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Ahuja V, Singh PK, Mahata C, Jeon JM, Kumar G, Yang YH, Bhatia SK. A review on microbes mediated resource recovery and bioplastic (polyhydroxyalkanoates) production from wastewater. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:187. [PMID: 38951813 PMCID: PMC11218116 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02430-0] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plastic is widely utilized in packaging, frameworks, and as coverings material. Its overconsumption and slow degradation, pose threats to ecosystems due to its toxic effects. While polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) offer a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics, their production costs present significant obstacles to global adoption. On the other side, a multitude of household and industrial activities generate substantial volumes of wastewater containing both organic and inorganic contaminants. This not only poses a threat to ecosystems but also presents opportunities to get benefits from the circular economy. Production of bioplastics may be improved by using the nutrients and minerals in wastewater as a feedstock for microbial fermentation. Strategies like feast-famine culture, mixed-consortia culture, and integrated processes have been developed for PHA production from highly polluted wastewater with high organic loads. Various process parameters like organic loading rate, organic content (volatile fatty acids), dissolved oxygen, operating pH, and temperature also have critical roles in PHA accumulation in microbial biomass. Research advances are also going on in downstream and recovery of PHA utilizing a combination of physical and chemical (halogenated solvents, surfactants, green solvents) methods. This review highlights recent developments in upcycling wastewater resources into PHA, encompassing various production strategies, downstream processing methodologies, and techno-economic analyses. SHORT CONCLUSION Organic carbon and nitrogen present in wastewater offer a promising, cost-effective source for producing bioplastic. Previous attempts have focused on enhancing productivity through optimizing culture systems and growth conditions. However, despite technological progress, significant challenges persist, such as low productivity, intricate downstream processing, scalability issues, and the properties of resulting PHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Ahuja
- Department of Biotechnology, University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, 140413, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, 140413, India
| | - Chandan Mahata
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, 1304 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Urbana, 61801, USA
| | - Jong-Min Jeon
- Green & Sustainable Materials R&D Department, Research Institute of Clean Manufacturing System, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), Chungnam, 331-825, Republic of Korea
| | - Gopalakrishnan Kumar
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, Box 8600, Forus, Stavanger, 4036, Norway
| | - Yung-Hun Yang
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Ubiquitous Information Technology and Application, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Shashi Kant Bhatia
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
- Institute for Ubiquitous Information Technology and Application, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
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Jantharadej K, Jaroensawat J, Matanachai K, Limpiyakorn T, Tobino T, Thayanukul P, Suwannasilp BB. Bioaugmentation of Thauera mechernichensis TL1 for enhanced polyhydroxyalkanoate production in mixed microbial consortia for wastewater treatment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170240. [PMID: 38278252 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a fully biodegradable bioplastic. To foster a circular economy, the integration of PHA production into wastewater treatment facilities can be accomplished using mixed microbial consortia. The effectiveness of this approach relies greatly on the enrichment of PHA-accumulating microorganisms. Hence, our study focused on bioaugmenting Thauera mechernichensis TL1 into mixed microbial consortia with the aim of enriching PHA-accumulating microorganisms and enhancing PHA production. Three sequencing batch reactors-SBRctrl, SBR2.5%, and SBR25%-were operated under feast/famine conditions. SBR2.5% and SBR25% were bioaugmented with T. mechernichensis TL1 at 2.5%w/w of mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) and 25%w/w MLVSS, respectively, while SBRctrl was not bioaugmented. SBR2.5% and SBR25% achieved maximum PHA accumulation capacities of 56.3 %gPHA/g mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) and 50.2 %gPHA/gMLSS, respectively, which were higher than the 25.4 %gPHA/gMLSS achieved by SBRctrl. The results of quantitative polymerase chain reaction targeting the 16S rRNA gene specific to T. mechernichensis showed higher abundances of T. mechernichensis in SBR2.5% and SBR25% compared with SBRctrl in the 3rd, 17th, and 31st cycles. Fluorescence in situ hybridization, together with fluorescent staining of PHA with Nile blue A, confirmed PHA accumulation in Thauera spp. The study demonstrated that bioaugmentation of T. mechernichensis TL1 at 2.5%w/w MLVSS is an effective strategy to enhance PHA accumulation and facilitate the enrichment of PHA-accumulating microorganisms in mixed microbial consortia. The findings could contribute to the advancement of PHA production from wastewater, enabling the transformation of wastewater treatment plants into water and resource recovery facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krittayapong Jantharadej
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jarataroon Jaroensawat
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanin Matanachai
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tawan Limpiyakorn
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Biotechnology for Wastewater Engineering Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tomohiro Tobino
- Department of Urban Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Parinda Thayanukul
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Center of Excellence for Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Benjaporn Boonchayaanant Suwannasilp
