Degradative Pathways as Source for Biocatalysts: Exploring the Catabolic Route of System Degradation

摘要

The microbial potential to catabolize xenobiotic compounds is tremendously high. Aerobic living microorganisms often employ oxygenases to initially activate such compounds and then to funnel them into the catabolism. Here we exemplary highlight one degradative route designated as upper styrene degradation pathway which yields phenylacetic acid as central metabolite. In detail we study the enzymes thereof and their biotechnological potential. But, we also could use that catabolic activity as an enzymatic cascade in order to produce fine chemicals.