Selective biodegradation of S and N heterocycles by a recombinant Rhodococcus erythropolis strain containing carbazole dioxygenase

A carbazole (CA) dioxygenase gene was introduced into the excellent dibenzothiophene (DBT) degrader Rhodococcus erythropolis XP, which could desulfurize DBT through a 4S pathway. The report obtained is a significant step toward the development of a bioprocess for removing recalcitrant nitrogen and sulfur compounds from petroleum.