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Biotechnology for Wastewater Engineering Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Traina F, Corsino SF, Capodici M, Licitra E, Di Bella G, Torregrossa M, Viviani G. Combined recovery of polyhydroxyalkanoates and reclaimed water in the mainstream of a WWTP for agro-food industrial wastewater valorisation by membrane bioreactor technology. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119836. [PMID: 38141345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the combined production of reclaimed water for reuse purposes and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from an agro-food industrial wastewater. A pilot plant implementing a two-stage process for PHA production was studied. It consisted of a mainstream sequencing batch membrane bioreactor (SBMBR) in which selection of PHA-accumulating organisms and wastewater treatment were carried out in, and a side-stream fed-batch reactor (FBR) where the excess sludge from the SBMBR was used for PHA accumulation. The performance of the SBMBR was compared with that of a conventional sequencing batch reactor (SBR) treating the same wastewater under different food to microorganisms' ratios (F/M) ranging between 0.125 and 0.650 kgCOD kgTSS-3 d-1. The SBMBR enabled to obtain very high-quality effluent in compliance with the relevant national (Italy) and European regulations (Italian DM 185/03 and EU, 2020/741) in the field of wastewater reclamation, whereas the performances in the SBR collapsed at F/M higher than 0.50 kgCOD kgTSS-1d-1. A maximum intracellular storage of 45% (w/w) and a production yield of 0.63 gPHA L-1h-1 were achieved when the SBMBR system was operated with a F/M ratio close to 0.50 kgCOD kgTSS-1d-1. This resulted approximately 35% higher than those observed in the SBR, since the ultrafiltration membrane avoided the washout of dispersed and filamentous bacteria capable of storing PHA. Furthermore, while maximizing PHA productivity in conventional SBR systems led to process dysfunctions, in the SBMBR system it helped mitigate these issues by reducing membrane fouling behaviour. The results of this study supported the possibility to achieve combined recovery of reclaimed water and high-value added bioproducts using membrane technology, leading the way for agro-food industrial wastewater valorization in the frame of a circular economy model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Traina
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale Delle Scienze, Ed. 8, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Santo Fabio Corsino
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale Delle Scienze, Ed. 8, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Marco Capodici
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale Delle Scienze, Ed. 8, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Enrico Licitra
- Facoltà di Ingegneria e Architettura, Università Degli Studi di Enna ''Kore'', Cittadella Universitaria, 94100, Enna, Italy
| | - Gaetano Di Bella
- Facoltà di Ingegneria e Architettura, Università Degli Studi di Enna ''Kore'', Cittadella Universitaria, 94100, Enna, Italy
| | - Michele Torregrossa
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale Delle Scienze, Ed. 8, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaspare Viviani
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale Delle Scienze, Ed. 8, 90128, Palermo, Italy
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Gottardo M, Zanatta S, Modesti M, Lorini L, Pavan P, Valentino F. Oxygen limitation in aerobic polyhydroxyalkanoates production from sewage sludge anaerobic fermentation liquids under low and medium organic loading rate. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 338:139468. [PMID: 37442385 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The present study describes the microbial production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from thermally pre-treated sewage sludge at pilot scale level, investigating for the first time the effect of the organic loading rate (OLR) under oxygen limitation on biomass storage properties and kinetics. Polymer characteristics have been also evaluated. The selection/enrichment of PHA-storing biomass was successfully achieved in a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) under short hydraulic retention time (HRT; 2 days). Low OLR (2.05 g COD/L d) was ideal for the selection of an efficient PHA-producing consortium cultivated under limited oxygen availability. In the fed-batch accumulation conducted under high DO regime, such biomass was characterized by 51% of PHA content on cell dry weight, with a related storage yield (YP/Sbatch) of 0.61 CODPHA/CODS. On the contrary, medium OLR (4.56 g COD/L d) was not technically feasible to sustain the required consortium's selection under low DO regime. The PHA produced by biomass cultivated under low DO regime was characterized higher thermal stability and crystalline domain compared to PHA traditionally produced under high DO regime. The mass balance assessment highlighted a global yield of 51 g PHA/kg VS (volatile solids of thickened sludge), which was 9% lower than yield obtained under high DO regime, in the face of a realistic reduction of the energy cost of the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gottardo
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30170 Mestre-Venice, Italy.
| | - Silvia Zanatta
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Michele Modesti
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padua, Italy; Centre for Mechanics of Biological Materials, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Lorini
- Department of Chemistry, La Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Pavan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30170 Mestre-Venice, Italy
| | - Francesco Valentino
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30170 Mestre-Venice, Italy
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Strik DPBTB, Heusschen B. Microbial Recycling of Polylactic Acid Food Packaging Waste into Carboxylates via Hydrolysis and Mixed-Culture Fermentation. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2103. [PMID: 37630663 PMCID: PMC10458239 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082103] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
To establish a circular economy, waste streams should be used as a resource to produce valuable products. Biodegradable plastic waste represents a potential feedstock to be microbially recycled via a carboxylate platform. Bioplastics such as polylactic acid food packaging waste (PLA-FPW) are theoretically suitable feedstocks for producing carboxylates. Once feasible, carboxylates such as acetate, n-butyrate, or n-caproate can be used for various applications like lubricants or building blocks for making new bioplastics. In this study, pieces of industrial compostable PLA-FPW material (at 30 or 60 g/L) were added to a watery medium with microbial growth nutrients. This broth was exposed to 70 °C for a pretreatment process to support the hydrolysis of PLA into lactic acid at a maximum rate of 3.0 g/L×d. After 21 days, the broths of the hydrolysis experiments were centrifugated and a part of the supernatant was extracted and prepared for anaerobic fermentation. The mixed microbial culture, originating from a food waste fermentation bioprocess, successfully fermented the hydrolyzed PLA into a spectrum of new C2-C6 multi-carbon carboxylates. n-butyrate was the major product for all fermentations and, on average, 6.5 g/L n-butyrate was obtained from 60 g/L PLA-FPW materials. The wide array of products were likely due to various microbial processes, including lactate conversion into acetate and propionate, as well as lactate-based chain elongation to produce medium-chain carboxylates. The fermentation process did not require pH control. Overall, we showed a proof-of-concept in using real bioplastic waste as feedstock to produce valuable C2-C6 carboxylates via microbial recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P. B. T. B. Strik
