Roles of various enzymes in the biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH) by a white-rot fungus

Six-carbon-chained polyfluoroalkyl substances, such as 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH), are being used to replace longer chained compounds in the manufacture of various commercial products. This study examined the effects of growth substrates and nutrients on specific intracellular and extracellular enzymes mediating 6:2 FTOH aerobic biotransformation by the white-rot fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Cellulolytic conditions with limited glucose were a suitable composition, resulting in high 5:3 FTCA yield (37 mol%), which is a key intermediate in 6:2 FTOH degradation without forming significant amounts of terminal perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs). Sulfate and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were also essential for 5:3 FTCA production, but, at lower levels, resulted in the buildup of 5:2 sFTOH (52 mol%) and 6:2 FTUCA (20 mol%), respectively. In non-ligninolytic nutrient-rich medium, 45 mol% 6:2 FTOH was transformed but produced only 12.7 mol% 5:3 FTCA. Enzyme activity studies imply that cellulolytic conditions induce the intracellular cytochrome P450 system. In contrast, extracellular peroxidase synthesis is independent of 6:2 FTOH exposure. Gene expression studies further verified that peroxidases were relevant in catalyzing the downstream transformations from 5:3 FTCA. Collectively, the identification of nutrients and enzymatic systems will help elucidate underlying mechanisms and biogeochemical conditions favorable for fungal transformation of PFCA precursors in the environment.