Microwell Fluoride Screen for Chemical, Enzymatic, and Cellular Reactions Reveals Latent Microbial Defluorination Capacity for −CF <sub>3</sub> Groups
Madison D. Bygd, Kelly G. Aukema, Jack E. Richman, Lawrence P. Wackett
Abstract
Thousands of organofluorine chemicals are known, and a number are considered to be persistent and toxic environmental pollutants. Environmental bioremediation methods are avidly being sought, but few bacteria biodegrade fluorinated chemicals. To find new organofluoride biodegradation, a rapid screening method was developed. The method is versatile, monitoring chemical, enzymatic, and whole-cell biodegradation. Biodegradation of organofluorine compounds invariably releases fluoride anions, which was sensitively detected. Our method uncovered 21 new microbial defluorination reactions. A general mechanism was delineated for the biodegradation of trifluoromethylphenyl groups that are increasingly being used in drugs and pesticides.