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Pereira J, Neves P, Nemanic V, Pereira MA, Sleutels T, Hamelers B, Heijne AT. Starvation combined with constant anode potential triggers intracellular electron storage in electro-active biofilms. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 242:120278. [PMID: 37413745 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of electrons in the form of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) and poly-hydroxyalkanoates (PHA) has been studied in anaerobic processes by adjusting the access of microorganisms to the electron donor and final electron acceptor. In Bio-electrochemical systems (BESs), intermittent anode potential regimes have also recently been used to study electron storage in anodic electro-active biofilms (EABfs), but the effect of electron donor feeding mode on electron storage has not been explored. Therefore, in this study, the accumulation of electrons in the form of EPS and PHA was studied as a function of the operating conditions. EABfs were grown under both constant and intermittent anode potential regimes and fed with acetate (electron donor) continuously or in batch. Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to assess electron storage. The range of Coulombic efficiencies, from 25 to 82%, and the biomass yields, between 10 and 20%, indicate that storage could have been an alternative electron consuming process. From image processing, a 0.92 pixel ratio of poly-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and amount of cells was found in the batch fed EABf grown under a constant anode potential. This storage was linked to the presence of living Geobacter and shows that energy gain and carbon source starvation were the triggers for intracellular electron storage. The highest EPS content (extracellular storage) was observed in the continuously fed EABf under an intermittent anode potential, showing that constant access to electron donor and intermittent access to the electron acceptor leads to the formation of EPS from the excess energy gained. Tailoring operating conditions can thus steer the microbial community and result in a trained EABf to perform a desired biological conversion, which can be beneficial for a more efficient and optimized BES.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pereira
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands; Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Patrícia Neves
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands; Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Vivian Nemanic
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Alcina Pereira
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS -Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Tom Sleutels
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands; Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bert Hamelers
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands; Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Annemiek Ter Heijne
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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Clagnan E, Adani F. Influence of feedstock source on the development of polyhydroxyalkanoates-producing mixed microbial cultures in continuously stirred tank reactors. N Biotechnol 2023; 76:90-97. [PMID: 37220837 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2023.05.005] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are the new frontier of bioplastic production; however, research is needed to develop and characterise efficient mixed microbial communities (MMCs) for their application with a multi-feedstock approach. Here, the performance and composition of six MMCs developed from the same inoculum on different feedstocks were investigated through Illumina sequencing to understand community development and identify possible redundancies in terms of genera and PHA metabolism. High PHA production efficiencies (>80% mg CODPHA mg-1 CODOA-consumed) were seen across all samples, but differences in the organic acids (OAs) composition led to different ratios of the monomers poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (3HB) to poly(3-hydroxyvalerate) (3HV). Communities differed across all feedstocks, with enrichments in specific PHA-producing genera, but analysis of potential enzymatic activity identified a certain degree of functional redundancy, possibly leading to the general high efficiency seen in PHA production from all feedstocks. Leading PHAs producers across all feedstocks were identified in genera such as Thauera, Leadbetterella, Neomegalonema and Amaricoccus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Clagnan
- Gruppo Ricicla labs., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Territory, Agroenergy (DiSAA), University of Milan (Università degli studi di Milano), Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla labs., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Territory, Agroenergy (DiSAA), University of Milan (Università degli studi di Milano), Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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Kumar V, Lakkaboyana SK, Tsouko E, Maina S, Pandey M, Umesh M, Singhal B, Sharma N, Awasthi MK, Andler R, Jayaraj I, Yuzir A. Commercialization potential of agro-based polyhydroxyalkanoates biorefinery: A technical perspective on advances and critical barriers. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 234:123733. [PMID: 36801274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The exponential increase in the use and careless discard of synthetic plastics has created an alarming concern over the environmental health due to the detrimental effects of petroleum based synthetic polymeric compounds. Piling up of these plastic commodities on various ecological niches and entry of their fragmented parts into soil and water has clearly affected the quality of these ecosystems in the past few decades. Among the many constructive strategies developed to tackle this global issue, use of biopolymers like polyhydroxyalkanoates as sustainable alternatives for synthetic plastics has gained momentum. Despite their excellent material properties and significant biodegradability, polyhydroxyalkanoates still fails to compete with their synthetic counterparts majorly due to the high cost associated with their production and purification thereby limiting their commercialization. Usage of renewable feedstocks as substrates for polyhydroxyalkanoates production has been the thrust area of research to attain the sustainability tag. This review work attempts to provide insights about the recent developments in the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates using renewable feedstock along with various pretreatment methods used for substrate preparation for polyhydroxyalkanoates production. Further, the application of blends based on polyhydroxyalkanoates, and the challenges associated with the waste valorization based polyhydroxyalkanoates production strategy is elaborated in this review work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Kumar
