Steps in uncovering the key enzyme in the degradation of the pyridine ring in the Arthrobacter nicotinovorans

The study of the degradation of the nicotine by the soil bacterium Arthrobacter nicotinovorans is still a work in progress but so far many discoveries have helped elucidating some of the steps that take place in its pathway. Arthrobacter nicotinovorans is a Gram positive soil bacterium which is able to use nicotine as a source of C, N and energy. It produces a blue pigment when grown on nicotine as a result of the dimerisation of the hydroxylated pyridine ring. The mechanism of the degradation pyridine ring which is a part of the structure of the nicotine is still unknown. The elucidation of the entire process could prove to be useful in biotechnological applications in reducing the harmful effect that the nicotine found in the cigarettes’ smoke or the liquid nicotine has on people and the environment.