Bacteria degrade petroleum hydrocarbons: Marinobacter

Blooms of obligate hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria (OHCB) result in the rapid degradation of many oil constituents.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Break down >
	Chemically break down >
	Other organic compounds

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Mitigation of oil spills in marine systems

[Collapse all sections] Summary

“Despite these qualifications about experimental approaches, it is clear that oil hydrocarbon degradation in marine systems is carried out by microorganisms belonging to a relatively small group of genera.” (Yakimov et al. 2007:263)

About the inspiring organism

Marinobacter
Marinobacter

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

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Mitigation of oil spills in marine systems

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Bioremediation, Environmental Health, Petroleum Industry, Manufacturing, Aquaculture

Experts

Department Environmental Microbiology
Kenneth N. Timmis
Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research

References

Yakimov, M. M.; Timmis, K. N.; Golyshin, P. N. 2007. Obligate oil-degrading marine bacteria. Current Opinion in Biotechnology. 18(3): 257-266.

Bacteria degrade petroleum hydrocarbons: Marinobacter

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