- Ecotoxicity and Bioconversion Laboratory, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Thandalam 602105, India; Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Sivarama Krishna Lakkaboyana
- Department of Chemistry, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Avadi, Chennai 600062, India; Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (ChEE), Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT)-Universiti Technologi Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, 54100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Erminta Tsouko
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of the Aegean, Metropolite Ioakeim 2, 81400, Myrina, Lemnos, Greece
| | - Sofia Maina
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Muskan Pandey
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, U.P., India
| | - Mridul Umesh
- Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru 560029, Karnataka, India
| | - Barkha Singhal
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, U.P., India
| | - Neha Sharma
- Metagenomics and Bioprocess Design Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Rodrigo Andler
- Escuela de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Centro de Biotecnología de los Recursos Naturales (Cenbio), Universidad Católica del Maule, Chile
| | - Iyyappan Jayaraj
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai 602105, India
| | - Ali Yuzir
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (ChEE), Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT)-Universiti Technologi Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, 54100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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9
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Pei R, Tarek-Bahgat N, Van Loosdrecht MCM, Kleerebezem R, Werker AG. Influence of environmental conditions on accumulated polyhydroxybutyrate in municipal activated sludge. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 232:119653. [PMID: 36758350 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) was accumulated in full-scale municipal waste activated sludge at pilot scale. After accumulation, the fate of the PHB-rich biomass was evaluated over two weeks as a function of initial pH (5.5, 7.0 and 10), and incubation temperature (25, 37 and 55°C), with or without aeration. PHB became consumed under aerobic conditions as expected with first order rate constants in the range of 0.19 to 0.55 d-1. Under anaerobic conditions, up to 63 percent of the PHB became consumed within the first day (initial pH 7, 55°C). Subsequently, with continued anaerobic conditions, the polymer content remained stable in the biomass. Degradation rates were lower for acidic anaerobic incubation conditions at a lower temperature (25°C). Polymer thermal properties were measured in the dried PHB-rich biomass and for the polymer recovered by solvent extraction using dimethyl carbonate. PHB quality changes in dried biomass, indicated by differences in polymer melt enthalpy, correlated to differences in the extent of PHB extractability. Differences in the expressed PHB-in-biomass melt enthalpy that correlated to the polymer extractability suggested that yields of polymer recovery by extraction can be influenced by the state or quality of the polymer generated during downstream processing. Different post-accumulation process biomass management environments were found to influence the polymer quality and can also influence the extraction of non-polymer biomass. An acidic post-accumulation environment resulted in higher melt enthalpies in the biomass and, consequently, higher extraction efficiencies. Overall, acidic environmental conditions were found to be favourable for preserving both quantity and quality after PHB accumulation in activated sludge.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pei
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
| | - N Tarek-Bahgat
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - M C M Van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - R Kleerebezem
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - A G Werker
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
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10
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Jin Y, de Leeuw KD, Strik DPBTB. Microbial Recycling of Bioplastics via Mixed-Culture Fermentation of Hydrolyzed Polyhydroxyalkanoates into Carboxylates. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:2693. [PMID: 37048987 PMCID: PMC10096456 DOI: 10.3390/ma16072693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) polymers are emerging within biobased biodegradable plastic products. To build a circular economy, effective recycling routes should be established for these and other end-of-life bioplastics. This study presents the first steps of a potential PHA recycling route by fermenting hydrolyzed PHA-based bioplastics (Tianan ENMATTM Y1000P; PHBV (poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)) into carboxylates acetate and butyrate. First, three different hydrolysis pretreatment methods under acid, base, and neutral pH conditions were tested. The highest 10% (from 158.8 g COD/L to 16.3 g COD/L) of hydrolysate yield was obtained with the alkaline pretreatment. After filtration to remove the remaining solid materials, 4 g COD/L of the hydrolyzed PHA was used as the substrate with the addition of microbial nutrients for mixed culture fermentation. Due to microbial conversion, 1.71 g/L acetate and 1.20 g/L butyrate were produced. An apparent complete bioconversion from intermediates such as 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB) and/or crotonate into carboxylates was found. The overall yields of the combined processes were calculated as 0.07 g acetate/g PHA and 0.049 g butyrate/g PHA. These produced carboxylates can theoretically be used to reproduce PHA or serve many other applications as part of the so-called carboxylate platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Jin
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands; (Y.J.); (K.D.d.L.)
| | - Kasper D. de Leeuw
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands; (Y.J.); (K.D.d.L.)
- ChainCraft B.V., 1043 AP Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David P. B. T. B. Strik
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands; (Y.J.); (K.D.d.L.)
