Molecular mechanisms of biocatalytic desulfurization of fossil fuels.

摘要: The development of biocatalytic desulfurization petroleum fractions may allow its use in place conventional hydrodesulfurization (HDS). Dibenzothiophene (DBT) is representative a broad range sulfur heterocycles found that are recalcitrant to via HDS. Rhodococcus sp. strain IGTS8 has the ability convert DBT 2-hydroxybiphenyl (HBP) with release inorganic sulfur. conversion HBP catalyzed by multienzyme pathway consisting two mono-oxygenases and desulfinase. final reaction desulfinase appears be rate limiting step pathway. Each enzymes been purified homogeneity their kinetic physical properties studied. Neither monooxygenase tightly bound cofactor each requires an NADH-FMN oxidoreductase for activity. An from protein approximately 25,000 molecular weight no apparent sequence homology any other databases. We describe unique acquisition system uses obtain very stable heterocyclic molecules.