Fenton Chemistry is Involved in Rice Straw Degradation by Pantoea ananatis

Lignocellulolytic bacteria have been revealed to be a promising resource for biofuel production. However, the underlying mechanisms are relatively unknown. A previous study have inferred that lignocellulose degradation by Pantoea ananatis Sd-1 might involve Fenton chemistry (Fe²⁺ + H₂O₂ + H⁺ → Fe³⁺ + OH· + H₂O), similar to those of white-rot and brown-rot fungi. A research team led by Jiangshan Ma of Hunan University in China aims to investigate this Fenton-based mechanism in rice straw degradation of P. ananatis Sd-1.

After 3 days incubation of unpretreated rice straw with P. ananatis Sd-1, a significant weight reduction in rice straw was observed. Its cellulose and  hemicellulose, and lignin content percentage also decreased. Meanwhile, the addition of different hydroxyl radical scavengers resulted in a significant decline in rice straw degradation. Further analysis revealed the similarity of chemical changes of rice straw components that exists between P. ananatis Sd-1 degradation and Fenton reagent treatment.

These results confirmed the presence of Fenton chemistry-assisted degradation in P. ananatis Sd-1. This discovery may offer an alternative approach to the fungi system for lignocellulosic biofuels production.