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11
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Vermeer CM, Depaz L, van den Berg E, Koelmans T, Kleerebezem R. Production of medium-chain-length PHA in octanoate-fed enrichments dominated by Sphaerotilus sp. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:687-701. [PMID: 36515096 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28306] [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: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate (mcl-PHA) production by using microbial enrichments is a promising but largely unexplored approach to obtain elastomeric biomaterials from secondary resources. In this study, several enrichment strategies were tested to select a community with a high mcl-PHA storage capacity when feeding octanoate. On the basis of analysis of the metabolic pathways, the hypothesis was formulated that mcl-PHA production is more favorable under oxygen-limited conditions than short-chain-length PHA (scl-PHA). This hypothesis was confirmed by bioreactor experiments showing that oxygen limitation during the PHA accumulation experiments resulted in a higher fraction of mcl-PHA over scl-PHA (i.e., a PHA content of 76 wt% with an mcl fraction of 0.79 with oxygen limitation, compared to a PHA content of 72 wt% with an mcl-fraction of 0.62 without oxygen limitation). Physicochemical analysis revealed that the extracted PHA could be separated efficiently into a hydroxybutyrate-rich fraction with a higher Mw and a hydroxyhexanoate/hydroxyoctanoate-rich fraction with a lower Mw . The ratio between the two fractions could be adjusted by changing the environmental conditions, such as oxygen availability and pH. Almost all enrichments were dominated by Sphaerotilus sp. This is the first scientific report that links this genus to mcl-PHA production, demonstrating that microbial enrichments can be a powerful tool to explore mcl-PHA biodiversity and to discover novel industrially relevant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris M Vermeer
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Lena Depaz
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Emily van den Berg
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Koelmans
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert Kleerebezem
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
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12
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Brison A, Rossi P, Derlon N. Single CSTR can be as effective as an SBR in selecting PHA-storing biomass from municipal wastewater-derived feedstock. WATER RESEARCH X 2023; 18:100165. [PMID: 37250287 PMCID: PMC10214291 DOI: 10.1016/j.wroa.2023.100165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A key step for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from organic waste streams is the selection of a biomass with a high PHA-storage capacity (selection-step), which is usually performed in sequencing batch reactors (SBR). A major advancement would be to perform such selection in continuous reactors to facilitate the full-scale implementation of PHA production from municipal wastewater (MWW)-derived feedstock. The present study therefore investigates to what extent a simple continuous-flow stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) represents a relevant alternative to anSBR. To this end, we operated two selection reactors (CSTR vs. SBR) on filtered primary sludge fermentate while performing a detailed analysis of the microbial communities, and monitoring PHA-storage over long-term (∼150 days) and during accumulation batches. Our study demonstrates that a simple CSTR is as effective as an SBR in selecting biomass with high PHA-storage capacity (up to 0.65 gPHA gVSS-1) while being 50% more efficient in terms of substrate to biomass conversion yields. We also show that such selection can occur on VFA-rich feedstock containing nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in excess, whereas previously, selection of PHA-storing organisms in a single CSTR has only been studied under P limitation. We further found that microbial competition was mostly affected by nutrient availability (N and P) rather than by the reactor operation mode (CSTR vs. SBR). Similar microbial communities therefore developed in both selection reactors, while microbial communities were very different depending on N availability. Rhodobacteraceae gen. were most abundant when growth conditions were stable and N-limited, whereas dynamic N- (and P-) excess conditions favoured the selection of the known PHA-storer Comamonas, and led to the highest observed PHA-storage capacity. Overall, we demonstrate that biomass with high storage capacity can be selected in a simple CSTR on a wider range of feedstock than just P-limited ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Brison
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
- ETH Zürich, Institute of Environmental Engineering, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Rossi
- Central Environmental Laboratory, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Derlon
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
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13
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Estévez-Alonso Á, Arias-Buendía M, Pei R, van Veelen HPJ, van Loosdrecht MCM, Kleerebezem R, Werker A. Calcium enhances polyhydroxyalkanoate production and promotes selective growth of the polyhydroxyalkanoate-storing biomass in municipal activated sludge. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 226:119259. [PMID: 36323202 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Activated sludge from municipal wastewater treatment processes can be used directly for the production of biodegradable polyesters from the family of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). However, municipal activated sludge typically cannot accumulate PHAs to very high levels and often low yields of polymer produced on substrate are observed. In the present work, it was found that the presence of calcium promotes selective growth and enrichment of the PHA-storing biomass fraction and significantly improved both PHA contents and yields. Calcium addition resulted in PHA contents of 0.60 ± 0.03 gPHA/gVSS and average PHA yields on substrate of 0.49 ± 0.03 gCODPHA/gCODHAc compared to 0.35 ± 0.01 gPHA/gVSS and 0.19 ± 0.01 gCODPHA/gCODHAc without calcium addition. After 48 h, three times more PHA was produced compared to control experiments without calcium addition. Higher PHA content and selective biomass production is proposed to be a consequence of calcium dependent increased levels of passive acetate uptake. Such more efficient substrate uptake could be related to a formation of calcium acetate complexes. Findings lead to bioprocess methods to stimulate a short-term selective growth of PHA-storing microorganisms and this enables improvements to the techno-economic feasibility for municipal waste activated sludge to become a generic resource for industrial scale PHA production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Estévez-Alonso
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
| | - María Arias-Buendía
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Ruizhe Pei
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - H Pieter J van Veelen
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Mark C M van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert Kleerebezem
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Alan Werker
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
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14
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Estévez-Alonso Á, Altamira-Algarra B, Arnau-Segarra C, van Loosdrecht MCM, Kleerebezem R, Werker A. Process conditions affect properties and outcomes of polyhydroxyalkanoate accumulation in municipal activated sludge. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 364:128035. [PMID: 36182016 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The developments of mixed culture polyhydroxyalkanoate production has been directed to maximize the biomass PHA content with limited attention to polymer quality. Direct comparison of PHA accumulation literature is challenging, and even regularly contradicting in reported results, due to underlying differences that are not well expressed. A study was undertaken to systematically compare the commonly reported process conditions for PHA accumulation by full-scale municipal activated sludge. A biomass acclimation step combined with a pulse-wise feeding strategy resulted in maximum average PHA contents and product yields. pH control and active nitrification did not result in observable effects on the PHA productivity. Under these conditions a high molecular weight polymer (1536 ± 221 kDa) can be produced. Polymer extraction recoveries were influenced by the PHA molecular weight. A standard protocol for an activated sludge PHA accumulation test including downstream processing and standardized extraction has been developed and is available as supplementary material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Estévez-Alonso
