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Sphingomonas
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Sphingomonas
Sphingomonas phyllosphaerae
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Bacteria
Kingdom: Pseudomonadati
Phylum: Pseudomonadota
Class: Alphaproteobacteria
Order: Sphingomonadales
Family: Sphingomonadaceae
Genus: Sphingomonas
Yabuuchi et al., 1990
Species[1]

Sphingomonas abaci
Sphingomonas abikonensis
Sphingomonas adhaesiva
Sphingomonas aerolata
Sphingomonas aerophila
Sphingomonas aestuarii
Sphingomonas alaskensis
Sphingomonas alpina
Sphingomonas aquatilis
Sphingomonas aromaticivorans
Sphingomonas asaccharolytica
Sphingomonas astaxanthinifaciens
Sphingomonas aurantiaca
Sphingomonas azotifigens
Sphingomonas baekryungensis
Sphingomonas capsulata
Sphingomonas canadensis
Sphingomonas changbaiensis
Sphingomonas chlorophenolica
Sphingomonas chungbukensis
Sphingomonas cloacae
Sphingomonas cynarae
Sphingomonas daechungensis
Sphingomonas desiccabilis
Sphingomonas dokdonensis
Sphingomonas echinoides
Sphingomonas elodea
Sphingomonas endophytica
Sphingomonas faeni
Sphingomonas fennica
Sphingomonas flava
Sphingomonas formosensis
Sphingomonas gei
Sphingomonas gimensis
Sphingomonas ginsengisoli
Sphingomonas ginsenosidimutans
Sphingomonas glacialis
Sphingomonas guangdongensis
Sphingomonas haloaromaticamans
Sphingomonas hankookensis
Sphingomonas herbicidovorans
Sphingomonas histidinilytica
Sphingomonas indica
Sphingomonas insulae
Sphingomonas japonica
Sphingomonas jaspsi
Sphingomonas jejuensis
Sphingomonas jinjuensis
Sphingomonas kaistensis
Sphingomonas koreensis
Sphingomonas kyeonggiensis
Sphingomonas kyungheensis
Sphingomonas lacus
Sphingomonas laterariae
Sphingomonas leidyi
Sphingomonas macrogoltabidus
Sphingomonas mali
Sphingomonas melonis
Sphingomonas molluscorum
Sphingomonas morindae
Sphingomonas mucosissima
Sphingomonas naasensis
Sphingomonas natatoria
Sphingomonas oligoaromativorans
Sphingomonas oligophenolica
Sphingomonas oryziterrae
Sphingomonas panni
Sphingomonas parapaucimobilis
Sphingomonas paucimobilis
Sphingomonas phyllosphaerae
Sphingomonas pituitosa
Sphingomonas polyaromaticivorans
Sphingomonas pruni
Sphingomonas pseudosanguinis
Sphingomonas psychrolutea
Sphingomonas rosa
Sphingomonas roseiflava
Sphingomonas rubra
Sphingomonas sanguinis
Sphingomonas sanxanigenens
Sphingomonas sediminicola
Sphingomonas soli
Sphingomonas starnbergensis
Sphingomonas stygia
Sphingomonas subarctica
Sphingomonas suberifaciens
Sphingomonas subterranea
Sphingomonas taejonensis
Sphingomonas terrae
Sphingomonas trueperi
Sphingomonas ursincola
Sphingomonas vulcanisoli
Sphingomonas wittichii
Sphingomonas xenophaga
Sphingomonas xinjiangensis
Sphingomonas yabuuchiae
Sphingomonas yantingensis
Sphingomonas yanoikuyae
Sphingomonas yunnanensis
Sphingomonas zeae

Sphingomonas was defined in 1990 as a group of Gram-negative, rod-shaped, chemoheterotrophic, strictly aerobic bacteria. They possess ubiquinone 10 as their major respiratory quinone, contain glycosphingolipids (GSLs), specifically ceramide, instead of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in their cell envelopes, and typically produce yellow-pigmented colonies. The GSL serves to protect the bacteria from antibacterial substances. Unlike most Gram-negative bacteria, Sphingomonas cannot carry endotoxins due to the lack of lipopolysaccharides, and has a hydrophobic surface characterized by the short nature of the GSL's carbohydrate portion.[2]

