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Schulz-Mirbach H, Krüsemann JL, Andreadaki T, Nerlich JN, Mavrothalassiti E, Boecker S, Schneider P, Weresow M, Abdelwahab O, Paczia N, Dronsella B, Erb TJ, Bar-Even A, Klamt S, Lindner SN. Engineering new-to-nature biochemical conversions by combining fermentative metabolism with respiratory modules. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6725. [PMID: 39112480 PMCID: PMC11306353 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51029-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Anaerobic microbial fermentations provide high product yields and are a cornerstone of industrial bio-based processes. However, the need for redox balancing limits the array of fermentable substrate-product combinations. To overcome this limitation, here we design an aerobic fermentative metabolism that allows the introduction of selected respiratory modules. These can use oxygen to re-balance otherwise unbalanced fermentations, hence achieving controlled respiro-fermentative growth. Following this design, we engineer and characterize an obligate fermentative Escherichia coli strain that aerobically ferments glucose to stoichiometric amounts of lactate. We then re-integrate the quinone-dependent glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and demonstrate glycerol fermentation to lactate while selectively transferring the surplus of electrons to the respiratory chain. To showcase the potential of this fermentation mode, we direct fermentative flux from glycerol towards isobutanol production. In summary, our design permits using oxygen to selectively re-balance fermentations. This concept is an advance freeing highly efficient microbial fermentation from the limitations imposed by traditional redox balancing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Schulz-Mirbach
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043, Marburg, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Jan Lukas Krüsemann
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043, Marburg, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Theofania Andreadaki
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Jana Natalie Nerlich
- Department of Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eleni Mavrothalassiti
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Simon Boecker
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstraße 1, 39106, Magdeburg, Germany
- Berliner Hochschule für Technik (BHT), Seestr. 64, 13347, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Schneider
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstraße 1, 39106, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Moritz Weresow
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Omar Abdelwahab
- Department of Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicole Paczia
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Beau Dronsella
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043, Marburg, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Tobias J Erb
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 14, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Arren Bar-Even
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Steffen Klamt
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstraße 1, 39106, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Steffen N Lindner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
- Department of Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
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Harnisch F, Deutzmann JS, Boto ST, Rosenbaum MA. Microbial electrosynthesis: opportunities for microbial pure cultures. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:1035-1047. [PMID: 38431514 PMCID: PMC11310912 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is an emerging technology that couples renewable electricity to microbial production processes. Although advances in MES performance have been driven largely by microbial mixed cultures, we see a great limitation in the diversity, and hence value, of products that can be achieved in undefined mixed cultures. By contrast, metabolic control of pure cultures and genetic engineering could greatly expand the scope of MES, and even of broader electrobiotechnology, to include targeted high-value products. To leverage this potential, we advocate for more efforts and activities to develop engineered electroactive microbes for synthesis, and we highlight the need for a standardized electrobioreactor infrastructure that allows the establishment and engineering of electrobioprocesses with these novel biocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falk Harnisch
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jörg S Deutzmann
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Santiago T Boto
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute, Adolf Reichwein Strasse 23, 07745 Jena, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Faculty for Biological Sciences, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Neugasse 23, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Miriam A Rosenbaum
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute, Adolf Reichwein Strasse 23, 07745 Jena, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Faculty for Biological Sciences, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Neugasse 23, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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3
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Li Y, Cao M, Gupta VK, Wang Y. Metabolic engineering strategies to enable microbial electrosynthesis utilization of CO 2: recent progress and challenges. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024; 44:352-372. [PMID: 36775662 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2023.2167065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is a promising technology that mainly utilizes microbial cells to convert CO2 into value-added chemicals using electrons provided by the cathode. However, the low electron transfer rate is a solid bottleneck hindering the further application of MES. Thus, as an effective strategy, genetic tools play a key role in MES for enhancing the electron transfer rate and diversity of production. We describe a set of genetic strategies based on fundamental characteristics and current successes and discuss their functional mechanisms in driving microbial electrocatalytic reactions to fully comprehend the roles and uses of genetic tools in MES. This paper also analyzes the process of nanomaterial application in extracellular electron transfer (EET). It provides a technique that combines nanomaterials and genetic tools to increase MES efficiency, because nanoparticles have a role in the production of functional genes in EET although genetic tools can subvert MES, it still has issues with difficult transformation and low expression levels. Genetic tools remain one of the most promising future strategies for advancing the MES process despite these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Li
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Mingfeng Cao
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen, China
| | - Vijai Kumar Gupta
- Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, SRUC, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Yuanpeng Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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4
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Adilkhanova A, Ormantayeva A, Kaziullayeva A, Olaifa K, Eghtesadi N, Abbas AH, Calvio C, Pham TT, Ajunwa OM, Marsili E. Electrofermentation increases concentration of poly γ-glutamic acid in Bacillus subtilis biofilms. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14426. [PMID: 38497275 PMCID: PMC10945395 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluctuations in redox conditions in bioprocesses can alter the end-products, reduce their concentration, and lengthen the process time. Electrofermentation enables rapid metabolic modulation of biosynthesis and allows control of redox imbalances in biofilm-based fermentation processes. In this study, electrofermentation is used to boost the production of the bacterial biopolymer poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) from Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051. When compared to control experiments (3.3 ± 0.99 g L-1 ), the application of an electrode potential E = 0.4 V versus Ag/AgCl results in a more than two-fold increase in the production of γ-PGA (9.13 ± 1.4 g L-1 ). Using an engineered B. subtilis strain, in which γ-PGA production is driven by isopropyl β-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside, electrofermentation improves polymer concentrations from 15.4 ± 1.5 to 23.1 ± 1.6 versus g L-1 . These results confirm that electrofermentation conditions can be adopted to increase the concentration of γ-PGA and perhaps other extracellular biopolymers in industrial strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Adilkhanova
- Biofilm Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital SciencesNazarbayev UniversityAstanaKazakhstan
| | - Anar Ormantayeva
- Biofilm Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital SciencesNazarbayev UniversityAstanaKazakhstan
| | - Aisholpan Kaziullayeva
- Biofilm Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital SciencesNazarbayev UniversityAstanaKazakhstan
| | - Kayode Olaifa
- Biofilm Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital SciencesNazarbayev UniversityAstanaKazakhstan
| | - Neda Eghtesadi
- Biofilm Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital SciencesNazarbayev UniversityAstanaKazakhstan
| | - Azza H. Abbas
- Department of Petroleum Engineering, School of Mining and GeosciencesNazarbayev UniversityAstanaKazakhstan
| | - Cinzia Calvio
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation InstituteNingboChina
| | - Tri T. Pham
- Department of Biology and BiotechnologyUniversità degli Studi di PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Obinna M. Ajunwa
- Biofilm Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital SciencesNazarbayev UniversityAstanaKazakhstan
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and HumanitiesNazarbayev UniversityAstanaKazakhstan
| | - Enrico Marsili
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Interdisciplinary Nanoscience CenterAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
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5
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Salar-García MJ, Ortiz-Martínez VM, Sánchez-Segado S, Valero Sánchez R, Sáez López A, Lozano Blanco LJ, Godínez-Seoane C. Sustainable Production of Biofuels and Biochemicals via Electro-Fermentation Technology. Molecules 2024; 29:834. [PMID: 38398584 PMCID: PMC10891623 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29040834] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The energy crisis and climate change are two of the most concerning issues for human beings nowadays. For that reason, the scientific community is focused on the search for alternative biofuels to conventional fossil fuels as well as the development of sustainable processes to develop a circular economy. Bioelectrochemical processes have been demonstrated to be useful for producing bioenergy and value-added products from several types of waste. Electro-fermentation has gained great attention in the last few years due to its potential contribution to biofuel and biochemical production, e.g., hydrogen, methane, biopolymers, etc. Conventional fermentation processes pose several limitations in terms of their practical and economic feasibility. The introduction of two electrodes in a bioreactor allows the regulation of redox instabilities that occur in conventional fermentation, boosting the overall process towards a high biomass yield and enhanced product formation. In this regard, key parameters such as the type of culture, the nature of the electrodes as well as the operating conditions are crucial in order to maximize the production of biofuels and biochemicals via electro-fermentation technology. This article comprises a critical overview of the benefits and limitations of this emerging bio-electrochemical technology and its contribution to the circular economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Salar-García
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT), Campus Alfonso XIII, Aulario C, 30203 Cartagena, Spain;
| | - Víctor Manuel Ortiz-Martínez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT), Campus Muralla del Mar, 30202 Cartagena, Spain; (S.S.-S.); (A.S.L.); (L.J.L.B.); (C.G.-S.)
| | - Sergio Sánchez-Segado
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT), Campus Muralla del Mar, 30202 Cartagena, Spain; (S.S.-S.); (A.S.L.); (L.J.L.B.); (C.G.-S.)
| | - Raúl Valero Sánchez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT), Campus Alfonso XIII, Aulario C, 30203 Cartagena, Spain;
| | - Antonia Sáez López
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT), Campus Muralla del Mar, 30202 Cartagena, Spain; (S.S.-S.); (A.S.L.); (L.J.L.B.); (C.G.-S.)
| | - Luis Javier Lozano Blanco
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT), Campus Muralla del Mar, 30202 Cartagena, Spain; (S.S.-S.); (A.S.L.); (L.J.L.B.); (C.G.-S.)
| | - Carlos Godínez-Seoane
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT), Campus Muralla del Mar, 30202 Cartagena, Spain; (S.S.-S.); (A.S.L.); (L.J.L.B.); (C.G.-S.)