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911, MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
| | - Beatriz Altamira-Algarra
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911, MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - César Arnau-Segarra
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911, MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Mark C M van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert Kleerebezem
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Alan Werker
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911, MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
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15
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Koch J, Scott E, Bitter J, Asadi Tashvigh A. A plant wide simulation of polyhydroxyalkanoate production from wastewater and its conversion to methyl crotonate. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 363:127994. [PMID: 36262002 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This work simulates the production of methyl crotonate from various industrial wastewaters. In the upstream process, wastewater is fermented into volatile fatty acids which are then converted into polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) by means of mixed microbial cultures. In the downstream, PHA undergoes a series of thermolysis and esterification reactions to produce methyl crotonate. The origin of the wastewater was found to have a great influence on the composition of the PHA with the effluent of a candy bar factory producing a high polyhydroxybutyrate/polyhydroxyvalerate ratio of 86/14 in favour of methyl crotonate production. It was observed that the use of intracellular polyhydroxybutyrate, instead of purified, significantly lowers the number of separation steps and yet reduces the methyl crotonate recovery by only 20 %. An operating pressure higher than 18 bar led to more transesterification of polyhydroxybutyrate, producing byproducts instead of methyl crotonate. Finally, a 3 h reaction was found sufficient for completion of polyhydroxybutyrate conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris Koch
- Biobased Chemistry and Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Elinor Scott
- Biobased Chemistry and Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes Bitter
- Biobased Chemistry and Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Akbar Asadi Tashvigh
- Biobased Chemistry and Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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16
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Gottardo M, Bolzonella D, Adele Tuci G, Valentino F, Majone M, Pavan P, Battista F. Producing volatile fatty acids and polyhydroxyalkanoates from foods by-products and waste: A review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 361:127716. [PMID: 35926558 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Dairy products, extra virgin olive oil, red and white wines are excellent food products, appreciated all around the world. Their productions generate large amounts of by-products which urge for recycling and valorization. Moreover, another abundant waste stream produced in urban context is the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Wastes (OFMSW), whose global annual capita production is estimated at 85 kg. The recent environmental policies encourage their exploitation in a biorefinery loop to produce Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Typically, VFAs yields are high from cheese whey and OFMSW (0.55-0.90 gCOD_VFAs/gCOD), lower for Olive Mill and Winery Wastewaters. The VFAs conversion into PHAs can achieve values in the range 0.4-0.5 gPHA/gVSS for cheese whey and OFMSW, 0.6-0.7 gPHA/gVSS for winery wastewater, and 0.2-0.3 gPHA/gVSS for olive mill wastewaters. These conversion yields allowed to estimate a huge potential annual PHAs production of about 260 M tons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gottardo
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Cà Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30170 Mestre-Venice, Italy
| | - David Bolzonella
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Via Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Giulia Adele Tuci
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Cà Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30170 Mestre-Venice, Italy
| | - Francesco Valentino
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Cà Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30170 Mestre-Venice, Italy
| | - Mauro Majone
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Pavan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Cà Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30170 Mestre-Venice, Italy
| | - Federico Battista
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Via Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy.
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17
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Pei R, Estévez-Alonso Á, Ortiz-Seco L, van Loosdrecht MCM, Kleerebezem R, Werker A. Exploring the Limits of Polyhydroxyalkanoate Production by Municipal Activated Sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:11729-11738. [PMID: 35900322 PMCID: PMC9387092 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Municipal activated sludge can be used for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production, when supplied with volatile fatty acids. In this work, standardized PHA accumulation assays were performed with different activated sludge to determine (1) the maximum biomass PHA content, (2) the degree of enrichment (or volume-to-volume ratio of PHA-accumulating bacteria with respect to the total biomass), and (3) the average PHA content in the PHA-storing biomass fraction. The maximum attained biomass PHA content with different activated sludge ranged from 0.18 to 0.42 gPHA/gVSS, and the degree of enrichment ranged from 0.16 to 0.51 volume/volume. The average PHA content within the PHA-accumulating biomass fraction was relatively constant and independent of activated sludge source, with an average value of 0.58 ± 0.07 gPHA/gVSS. The degree of enrichment for PHA-accumulating bacteria was identified as the key factor to maximize PHA content when municipal activated sludge is directly used for PHA accumulation. Future optimization should focus on obtaining a higher degree of enrichment of PHA-accumulating biomass, either through selection during wastewater treatment or by selective growth during PHA accumulation. A PHA content in the order of 0.6 g PHA/g VSS is a realistic target to be achieved when using municipal activated sludge for PHA production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhe Pei
- Department
of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
- Wetsus, European
Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water
Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Ángel Estévez-Alonso
- Department
of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
- Wetsus, European
Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water
Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Ortiz-Seco
- Wetsus, European
Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water
Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht
- Department
of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert Kleerebezem
- Department
of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Alan Werker
- Wetsus, European
Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water
Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
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18
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Pei R, Vicente-Venegas G, Van Loosdrecht MCM, Kleerebezem R, Werker A. Quantification of polyhydroxyalkanoate accumulated in waste activated sludge. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 221:118795. [PMID: 35785696 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoate accumulation experiments at pilot scale were performed with fullscale municipal waste activated sludge. Development of biomass PHA content was quantified by thermogravimetric analysis. Over 48 h the biomass reached up to 0.49 ± 0.03 gPHA/gVSS (n=4). Samples were processed in parallel to characterise the distribution of PHA in the biomass. Selective staining methods and image analysis were performed by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. The image analysis indicated that nominally 55% of this waste activated sludge was engaged in PHA storage activity. Thus even if the biomass PHA content reached 0.49gPHA/gVSS, the accumulating fraction of the biomass was estimated to have attained about 0.64gPHA/gVSS. The combination of quantitative microscopy and polymer mass assessment enabled to distinguish the effect of level of enrichment in PHA storing bacteria and the average PHA storage capacity of the accumulating bacteria. The distribution of microbial 16S rRNA levels did not follow a measurable trend during PHA accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhe Pei
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, Delft 2629 HZ, the Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, Leeuwarden 8911 MA, the Netherlands.
