[3] The genus name Vario-vorax (various-voracious; devouring a variety of substrates) and species name para-doxus (contrary-opinion) reflects both the dichotomy of V. paradoxus metabolisms, but also its ability to utilize a wide array of organic compounds.

[6] EPS was isolated from the rhizosphere community of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus), and was initially studied for its motility.

[7] The genomes of B4 and TBEA6 were sequenced with specific interest to better understand the strains abilities to degrade mercaptosuccinate and 3,3 -thiodipropionic acid respectively.

[4] V. paradoxus’s diverse metabolic capabilities enable it to degrade a wide array of recalcitrant organic pollutants including 2,4-dinitrotoluene, aliphatic polycarbonates and polychlorinated biphenyls.

Both its catabolic and anabolic capabilities have been suggested for biotechnological use, such as to neutralise or degrade pollutants at contaminated sites.

[22] Strains of V. paradoxus have also been identified that can degrade N-acyl homoserine-lactones (AHL), microbial signalling molecules involved in quorum sensing.

[16][17][18] The species is also tolerant of a large number of heavy metals including cadmium,[30] chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, silver,[18] zinc[31] at mM concentrations.

[6] Cupriavidus species, including C. metallidurans, are well characterised in the field of microbe-metal interactions, and are found within the same order (Burkholderiales) as V. paradoxus.