to release hydrogen cyanide. The potential technique for removing mandelonitrile from polluted environments is biodegradation. In this study, we investigated the isolation and identification of bacterial strains from soil samples for the biodegradation of mandelonitrile. The selective enrichment culture technique was used for isolation, using mandelonitrile as the sole carbon and nitrogen source. The isolated strain was identified and named Bacillus sp based on morphological studies and biochemical analysis. MN1. Further degradation studies demonstrated the efficiency of the isolated strain in degrading mandelonitrile under optimum conditions. Bacillus sp. MN1 can degrade 0.5% v/v mandelonitrile completely into mandelic acid and ammonia under optimum conditions of 30 °C and pH 7.5 within five days of incubation. The enzyme assay and HPLC analysis show that mandelonitrile degradation by Bacillus sp. MN1 follows the Nitralase pathway, mandelic acid, and ammonia. This research study reveals the potential application of Bacillus sp. in the bioremediation of mandelonitrile-contaminated sites, highlighting the importance of microbial biodegradation in environmental management strategies.