| | - Gerard Vicente-Venegas
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, Leeuwarden 8911 MA, the Netherlands
| | - Mark C M Van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, Delft 2629 HZ, the Netherlands
| | - Robbert Kleerebezem
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, Delft 2629 HZ, the Netherlands
| | - Alan Werker
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, Leeuwarden 8911 MA, the Netherlands
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19
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Brison A, Rossi P, Derlon N. Influent carbon to phosphorus ratio drives the selection of PHA-storing organisms in a single CSTR. WATER RESEARCH X 2022; 16:100150. [PMID: 35965889 PMCID: PMC9364015 DOI: 10.1016/j.wroa.2022.100150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Enriching a biomass with a high fraction of polyhydroxyalkanoate-storing organisms (PHA-storers) represents an essential step in the production of PHAs (bioplastics) from municipal wastewater using mixed microbial cultures. A major challenge is however to create selective growth conditions that are favourable to PHA-storers. Our study thus investigates to what extent the influent COD to phosphorus (COD:P) ratio can be used as a tool for the robust selection of PHA-storers in a single continuous-flow stirred-tank reactor (CSTR). Therefore, we operated five CSTRs in parallel, fed with synthetic wastewater (50% acetate - 50% propionate) with different COD:P ratios (200-1000 gCOD gP-1), and performed a detailed analysis of the microbial communities over long-term (30-70 solid retention times). Our study demonstrates that efficient and robust selection of PHA-storers can be achieved in a single CSTR at high influent COD:P ratios. The selective advantage for PHA-storers increases with the influent COD:P ratio, but only if growth conditions remain limited by both C-substrate and P. In contrast, selection performance deteriorates when COD:P ratios are too high and growth conditions are limited by P only. At an optimal COD:P ratio of 800 gCOD gP-1, a stable microbial community consisting of >90% PHA-storers and dominated by Pannonibacter sp. was selected in the long-term. Finally, our results suggest that high COD:P ratios provide a selective advantage to microorganisms with low cellular P requirements, explaining why different PHA-storers (i.e., Xanthobacter sp. vs. Pannonibacter sp.) were selected depending on the influent COD:P ratio (i.e., 200 vs. 800 gCOD gP-1). Overall, our results provide relevant insights for the development of a new approach for selecting PHA-storers, based on the use of a single CSTR and control of the influent COD:P ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Brison
- ETH Zürich, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Rossi
- Central Environmental Laboratory, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Derlon
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
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20
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From Organic Wastes and Hydrocarbons Pollutants to Polyhydroxyalkanoates: Bioconversion by Terrestrial and Marine Bacteria. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14148241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The use of fossil-based plastics has become unsustainable because of the polluting production processes, difficulties for waste management sectors, and high environmental impact. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are bio-based biodegradable polymers derived from renewable resources and synthesized by bacteria as intracellular energy and carbon storage materials under nutrients or oxygen limitation and through the optimization of cultivation conditions with both pure and mixed culture systems. The PHA properties are affected by the same principles of oil-derived polyolefins, with a broad range of compositions, due to the incorporation of different monomers into the polymer matrix. As a consequence, the properties of such materials are represented by a broad range depending on tunable PHA composition. Producing waste-derived PHA is technically feasible with mixed microbial cultures (MMC), since no sterilization is required; this technology may represent a solution for waste treatment and valorization, and it has recently been developed at the pilot scale level with different process configurations where aerobic microorganisms are usually subjected to a dynamic feeding regime for their selection and to a high organic load for the intracellular accumulation of PHA. In this review, we report on studies on terrestrial and marine bacteria PHA-producers. The available knowledge on PHA production from the use of different kinds of organic wastes, and otherwise, petroleum-polluted natural matrices coupling bioremediation treatment has been explored. The advancements in these areas have been significant; they generally concern the terrestrial environment, where pilot and industrial processes are already established. Recently, marine bacteria have also offered interesting perspectives due to their advantageous effects on production practices, which they can relieve several constraints. Studies on the use of hydrocarbons as carbon sources offer evidence for the feasibility of the bioconversion of fossil-derived plastics into bioplastics.
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21
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Zong QJ, Xu T, Liu H, Xu L, Zhang RK, Li BZ, Liu ZH, Yuan YJ. Microbial Valorization of Lignin to Bioplastic by Genome-Reduced Pseudomonas putida. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:923664. [PMID: 35707171 PMCID: PMC9189415 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.923664] [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: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As the most abundant natural aromatic resource, lignin valorization will contribute to a feasible biobased economy. Recently, biological lignin valorization has been advocated since ligninolytic microbes possess proficient funneling pathways of lignin to valuable products. In the present study, the potential to convert an actual lignin stream into polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) had been evaluated using ligninolytic genome-reduced Pseudomonas putida. The results showed that the genome-reduced P. putida can grow well on an actual lignin stream to successfully yield a high PHA content and titer. The designed fermentation strategy almost eliminated the substrate effects of lignin on PHA accumulation. Employing a fed-batch strategy produced the comparable PHA contents and titers of 0.35 g/g dried cells and 1.4 g/L, respectively. The molecular mechanism analysis unveiled that P. putida consumed more small and hydrophilic lignin molecules to stimulate cell growth and PHA accumulation. Overall, the genome-reduced P. putida exhibited a superior capacity of lignin bioconversion and promote PHA accumulation, providing a promising route for sustainable lignin valorization.