By 2001, the genus included more than 20 species that were quite diverse in terms of their phylogenetic, ecological, and physiological properties. As a result, Sphingomonas was subdivided into different genera: Sphingomonas, Sphingobium, Novosphingobium, Sphingosinicella, and Sphingopyxis. These genera are commonly referred to collectively as sphingomonads. Distinct from other sphingomonads, Sphingomonas genomic structure includes a unique lipid formation, major 2-OH fatty acids, homospermidine as the primary polyamine, and signature nucleotide bases within the 16S rRNA gene. The bacteria hold 3,914 proteins, 70 organizational RNA, and 3,948,000 base pairs (incomplete observation).[2]

Habitat

[edit]

The sphingomonads are widely distributed in nature, having been isolated from many different land and water habitats, as well as from plant root systems, clinical specimens, and other sources; this is due to their ability to survive in low concentrations of nutrients, as well as to metabolize a wide variety of carbon sources. Numerous strains have been isolated from environments contaminated with toxic compounds, where they display the ability to use the contaminants as nutrients.[2]

Role in disease

[edit]

Some of the sphingomonads (especially Sphingomonas paucimobilis) also play a role in human disease, primarily by causing a range of mostly nosocomial, non-life-threatening infections that typically are easily treated by antibiotic therapy.[3][4] In contrast, the seed-endophytic strain Sphingomonas melonis ZJ26 that can be naturally enriched in certain rice cultivars, confers diseases resistance against a bacterial pathogen and is vertically transmitted among plant generations via their seeds.[5]

Applications

[edit]

Biotechnological utilization

[edit]

Due to their biodegradative and biosynthetic capabilities, sphingomonads have been used for a wide range of biotechnological applications, from bioremediation of environmental contaminants to production of extracellular polymers such as sphingans (e.g., gellan, welan, and rhamsan) used extensively in the food and other industries.[6] The shorter carbohydrate moiety of GSL compared to that of LPS results in the cell surface being more hydrophobic than that of other Gram-negative bacteria, probably accounting for both Sphingomonas' sensitivity to hydrophobic antibiotics and its ability to degrade hydrophobic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.[2] One strain, Sphingomonas sp. 2MPII, can degrade 2-methylphenanthrene.[7] In May 2008, Daniel Burd, a 16-year-old Canadian, won the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Ottawa after discovering that Sphingomonas can degrade over 40% of the weight of plastic bags (polyethylene) in less than three months.[8]

A Sphingomonas sp. strain BSAR-1 expressing a high activity alkaline phosphatase (PhoK) has also been applied for bioprecipitation of uranium from alkaline solutions. The precipitation ability was enhanced by overexpressing PhoK protein in E. coli. This is the first report of bioprecipitation of uranium under alkaline conditions.[9]

Wine fermentation

[edit]

Wine, developed through the alcoholic fermentation of grapes, is an alcoholic beverage that is sensorially characterized by micro-bacteria and a host of other environmental factors. While historic variables such as location, temperature, soil quality, and winemaking practices play a role in altering the taste of a wine, microbial biogeography plays a significant role in the quality of wine. A terroir, comprising the aforementioned characteristics, influences the quality of the wine grapes based on the unique vineyard region that it originates from.[10] The bacterial diversity of the grapes anticipates a wine's chemical structure. The management of these microbial factors, within the fermentation process, allows producers to control the prevalence of desirable regional attributes.

While most microbiota cannot survive the wine fermentation process, Sphingomonas, found in soil, grape leaves, and on fermentation surfaces, can survive this process. The pigmentation, stress resistance levels, unique restorative DNA system, and low nutrient necessity allows further growth in the phyllosphere.[11] As the grape matures, the microbial count increases due to nutrient availability and expansion of its surface area.[10] Researchers at the University of California, Davis observed an increase in abundance of the Sphingomonas bacteria from finished wines cultivated within Napa and Sonoma Counties, California.[12] This indicates that Sphingomonas is a biomarker for the chemical composition of wine. Sphingomonas is found throughout the wine fermentation process indicating a relationship between the bacteria and microbial terroir of the wines.[13][14]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sphingomonas

