Valorisation of Ionic Liquids for the Production of EPS from the Newly Isolated Sphingomonas sp. VITPTHJ
The application of ionic liquids (ILs) in the chemical industry has enabled the development of some truly revolutionary processes. However, the expanding use of these neoteric solvents may pose a major threat to natural ecosystems due to their high toxicity and persistence. The project presents the development of a bioprocess that could be applied for the treatment of IL polluted waste streams. This target was achieved through assessment of the toxicity of untreated and biotreated effluents, the isolation of extreme microorganisms degrading different families of ILs at high rates and realization of suitable bioprocess conditions for maximal biodegradation. An isolated microorganism (Sphingomonas sp. VITPTHJ) was capable of converting different families of ILs into EPS holding the capacity of detoxifying as well as valorizing these emergent pollutants into added-value products. We are collaborating with Dr. Vyrides in the specific project.