Optimization of biodestruction of unsound phenol-derived drugs

Possible use of the genus Rhodococcus actinobacteria for biodegradation of phenol hydroxyl-based drugs was confirmed as exemplified by paracetamol biodegradation studies. The additives (starch, talc, stearic acid, polyvinyl pyrrolidone) in a paracetamol formulation were studied with regard to their effects on paracetamol bioconversion by Rhodococcus cells. It was observed that rhodococci utilized polyvinyl pyrrolidone and stearic acid as additional carbon and energy sources. Rhodococci cells immobilized in polyvinyl alcohol cryogel proved to be useful for intensification of paracetamol biodegradation process. Relationship between the reaction rate constant of biocatalytic paracetamol oxidation and the process characteristics (incubation temperature of Rhodococcus cells and speed of the orbital shaker) were determined. The experimental data were consistent with the theoretical results obtained using a kinetic equation. The optimization of the paracetamol biodegradation process was achieved, and this allows studying specific process characteristics (temperature and the peripheral liquid speed in the laboratory setup) and the real regulating parameters to perform the commercial prototype process.