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sphingomonas is a of Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped bacteria belonging to the family Sphingomonadaceae within the class , distinguished by their outer membrane containing glycosphingolipids rather than lipopolysaccharides. These chemoheterotrophic microbes are typically yellow-pigmented due to like nostoxanthin and often exhibit via a single polar , with a G+C content of 61–67 mol%. As of November 2025, the encompasses 181 validly published , though taxonomic revisions based on genomic analyses have led to reclassifications of some into genera such as Sphingobium and Novosphingobium, reflecting its polyphyletic history since its establishment in 1990 with S. paucimobilis as the . Members of Sphingomonas are ubiquitous in diverse environments, including soils, freshwater and marine systems, plant rhizospheres, and contaminated sites, where they play crucial ecological roles in carbon cycling and nutrient decomposition. Notably abundant in litter-degrading microbial communities across ecosystems like deserts, grasslands, and forests, they contribute to breakdown, including depolymerization, and adapt to variations through shifts in composition and functional genes related to stress tolerance and resource acquisition. Many exhibit potential, degrading recalcitrant pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and pesticides via specialized metabolic pathways, making them valuable for environmental cleanup applications. Additionally, certain Sphingomonas strains promote plant growth by producing phytohormones like (IAA) and , enhancing root development, nutrient uptake, and stress resistance in crops such as , , and . They also form biofilms and exopolysaccharides like gellan, which have industrial uses in and pharmaceuticals. Although generally non-pathogenic, opportunistic infections, particularly by S. paucimobilis, occur in immunocompromised individuals, causing nosocomial bacteremia, septicemia, and infections in healthcare settings, often linked to contaminated sources.

Taxonomy and Description

Classification and History

The genus Sphingomonas belongs to the domain Bacteria, phylum Pseudomonadota, class Alphaproteobacteria, order Sphingomonadales, family Sphingomonadaceae. The genus Sphingomonas was established in 1990 by Yabuuchi et al. to accommodate a group of Gram-negative bacteria previously classified under Pseudomonas, with Sphingomonas paucimobilis designated as the type species based on 16S rRNA sequence analysis and the presence of unique glycosphingolipids in their cellular lipids. In 2001, Takeuchi et al. emended the genus description and proposed a subdivision into Sphingomonas sensu stricto along with three new genera—Sphingobium, Novosphingobium, and Sphingopyxis—drawing on phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA genes and chemotaxonomic markers such as ubiquinone types and polyamine profiles to resolve the heterogeneity within the original genus. As of November 2025, the Sphingomonas encompasses 181 validly described species, reflecting its expansive phylogenetic and ecological diversity, with notable examples including the type species S. paucimobilis, S. anseongensis described in 2023, and six new species isolated from glaciers on the described in 2025. The name Sphingomonas derives from the New Latin neuter noun sphingosinum (sphingosine), referencing the characteristic glycosphingolipids, combined with the Greek neuter noun monas (a unit or monad), denoting its rod-shaped, motile nature.

Morphology and Physiology

Sphingomonas species are Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria, typically measuring 0.5–1.0 μm in width and 1.0–2.0 μm in length. Many strains are motile, propelled by one or more polar flagella, although some are non-motile. On solid media such as plates, they form circular, convex colonies that are characteristically yellow-pigmented due to the production of or other pigments. Physiologically, Sphingomonas bacteria are strictly aerobic and chemoheterotrophic, relying on oxygen for respiration and utilizing organic compounds as carbon and energy sources. Their electron transport chain features ubiquinone-10 (UQ-10) as the predominant respiratory quinone. A distinctive feature is the composition of their outer membrane, which lacks the typical lipopolysaccharide (LPS) found in most Gram-negative bacteria; instead, it contains glycosphingolipids (GSLs) composed of a ceramide backbone linked to unique oligosaccharide chains, often including sugars like α-L-fucose or 3-O-methyl-α-L-rhamnose. _ These GSLs contribute to membrane stability and may influence interactions with environmental stressors. Metabolically, Sphingomonas species exhibit versatility in oxidizing a broad spectrum of carbon substrates, including simple sugars, , and complex aromatic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, facilitated by an array of oxygenase enzymes like mono- and dioxygenases. Their genomes, typically ranging from 3 to 4 Mb in size with approximately 3,900 protein-coding genes and around 70 genes (including multiple rRNA and tRNA operons), encode these catabolic pathways, often on large plasmids or chromosomes. _ As oligotrophic organisms, they thrive in nutrient-poor environments, with optimal growth occurring at temperatures of 25–30°C and values of 6.5–7.5, though they tolerate broader ranges depending on the strain. _ _

