Enhancing styrene biodegradation: Synergistic ABA-plant-bacteria strategy for intelligent bioremediation

Abstract

Our study presents an innovative approach to bio-enhanced remediation by leveraging the synergistic interaction between bacteria and plants for efficient styrene degradation. A key challenge in this process is the suppression of abscisic acid (ABA), a crucial plant stress hormone, by Poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) Cleaving Protein (PCLP), an essential bacterial enzyme involved in styrene breakdown. Since ABA is vital for plant stress tolerance, its inhibition may reduce plant resilience and compromise overall system efficiency. However, supplementing plants with exogenous ABA mitigates this suppression while maintaining bacterial degradation efficiency, ensuring a balanced and effective remediation process. This integrated ABA-plant-bacteria strategy significantly enhances styrene degradation while promoting a sustainable and resource-efficient approach. By fine-tuning ABA application, we optimize the interplay between microbial metabolism and plant physiology, fostering a cooperative system that maximizes contaminant breakdown. Additionally, this approach not only reduces environmental pollution but also transforms remediation into an eco-friendly and value-generating process. Our findings highlight the potential of targeted biochemical interventions to improve bioremediation efficiency. By strategically modulating plant stress responses and microbial activity, we establish a scalable and environmentally sustainable framework for styrene remediation, advancing the development of bio-enhanced environmental management solutions.