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6
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Zhang J, Li F, Liu D, Liu Q, Song H. Engineering extracellular electron transfer pathways of electroactive microorganisms by synthetic biology for energy and chemicals production. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:1375-1446. [PMID: 38117181 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00537b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The excessive consumption of fossil fuels causes massive emission of CO2, leading to climate deterioration and environmental pollution. The development of substitutes and sustainable energy sources to replace fossil fuels has become a worldwide priority. Bio-electrochemical systems (BESs), employing redox reactions of electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) on electrodes to achieve a meritorious combination of biocatalysis and electrocatalysis, provide a green and sustainable alternative approach for bioremediation, CO2 fixation, and energy and chemicals production. EAMs, including exoelectrogens and electrotrophs, perform extracellular electron transfer (EET) (i.e., outward and inward EET), respectively, to exchange energy with the environment, whose rate determines the efficiency and performance of BESs. Therefore, we review the synthetic biology strategies developed in the last decade for engineering EAMs to enhance the EET rate in cell-electrode interfaces for facilitating the production of electricity energy and value-added chemicals, which include (1) progress in genetic manipulation and editing tools to achieve the efficient regulation of gene expression, knockout, and knockdown of EAMs; (2) synthetic biological engineering strategies to enhance the outward EET of exoelectrogens to anodes for electricity power production and anodic electro-fermentation (AEF) for chemicals production, including (i) broadening and strengthening substrate utilization, (ii) increasing the intracellular releasable reducing equivalents, (iii) optimizing c-type cytochrome (c-Cyts) expression and maturation, (iv) enhancing conductive nanowire biosynthesis and modification, (v) promoting electron shuttle biosynthesis, secretion, and immobilization, (vi) engineering global regulators to promote EET rate, (vii) facilitating biofilm formation, and (viii) constructing cell-material hybrids; (3) the mechanisms of inward EET, CO2 fixation pathway, and engineering strategies for improving the inward EET of electrotrophic cells for CO2 reduction and chemical production, including (i) programming metabolic pathways of electrotrophs, (ii) rewiring bioelectrical circuits for enhancing inward EET, and (iii) constructing microbial (photo)electrosynthesis by cell-material hybridization; (4) perspectives on future challenges and opportunities for engineering EET to develop highly efficient BESs for sustainable energy and chemical production. We expect that this review will provide a theoretical basis for the future development of BESs in energy harvesting, CO2 fixation, and chemical synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqi Zhang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Feng Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Dingyuan Liu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Qijing Liu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Hao Song
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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7
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Cialek CA. On the path to generate electricity from wastewater through genetic engineering of Escherichia coli. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2024; 9:ysae002. [PMID: 38292444 PMCID: PMC10825504 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysae002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
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8
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Boucher DG, Carroll E, Nguyen ZA, Jadhav RG, Simoska O, Beaver K, Minteer SD. Bioelectrocatalytic Synthesis: Concepts and Applications. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202307780. [PMID: 37428529 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202307780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectrocatalytic synthesis is the conversion of electrical energy into value-added products using biocatalysts. These methods merge the specificity and selectivity of biocatalysis and energy-related electrocatalysis to address challenges in the sustainable synthesis of pharmaceuticals, commodity chemicals, fuels, feedstocks and fertilizers. However, the specialized experimental setups and domain knowledge for bioelectrocatalysis pose a significant barrier to adoption. This review introduces key concepts of bioelectrosynthetic systems. We provide a tutorial on the methods of biocatalyst utilization, the setup of bioelectrosynthetic cells, and the analytical methods for assessing bioelectrocatalysts. Key applications of bioelectrosynthesis in ammonia production and small-molecule synthesis are outlined for both enzymatic and microbial systems. This review serves as a necessary introduction and resource for the non-specialist interested in bioelectrosynthetic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan G Boucher
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Emily Carroll
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Zachary A Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Rohit G Jadhav
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Olja Simoska
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Kevin Beaver
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Shelley D Minteer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Klein EM, Knoll MT, Gescher J. Microbe-Anode Interactions: Comparing the impact of genetic and material engineering approaches to improve the performance of microbial electrochemical systems (MES). Microb Biotechnol 2023; 16:1179-1202. [PMID: 36808480 PMCID: PMC10221544 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial electrochemical systems (MESs) are a highly versatile platform technology with a particular focus on power or energy production. Often, they are used in combination with substrate conversion (e.g., wastewater treatment) and production of value-added compounds via electrode-assisted fermentation. This rapidly evolving field has seen great improvements both technically and biologically, but this interdisciplinarity sometimes hampers overseeing strategies to increase process efficiency. In this review, we first briefly summarize the terminology of the technology and outline the biological background that is essential for understanding and thus improving MES technology. Thereafter, recent research on improvements at the biofilm-electrode interface will be summarized and discussed, distinguishing between biotic and abiotic approaches. The two approaches are then compared, and resulting future directions are discussed. This mini-review therefore provides basic knowledge of MES technology and the underlying microbiology in general and reviews recent improvements at the bacteria-electrode interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edina M. Klein
- Institute of Technical MicrobiologyUniversity of Technology HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Melanie T. Knoll
- Institute of Technical MicrobiologyUniversity of Technology HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Johannes Gescher
- Institute of Technical MicrobiologyUniversity of Technology HamburgHamburgGermany
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10
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Ye X, Zheng T, Zhang W, Dong W, Wu H, Ma J, Jiang M. Membrane engineering of Escherichia coli based on "Building bridges" and "Digging tunnels" to improve electro-fermentation of succinate. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 152:108455. [PMID: 37163911 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Succinate is the end product of anaerobic metabolism of Escherichia coli, and its over-production needs abundant reducing force. Electro-fermentation (EF) is a novel biotechnology to steer and control fermentative processes by supplying extra electrons. However, E.coli is a non-electroactive strain which needs the support of electron shuttle in EF. Here, membrane engineering strategies of "Building bridges" via screening direct electron transport pathway and "Digging tunnels" via screening membrane porins were developed to improve the transmembrane transport of electron during the cathodic electro-fermentation (CEF). As a result, the total electron quantity during electro-fermentation was increased from 1.21 mmol to 7.90 mmol, and succinate yield was increased by 23.3% when these strategies simultaneously were applied to the succinate candidate E. coli Suc260. Hence, this study provides a reference mode for designing and constructing non-electroactive bacteria for electro-fermentation of reductive metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Tianwen Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Wenming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Weiliang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Hao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China.
| | - Jiangfeng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China.
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
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11
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Härrer D, Elreedy A, Ali R, Hille-Reichel A, Gescher J. Probing the robustness of Geobacter sulfurreducens against fermentation hydrolysate for uses in bioelectrochemical systems. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 369:128363. [PMID: 36423764 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study, impacts of toxic ions/acids found in real fermentation-hydrolysate on the model exoelectrogenic G. sulfurreducens were investigated. Initially, different concentrations of acetate, butyrate, propionate, Na+, and K+ were tested, individually and in combination, for effects on the planktonic growth, followed by validation with diluted-hydrolysate. Meanwhile, it could be shown that (1) excess Na+ (≥100 mM) causes inhibition that can be reduced by K+ replacement, (2) butyrate (≥10 mM) induces higher toxicity than propionate, and (3) hydrolysate induces synergistic inhibition to G. sulfurreducens where organic constituents contributed more than Na+. Afterwards, compared with impacts on planktonic cells, the pre-enriched anodic biofilm of G. sulfurreducens in BESs showed higher robustness against diluted-hydrolysate, achieving current densities of 1.4-1.7 A/m2 (at up to ∼30 mM butyrate and propionate as well as ∼240 mM Na+). As a conclusion, using G. sulfurreducens in BESs dealing with fermentation-hydrolysate can be regulated for efficacious energy recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Härrer
- Institute for Applied Biosciences - Department of Applied Biology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe 76131, Germany
| | - Ahmed Elreedy
- Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg 21073, Germany
| | - Rowayda Ali
- Engler-Bunte-Institut, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe 76131, Germany
| | - Andrea Hille-Reichel
- Engler-Bunte-Institut, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe 76131, Germany
| | - Johannes Gescher
- Institute for Applied Biosciences - Department of Applied Biology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe 76131, Germany; Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg 21073, Germany.