Ecology and Habitat

Natural Distribution

Sphingomonas species exhibit a widespread global distribution, occurring ubiquitously in diverse natural environments such as , freshwater, marine waters, sediments, air, and rhizospheres, as well as in clinical samples. These are frequently isolated from both contaminated and pristine sites, reflecting their adaptability to varying ecological conditions. Their aerobic and oligotrophic physiology contributes to this broad occurrence across nutrient-limited habitats. Specific locales where Sphingomonas strains have been documented include polluted environments like oil spills and pesticide-contaminated soils, as well as unperturbed oligotrophic waters and plant root zones. For instance, Sphingomonas yanoikuyae was originally isolated from oil-contaminated soil in , highlighting their presence in hydrocarbon-impacted areas. In marine settings, they are found from polar to temperate oceans, including eutrophic and oligotrophic waters, corals, and sites with natural or artificial hydrocarbons, such as the where Sphingomonas japonica was identified. Additionally, strains like Sphingomonas alaskensis have been recovered from pristine Alaskan coastal waters using dilution-to-extinction methods. Abundance patterns of Sphingomonas show higher prevalence in temperate and tropical regions, with notable detection in biomes such as deserts, grasslands, shrublands, and forests across . They are also present in urban aerosols and environments, including reservoirs, ventilation systems, and clinical specimens like and . In contaminated soils, such as those from European coal gasification and railway sites with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels up to 3,022 mg kg⁻¹, Sphingomonas cell concentrations range from 10⁵ to 10⁶ cells per gram. Detection of Sphingomonas typically involves culturing on low-nutrient media to mimic oligotrophic conditions, followed by identification via 16S rRNA gene sequencing or PCR-based methods targeting specific primers like Sphingo108f/GC40-Sphingo420r. These approaches enable sensitive recovery from environmental samples, detecting as few as 10⁴ CFU g⁻¹ in .

Adaptations to Environments

Sphingomonas species exhibit an oligotrophic lifestyle, enabling survival in nutrient-poor environments through high-affinity, broad-specificity uptake systems that facilitate efficient scavenging of low concentrations of carbon sources. For instance, in marine ultramicrobacterium Sphingomonas sp. strain RB2256, these systems support predicted doubling times of 12 hours to 3 days, crucial for biomass turnover in oligotrophic waters. During , the bacterium maintains ribosomal , retaining up to 10% of maximum ribosomes and protein content, which allows rapid recovery upon nutrient availability without extensive resynthesis. Additionally, production of exopolysaccharides (EPS), such as promonan in Sphingomonas sp. LM7 from freshwater habitats, promotes formation by creating a gelatinous matrix that traps and concentrates scarce nutrients, enhancing uptake efficiency in low-carbon settings. These bacteria demonstrate robust stress resistance, tolerating , UV radiation, , and low temperatures via specialized cellular components. Tolerance to like (Cd²⁺) in strains such as Sphingomonas sp. M1-B02 involves on cell surfaces through hydroxyl and nitro groups, coupled with efflux pumps and enzymes (e.g., those encoded by mutL and genes), achieving up to 80% adsorption efficiency under stress. Pigment-based s, including like nostoxanthin produced by Sphingomonas nostoxanthinifaciens, scavenge (ROS) generated by UV radiation and oxidative damage, providing photoprotection in exposed environments. resistance is evident in species like Sphingomonas desiccabilis, where cellular adaptations maintain viability over extended dry periods. glycosphingolipids (GSLs), unique to Sphingomonadaceae and replacing lipopolysaccharides, enhance hydrophobicity and stability, supporting growth at low temperatures down to 8°C and overall resilience to physicochemical stresses. In response to pollutants, Sphingomonas employs enzymatic pathways for partial degradation of xenobiotics, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides, without relying on complete bioremediation processes. For example, Sphingomonas sp. utilizes chemotaxis and genes for naphthalene and benzopyrene catabolism to target and break down PAHs like fluoranthene and pyrene via dioxygenase-mediated ring cleavage. Symbiotic associations with microbial consortia in contaminated sites bolster resilience, as Sphingomonas acts as a dominating PAH-polluted coking s with up to 6% relative abundance. In these networks, it enhances community stability through metabolic interactions, degrading persistent pollutants like PAHs while coexisting with other degraders to promote overall microbial diversity and recovery. Such consortia dynamics underscore Sphingomonas's role in fostering adaptive microbial under anthropogenic stress. Sphingomonas composition varies across gradients, with different clades adapted to site conditions through shifts in functional genes related to stress tolerance and acquisition, as observed in from deserts to forests.

