Biological strategies for Bisphenol A degradation: mechanisms and pathways

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been extensively applied for the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, which has gained increasing attention due to its ubiquitous presence and adverse effect on ecosystems and human health. Various biological strategies (such as BPA biodegradation by bacteria, fungi, algae, and plants) have been developed to address BPA contamination issue. This review systematically summarized and analyzed recent advances in biological methods for BPA degradation, including bacterial, fungal, algal, and plants, highlighting the efficiency and mechanisms of BPA degradation. By analyzing the common intermediates of BPA biodegradation by bacteria, fungi, algae and plants reported in previous studies, the typical biodegradation pathways were proposed. The review further addressed the contentious topic of anaerobic BPA degradation, noting the scarcity of definitive evidence endorsing this process. Further, the common enzymes and typical enzymatic reactions involved in the biodegradation process of BPA were summarized. This review will deepen the understanding of BPA biodegradation, leading to the discovery of more efficient microorganisms and highly effective enzymatic catalysts for remediating BPA contamination.

Graphical abstract