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Russo DA, Zedler JAZ, Jensen PE. A force awakens: exploiting solar energy beyond photosynthesis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2019; 70:1703-1710. [PMID: 30773590 PMCID: PMC6436153 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erz054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, efforts to exploit sunlight, a free and abundant energy source, have sped up dramatically. Oxygenic photosynthetic organisms, such as higher plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, can convert solar energy into chemical energy very efficiently using water as an electron donor. By providing organic building blocks for life in this way, photosynthesis is undoubtedly one of the most important processes on Earth. The aim of light-driven catalysis is to harness solar energy, in the form of reducing power, to drive enzymatic reactions requiring electrons for their catalytic cycle. Light-driven enzymes have been shown to have a large number of biotechnological applications, ranging from the production of high-value secondary metabolites to the development of green chemistry processes. Here, we highlight recent key developments in the field of light-driven catalysis using biological components. We will also discuss strategies to design and optimize light-driven systems in order to develop the next generation of sustainable solutions in biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Russo
- Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Julie A Z Zedler
- Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Poul Erik Jensen
- Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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52
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Exploiting new ways for a more efficient orientation and wiring of PSI to electrodes: A fullerene C70 approach. Electrochim Acta 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2019.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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53
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Kechkar M, Sayed W, Cabrol A, Aziza M, Ahmed Zaid T, Amrane A, Djelal H. ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF YEAST STRAINS FROM SUGARCANE MOLASSES, DATES AND FIGS FOR ETHANOL PRODUCTION UNDER CONDITIONS SIMULATING ALGAL HYDROLYSATE. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/0104-6632.20190361s20180114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Madina Kechkar
- Centre de Développement des Energies Renouvelables, Algeria; Ecole Nationale Polytechnique, Algeria
| | | | | | - Majda Aziza
- Centre de Développement des Energies Renouvelables, Algeria
| | | | | | - Hayet Djelal
- UniLaSalle-Ecole des Métiers de l’Environnement, France
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54
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Angeleri M, Muth-Pawlak D, Wilde A, Aro EM, Battchikova N. Global proteome response ofSynechocystis6803 to extreme copper environments applied to control the activity of the induciblepetJpromoter. J Appl Microbiol 2019; 126:826-841. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.14182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Angeleri
- Molecular Plant Biology; Department of Biochemistry; University of Turku; Turku Finland
| | - D. Muth-Pawlak
- Molecular Plant Biology; Department of Biochemistry; University of Turku; Turku Finland
| | - A. Wilde
- Molecular Genetics of Prokaryotes; University of Freiburg; Freiburg Germany
| | - E.-M. Aro
- Molecular Plant Biology; Department of Biochemistry; University of Turku; Turku Finland
| | - N. Battchikova
- Molecular Plant Biology; Department of Biochemistry; University of Turku; Turku Finland
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55
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Mironov KS, Shumskaya M, Sidorov RA, Trofimova MS, Los DA. Membrane physical state and stress regulation in Synechocystis: fluidizing alcohols repress fatty acid desaturation. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 96:1007-1017. [PMID: 30194781 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are prokaryotic photosynthetic organisms widely used in biotechnology, photosynthesis and abiotic stress research. There are several cyanobacterial strains modified to produce biofuels, but the influence of alcohols on cyanobacterial cell physiology is poorly understood. Here, we conducted a systematic study of the effects of nine primary aliphatic alcohols and an aromatic benzyl alcohol on both membrane physical state and the expression of genes for fatty acid desaturases (FADs) in a model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803. Hexan-1-ol was found to have the most membrane fluidizing action among all alcohols studied, with its efficiency correlating with both duration of treatment and alcohol concentration. A prolonged exposure to alcohol results in a continuous loss of unsaturated fatty acids (FAs) followed by cell death, an undesired challenge that should be considered in cyanobacterial biotechnology. We suggest that membrane fluidization is the key component in alcohol stress causing inactivation of FADs and resulting in a lethal depletion of unsaturated FAs. Due to the most pronounced effects of alcohol- and heat-induced membrane fluidization on desB encoding a terminal ω3-FAD, we propose to call desB a 'viscosity gene' in analogy to heat-induced 'fluidity gene' hspA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirill S Mironov
- Department of Molecular Biosystems, K.A. Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology, Russian Academy of Science, Botanicheskaya Street 35, Moscow, 127276, Russia
| | - Maria Shumskaya
- Department of Biology, School of Natural Sciences, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave, Union, NJ, 07083, USA
| | - Roman A Sidorov
- Department of Molecular Biosystems, K.A. Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology, Russian Academy of Science, Botanicheskaya Street 35, Moscow, 127276, Russia
| | - Marina S Trofimova
- Department of Molecular Biosystems, K.A. Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology, Russian Academy of Science, Botanicheskaya Street 35, Moscow, 127276, Russia
| | - Dmitry A Los
- Department of Molecular Biosystems, K.A. Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology, Russian Academy of Science, Botanicheskaya Street 35, Moscow, 127276, Russia
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56
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Significance and Challenges of Biomass as a Suitable Feedstock for Bioenergy and Biochemical Production: A Review. ENERGIES 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/en11123366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Fossil fuels have been a major contributor to greenhouse gases, the amounts of which could be reduced if biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel were used for transportation. One of the most promising biofuels is ethyl alcohol. In 2015, the world production of ethanol was 25.6 billion gallons and the USA, Brazil, China, the European Union, and 28 other countries have set targets for blending ethanol with gasoline. The two major bio-source materials used for ethanol production are corn and sugarcane. For 1st generation biofuels, sugarcane and corn feedstocks are not able to fulfill the current demand for alcohol. Non-edible lignocellulosic biomass is an alternative bio-source for creating 2nd generation biofuels and algae biomass for 3rd and 4th generation biofuels. This review discusses the significance of biomass for the different generations of biofuels, and biochemical and thermochemical processes, and the significance of biorefinery products.
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Jetti KD, GNS RR, Garlapati D, Nammi SK. Improved ethanol productivity and ethanol tolerance through genome shuffling of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia stipitis. Int Microbiol 2018; 22:247-254. [DOI: 10.1007/s10123-018-00044-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Retooling microorganisms for the fermentative production of alcohols. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2017; 50:1-10. [PMID: 28888164 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2017.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Bioengineering and synthetic biology approaches have revolutionised the field of biotechnology, enabling the introduction of non-native and de novo pathways for biofuels production. This 'retooling' of microorganisms is also applied to the utilisation of mixed carbon components derived from lignocellulosic biomass, a major technical barrier for the development of economically viable fermentations. This review will discuss recent advances in microorganism engineering for efficient production of alcohols from waste biomass. These advances span the introduction of new pathways to alcohols, host modifications for more cost-effective utilisation of lignocellulosic waste and modifications of existing pathways for generating new fuel additives.
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Biotechnological Strategies to Improve Plant Biomass Quality for Bioethanol Production. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:7824076. [PMID: 28951875 PMCID: PMC5603102 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7824076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The transition from an economy dependent on nonrenewable energy sources to one with higher diversity of renewables will not be a simple process. It requires an important research effort to adapt to the dynamics of the changing energy market, sort costly processes, and avoid overlapping with social interest markets such as food and livestock production. In this review, we analyze the desirable traits of raw plant materials for the bioethanol industry and the molecular biotechnology strategies employed to improve them, in either plants already under use (as maize) or proposed species (large grass families). The fundamentals of these applications can be found in the mechanisms by which plants have evolved different pathways to manage carbon resources for reproduction or survival in unexpected conditions. Here, we review the means by which this information can be used to manipulate these mechanisms for commercial uses, including saccharification improvement of starch and cellulose, decrease in cell wall recalcitrance through lignin modification, and increase in plant biomass.
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60
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McLeod C, Nerlich B, Mohr A. Working with bacteria and putting bacteria to work: The biopolitics of synthetic biology for energy in the United Kingdom. ENERGY RESEARCH & SOCIAL SCIENCE 2017; 30:35-42. [PMID: 28920015 PMCID: PMC5589117 DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2017.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The UK government has made significant investment into so called 'fourth-generation' biofuel technologies. These biofuels are based on engineering the metabolic pathways of bacteria in order to create products compatible with existing infrastructure. Bacteria play an important role in what is promoted as a potentially new biological industrial revolution, which could address some of the negative environmental legacies of the last. This article presents results from ethnographic research with synthetic biologists who are challenged with balancing the curiosity-driven and intrinsically fulfilling scientific task of working with bacteria, alongside the policy-driven task of putting bacteria to work for extrinsic economic gains. In addition, the scientists also have to balance these demands with a new research governance framework, Responsible Research and Innovation, which envisions technoscientific innovation will be responsive to societal concerns and work in collaboration with stakeholders and members of the public. Major themes emerging from the ethnographic research revolve around stewardship, care, responsibility and agency. An overall conflict surfaces between individual agents assuming responsibility for 'stewarding' bacteria, against funding systems and structures imposing responsibility for economic growth. We discuss these findings against the theoretical backdrop of a new concept of 'energopolitics' and an anthropology of ethics and responsibility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brigitte Nerlich
- University of Nottingham , University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Mohr
- University of Nottingham , University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
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61
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Madhu D, Arora R, Sahani S, Singh V, Sharma YC. Synthesis of High-Quality Biodiesel Using Feedstock and Catalyst Derived from Fish Wastes. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2017; 65:2100-2109. [PMID: 28230995 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b05608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A low-cost and high-purity calcium oxide (CaO) was prepared from waste crab shells, which were extracted from the dead crabs, was used as an efficient solid base catalyst in the synthesis of biodiesel. Raw fish oil was extracted from waste parts of fish through mechanical expeller followed by solvent extraction. Physical as well as chemical properties of raw fish oil were studied, and its free fatty acid composition was analyzed with GC-MS. Stable and high-purity CaO was obtained when the material was calcined at 800 °C for 4 h. Prepared catalyst was characterized by XRD, FT-IR, and TGA/DTA. The surface structure of the catalyst was analyzed with SEM, and elemental composition was determined by EDX spectra. Esterification followed by transesterification reactions were conducted for the synthesis of biodiesel. The effect of cosolvent on biodiesel yield was studied in each experiment using different solvents such as toluene, diethyl ether, hexane, tetrahydrofuran, and acetone. High-quality and pure biodiesel was synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR and FT-IR. Biodiesel yield was affected by parameters such as reaction temperature, reaction time, molar ratio (methanol:oil), and catalyst loading. Properties of synthesized biodiesel such as density, kinematic viscosity, and cloud point were determined according to ASTM standards. Reusability of prepared CaO catalyst was checked, and the catalyst was found to be stable up to five runs without significant loss of catalytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devarapaga Madhu
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi , Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Rajan Arora
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi , Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Shalini Sahani
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi , Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Veena Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi , Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Yogesh Chandra Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi , Varanasi 221005, India
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62
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Amin L, Hashim H, Mahadi Z, Ibrahim M, Ismail K. Determinants of stakeholders' attitudes towards biodiesel. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2017; 10:219. [PMID: 28932261 PMCID: PMC5602935 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-017-0908-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concern about the inevitable depletion of global energy resources is rising and many countries are shifting their focus to renewable energy. Biodiesel is one promising energy source that has garnered much public attention in recent years. Many believe that this alternative source of energy will be able to sustain the need for increased energy security while at the same time being friendly to the environment. Public opinion, as well as proactive measures by key players in industry, may play a decisive role in steering the direction of biodiesel development throughout the world. Past studies have suggested that public acceptance of biofuels could be shaped by critical consideration of the risk-benefit perceptions of the product, in addition to the impact on the economy and environment. RESULTS The purpose of this study was to identify the relevant factors influencing stakeholders' attitudes towards biodiesel derived from crops such as palm oil for vehicle use, as well as to analyse the interrelationships of these factors in an attitude model. A survey of 509 respondents, consisting of various stakeholder groups in the Klang Valley region of Malaysia, was undertaken. The results of the study have substantiated the premise that the most important direct predictor of attitude to biodiesel is the perceived benefits (β = 0.80, p < 0.001). Attitude towards biodiesel also involves the interplay between other factors, such as engagement to biotechnology, trust of key players, attitude to technology, and perceived risk. CONCLUSION Although perceived benefit has emerged as the main predictor of public support of biodiesel, the existence of other significant interactions among variables leads to the conclusion that public attitude towards biodiesel should be seen as a multi-faceted process and should be strongly considered prior to its commercialisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latifah Amin
- Pusat Citra Universiti, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia
| | - Hasrizul Hashim
- Pusat Citra Universiti, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia
| | - Zurina Mahadi
- Pusat Citra Universiti, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia
| | - Maznah Ibrahim
- Pusat Citra Universiti, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia
| | - Khaidzir Ismail
- Pusat Citra Universiti, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor Malaysia
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63
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Bengtsson L, Rachlew E, Wagner F. Sustainable energy supply and consumption by 2050 and outlook towards the end of the century: Possible scientific breakthroughs. AMBIO 2016; 45 Suppl 1:S1-S4. [PMID: 26667054 PMCID: PMC4678119 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-015-0735-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Bengtsson
- Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, Hamburg, Germany and Environmental Systems Science Centre, Reading, UK.
| | - Elisabeth Rachlew
- Department of Physics, Royal Institute of Technology, 10691, Stockholm, Sweden.
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