Efficient biodegradation of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) by the cyanobacterium Fischerella sp. lmga1 harbouring SdsA1 hydrolase

Abstract

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) accumulation in nature impart detrimental effects on various lifeforms as it truncates cellular proteins. The present study exhibited SDS bioremediation ability of cyanobacterium Fischerella sp. lmga1. Phylogeny across cyanobacterial phyla depicted uneven distribution and abundance of SdsA1 hydrolase (characterised for SDS hydrolysis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01) in Microcystis spp. and Fischerella spp. Further, Fischerella sp. lmga1, was administered with 200 µM SDS to validate not only the bioremediation capability but also the physiological adjustments during SDS hydrolysis. The preliminary effect of SDS was harsh, as the cyanobacterial growth was significantly reduced along with subsequent decline in photopigment, chlorophyll a fluorescence and carbohydrate. Nevertheless, drastic rejuvenation upon 8th day of treatment and increment in photosynthetic capacity suggested the resilience of lmga1 against SDS. Further, about 50% removal of SDS with highest degradation rate was observed on 10th day of treatment, followed after substantial increment in the expression of sdsA1 on 8th day. Interestingly, the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) depicted homeostasis in the carbon allocation pattern or membrane lipid dynamics during SDS removal, indicating the endurance of lmga1. Although, the peak intensity at 1077 cm−1 reduced on day 4 corresponded to DNA damage, yet increased peak intensity on 8th day ascertained damage repair. Molecular docking of SdsA1 hydrolase of Fischeralla thermalis CCME 5301 with SDS depicted low binding energy of -4.3 kCal mol−1, thereby endorsing stable binding. Thus, this study corroborated the application of lmga1 for removal of surfactant as it displayed commendable resilience and SDS removal capability. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.