Enzymatic characterization and regulation of gene expression of PhoK alkaline phosphatase in Sphingobium sp. strain TCM1.

Sphingobium sp. strain TCM1 can significantly degrade chlorinated organophosphorus flame retardants, such as tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate. The PhoK of strain TCM1 (Sb-PhoK) is the main alkaline phosphatase (APase) that catalyzes the last step in the degradation pathway.

An atypical phosphodiesterase capable of degrading haloalkyl phosphate diesters from Sphingobium sp. strain TCM1.

Sphingobium sp. strain TCM1 can degrade tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) to inorganic phosphate and 2-chloroethanol. A phosphotriesterase (PTE), phosphodiesterase (PDE) and phosphomonoesterase (PME) are believed to be involved in the degradation of TCEP.