Cytochrome P450 for environmental remediation: catalytic mechanism, engineering strategies and future prospects

Environmental pollution is a global concern. Various organic compounds are released into the environment through wastewater, waste gas, and waste residue, ultimately accumulating in the environment and the food chain. This poses a significant threat to both human health and ecology. Currently, a growing body of research has demonstrated that microorganisms employ their Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) system for biodegradation, offering a crucial approach for eliminating these pollutants in environmental remediation. CYP450, a ubiquitous catalyst in nature, includes a vast array of family members distributed widely across various organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and mammals. These enzymes participate in the metabolism of diverse organic compounds. Furthermore, the rapid advancements in enzyme and protein engineering have led to increased utilization of engineered CYP450s in environmental remediation, enhancing their efficiency in pollutant removal. This article presents an overview of the current understanding of various members of the CYP450 superfamily involved in transforming organic pollutants and the engineering of biodegrading CYP450s. Additionally, it explores the catalytic mechanisms, current practical applications of CYP450-based systems, their potential applications, and the prospects in bioremediation.