Pathogenicity and Interactions

Role in Human Disease

Sphingomonas paucimobilis is recognized as the primary species within the associated with infections, functioning as an opportunistic nosocomial that predominantly affects immunocompromised individuals. It causes a range of infections, including bacteremia (reported in approximately 41% of cases), (around 14%, often ventilator-associated), and catheter-related bloodstream infections, particularly in patients with indwelling medical devices. These infections arise due to the bacterium's environmental ubiquity, including its presence in hospital water systems and clinical settings, which facilitates transmission in healthcare environments. Epidemiologically, S. paucimobilis infections remain rare, accounting for about 1.3% of clinical isolates in large surveys, but mortality rates are low at around 6%, reflecting the organism's generally low virulence, though complications can arise in vulnerable populations such as those with or undergoing . Antibiotic resistance poses a challenge, mediated by mechanisms including efflux pumps that expel drugs from the cell and intrinsic production of beta-lactamases, conferring resistance to beta-lactams like penicillin and first-generation cephalosporins, as well as variable resistance to (up to 61%). Key virulence factors include the ability to form biofilms on medical devices such as catheters, enhancing and evasion of host defenses. Diagnosis typically involves culture identification followed by confirmation via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF MS) or 16S rRNA gene sequencing for accurate . Treatment is guided by susceptibility testing, with most isolates remaining sensitive to like (susceptibility around 67-75%) and fluoroquinolones such as levofloxacin (about 74%), allowing effective management in most cases.

Interactions with Plants and Ecosystems

Sphingomonas species frequently colonize the of various , where they promote growth through mechanisms such as phosphate solubilization and . For instance, Sphingomonas panaciterrae NB5, an endophytic bacterium, enhances morphology and uptake in red amaranth by improving properties that increase available and contents, thereby increasing biomass and yield. Similarly, Sphingomonas sediminicola Dae20 acts as a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) in the , influencing microbial communities to facilitate availability and development in Brassicaceae crops such as and mustard. These oligotrophic adaptations, which enable survival in nutrient-poor zones, further support effective colonization. In broader ecosystems, Sphingomonas contributes to nutrient cycling by decomposing organic matter and attenuating pollutants in natural settings. As abundant members of litter-degrading microbial communities in diverse habitats like deserts and grasslands, they participate in carbon and turnover, serving as key decomposers in microbial food webs. Additionally, their natural capacity to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other persistent pollutants helps mitigate environmental contamination in soils and sediments, supporting ecosystem resilience without engineered interventions. Beneficial interactions extend to the production of signaling molecules that facilitate plant-microbe communication, often enhancing agricultural outcomes. Many Sphingomonas strains synthesize phytohormones such as (IAA) and , which regulate root architecture and stimulate growth; for example, Sphingomonas sp. LK11 produces these compounds to promote development. In , species like Sphingomonas sp. Hbc-6 improve drought tolerance in and by altering metabolism and recruiting beneficial microbes, leading to increased biomass under stress conditions. A notable case is Sphingomonas melonis, which, as a seed endophyte in , induces resistance to bacterial seedling caused by plantarii through secretion of antimicrobial compounds that inhibit pathogen virulence factors. Although predominantly beneficial, rare Sphingomonas strains exhibit phytopathogenic traits, causing diseases in specific crops. Sphingomonas melonis has been identified as the causal agent of brown spot disease on fruits, leading to necrotic lesions. Other isolates, such as Sphingomonas spermidinifaciens, cause bacterial on trees, while certain Sphingomonas spp. are associated with bacterial leaf blight in , resulting in foliar damage and reduced yields. These negative impacts are uncommon compared to the genus's symbiotic roles.