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12
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Myers B, Hill P, Rawson F, Kovács K. Enhancing Microbial Electron Transfer Through Synthetic Biology and Biohybrid Approaches: Part II : Combining approaches for clean energy. JOHNSON MATTHEY TECHNOLOGY REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.1595/205651322x16621070592195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
It is imperative to develop novel processes that rely on cheap, sustainable and abundant resources whilst providing carbon circularity. Microbial electrochemical technologies (MET) offer unique opportunities to facilitate the conversion of chemicals to electrical energy or vice versa
by harnessing the metabolic processes of bacteria to valorise a range of waste products including greenhouse gases (GHGs). Part I (1) introduced the EET pathways, their limitations and applications. Here in Part II, we outline the strategies researchers have used to modulate microbial electron
transfer, through synthetic biology and biohybrid approaches and present the conclusions and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Myers
- Bioelectronics Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies Division, School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham University Park, Clifton Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
| | - Phil Hill
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD UK
| | - Frankie Rawson
- Bioelectronics Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies Division, School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham University Park, Clifton Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
| | - Katalin Kovács
- School of Pharmacy, Boots Science Building, University of Nottingham, University Park Clifton Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
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13
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Sriram S, Wong JWC, Pradhan N. Recent advances in electro-fermentation technology: A novel approach towards balanced fermentation. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 360:127637. [PMID: 35853590 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Biotransformation of organic substrates via acidogenic fermentation (AF) to high-value products such as C1-C6 carboxylic acids and alcohol serves as platform chemicals for various industrial applications. However, the AF technology suffers from low product titers due to thermodynamic constraints. Recent studies suggest that augmenting AF redox potential can regulate the metabolic pathway and provide seamless electron flow by lowering the activation energy barrier, thus positively influencing the substrate utilization rate, product yield, and speciation. Hence, the augmented AF system with an exogenous electricity supply is termed as electro-fermentation (EF), which has enormous potential to strengthen the fermentation technology domain. Therefore, this critical review systematically discusses the current understanding of EF with a special focus on the extracellular electron transfer mechanism of electroactive bacteria and provides perspectives and research gaps to further improve the technology for green chemical synthesis, sustainable waste management, and circular bio-economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saranya Sriram
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR
| | - Jonathan W C Wong
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR; Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR.
| | - Nirakar Pradhan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR; Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR.
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14
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Feng HJ, Chen L, Ding YC, Ma XJ, How SW, Wu D. Mechanism on the microbial salt tolerance enhancement by electrical stimulation. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 147:108206. [PMID: 35868204 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The application of biological methods in industrial saline wastewater treatment is limited, since the activities of microorganisms are strongly inhibited by the highly concentrated salts. Acclimatized halotolerant and halophilic microorganisms are of high importance since they can resist the environmental stresses of high salinity. The acclimation to salinity can be passive or active based on whether external simulation is used. However, there is a need for development of economic, efficient and reliable active biological stimulation technologies to accelerate salinity acclimation. Recent studies have shown that electrical stimulation can effectively enhance microbial salt tolerance and pollutant removal ability. However, there have been no comprehensive reviews of the mechanisms involved. Therefore, this mini-review described the mechanisms of electrical stimulation that can significantly improve microbial bioactivity and biodiversity. These mechanisms include regulation of Na+ and K+ transporters by changing membranepotential and promoting ATP production, as well as regulation of extracellular polymer substances through enhanced release of low molecular weight EPS and quorum sensing molecules. The information provided herein will facilitate the application of biological high-salinity wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Jun Feng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Platform for Low-Carbon Recycling of Waste and Green Development, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Long Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Platform for Low-Carbon Recycling of Waste and Green Development, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yang-Cheng Ding
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Platform for Low-Carbon Recycling of Waste and Green Development, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiang-Juan Ma
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Platform for Low-Carbon Recycling of Waste and Green Development, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Seow-Wah How
- Faculty of Bioengineering, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Di Wu
- Faculty of Bioengineering, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
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15
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Virdis B, Hoelzle R, Marchetti A, Boto ST, Rosenbaum MA, Blasco-Gómez R, Puig S, Freguia S, Villano M. Electro-fermentation: Sustainable bioproductions steered by electricity. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 59:107950. [PMID: 35364226 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The market of biobased products obtainable via fermentation processes is steadily increasing over the past few years, driven by the need to create a decarbonized economy. To date, industrial fermentation (IF) employs either pure or mixed microbial cultures (MMC) whereby the type of the microbial catalysts and the used feedstock affect metabolic pathways and, in turn, the type of product(s) generated. In many cases, especially when dealing with MMC, the economic viability of IF is hindered by factors such as the low attained product titer and selectivity, which ultimately challenge the downstream recovery and purification steps. In this context, electro-fermentation (EF) represents an innovative approach, based on the use of a polarized electrode interface to trigger changes in the rate, yield, titer or product distribution deriving from traditional fermentation processes. In principle, the electrode in EF can act as an electron acceptor (i.e., anodic electro-fermentation, AEF) or donor (i.e., cathodic electro-fermentation, CEF), or simply as a mean to control the oxidation-reduction potential of the fermentation broth. However, the molecular and biochemical basis underlying the EF process are still largely unknown. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent literature studies including both AEF and CEF examples with either pure or mixed microbial cultures. A critical analysis of biochemical, microbiological, and engineering aspects which presently hamper the transition of the EF technology from the laboratory to the market is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardino Virdis
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB, formerly AWMC), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Robert Hoelzle
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Angela Marchetti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Santiago T Boto
- Bio Pilot Plant, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany; Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University (FSU), 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Miriam A Rosenbaum
- Bio Pilot Plant, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany; Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University (FSU), 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Ramiro Blasco-Gómez
- LEQUIA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUIA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Stefano Freguia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Marianna Villano
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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16
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Yamada S, Takamatsu Y, Ikeda S, Kouzuma A, Watanabe K. Towards Application of Electro-Fermentation for the Production of Value-Added Chemicals From Biomass Feedstocks. Front Chem 2022; 9:805597. [PMID: 35127650 PMCID: PMC8807546 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.805597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
According to recent social demands for sustainable developments, the value of biomass as feedstocks for chemical industry is increasing. With the aid of metabolic engineering and genome editing, microbial fermentation has been developed for producing value-added chemicals from biomass feedstocks, while further improvements are desired for producing more diverse chemicals and increasing the production efficiency. The major intrinsic limitation in conventional fermentation technologies is associated with the need for balancing the net redox equivalents between substrates and products, resulting in limited repertories of fermentation products. One solution for this limitation would be “electro-fermentation (EF)” that utilizes bioelectrochemical systems for modifying the intracellular redox state of electrochemically active bacteria, thereby overcoming the redox constraint of fermentation. Recent studies have attempted the production of chemicals based on the concept of EF, while its utility has not been sufficiently demonstrated in terms of low production efficiencies. Here we discuss EF in terms of its concept, current status and future directions, which help us develop its practical applications to sustainable chemical industries.
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17
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Valorisation of CO2 into Value-Added Products via Microbial Electrosynthesis (MES) and Electro-Fermentation Technology. FERMENTATION-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/fermentation7040291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Microbial electrocatalysis reckons on microbes as catalysts for reactions occurring at electrodes. Microbial fuel cells and microbial electrolysis cells are well-known in this context; both prefer the oxidation of organic and inorganic matter for producing electricity. Notably, the synthesis of high energy-density chemicals (fuels) or their precursors by microorganisms using bio-cathode to yield electrical energy is called Microbial Electrosynthesis (MES), giving an exceptionally appealing novel way for producing beneficial products from electricity and wastewater. This review accentuates the concept, importance and opportunities of MES, as an emerging discipline at the nexus of microbiology and electrochemistry. Production of organic compounds from MES is considered as an effective technique for the generation of various beneficial reduced end-products (like acetate and butyrate) as well as in reducing the load of CO2 from the atmosphere to mitigate the harmful effect of greenhouse gases in global warming. Although MES is still an emerging technology, this method is not thoroughly known. The authors have focused on MES, as it is the next transformative, viable alternative technology to decrease the repercussions of surplus carbon dioxide in the environment along with conserving energy.
