Breaking down crude oil: fungi

The metabolism of Aspergillus and other microscopic fungi is capable of breaking down hydrocarbons in crude oil.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Break down >
	Chemically break down >
	Other organic compounds

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Strategies to monitor and test for microorganism contamination in oil products, anti-corrosion of pipelines and tanks, bioremediation of polluted sites and waterways.

[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms tend to colonise oil pipelines and oil and fuel storage installations. Complex microbial communities consisting of both hydrocarbon oxidizing microorganisms and bacteria using the metabolites of the former form an ecological niche where they thrive." (Yemashova et al. 2007:315)

About the inspiring organism

Fungi
Fungi

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Strategies to monitor and test for microorganism contamination in oil products, anti-corrosion of pipelines and tanks, bioremediation of polluted sites and waterways.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Oil industry, mining industry, bioremediation, water quality, waste treatment

Experts

Department of Enzymology
Sergey V. Kalyuzhnyi
Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow State University

References

Yemashova NA; Murygina VP; Zhukov DV; Zakharyantz AA; Gladchenko MA; Appanna V; Kalyuzhnyi SV. 2007. Biodeterioration of crude oil and oil derived products: a review. Reviews in Environmental Science and Biotechnology. 6(4): 315-337.

Breaking down crude oil: fungi

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