Khan et al. (2004) to evaluate their activity against the plant-pathogenic nematode
Meloidogyne javanica. The individual enzymes showed high activities against eggs
and juveniles of this nematode, which were further enhanced in their mixture. Similarly, a synergistic effect was shown for chitinase-producing B. thuringiensis enhancing the insecticidal activity of B. thuringiensis strain DL5789 against agricultural pest
insects Spodoptera exigua larvae by more than twofold (Liu et al. 2002).
Enzymes can be used as active agents for selective biosensors detecting a wide
range of pollutants, both organic and inorganic. For example, a change in conductivity of the enzyme membrane occurs in a biosensor when tyrosinase either interacts
with 4-chlorophenol substrate or is inhibited by toxic compounds including diuron,
atrazine, copper, lead, and zinc ions (Anh et al. 2006). Cyanide dihydratase
converting cyanide into ammonia, which is then detected by an ammonia-selective
electrode, was used for constructing a fast-responding and accurate biosensor
(Keusgen et al. 2004).
24.4 Perspectives of Using Genetically Modified Organisms
in Bioremediation Techniques
In Europe, three possible ways are distinguished for using GMOs, namely, a
contained use, introduction of GMO into the environment, and placing GMO or
genetically enhanced products on the market. The contained use, i.e., the GMM
cultivation in closed reactor systems, is the only use of GMOs unanimously accepted
by the general public. A number of studies have proved a high bioremediation
potential of genetically modified microorganisms and plants. However, due to
possible risks and low public acceptance, the applications of GMOs for remediation
technologies are still scarce (Singh et al. 2011; Kolseth et al. 2015).
There are several ways to use GMOs in bioremediation techniques. The first and
most logical approach is the introduction into the environment of modified microorganisms or plants having the ability to degrade a broad range of organic soil
pollutants as well as to accumulate in biomass and/or to transform toxic heavy metals
(usually via reduction). Also, a cost-effective production of eco-friendly bioremediation agents, e.g., biosurfactants and enzymes is a promising way of how genetically
modified microorganisms could be used. In addition, enzymes with enhanced
original or new unique properties can be created by genetic engineering and used
in bioremediation. Prevention of soil contamination using cost-effectively
GMO-produced biopesticides or insect-resistant and disease-resistant transgenic
crops is another promising way to maintain soil and aquifer clean.
24 Modern Bioremediation Approaches: Use of Biosurfactants, Emulsifiers. . .
513
Meloidogyne javanica. The individual enzymes showed high activities against eggs
and juveniles of this nematode, which were further enhanced in their mixture. Similarly, a synergistic effect was shown for chitinase-producing B. thuringiensis enhancing the insecticidal activity of B. thuringiensis strain DL5789 against agricultural pest
insects Spodoptera exigua larvae by more than twofold (Liu et al. 2002).
Enzymes can be used as active agents for selective biosensors detecting a wide
range of pollutants, both organic and inorganic. For example, a change in conductivity of the enzyme membrane occurs in a biosensor when tyrosinase either interacts
with 4-chlorophenol substrate or is inhibited by toxic compounds including diuron,
atrazine, copper, lead, and zinc ions (Anh et al. 2006). Cyanide dihydratase
converting cyanide into ammonia, which is then detected by an ammonia-selective
electrode, was used for constructing a fast-responding and accurate biosensor
(Keusgen et al. 2004).
24.4 Perspectives of Using Genetically Modified Organisms
in Bioremediation Techniques
In Europe, three possible ways are distinguished for using GMOs, namely, a
contained use, introduction of GMO into the environment, and placing GMO or
genetically enhanced products on the market. The contained use, i.e., the GMM
cultivation in closed reactor systems, is the only use of GMOs unanimously accepted
by the general public. A number of studies have proved a high bioremediation
potential of genetically modified microorganisms and plants. However, due to
possible risks and low public acceptance, the applications of GMOs for remediation
technologies are still scarce (Singh et al. 2011; Kolseth et al. 2015).
There are several ways to use GMOs in bioremediation techniques. The first and
most logical approach is the introduction into the environment of modified microorganisms or plants having the ability to degrade a broad range of organic soil
pollutants as well as to accumulate in biomass and/or to transform toxic heavy metals
(usually via reduction). Also, a cost-effective production of eco-friendly bioremediation agents, e.g., biosurfactants and enzymes is a promising way of how genetically
modified microorganisms could be used. In addition, enzymes with enhanced
original or new unique properties can be created by genetic engineering and used
in bioremediation. Prevention of soil contamination using cost-effectively
GMO-produced biopesticides or insect-resistant and disease-resistant transgenic
crops is another promising way to maintain soil and aquifer clean.
24 Modern Bioremediation Approaches: Use of Biosurfactants, Emulsifiers. . .
513