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18
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Cui Z, Wang Z, Zheng M, Chen T. Advances in biological production of acetoin: a comprehensive overview. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2021; 42:1135-1156. [PMID: 34806505 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2021.1995319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Acetoin, a high-value-added bio-based platform chemical, is widely used in foods, cosmetics, agriculture, and the chemical industry. It is an important precursor for the synthesis of: 2,3-butanediol, liquid hydrocarbon fuels and heterocyclic compounds. Since the fossil resources are becoming increasingly scarce, biological production of acetoin has received increasing attention as an alternative to chemical synthesis. Although there are excellent reviews on the: application, catabolism and fermentative production of acetoin, little attention has been paid to acetoin production via: electrode-assisted fermentation, whole-cell biocatalysis, and in vitro/cell-free biocatalysis. In this review, acetoin biosynthesis pathways and relevant key enzymes are firstly reviewed. In addition, various strategies for biological acetoin production are summarized including: cell-free biocatalysis, whole-cell biocatalysis, microbial fermentation, and electrode-assisted fermentation. The advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches are discussed and weighed, illustrating the increasing progress toward economical, green and efficient production of acetoin. Additionally, recent advances in acetoin extraction and recovery in downstream processing are also briefly reviewed. Moreover, the current issues and future prospects of diverse strategies for biological acetoin production are discussed, with the hope of realizing the promises of industrial acetoin biomanufacturing in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Cui
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiwen Wang
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, China
| | - Meiyu Zheng
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, China
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19
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Sun J, Zhang L, Loh KC. Review and perspectives of enhanced volatile fatty acids production from acidogenic fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass wastes. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2021; 8:68. [PMID: 38650255 PMCID: PMC10992391 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-021-00420-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lignocellulosic biomass wastes are abundant resources that are usually valorized for methane-rich biogas via anaerobic digestion. Conversion of lignocellulose into volatile fatty acids (VFA) rather than biogas is attracting attention due to the higher value-added products that come with VFA utilization. This review consolidated the latest studies associated with characteristics of lignocellulosic biomass, the effects of process parameters during acidogenic fermentation, and the intensification strategies to accumulate more VFA. The differences between anaerobic digestion technology and acidogenic fermentation technology were discussed. Performance-enhancing strategies surveyed included (1) alkaline fermentation; (2) co-digestion and high solid-state fermentation; (3) pretreatments; (4) use of high loading rate and short retention time; (5) integration with electrochemical technology, and (6) adoption of membrane bioreactors. The recommended operations include: mesophilic temperature (thermophilic for high loading rate fermentation), C/N ratio (20-40), OLR (< 12 g volatile solids (VS)/(L·d)), and the maximum HRT (8-12 days), alkaline fermentation, membrane technology or electrodialysis recovery. Lastly, perspectives were put into place based on critical analysis on status of acidogenic fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass wastes for VFA production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Sun
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117576, Singapore
| | - Le Zhang
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, Create Tower #15-02, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
- Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 CREATE Way, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Kai-Chee Loh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117576, Singapore.
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, Create Tower #15-02, Singapore, 138602, Singapore.
- Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 CREATE Way, Singapore, 138602, Singapore.
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20
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Novaes LFT, Liu J, Shen Y, Lu L, Meinhardt JM, Lin S. Electrocatalysis as an enabling technology for organic synthesis. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:7941-8002. [PMID: 34060564 PMCID: PMC8294342 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00223f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 377] [Impact Index Per Article: 125.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Electrochemistry has recently gained increased attention as a versatile strategy for achieving challenging transformations at the forefront of synthetic organic chemistry. Electrochemistry's unique ability to generate highly reactive radical and radical ion intermediates in a controlled fashion under mild conditions has inspired the development of a number of new electrochemical methodologies for the preparation of valuable chemical motifs. Particularly, recent developments in electrosynthesis have featured an increased use of redox-active electrocatalysts to further enhance control over the selective formation and downstream reactivity of these reactive intermediates. Furthermore, electrocatalytic mediators enable synthetic transformations to proceed in a manner that is mechanistically distinct from purely chemical methods, allowing for the subversion of kinetic and thermodynamic obstacles encountered in conventional organic synthesis. This review highlights key innovations within the past decade in the area of synthetic electrocatalysis, with emphasis on the mechanisms and catalyst design principles underpinning these advancements. A host of oxidative and reductive electrocatalytic methodologies are discussed and are grouped according to the classification of the synthetic transformation and the nature of the electrocatalyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz F T Novaes
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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21
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Vassilev I, Averesch NJH, Ledezma P, Kokko M. Anodic electro-fermentation: Empowering anaerobic production processes via anodic respiration. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 48:107728. [PMID: 33705913 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In nature as well as in industrial microbiology, all microorganisms need to achieve redox balance. Their redox state and energy conservation highly depend on the availability of a terminal electron acceptor, for example oxygen in aerobic production processes. Under anaerobic conditions in the absence of an electron acceptor, redox balance is achieved via the production of reduced carbon-compounds (fermentation). An alternative strategy to artificially stabilize microbial redox and energy state is the use of anodic electro-fermentation (AEF). This emerging biotechnology empowers respiration under anaerobic conditions using the anode of a bioelectrochemical system as an undepletable terminal electron acceptor. Electrochemical control of redox metabolism and energy conservation via AEF can steer the carbon metabolism towards a product of interest and avoid the need for continuous and cost-inefficient supply of oxygen as well as the production of mixed reduced by-products, as is the case in aerobic production and fermentation processes, respectively. The great challenge for AEF is to establish efficient extracellular electron transfer (EET) from the microbe to the anode and link it to central carbon metabolism to enhance the synthesis of a target product. This article reviews the advantages and challenges of AEF, EET mechanisms, microbial energy gain, and discusses the rational choice of substrate-product couple as well as the choice of microbial catalyst. Besides, it discusses the potential of the industrial model-organism Bacillus subtilis as a promising candidate for AEF, which has not been yet considered for such an application. This prospective review contributes to a better understanding of how industrial microbiology can benefit from AEF and analyses key-factors required to successfully implement AEF processes. Overall, this work aims to advance the young research field especially by critically revisiting the fundamental aspects of AEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Vassilev
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Nils J H Averesch
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.
| | - Pablo Ledezma
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Marika Kokko
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
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22
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Arbter P, Sabra W, Utesch T, Hong Y, Zeng A. Metabolomic and kinetic investigations on the electricity-aided production of butanol by Clostridium pasteurianum strains. Eng Life Sci 2021; 21:181-195. [PMID: 33716617 PMCID: PMC7923553 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202000035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In this contribution, we studied the effect of electro-fermentation on the butanol production of Clostridium pasteurianum strains by a targeted metabolomics approach. Two strains were examined: an electrocompetent wild type strain (R525) and a mutant strain (dhaB mutant) lacking formation of 1,3-propanediol (PDO). The dhaB-negative strain was able to grow on glycerol without formation of PDO, but displayed a high initial intracellular NADH/NAD ratio which was lowered subsequently by upregulation of the butanol production pathway. Both strains showed a 3-5 fold increase of the intracellular NADH/NAD ratio when exposed to cathodic current in a bioelectrochemical system (BES). This drove an activation of the butanol pathway and resulted in a higher molar butanol to PDO ratio for the R525 strain. Nonetheless, macroscopic electron balances suggest that no significant amount of electrons derived from the BES was harvested by the cells. Overall, this work points out that electro-fermentation can be used to trigger metabolic pathways and improve product formation, even when the used microbe cannot be considered electroactive. Accordingly, further studies are required to unveil the underlying (regulatory) mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Arbter
- Institute of Bioprocess and Biosystems EngineeringHamburg University of TechnologyHamburgGermany
| | - Wael Sabra
- Institute of Bioprocess and Biosystems EngineeringHamburg University of TechnologyHamburgGermany
| | - Tyll Utesch
- Institute of Bioprocess and Biosystems EngineeringHamburg University of TechnologyHamburgGermany
| | - Yaeseong Hong
- Institute of Bioprocess and Biosystems EngineeringHamburg University of TechnologyHamburgGermany
| | - An‐Ping Zeng
- Institute of Bioprocess and Biosystems EngineeringHamburg University of TechnologyHamburgGermany
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23
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Metabolic engineering of E. coli for pyocyanin production. Metab Eng 2021; 64:15-25. [PMID: 33454430 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Pyocyanin is a secondary metabolite from Pseudomonas aeruginosa that belongs to the class of phenazines, which are aromatic nitrogenous compounds with numerous biological functions. Besides its antifungal and antimicrobial activities, pyocyanin is a remarkable redox-active molecule with potential applications ranging from the pharma industry to the development of microbial fuel cells. Nevertheless, pyocyanin production has been restricted to P. aeruginosa strains, limiting its practical applicability. In this study, the pyocyanin biosynthetic pathway was engineered for the first time for high level production of this compound in a heterologous host. Escherichia coli cells harboring the nine-gene pathway divided into two plasmids were able to produce and secrete pyocyanin at higher levels than some Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. The influence of culture and induction parameters were evaluated, and the optimized conditions led to an increase of 3.5-fold on pyocyanin accumulation. Pathway balancing was achieved by testing a set of plasmids with different copy numbers to optimize the expression levels of pyocyanin biosynthetic genes, resulting in a fourfold difference in product titer among the engineered strains. Further improvements were achieved by co-expression of Vitreoscilla hemoglobin Vhb, which relieved oxygen limitations and led to a final titer of 18.8 mg/L pyocyanin. These results show promise to use E. coli for phenazines production, and the engineered strain developed here has the potential to be used in electro-fermentation systems where pyocyanin plays a role as electron-shuttle.
