Degradation of Pharmaceutically Active Compounds by White-Rot Fungi and Their Ligninolytic Enzymes

Abstract

Pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) are widely used by humans as well as in livestock and aquaculture activities. White-rot fungi (WRF) can degrade recalcitrant compounds including PhACs by using their intracellular or extracellular ligninolytic enzymes. An alternative to whole-cell WRF treatment is the use of crude and purified enzymes, separating fungal growth and pollutant degradation steps. Fungi secret the extracellular enzymes into growth media. Based on the review of available literature, it can be stated that PhAC removal is greatly influenced by their chemical structure and hydrophobicity. The combined effect of electron-donating functional groups and electron withdrawing functional groups on the removal of PhACs is complex. A wide variation in their removal has been observed following treatment with whole-cell WRF or extracellular enzymes. While evaluating the feasibility of enzyme based treatment systems, other operating conditions such as enzyme and substrate concentration as well as aeration rate require a thorough consideration.