Biotechnological Applications

Bioremediation and Degradation

Sphingomonas species exhibit remarkable degradation capabilities for environmental pollutants, primarily through specialized enzymatic mechanisms. These bacteria efficiently break down polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as phenanthrene using ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases, which initiate the oxidative cleavage of aromatic rings. For instance, Sphingobium sp. strain SHPJ-2 demonstrates potent degradation of high-molecular-weight PAHs like fluoranthene, pyrene, and benzoanthracene via diverse pathways involving initial dioxygenase attack followed by ring fission. Additionally, certain strains degrade pesticides; Sphingobium yanoikuyae XJ effectively metabolizes organophosphate pesticides through hydrolytic enzymes. In the realm of plastics, Sphingomonas isolates have shown the ability to degrade polyethylene, achieving up to 56% weight loss in black polyethylene films under laboratory conditions via biofilm formation and oxidative enzymes. Sphingobium yanoikuyae strains further contribute by degrading polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), utilizing biphenyl as a model substrate through biphenyl dioxygenase and subsequent dechlorination pathways. The mechanisms underlying these degradations often involve the catechol ortho-cleavage pathway for aromatic compounds, where initial dioxygenase-mediated produces , followed by ortho-cleavage to form muconic acid derivatives that enter central metabolism. In Sphingomonas yanoikuyae B1, this pathway intertwines with meta-cleavage routes for efficient utilization of substituted benzoates derived from PAHs and other aromatics. Sphingomonas bisphenolicum AO1 degrades via a flavin-dependent monooxygenase pathway, achieving complete mineralization. In field applications, Sphingomonas strains are inoculated into sites and contaminated soils to accelerate removal, often in consortia with other for synergistic effects. A 2020 study in petroleum-hydrocarbon-contaminated soil demonstrated that a Sphingomonas changbaiensis and consortium, augmented with biosurfactants like alkyl polyglycosides, increased degradation by over 70% compared to uninoculated controls, highlighting enhanced and microbial activity. Similarly, in saline soils from industrial sites, biochar-immobilized Sphingomonas sp. PJ2 improved PAH removal to 60.4% over 60 days, outperforming free cells by protecting from osmotic stress. Despite these successes, Sphingomonas-based shows strong efficacy in lab-scale experiments but variable performance in field settings due to environmental factors such as , nutrient availability, and competition from native . Case studies from the 2020s, including the Shenfu irrigation area in , reveal that while Sphingomonas isolates degraded PAHs in petroleum-contaminated soils at rates up to 50% in mesocosms, field trials faced limitations from low survival rates and incomplete mineralization, necessitating amendments like for sustained efficacy. Overall, these metabolic versatilities, as noted in physiological studies, underpin their applied potential in pollutant breakdown.

Industrial and Fermentation Uses

Sphingomonas species are exploited in industrial primarily for the microbial production of sphingans, a class of exopolysaccharides with valuable rheological properties. , biosynthesized by Sphingomonas elodea (ATCC 31461), serves as a gelling agent and stabilizer in products such as desserts and beverages, as well as in pharmaceutical formulations for controlled release. Industrial processes typically employ batch or fed-batch strategies in simplified media containing glucose as the carbon source, achieving yields of up to 17.71 g/L under optimized conditions at 30°C and 7.0. The global market for , reflecting its annual production scale, was valued at approximately USD 63.2 million in 2025, driven by demand in the and beverage sector. Welan gum, produced by Sphingomonas sp. strains such as RW and ATCC 31555, functions similarly as a thickener in emulsions and a suspending agent in pharmaceuticals, with engineered variants yielding up to 25.11 g/L using low-cost substrates like and wastewater. Beyond , Sphingomonas strains contribute to production for industrial applications, including detergent-compatible lipases and esterases that enhance under cold-wash conditions. For instance, cold-adapted esterases from Sphingomonas glacialis exhibit stability in organic solvents and , supporting their integration into eco-friendly laundry formulations. Emerging post-2020 research highlights Sphingomonas' role in green , where strains like S. paucimobilis BDS1 extracellularly synthesize silver nanoparticles (50-80 nm) via reduction of AgNO₃, forming stable dispersions suitable for coatings and potential systems. Similarly, Sphingomonas sp. enables biomimetic synthesis of TiO₂ nanoparticles, which show promise in targeted therapeutic delivery due to their and low . In fermentation processes, participates in wine production, influencing microbial and contributing to the sensory profile of red wines through its presence during spontaneous or early-stage fermentations. Strains such as Sphingomonas sp. are detected in grape must and evolving wines, where they correlate with volatile metabolites like esters and aldehydes that impart fruity and complex aromas, though their exact contributions remain under study. Commercial exploitation involves engineered Sphingomonas variants, such as IrrE-overexpressing strains of Sphingomonas sp. NX-3, which boost welan gum yields to 20.26 g/L at elevated temperatures (40°C) without pH adjustment, reducing production costs by minimizing energy and chemical inputs. Gellan gum-producing strains hold Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status from the FDA since 1992, enabling their safe use in food-grade applications following rigorous safety assessments of genomic stability and absence of factors.

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