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24
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Lin R, Deng C, Zhang W, Hollmann F, Murphy JD. Production of Bio-alkanes from Biomass and CO 2. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:370-380. [PMID: 33451822 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical technologies such as electro-fermentation and microbial CO2 electrosynthesis are emerging interdisciplinary technologies that can produce renewable fuels and chemicals (such as carboxylic acids). The benefits of electrically driven bioprocesses include improved production rate, selectivity, and carbon conversion efficiency. However, the accumulation of products can lead to inhibition of biocatalysts, necessitating further effort in separating products. The recent discovery of a new photoenzyme, capable of converting carboxylic acids to bio-alkanes, has offered an opportunity for system integration, providing a promising approach for simultaneous product separation and valorisation. Combining the strengths of photo/bio/electrochemical catalysis, we discuss an innovative circular cascading system that converts biomass and CO2 to value-added bio-alkanes (CnH2n+2, n = 2 to 5) whilst achieving carbon circularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richen Lin
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; School of Engineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Chen Deng
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; School of Engineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Wuyuan Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.
| | - Frank Hollmann
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jerry D Murphy
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; School of Engineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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25
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Beblawy S, Philipp LA, Gescher J. Accelerated Electro-Fermentation of Acetoin in Escherichia coli by Identifying Physiological Limitations of the Electron Transfer Kinetics and the Central Metabolism. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111843. [PMID: 33238546 PMCID: PMC7700339 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anode-assisted fermentations offer the benefit of an anoxic fermentation routine that can be applied to produce end-products with an oxidation state independent from the substrate. The whole cell biocatalyst transfers the surplus of electrons to an electrode that can be used as a non-depletable electron acceptor. So far, anode-assisted fermentations were shown to provide high carbon efficiencies but low space-time yields. This study aimed at increasing space-time yields of an Escherichia coli-based anode-assisted fermentation of glucose to acetoin. The experiments build on an obligate respiratory strain, that was advanced using selective adaptation and targeted strain development. Several transfers under respiratory conditions led to point mutations in the pfl, aceF and rpoC gene. These mutations increased anoxic growth by three-fold. Furthermore, overexpression of genes encoding a synthetic electron transport chain to methylene blue increased the electron transfer rate by 2.45-fold. Overall, these measures and a medium optimization increased the space-time yield in an electrode-assisted fermentation by 3.6-fold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Beblawy
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; (S.B.); (L.-A.P.)
| | - Laura-Alina Philipp
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; (S.B.); (L.-A.P.)
| | - Johannes Gescher
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; (S.B.); (L.-A.P.)
- Institute for Biological Interfaces, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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26
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Tseng CP, Silberg JJ, Bennett GN, Verduzco R. 100th Anniversary of Macromolecular Science Viewpoint: Soft Materials for Microbial Bioelectronics. ACS Macro Lett 2020; 9:1590-1603. [PMID: 35617074 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Bioelectronics brings together the fields of biology and microelectronics to create multifunctional devices with the potential to address longstanding technological challenges and change our way of life. Microbial electrochemical devices are a growing subset of bioelectronic devices that incorporate naturally occurring or synthetically engineered microbes into electronic devices and have broad applications including energy harvesting, chemical production, water remediation, and environmental and health monitoring. The goal of this Viewpoint is to highlight recent advances and ongoing challenges in the rapidly developing field of microbial bioelectronic devices, with an emphasis on materials challenges. We provide an overview of microbial bioelectronic devices, discuss the biotic-abiotic interface in these devices, and then present recent advances and ongoing challenges in materials related to electron transfer across the abiotic-biotic interface, microbial adhesion, redox signaling, electronic amplification, and device miniaturization. We conclude with a summary and perspective of the field of microbial bioelectronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Ping Tseng
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Jonathan J. Silberg
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - George N. Bennett
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Rafael Verduzco
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
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27
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Stewart KN, Domaille DW. Enhancing Biosynthesis and Manipulating Flux in Whole Cells with Abiotic Catalysis. Chembiochem 2020; 22:469-477. [PMID: 32851745 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic engineering uses genetic strategies to drive flux through desired pathways. Recent work with electrochemical, photochemical, and chemocatalytic setups has revealed that these systems can also expand metabolic pathways and manipulate flux in whole cells. Electrochemical systems add or remove electrons from metabolic pathways to direct flux to more- or less-reduced products. Photochemical systems act as synthetic light-harvesting complexes and yield artificial photosynthetic organisms. Biocompatible chemocatalysis increases product scope, streamlines syntheses, and yields single-flask processes to deliver products that would be challenging to synthesize through biosynthetic means alone. Here, we exclusively highlight systems that combine abiotic systems with living whole cells, taking particular note of strategies that enable the merger of these typically disparate systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey N Stewart
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois Street, Golden, CO 80403, USA
| | - Dylan W Domaille
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois Street, Golden, CO 80403, USA
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28
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Chen H, Simoska O, Lim K, Grattieri M, Yuan M, Dong F, Lee YS, Beaver K, Weliwatte S, Gaffney EM, Minteer SD. Fundamentals, Applications, and Future Directions of Bioelectrocatalysis. Chem Rev 2020; 120:12903-12993. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Olja Simoska
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Koun Lim
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Matteo Grattieri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Mengwei Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Fangyuan Dong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Yoo Seok Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Kevin Beaver
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Samali Weliwatte
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Erin M. Gaffney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Shelley D. Minteer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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29
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Gong Z, Yu H, Zhang J, Li F, Song H. Microbial electro-fermentation for synthesis of chemicals and biofuels driven by bi-directional extracellular electron transfer. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2020; 5:304-313. [PMID: 32995586 PMCID: PMC7490822 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroactive bacteria could perform bi-directional extracellular electron transfer (EET) to exchange electrons and energy with extracellular environments, thus playing a central role in microbial electro-fermentation (EF) process. Unbalanced fermentation and microbial electrosynthesis are the main pathways to produce value-added chemicals and biofuels. However, the low efficiency of the bi-directional EET is a dominating bottleneck in these processes. In this review, we firstly demonstrate the main bi-directional EET mechanisms during EF, including the direct EET and the shuttle-mediated EET. Then, we review representative milestones and progresses in unbalanced fermentation via anode outward EET and microbial electrosynthesis via inward EET based on these two EET mechanisms in detail. Furthermore, we summarize the main synthetic biology strategies in improving the bi-directional EET and target products synthesis, thus to enhance the efficiencies in unbalanced fermentation and microbial electrosynthesis. Lastly, a perspective on the applications of microbial electro-fermentation is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Gong
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Huan Yu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Junqi Zhang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Feng Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Hao Song
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
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30
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Fruehauf HM, Enzmann F, Harnisch F, Ulber R, Holtmann D. Microbial Electrosynthesis—An Inventory on Technology Readiness Level and Performance of Different Process Variants. Biotechnol J 2020; 15:e2000066. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.202000066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M. Fruehauf
- Industrial Biotechnology DECHEMA Research Institute Theodor‐Heuss‐Allee 25 Frankfurt am Main 60486 Germany
| | - Franziska Enzmann
- Technology and Infrastructure Evonik Industries Rodenbacher Chaussee 4 Hanau 63457 Germany
| | - Falk Harnisch
- Department of Environmental Microbiology Helmholtz‐Centre for Environmental Research GmbH ‐ UFZ Permoserstraße 15 Leipzig 04318 Germany
| | - Roland Ulber
- Bioprocess Engineering University of Kaiserslautern Erwin‐Schrödinger‐Straße 52 Kaiserslautern 64663 Germany
| | - Dirk Holtmann
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen Wiesenstraße 14 Giessen 35390 Germany
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31
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Feng J, Jiang M, Li K, Lu Q, Xu S, Wang X, Chen K, Ouyang P. Direct electron uptake from a cathode using the inward Mtr pathway in Escherichia coli. Bioelectrochemistry 2020; 134:107498. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2020.107498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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32
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Su L, Fukushima T, Ajo-Franklin CM. A hybrid cyt c maturation system enhances the bioelectrical performance of engineered Escherichia coli by improving the rate-limiting step. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 165:112312. [PMID: 32729471 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Bioelectronic devices can use electron flux to enable communication between biotic components and abiotic electrodes. We have modified Escherichia coli to electrically interact with electrodes by expressing the cytochrome c from Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. However, we observe inefficient electrical performance, which we hypothesize is due to the limited compatibility of the E. coli cytochrome c maturation (Ccm) systems with MR-1 cytochrome c. Here we test whether the bioelectronic performance of E. coli can be improved by constructing hybrid Ccm systems containing protein domains from both E. coli and S. oneidensis MR-1. The hybrid CcmH increased cytochrome c expression by increasing the abundance of CymA 60%, while only slightly changing the abundance of the other cytochromes c. Electrochemical measurements showed that the overall current from the hybrid ccm strain increased 121% relative to the wildtype ccm strain, with an electron flux per cell of 12.3 ± 0.3 fA·cell-1. Additionally, the hybrid ccm strain doubled its electrical response with the addition of exogenous flavin, and quantitative analysis of this demonstrates CymA is the rate-limiting step in this electron conduit. These results demonstrate that this hybrid Ccm system can enhance the bioelectrical performance of the cyt c expressing E. coli, allowing the construction of more efficient bioelectronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Su
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210018, China; Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA; Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Tatsuya Fukushima
- Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Caroline M Ajo-Franklin
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA; Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Biosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Institute for Biosciences and Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA.
