Dehalogenase Enzyme Structure and Its Role in Degradation of Organochlorine Compounds: A Review

Abstract

Halogenated compounds, including organochlorines, are extensively used as pesticides across agriculture and various industrial applications. These compounds persist in the environment and are toxic, posing significant challenges for remediation efforts. Detoxification strategies such as physical, chemical, and biodegradation methods have been developed to reduce their impact. Among these, biodegradation using microorganisms and their enzymes has become a preferred, environmentally friendly approach. Specifically, Haloacid dehalogenases facilitate the hydrolytic scission of carbon–halogen linkages at the C2 position of short-chain haloacids, facilitating their conversion to less toxic products. While numerous dehalogenases involved in halogenated compound degradation have been identified, detailed biochemical and structural characterizations exist for only a limited subset. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the classification, structure, catalytic mechanisms, and environmental applications of dehalogenases, highlighting their essential role in biodegrading chlorinated pollutants.