At the center of the Esplanade university campus, in Strasbourg, stands the Institute of molecular and Cellular Biology, once recognizable by its façade covered in American vine, now replaced by latest generation thermal insulation. It is here, and in the nearby building of the Institute of Physiology and Biological Chemistry, that Michael Ryckelynck and Stéphane Vuilleumier, teacher-researchers in biochemistry and microbiology respectively (CNRS-University of Strasbourg), work hard to find bacteria capable of degrading PFAS ( per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), these eternal pollutants.
On the third floor, at the end of a maze of narrow corridors, whose yellowed walls clash with the renovation exposed outside, clicks, beeps and ringtones resonate. The scientists get busy, fix their machines and begin the experiments. In the center of a corridor,the two researchers stop in front of a poster that summarizes their research project,”Microfluor”,funded by the National Research Agency from 2021. “The main advantage of bioremediation [processus de dépollution qui a recours au vivant] lies in the low energy cost and modest environmental impact”says Stéphane Vuilleumier. But choosing the solution of sobriety can rhyme with complexity…
At the crossroads of chemistry, biology, physics and engineering, the two scientists have shaped a robust approach, defined as “without preconceptions”. This involves directly identifying the biological function of PFAS degradation in the surroundings, rather than frist looking for the genes that would hypothetically encode it.
PFAS sampling in the laboratory of the Institute of Physiology and Biological Chemistry, University of Strasbourg, 19 September 2024.
Radi Khodr, PhD student at IBMC Strasbourg, produces droplets that each encapsulate a bacterium, September 19, 2024.
“We are counting on this feature to exist”explains Stéphane Vuilleumier. “We obviously thought about the soils of industrial sites and more precisely about the bacteria they contain, continues Michael Ryckelynck. With the idea that, as evolution does its work, some of these bacteria may have developed resistance to PFAS, and why not also to enzymes capable of degrading them. » Indeed, the compartment of microbes is likely to evolve rapidly, as demonstrated by their resistance to antibiotics.“but it’s a gamble,because PFAS do not exist in nature,unlike other pollutants,and have been introduced into the environment relatively recently,on a biological and geological scale”, adds the biochemist. Because PFAS pollution is also generally widespread, the likelihood that a bacterium has been in prolonged contact with it is low. “We’re trying to get an advantage over living things by looking for a bacterium with a rare function, which would be at the very beginning of its evolution”summarizes the researcher.
How effective is bioremediation in managing PFAS pollution compared to traditional cleanup methods?
Title: Uncovering Solutions to Eternal Pollutants: An Interview with Experts from Strasbourg
Editor’s Introduction:
At Time.news, we are committed to shedding light on critical environmental issues affecting our world today. In this interview, we sit down with Michael ryckelynck and Stéphane Vuilleumier, dedicated researchers at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology and the Institute of Physiology and Biological Chemistry in Strasbourg. Thay are pioneering efforts to tackle the challenges posed by PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—through innovative bioremediation strategies.
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Michael and Stéphane. Yoru work on PFAS degradation is increasingly relevant as these substances have been termed “eternal pollutants.” Can you start by explaining what PFAS are and why they are such a concern?
Michael Ryckelynck: Absolutely! PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals that have been widely used in industrial applications and consumer products since the 1940s. They’re prized for their water- and grease-resistant properties, which is why you find them in everything from nonstick cookware to waterproof clothing.The problem is that these substances do not break down easily in the environment,leading to contamination of water supplies,soil,and even living organisms. Their persistence means they can accumulate over time, posing meaningful health risks, including cancer, immune system effects, and hormone disruption.
Stéphane: To add to Michael’s point, their ubiquitous presence has made them a major concern for environmental health. Regulatory bodies are now taking a serious look at these chemicals, but our current methods of remediation are frequently enough costly and not entirely efficient. This is where our research comes into play.
Editor: Your project, “Microfluor,” funded by the National Research Agency as 2021, focuses on bioremediation.Can you explain what bioremediation is and why you’ve chosen this approach?
Stéphane: Bioremediation is a process that uses living organisms, frequently enough microbes, to remove or neutralize contaminants from the environment. One of the main advantages of bioremediation is its low energy cost compared to other methods, such as chemical or physical removal. Our goal with Microfluor is to identify and harness specific bacteria that have the capability to degrade PFAS.
Michael: Yes, and we believe that by utilizing the natural processes of these microorganisms, we can create a sustainable solution to mitigate PFAS pollution. The interaction between the bacteria and the contaminants offers a promising pathway to break them down into non-toxic by-products.
Editor: It sounds promising! What challenges have you encountered in your research so far?
Michael: The main challenge lies in the complexity and variability of PFAS compounds. There are thousands of different types, and not all bacteria can break them down effectively. Additionally, environmental factors such as temperature, pH, and the presence of other chemicals can affect bacterial activity.
Stéphane: Moreover, isolating these capable bacteria from various environments and then optimally cultivating them for the degradation process is an ongoing challenge. It requires a significant amount of time and resources. However,our rigorous approach in the lab is gradually yielding results.
Editor: That dedication is commendable.Looking forward, what are your hopes for the future of your research and its impact on addressing PFAS pollution?
Michael: We hope to identify robust bacterial strains that not only degrade PFAS but can also be easily implemented in different environments, such as contaminated water bodies or industrial sites.
Stéphane: Ultimately, the goal is to develop bioremediation techniques that can be adapted in real-world scenarios to effectively clean up PFAS pollution and reduce its impact on human health and the environment. We envision a future where bioremediation becomes a standard practice in managing chemical pollution.
Editor: Thank you, Michael and Stéphane, for sharing your insights with us today. Your research is crucial in the fight against environmental pollution, and we look forward to following your progress with “Microfluor.”
Michael: Thank you for having us. We appreciate the support for this crucial issue.
Stéphane: Yes, thank you! Raising public awareness about PFAS is essential for implementing meaningful change.
Editor’s Conclusion:
the work of these researchers exemplifies the innovative spirit needed to confront some of the most pressing environmental challenges we face. Their commitment to finding sustainable solutions offers hope for a cleaner, healthier future.