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33
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Philipp LA, Edel M, Gescher J. Genetic engineering for enhanced productivity in bioelectrochemical systems. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2020; 111:1-31. [PMID: 32446410 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A shift from petrochemical processes toward a bio-based economy is one of the most advocated developments for a sustainable future. To achieve this will require the biotechnological production of platform chemicals that can be further processed by chemical engineering. Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) are a novel tool within the biotechnology field. In BESs, microbes serve as biocatalysts for the production of biofuels and value-added compounds, as well as for the production of electricity. Although the general feasibility of bioelectrochemical processes has been demonstrated in recent years, much research has been conducted to develop biocatalysts better suited to meet industrial demands. Initially, mainly natural exoelectrogenic organisms were investigated for their performance in BESs. Driven by possibilities of recent developments in genetic engineering and synthetic biology, the spectrum of microbial catalysts and their versatility (substrate and product range) have expanded significantly. Despite these developments, there is still a tremendous gap between currently achievable space-time yields and current densities on the one hand and the theoretical limits of BESs on the other. It will be necessary to move the performance of the biocatalysts closer to the theoretical possibilities in order to establish viable production routines. This review summarizes the status quo of engineering microbial biocatalysts for anode-applications with high space-time yields. Furthermore, we will address some of the theoretical limitations of these processes exemplarily and discuss which of the present strategies might be combined to achieve highly synergistic effects and, thus, meet industrial demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura-Alina Philipp
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute for Applied Biosciences-Department of Applied Biology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Miriam Edel
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute for Applied Biosciences-Department of Applied Biology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Johannes Gescher
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute for Applied Biosciences-Department of Applied Biology, Karlsruhe, Germany; Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute for Biological Interfaces, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
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34
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Kubannek F, Thiel S, Bunk B, Huber K, Overmann J, Krewer U, Biedendieck R, Jahn D. Performance Modelling of the Bioelectrochemical Glycerol Oxidation by a Co‐Culture of
Geobacter Sulfurreducens
and
Raoultella Electrica. ChemElectroChem 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.202000027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Kubannek
- Institute of Energy and Process Systems EngineeringTechnische Universität Braunschweig Franz-Liszt-Straße 35 38106 Braunschweig Germany
| | - Simone Thiel
- Institute of Microbiology Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS)Technische Universität Braunschweig Rebenring 56 38106 Braunschweig Germany
| | - Boyke Bunk
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of MicroorganismsCell Cultures GmbH Inhoffenstraße 7B 38124 Braunschweig Germany
| | - Katharina Huber
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of MicroorganismsCell Cultures GmbH Inhoffenstraße 7B 38124 Braunschweig Germany
| | - Jörg Overmann
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of MicroorganismsCell Cultures GmbH Inhoffenstraße 7B 38124 Braunschweig Germany
| | - Ulrike Krewer
- Institute of Energy and Process Systems EngineeringTechnische Universität Braunschweig Franz-Liszt-Straße 35 38106 Braunschweig Germany
| | - Rebekka Biedendieck
- Institute of Microbiology Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS)Technische Universität Braunschweig Rebenring 56 38106 Braunschweig Germany
| | - Dieter Jahn
- Institute of Microbiology Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS)Technische Universität Braunschweig Rebenring 56 38106 Braunschweig Germany
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35
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Mayr JC, Rosa LFM, Klinger N, Grosch J, Harnisch F, Spiess AC. Response-Surface-Optimized and Scaled-Up Microbial Electrosynthesis of Chiral Alcohols. CHEMSUSCHEM 2020; 13:1808-1816. [PMID: 31951080 PMCID: PMC7187473 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201903428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A variety of enzymes can be easily incorporated and overexpressed within Escherichia coli cells by plasmids, making it an ideal chassis for bioelectrosynthesis. It has recently been demonstrated that microbial electrosynthesis (MES) of chiral alcohols is possible by using genetically modified E. coli with plasmid-incorporated and overexpressed enzymes and methyl viologen as mediator for electron transfer. This model system, using NADPH-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase from Lactobacillus brevis to convert acetophenone into (R)-1-phenylethanol, is assessed by using a design of experiment (DoE) approach. Process optimization is achieved with a 2.4-fold increased yield of 94±7 %, a 3.9-fold increased reaction rate of 324±67 μm h-1 , and a coulombic efficiency of up to 68±7 %, while maintaining an excellent enantioselectivity of >99 %. Subsequent scale-up to 1 L by using electrobioreactors under batch and fed-batch conditions increases the titer of (R)-1-phenylethanol to 12.8±2.0 mm and paves the way to further develop E. coli into a universal chassis for MES in a standard biotechnological process environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannine C. Mayr
- Institute of Biochemical EngineeringTechnische Universität BraunschweigRebenring 5638106BraunschweigGermany
- Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS)Technische Universität BraunschweigRebenring 5638106BraunschweigGermany
| | - Luis F. M. Rosa
- Department of Environmental MicrobiologyHelmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ)Permoserstrasse 1504318LeipzigGermany
| | - Natalia Klinger
- Institute of Biochemical EngineeringTechnische Universität BraunschweigRebenring 5638106BraunschweigGermany
| | - Jan‐Hendrik Grosch
- Institute of Biochemical EngineeringTechnische Universität BraunschweigRebenring 5638106BraunschweigGermany
- Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS)Technische Universität BraunschweigRebenring 5638106BraunschweigGermany
- Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ)Technische Universität BraunschweigFranz-Liszt-Strasse 35a38106BraunschweigGermany
| | - Falk Harnisch
- Department of Environmental MicrobiologyHelmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ)Permoserstrasse 1504318LeipzigGermany
| | - Antje C. Spiess
- Institute of Biochemical EngineeringTechnische Universität BraunschweigRebenring 5638106BraunschweigGermany
- Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS)Technische Universität BraunschweigRebenring 5638106BraunschweigGermany
- Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ)Technische Universität BraunschweigFranz-Liszt-Strasse 35a38106BraunschweigGermany
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36
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From an extremophilic community to an electroautotrophic production strain: identifying a novel Knallgas bacterium as cathodic biofilm biocatalyst. ISME JOURNAL 2020; 14:1125-1140. [PMID: 31996786 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-020-0595-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Coupling microbial electrosynthesis to renewable energy sources can provide a promising future technology for carbon dioxide conversion. However, this technology suffers from a limited number of suitable biocatalysts, resulting in a narrow product range. Here, we present the characterization of the first thermoacidophilic electroautotrophic community using chronoamperometric, metagenomic, and 13C-labeling analyses. The cathodic biofilm showed current consumption of up to -80 µA cm-2 over a period of 90 days (-350 mV vs. SHE). Metagenomic analyses identified members of the genera Moorella, Desulfofundulus, Thermodesulfitimonas, Sulfolobus, and Acidianus as potential primary producers of the biofilm, potentially thriving via an interspecies sulfur cycle. Hydrogenases seem to be key for cathodic electron uptake. An isolation campaign led to a pure culture of a Knallgas bacterium from this community. Growth of this organism on cathodes led to increasing reductive currents over time. Transcriptomic analyses revealed a distinct gene expression profile of cells grown at a cathode. Moreover, pressurizable flow cells combined with optical coherence tomography allowed an in situ observation of cathodic biofilm growth. Autotrophic growth was confirmed via isotope analysis. As a natural polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) producer, this novel species, Kyrpidia spormannii, coupled the production of PHB to CO2 fixation on cathode surfaces.
