Biodegradation of the Pyrethroid Pesticide Gamma-Cyhalothrin by Fungi from a Brazilian Cave

Author(s)

Fábio R. Rigolin ^[1] ; Carla A. Leite ^[2] ; Willian G. Birolli ; André L. M. Porto ^[4] ; Mirna H. R. Seleghim ^[5]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Departamento de Ecologia e Biologia Evolutiva. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais - Brasil

^[2] Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Departamento de Ecologia e Biologia Evolutiva. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais - Brasil

^[4] Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Química de São Carlos. Laboratório de Biocatálise e Química Orgânica - Brasil

^[5] Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Departamento de Ecologia e Biologia Evolutiva. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society; v. 35, n. 8 2024-03-11.

Abstract

The extensive use of pesticides promoted the need for bioremediation methods, including for pyrethroids. Therefore, biodegradation of gamma-cyhalothrin by fungi from a Brazilian cave known as Gruta do Catão (São Desidério, Bahia, Brazil) was investigated. Experiments were conducted with Aspergillus ustus CBMAI 1894, Talaromyces brunneus CBMAI 1895, and Aspergillus sp. CBMAI 1926 in 2% malt liquid medium with 300 mg L-1 gamma-cyhalothrin (25 °C, 130 rpm, 21 days, pH 7.0). All strains biodegraded this insecticide, and the most efficient biocatalyst was A. ustus CBMAI 1894 with 50% biodegradation, even though reduced mycelial mass was observed in the presence of gamma-cyhalothrin. A three factor Box-Behnken design was carried out. Temperature and pesticide concentration influenced biodegradation, whereas pH was non-significant. In conclusion, cave fungi can be explored for bioremediation, and future studies should focus on understanding the enzymatic apparatus, physiology, and genetics behind these microorganisms, which can present unique properties for biotechnological applications. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/20155-7 - Biocatalytic reactions of aminolysis and kinetic resolution by lipases and biodegradation of agrochemicals by microorganisms
• Grantee: Andre Luiz Meleiro Porto
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/07654-2 - Biginelli reaction (synthesis and chemoenzymatic resolution) and biotransformation of steroids by microorganisms
• Grantee: Andre Luiz Meleiro Porto
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/15904-6 - Characterization of cysteine protease inhibitors with antineoplastic activity by in silico and cell-based assays coupled with chemical analyses
• Grantee: Andrei Leitão
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/19721-0 - USE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MICRORGANISMS IN THE BIODEGRADATION OF STROBILURINIC AND PYRETHROIDS PESTICIDES WIDELY EMPLOYED IN THE BRAZILIAN AGRICULTURE
• Grantee: Willian Garcia Birolli
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral