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Hülber-Beyer É, Bélafi-Bakó K, Rózsenberszki T, Komáromy P, Nemestóthy N. Evaluating the potential of semi-continuous itaconic acid fermentation by Aspergillus terreus: operational profile and experiences. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:346. [PMID: 37843644 PMCID: PMC10579124 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03797-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Itaconic acid is an important bio-based chemical. The present study aims to evaluate the applicability of semi-continuous fermentation technique for itaconic acid production by Aspergillus terreus. The fermentation is planned to be connected with bipolar membrane electrodialysis unit for acid recovery. This process allows the reuse of residual glucose from the effluent. Our particular attention was focused on the effect of glucose concentration. Two different glucose supplementation strategies were tested: constant glucose concentration in the refilling medium and adjusted glucose concentration in order to maintain a continuously high - 120 g/L - glucose concentration in the fermentor. The itaconic acid titre, yield and productivity for the 24 h time periods between draining/refilling interventions were investigated. The constantly high glucose concentration in the fermentor resulted in doubled biomass formation. The average itaconic acid titre was 32.9 ± 2.7 g/L. The producing strain formed numerous spores during semi-continuous fermentation that germinated continuously. Yield and volumetric productivity showed a periodic pattern during the procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Hülber-Beyer
- Research Group on Bioengineering, Membrane Technology and Energetics, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, Egyetem str. 10, Veszprém, 8200, Hungary.
| | - Katalin Bélafi-Bakó
- Research Group on Bioengineering, Membrane Technology and Energetics, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, Egyetem str. 10, Veszprém, 8200, Hungary
| | - Tamás Rózsenberszki
- Research Group on Bioengineering, Membrane Technology and Energetics, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, Egyetem str. 10, Veszprém, 8200, Hungary
| | - Péter Komáromy
- Research Group on Bioengineering, Membrane Technology and Energetics, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, Egyetem str. 10, Veszprém, 8200, Hungary
| | - Nándor Nemestóthy
- Research Group on Bioengineering, Membrane Technology and Energetics, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, Egyetem str. 10, Veszprém, 8200, Hungary
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Geng C, Jin Z, Gu M, Li J, Tang S, Guo Q, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Li Y, Huang X, Lu X. Microbial production of trans-aconitic acid. Metab Eng 2023; 78:183-191. [PMID: 37315711 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2023.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Trans-aconitic acid (TAA) is a promising bio-based chemical with the structure of unsaturated tricarboxylic acid, and also has the potential to be a non-toxic nematicide as a potent inhibitor of aconitase. However, TAA has not been commercialized because the traditional production processes of plant extraction and chemical synthesis cannot achieve large-scale production at a low cost. The availability of TAA is a serious obstacle to its widespread application. In this study, we developed an efficient microbial synthesis and fermentation production process for TAA. An engineered Aspergillus terreus strain producing cis-aconitic acid and TAA was constructed by blocking itaconic acid biosynthesis in the industrial itaconic acid-producing strain. Through heterologous expression of exogenous aconitate isomerase, we further designed a more efficient cell factory to specifically produce TAA. Subsequently, the fermentation process was developed and scaled up step-by-step, achieving a TAA titer of 60 g L-1 at the demonstration scale of a 20 m3 fermenter. Finally, the field evaluation of the produced TAA for control of the root-knot nematodes was performed in a field trial, effectively reducing the damage of the root-knot nematode. Our work provides a commercially viable solution for the green manufacturing of TAA, which will significantly facilitate biopesticide development and promote its widespread application as a bio-based chemical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ce Geng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, 266101, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China
| | - Zhigang Jin
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, 266101, China; State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, China; Shandong Lukang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Jining, 272021, Shandong, China
| | - Meng Gu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, 266101, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jibin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, China
| | - Shen Tang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, 266101, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China
| | - Qiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, China
| | - Yunpeng Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, 266101, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, 266101, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuezhong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, China
| | - Xuenian Huang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, 266101, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Xuefeng Lu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, 266101, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Marine Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, China.
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Diankristanti PA, Ng IS. Microbial itaconic acid bioproduction towards sustainable development: Insights, challenges, and prospects. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023:129280. [PMID: 37290713 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microbial biomanufacturing is a promising approach to produce high-value compounds with low-carbon footprint and significant economic benefits. Among twelve "Top Value-Added Chemicals from Biomass", itaconic acid (IA) stands out as a versatile platform chemical with numerous applications. IA is naturally produced by Aspergillus and Ustilago species through a cascade enzymatic reaction between aconitase (EC 4.2.1.3) and cis-aconitic acid decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.6). Recently, non-native hosts such as Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Yarrowia lipolytica have been genetically engineered to produce IA through the introduction of key enzymes. This review provides an up-to-date summary of the progress made in IA bioproduction, from native to engineered hosts, covers in vivo and in vitro approaches, and highlights the prospects of combination tactics. Current challenges and recent endeavors are also addressed to envision comprehensive strategies for renewable IA production in the future towards sustainable development goals (SDGs).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - I-Son Ng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan.
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Vassileva M, Malusá E, Eichler-Löbermann B, Vassilev N. Aspegillus terreus: From Soil to Industry and Back. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111655. [PMID: 33113865 PMCID: PMC7692665 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus terreus is an important saprophytic filamentous fungus that can be found in soils. Like many other soil microorganisms, A. terreus demonstrates multiple functions and offers various important metabolites, which can be used in different fields of human activity. The first application of A. terreus on an industrial level is the production of itaconic acid, which is now considered as one of the most important bioproducts in the Green Chemistry field. The general schemes for itaconic acid production have been studied, but in this mini-review some lines of future research are presented based on analysis of the published results. A. terreus is also intensively studied for its biocontrol activity and plant growth-promoting effect. However, this microorganism is also known to infect important crops such as, amongst others, rice, wheat, potato, sugar cane, maize, and soybean. It was suggested, however, that the balance between positive vs. negative effects is dependent on the soil-plant-inoculant dose system. A. terreus has frequently been described as an important human pathogen. Therefore, its safety manipulation in biotechnological processes for the production of itaconic acid and some drugs and its use in soil-plant systems should be carefully assessed. Some suggestions in this direction are discussed, particularly concerning the uses in crop production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vassileva
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, C/Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain;
| | - Eligio Malusá
- Research Institute of Horticulture, 96-101 Skierniewice, Poland;
- CREA—Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano, Italy
| | - Bettina Eichler-Löbermann
- Institute of Land Use, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Nikolay Vassilev
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, C/Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain;
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Investigation of Itaconic Acid Separation by Operating a Commercialized Electrodialysis Unit with Bipolar Membranes. Processes (Basel) 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/pr8091031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, the merging of membrane and fermentation technologies is receiving significant attention such as in the case of itaconic acid (IA) production, which is considered as a value-added chemical. Its biotechnological production is already industrially established; however, the improvements of its fermentative and recovery steps remain topics of significant interest due to sustainable development trends. With an adequate downstream process, the total price of IA production can be reduced. For the task of IA recovery, a contemporary electro-membrane separation processes, electrodialysis with bipolar membranes (EDBM), was proposed and employed in this work. In the experiments, the laboratory-scale, commercialized EDBM unit (P EDR-Z/4x) was operated to separate IA from various model solutions compromised of IA (5–33 g/L), glucose (varied in 15–33 g/L as a residual substrate during IA fermentation) and malic acid (varied in 0–1 g/L as a realistic by-product of IA fermentation) under different initial pH (2–5) and applied potential conditions (10–30 V). Unambiguously negative effects related to the glucose and malic acid as impurities were found neither on the IA recovery ratio nor on the current efficiency, falling into the ranges of 90–97% and 74.3–98.5%, respectively. The highest IA recovery ratios of 97% and 98.5% of current efficiency were obtained with the model fermentation solution containing 33 g/L IA, 33 g/L glucose at 20 V and an initial pH of 5. However, the selective separation of IA needs further investigations with a real fermentation broth, and the findings of this research may contribute to further studies in this field.
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