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37
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Chen H, Dong F, Minteer SD. The progress and outlook of bioelectrocatalysis for the production of chemicals, fuels and materials. Nat Catal 2020. [DOI: 10.1038/s41929-019-0408-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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38
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Ren G, Chen P, Yu J, Liu J, Ye J, Zhou S. Recyclable magnetite-enhanced electromethanogenesis for biomethane production from wastewater. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 166:115095. [PMID: 31542548 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Improving the yield and methane content of biogas is of great concern for wastewater treatment by anaerobic digestion. Herein we developed a nanomagnetite-enhanced electromethanogenesis (EMnano) process for the first time, the sustainable utilization of which improved the biomethane production rate from dairy wastewater. The maximum CH4 production rate in the EMnano process is 2.3 ± 0.3-fold higher than it is in the conventional methanogenesis (CM) process, and it is accompanied by an almost delay-free start-up. The technical-economic evaluation revealed that an 82.1 ± 5.0% greater net benefit was obtained in the third generation of the EMnano process compared with the CM process. The improved methanogenesis was attributed to the formation of dense planktonic cell co-aggregates that are triggered by nanomagnetite, which facilitated the interspecies electron exchange during acetoclastic methanogenesis. Simultaneously, a cathode biofilm with high viability and catalytic activity was also formed in the EMnano process that decreased the biofilm resistance and facilitated the electron transfer during electromethanogenesis. This study is a worthwhile attempt to combine recyclable conductive materials with an electromethanogenesis process for wastewater treatment, and it effectively achieves energy recovery with high stability and cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoping Ren
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Piao Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Jie Ye
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
| | - Shungui Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
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39
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Ojima Y, Kawaguchi T, Fukui S, Kikuchi R, Terao K, Koma D, Ohmoto T, Azuma M. Promoted performance of microbial fuel cells using Escherichia coli cells with multiple-knockout of central metabolism genes. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2019; 43:323-332. [DOI: 10.1007/s00449-019-02229-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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40
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Microbial Electrosynthesis I: Pure and Defined Mixed Culture Engineering. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 167:181-202. [PMID: 29071400 DOI: 10.1007/10_2017_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In the past 6 years, microbial bioelectrochemistry has strongly increased in attraction and audience when expanding from mainly environmental technology applications to biotechnology. In particular, the promise to combine electrosynthesis with microbial catalysis opens attractive approaches for new sustainable redox-cofactor recycling, redox-balancing, or even biosynthesis processes. Much of this promise is still not fulfilled, but it has opened and fueled entirely new research areas in this discipline. Activities in designing, tailoring, and applying specific microbial catalysts as pure or defined co-cultures for defined target bioproductions are greatly accelerating. This chapter gives an overview of the current progress as well as the emerging trends in molecular and ecological engineering of defined microbial biocatalysts to prepare them for evolving microbial electrosynthesis processes. In addition, the multitude of microbial electrosynthetic processes with complex undefined mixed cultures is covered by ter Heijne et al. (Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol. https://doi.org/10.1007/10_2017_15 , 2017). Graphical Abstract.
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Biofilm systems as tools in biotechnological production. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:5095-5103. [PMID: 31079168 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-09869-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The literature provides more and more examples of research projects that develop novel production processes based on microorganisms organized in the form of biofilms. Biofilms are aggregates of microorganisms that are attached to interfaces. These viscoelastic aggregates of cells are held together and are embedded in a matrix consisting of multiple carbohydrate polymers as well as proteins. Biofilms are characterized by a very high cell density and by a natural retentostat behavior. Both factors can contribute to high productivities and a facilitated separation of the desired end-product from the catalytic biomass. Within the biofilm matrix, stable gradients of substrates and products form, which can lead to a differentiation and adaptation of the microorganisms' physiology to the specific process conditions. Moreover, growth in a biofilm state is often accompanied by a higher resistance and resilience towards toxic or growth inhibiting substances and factors. In this short review, we summarize how biofilms can be studied and what most promising niches for their application can be. Moreover, we highlight future research directions that will accelerate the advent of productive biofilms in biology-based production processes.
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Mayr JC, Grosch JH, Hartmann L, Rosa LFM, Spiess AC, Harnisch F. Resting Escherichia coli as Chassis for Microbial Electrosynthesis: Production of Chiral Alcohols. CHEMSUSCHEM 2019; 12:1631-1634. [PMID: 30762315 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201900413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Chiral alcohols constitute important building blocks that can be produced enantioselectively by using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) [NAD(P)H]-dependent oxidoreductases. For NAD(P)H regeneration, electricity delivers the cheapest reduction equivalents. Enzymatic electrosynthesis suffers from cofactor and enzyme instability, whereas microbial electrosynthesis (MES) exploits whole cells. Here, we demonstrate MES by using resting Escherichia coli as biocatalytic chassis for a production platform towards fine chemicals through electric power. This chassis was exemplified for the synthesis of chiral alcohols by using a NADPH-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase from Lactobacillus brevis for synthesis of (R)-1-phenylethanol from acetophenone. The E. coli strain and growth conditions affected the performance. Maximum yields of (39.4±5.7) % at a coulombic efficiency of (50.5±6.0) % with enantiomeric excess >99 % was demonstrated at a rate of (83.5±13.9) μm h-1 , confirming the potential of MES for synthesis of high-value compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannine C Mayr
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Rebenring 56, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jan-Hendrik Grosch
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Rebenring 56, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
- Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Franz-Liszt-Straße 35a, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Lena Hartmann
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Rebenring 56, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Luis F M Rosa
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research, UFZ Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Antje C Spiess
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Rebenring 56, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
- Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Franz-Liszt-Straße 35a, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Falk Harnisch
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research, UFZ Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
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Brunner S, Klessing T, Dötsch A, Sturm-Richter K, Gescher J. Efficient Bioelectrochemical Conversion of Industrial Wastewater by Specific Strain Isolation and Community Adaptation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:23. [PMID: 30838205 PMCID: PMC6389598 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was the development of a specifically adapted microbial community for the removal of organic carbon from an industrial wastewater using a bioelectrochemical system. In a first step, ferric iron reducing microorganisms were isolated from the examined industrial wastewater. In a second step, it was tested to what extent these isolates or a cocultivation of the isolates with the exoelectrogenic model organism Geobacter sulfurreducens (G. sulfurreducens) were able to eliminate organic carbon from the wastewater. To establish a stable biofilm on the anode and to analyze the performance of the system, the experiments were conducted first under batch-mode conditions for 21 days. Since the removal of organic carbon was relatively low in the batch system, a similar experiment was conducted under continuous-mode conditions for 65 days, including a slow transition from synthetic medium to industrial wastewater as carbon and electron source and variations in the flow rate of the medium. The overall performance of the system was strongly increased in the continuous- compared to the batch-mode reactor and the highest average current density (1,368 mA/m2) and Coulombic efficiency (54.9%) was measured in the continuous-mode reactor inoculated with the coculture consisting of the new isolates and G. sulfurreducens. The equivalently inoculated batch-mode system produced only 82-fold lower current densities, which were accompanied by 42-fold lower Coulombic efficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Brunner
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Tina Klessing
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Andreas Dötsch
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry of Nutrition, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Katrin Sturm-Richter
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Johannes Gescher
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Department of Biofilm Technologies, Institute for Biological Interfaces 1, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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Jiang Y, May HD, Lu L, Liang P, Huang X, Ren ZJ. Carbon dioxide and organic waste valorization by microbial electrosynthesis and electro-fermentation. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 149:42-55. [PMID: 30419466 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.10.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Carbon-rich waste materials (solid, liquid, or gaseous) are largely considered to be a burden on society due to the large capital and energy costs for their treatment and disposal. However, solid and liquid organic wastes have inherent energy and value, and similar as waste CO2 gas they can be reused to produce value-added chemicals and materials. There has been a paradigm shift towards developing a closed loop, biorefinery approach for the valorization of these wastes into value-added products, and such an approach enables a more carbon-efficient and circular economy. This review quantitatively analyzes the state-of-the-art of the emerging microbial electrochemical technology (MET) platform and provides critical perspectives on research advancement and technology development. The review offers side-by-side comparison between microbial electrosynthesis (MES) and electro-fermentation (EF) processes in terms of principles, key performance metrics, data analysis, and microorganisms. The study also summarizes all the processes and products that have been developed using MES and EF to date for organic waste and CO2 valorization. It finally identifies the technological and economic potentials and challenges on future system development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Jiang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China; Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, China
| | - Harold D May
- Hollings Marine Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Peng Liang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China.
