| Pseudomonas reptilivora | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Bacteria |
| Kingdom: | Pseudomonadati |
| Phylum: | Pseudomonadota |
| Class: | Gammaproteobacteria |
| Order: | Pseudomonadales |
| Family: | Pseudomonadaceae |
| Genus: | Pseudomonas |
| Species: | P. reptilivora |
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudomonas reptilivora Caldwell and Ryerson 1940 | |
Pseudomonas reptilivora is a fluorescent, yellow-green, Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, multiple polar flagellated, motile bacterium that is pathogenic to reptiles. It was originally isolated in Gila monsters (Heloderma suspectum), horned lizards (Phrynosoma solare), and chuckawallas (Sauromalus ater). [1] The type strain is ATCC 14836.
Gluconic Acid Production by Pseudomonas reptilivora
P. reptilivora has demonstrated a remarkable ability to convert glucose into gluconic acid, a valuable organic acid widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and eco-friendly cleaning industries. This bioconversion occurs through an oxidative process catalyzed by membrane-bound dehydrogenases, particularly pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-dependent glucose dehydrogenase. [2]
Metabolic Pathway
Gluconic acid is synthesized via direct oxidation of glucose in the periplasmic space, bypassing central metabolic pathways which is further oxidized to 2-ketogluconic acid by gluconic acid dehydrogenase, however, another enzyme (2-ketogluconate dehydrogenase) transforms 2-ketogluconic acid into 5-ketogluconic acid at an optimal pH 5.5 and 6.0. [3]
The enzymatic reaction follows:
Glucose + O₂ → Gluconic acid + H₂O₂ [2]
Gluconic acid → 2-ketogluconic acid → 5-ketogluconic acid [2] [3]
Biotechnological Relevance
Gluconic acid produced by P. reptilivora offers several advantages:
- High specificity: The conversion produces minimal byproducts, simplifying downstream purification.
- Mild process conditions: No extreme temperatures or harsh chemicals are needed.
- Low-cost substrates: It can be produced from glucose, glycerol, or agro-industrial carbohydrate-rich wastes.
- Experimental Evidence: In controlled fermentations with glucose concentrations of 1–5% (w/v).
P. reptilivora B-6bs has shown: High conversion yields of glucose to gluconic acid within 48 hours. Co-production of 5-keto-D-gluconate, a secondary product formed by further oxidation. Sensitivity to oxygen transfer rates, with higher productivity observed at 3.3 vvm compared to 2.5 vvm. Production has been confirmed through UV-Vis spectrophotometry and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) techniques. [2]
Known strains of Pseudomonas reptilivora