Mining of genomic databases to identify novel biodesulfurizing microorganisms

Abstract

The commercialization of the biocatalytic desulfurization process does not seem to be realistic in the near future because of the low desulfurization rate of the known microorganisms. Hence, the future development will depend on either genetically modifying the currently available bacteria or identifying novel biodesulfurizers. In this study an in silico method to identify new biodesulfurizing microorganisms was adopted. By screening the available genomic databases, 13 novel desulfurizing microorganisms belonging to 12 genera were identified. Several of these could be of immense utility as they have both environment pollutant and industrial waste degrading capability.