Biocatalysis and biodegradation for efficient utilization of liquid n-alkanes.

As a major class of petroleum hydrocarbons, n-alkanes are important resources. Advances in biotechnology have led to the discovery of microorganisms capable of metabolizing n-alkanes. Liquid n-alkanes have moderate carbon chain length and good biocompatibility, allowing their complete mineralization into carbon dioxide and water for bioremediation of petroleum pollution. Moreover, they can also be used for the biosynthesis of value-added chemicals via fermentation of engineered microorganisms. Focusing on the microbial transformation pathway of n-alkanes, this review systematically summarizes the sorption and transmembrane transport of liquid n-alkanes, their enzyme-catalyzed hydroxylation, and the application of biodegradation and biocatalysis. Finally future research directions and key bottlenecks that must be overcome are discussed in depth, which has important implications for environmental protection and valorization of n-alkanes.