Biodegradation of Cyclohexylamine by Brevibacterium oxydans IH-35A

A bacterial strain capable of growing on cyclohexylamine (CHAM) was isolated by using enrichment and isolation techniques. The strain isolated, strain IH-35A, was classified as a member of the genus Brevibacterium. The results of growth and enzyme studies are consistent with degradation of CHAM via cyclohexanone (CHnone), 6-hexanolactone, 6-hydroxyhexanoate, and adipate. Cell extracts obtained from this strain grown on CHAM contained CHAM oxidase, and the model for CHAM oxidation by this enzyme was similar to the model for deamino oxidation of amine by amine oxidase.