Proteomic insight into alkane and 2-ketone degradation by Acinetobacter guillouiae FS11

Characterization of a commercial polyethylene (average Mw~4000, average Mn~1700) revealed the presence of low Mw alkanes and 2-ketones in the material. Based on gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry analyses, Acinetobacter guillouiae FS11 is able to metabolize these compounds. Proteomic analyses revealed the high abundance of enzymes involved in the alkane degradation pathway, as well as multiple flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs; putative Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenases), which may be utilized in the degradation of PE-derived compounds.