Avaliação da biodessulfurização de 4-metildibenzotiofeno por Rhodococus rhodochrous (NRRL B-2149)

Crude oil has between 0.04 up to 5% of sulphur, the higher the oil the higher the sulphur levels. Sulphur usually gives problems such as corrosion in refinery, and once burnt produces SO2 that goes to atmosphere. This work aim to investigate the capacity of Rhodococcus rhodochrous (NRRL B-2149) to metabolize the model compound 4-methyldibenzotiophene (4-MDBT), to remove the sulphur and transform it in 2-hydroxybiphenyl (2-HBF) and sulphite using the 4S pathway. Kynetic runs were carried out in shaker at 120 rpm and 32°C. Samples were taken every 12h to assay substrate consume as well as cells production using HPLC. Results showed that R. rhodochrous NRRL B-2149 can use the 4S pathway in order to remove sulphur without change the carbon chain of the molecule as well as that cells and 4-MDBT affects the product formation. The production of 2-hydroxybiphenyl has interest for industry once it is a potent biocide. However, evaluation is necessary in order to obtain better results compatible with industry needs