Abstract
This paper analyzes the impact of saponins from English ivy leaves on the properties of environmental bacterial strains and hydrocarbon degradation ability. For this purpose, two bacterial strains, Raoultella ornitinolytica M03 and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus M1B, have been used in toluene, 4-chlorotoluene, and α,α,α-trifluorotoluene biodegradation supported by Hedera helix extract. Moreover, theeffects of ivy exposition on cell properties and extract toxicity were investigated. The extract was found to cause minor differences in cell surface hydrophobicity, membrane permeability, and Zeta potential, although it adhered to the cell surface. Acinetobacter calcoaceticus M1B was more affected by the ivy extract; thus, the cells were more metabolically active and degraded saponins at greater amounts. Although the extract influenced positively the cells’ viability in the presence of hydrocarbons, it could have been used by the bacteria as a carbon source, thus slowing down hydrocarbon degradation. These results show that the use of ivy saponins for hydrocarbon remediation is environmentally acceptable but should be carefully analyzed to assess the efficiency of the selected saponins-rich extract in combination with selected bacterial strains.
Highlights
Despite intensive works aimed at finding new, ecofriendly products of the chemical industry, some toxic compounds are irreplaceable and still in use
The purpose of the presented study was to determine the impact of the use of Hedera helix extract in the bioremediation process on environmental microorganisms
We demonstrated that the bioactive molecules in the extract have a positive effect on cell viability and might promote cell metabolic activity in the presence of hydrocarbons
Summary
Despite intensive works aimed at finding new, ecofriendly products of the chemical industry, some toxic compounds are irreplaceable and still in use. Toluene derivatives are applied in several industrial processes, e.g., as precursors in the synthesis of functional compounds [1,2]. The most used in environmental applications are saponins, plant-derived surfactants with amphiphilic structures that are capable of increasing both the surface tension and interfacial surface area between hydrophobic, water-insoluble liquids and water, enhancing hydrocarbon bioavailability, as well as changing the bacterial cell surface properties [7,8,9]. These properties make surfactants excellent emulsifiers and foaming and dispersing agents. Their renewable source, biodegradability, and relatively low toxicity make them a valuable alternative to chemically synthesized surfactants [10,11]
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