| | - Xia Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
| | - Zhiyong Jason Ren
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
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Lienemann M, TerAvest MA, Pitkänen J, Stuns I, Penttilä M, Ajo‐Franklin CM, Jäntti J. Towards patterned bioelectronics: facilitated immobilization of exoelectrogenic Escherichia coli with heterologous pili. Microb Biotechnol 2018; 11:1184-1194. [PMID: 30296001 PMCID: PMC6196383 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Biosensors detect signals using biological sensing components such as redox enzymes and biological cells. Although cellular versatility can be beneficial for different applications, limited stability and efficiency in signal transduction at electrode surfaces represent a challenge. Recent studies have shown that the Mtr electron conduit from Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 can be produced in Escherichia coli to generate an exoelectrogenic model system with well-characterized genetic tools. However, means to specifically immobilize this organism at solid substrates as electroactive biofilms have not been tested previously. Here, we show that mannose-binding Fim pili can be produced in exoelectrogenic E. coli and can be used to selectively attach cells to a mannose-coated material. Importantly, cells expressing fim genes retained current production by the heterologous Mtr electron conduit. Our results demonstrate the versatility of the exoelectrogenic E. coli system and motivate future work that aims to produce patterned biofilms for bioelectronic devices that can respond to various biochemical signals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michaela A. TerAvest
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
- The Molecular FoundryLawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryMolecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging DivisionSynthetic Biology InstituteBerkeleyCAUSA
| | - Juha‐Pekka Pitkänen
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland LtdEspooFinland
- Current affiliation: Solar Foods LtdHelsinkiFinland
| | - Ingmar Stuns
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland LtdEspooFinland
| | - Merja Penttilä
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland LtdEspooFinland
| | - Caroline M. Ajo‐Franklin
- The Molecular FoundryLawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryMolecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging DivisionSynthetic Biology InstituteBerkeleyCAUSA
| | - Jussi Jäntti
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland LtdEspooFinland
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Reiner JE, Jung T, Lapp CJ, Siedler M, Bunk B, Overmann J, Gescher J. Kyrpidia spormannii sp. nov., a thermophilic, hydrogen-oxidizing, facultative autotroph, isolated from hydrothermal systems at São Miguel Island, and emended description of the genus Kyrpidia. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2018; 68:3735-3740. [PMID: 30234478 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.003037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, non-motile, spore-forming bacterium, strain EA-1T, was isolated from hydrothermal sediment samples from the Azores (São Miguel, Portugal). 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of the isolated bacterium revealed a phylogenetic affiliation with the genus Kyrpidia. The sequence similarity of the five 16S rRNA gene copies to its closest relative, Kyrpidia tusciae, ranged from 97.79 to 97.85 %. The in silico estimate of DNA-DNA hybridization was 56.0 %. The dominant fatty acids of the novel isolate were anteiso-C17 : 0 (49.9 %), iso-C17 : 0 (23.0 %) and iso-C16 : 0 (13.3 %), while the quinone detected was menaquinone MK-7. Analysis of polar lipids identified phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and additional unidentified compounds comprising two glycolipids, two phospholipids and two lipids. The presence of meso-diaminopimelic acid in the peptidoglycan and mannose, arabinose and ribose in the cell wall of strain EA-1T were detected. The strain was able to grow heterotrophically as well as autotrophically with carbon dioxide as the sole carbon source and with hydrogen and oxygen as electron donor and acceptor, respectively. Based on its chemotaxonomic, physiological and genomic characteristics, the new strain is considered to represent a novel species within the genus Kyrpidia, for which the name Kyrpidiaspormannii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain EA-1T (=DSM 106492T=CCOS1194T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Eberhard Reiner
- 1Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Tobias Jung
- 1Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Christian Jonas Lapp
- 1Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Marvin Siedler
- 1Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Boyke Bunk
- 2Leibniz-Institut DSMZ - Deutsche Sammlung für Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jörg Overmann
- 2Leibniz-Institut DSMZ - Deutsche Sammlung für Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Johannes Gescher
- 1Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany.,3Institute for Biological Interfaces, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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Deciphering synergistic characteristics of redox mediators-stimulated echinenone production of Gordonia terrae TWIH01. J Biosci Bioeng 2018; 126:322-329. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2018.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Schmidt A, Sturm G, Lapp CJ, Siebert D, Saravia F, Horn H, Ravi PP, Lemmer A, Gescher J. Development of a production chain from vegetable biowaste to platform chemicals. Microb Cell Fact 2018; 17:90. [PMID: 29898726 PMCID: PMC6001048 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-018-0937-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A future bioeconomy relies on the development of technologies to convert waste into valuable compounds. We present here an attempt to design a biotechnological cascade for the conversion of vegetable waste into acetoin and electrical energy. RESULTS A vegetable waste dark fermentation effluent containing mainly acetate, butyrate and propionate was oxidized in a bioelectrochemical system. The achieved average current at a constant anode potential of 0 mV against standard hydrogen electrode was 177.5 ± 52.5 µA/cm2. During this step, acetate and butyrate were removed from the effluent while propionate was the major remaining component of the total organic carbon content comprising on average 75.6%. The key players with regard to carbon oxidation and electrode reduction were revealed using amplicon sequencing and metatranscriptomic analysis. Using nanofiltration, it was possible to concentrate the propionate in the effluent. The effluent was revealed to be a suitable medium for biotechnological production strains. As a proof of principle, the propionate in the effluent of the bioelectrochemical system was converted into the platform chemical acetoin with a carbon recovery of 86%. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on a full biotechnological production chain leading from vegetable waste to the production of a single valuable platform chemical that integrates carbon elimination steps leading to the production of the valuable side product electrical energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Schmidt
- Department Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Gunnar Sturm
- Department Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Christian Jonas Lapp
- Department Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Daniel Siebert
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Florencia Saravia
- Chair of Water Chemistry and Water Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engler-Bunte-Institut, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Harald Horn
- Chair of Water Chemistry and Water Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engler-Bunte-Institut, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Padma Priya Ravi
- State Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Bioenergy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Andreas Lemmer
- State Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Bioenergy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Johannes Gescher
- Department Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany. .,Institute for Biological Interfaces, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.
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Oh YK, Hwang KR, Kim C, Kim JR, Lee JS. Recent developments and key barriers to advanced biofuels: A short review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2018. [PMID: 29523378 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2018.02.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Biofuels are regarded as one of the most viable options for reduction of CO2 emissions in the transport sector. However, conventional plant-based biofuels (e.g., biodiesel, bioethanol)'s share of total transportation-fuel consumption in 2016 was very low, about 4%, due to several major limitations including shortage of raw materials, low CO2 mitigation effect, blending wall, and poor cost competitiveness. Advanced biofuels such as drop-in, microalgal, and electro biofuels, especially from inedible biomass, are considered to be a promising solution to the problem of how to cope with the growing biofuel demand. In this paper, recent developments in oxy-free hydrocarbon conversion via catalytic deoxygenation reactions, the selection of and lipid-content enhancement of oleaginous microalgae, electrochemical biofuel conversion, and the diversification of valuable products from biomass and intermediates are reviewed. The challenges and prospects for future development of eco-friendly and economically advanced biofuel production processes also are outlined herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Kwan Oh
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Ran Hwang
- Biomass and Waste Energy Laboratory, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Daejeon 34129, Republic of Korea
| | - Changman Kim
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Rae Kim
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Suk Lee
- Gwangju Bioenergy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea.
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