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22
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Werker A, Lorini L, Villano M, Valentino F, Majone M. Modelling Mixed Microbial Culture Polyhydroxyalkanoate Accumulation Bioprocess towards Novel Methods for Polymer Production Using Dilute Volatile Fatty Acid Rich Feedstocks. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9030125. [PMID: 35324814 PMCID: PMC8945694 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9030125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Volatile fatty acid (VFA) rich streams from fermentation of organic residuals and wastewater are suitable feedstocks for mixed microbial culture (MMC) Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production. However, many such streams have low total VFA concentration (1–10 gCOD/L). PHA accumulation requires a flow-through bioprocess if the VFAs are not concentrated. A flow through bioprocess must balance goals of productivity (highest possible influent flow rates) with goals of substrate utilization efficiency (lowest possible effluent VFA concentration). Towards these goals, dynamics of upshift and downshift respiration kinetics for laboratory and pilot scale MMCs were evaluated. Monod kinetics described a hysteresis between the upshift and downshift responses. Substrate concentrations necessary to stimulate a given substrate uptake rate were significantly higher than the concentrations necessary to sustain the attained substrate uptake rate. A benefit of this hysteresis was explored in Monte Carlo based PHA accumulation bioprocess numerical simulations. Simulations illustrated for a potential to establish continuous flow-through PHA production bioprocesses even at a low (1 gCOD/L) influent total VFA concentration. Process biomass recirculation into an engineered higher substrate concentration mixing zone, due to the constant influent substrate flow, enabled to drive the process to maximal possible PHA production rates without sacrificing substrate utilization efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Werker
- Promiko AB, Briggatan 16, 23442 Lomma, Sweden
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Laura Lorini
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.L.); (M.V.); (M.M.)
| | - Marianna Villano
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.L.); (M.V.); (M.M.)
| | - Francesco Valentino
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Cà Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy;
| | - Mauro Majone
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.L.); (M.V.); (M.M.)
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23
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Zhou W, Colpa DI, Geurkink B, Euverink GJW, Krooneman J. The impact of carbon to nitrogen ratios and pH on the microbial prevalence and polyhydroxybutyrate production levels using a mixed microbial starter culture. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 811:152341. [PMID: 34921889 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Growth conditions have been frequently studied in optimizing polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production, while few studies were performed to unravel the dynamic mixed microbial consortia (MMCs) in the process. In this study, the relationship between growth conditions (C/N ratios and pH) and the corresponding key-microbes were identified and monitored during PHB accumulation. The highest PHB level (70 wt% of dry cell mass) was obtained at pH 9, C/N 40, and acetic acid 10 g/L. Linking the dominant genera with the highest point of PHB accumulation, Thauera was the most prevalent species in all MMCs of pH 9, except when a C/N ratio of 1 was applied. Notably, dominant bacteria shifted at pH 7 (C/N 10) from Thauera (0 h) to Paracoccus, and subsequently to Alcaligenes following the process of PHB accumulation and consumption. Further understanding of the relationship between the structure of the microbial community and the performance will be beneficial for regulating and obtaining high PHB accumulation within an MMC. Our study illustrates the impact of C/N ratios and pH on microbial prevalence and PHB production levels using a mixed microbial starter culture. This knowledge will broaden industrial perspectives for regulating high PHB production and timely harvesting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhou
- Products and Processes for Biotechnology, Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Dana Irene Colpa
- Products and Processes for Biotechnology, Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bert Geurkink
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - Gert-Jan Willem Euverink
- Products and Processes for Biotechnology, Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Janneke Krooneman
- Products and Processes for Biotechnology, Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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24
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Meng D, Miao C, Liu Y, Wang F, Chen L, Huang Z, Fan X, Gu P, Li Q. Metabolic engineering for biosynthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) from glucose and propionic acid in recombinant Escherichia coli. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 348:126786. [PMID: 35114368 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.126786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In this study, novel polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-associated genes (phaCp and phaABp) cloned from Propylenella binzhouense L72T were expressed in Escherichiacoli cells for PHA production, and the recombinant strains were used to analyze PHA yields with various substrates. The highest poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxy-valerate) (PHBV) yield (1.06 g/L) and cell dry weight (3.31 g/L) in E. coli DH5α/ΔptsG-CpABp were achieved by using glucose and propionicacid as substrates. Structural verification of PHBV produced by E. coli DH5α/ΔptsG-CpABp was performed to evaluate the characteristics of the polymers using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. In addition, the X-ray diffraction results showed improved crystallinity of PHBV, and thermogravimetric analysis showed good thermal stability of 298 °C. The above findings indicated that the expression of phaCp and phaABp genes resulted in improved PHBV synthesis activity, and the polymer had better performance at higher processing temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Meng
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, PR China
| | - Changfeng Miao
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, PR China
| | - Yuling Liu
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, PR China
| | - Fang Wang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, PR China
| | - Lu Chen
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, PR China
| | - Zhaosong Huang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xiangyu Fan
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, PR China
| | - Pengfei Gu
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, PR China
| | - Qiang Li
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, PR China.
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25
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Vermeer CM, Bons LJ, Kleerebezem R. Production of a newly discovered PHA family member with an isobutyrate-fed enrichment culture. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:605-618. [PMID: 34985570 PMCID: PMC8763783 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11742-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Using microbial enrichment cultures for the production of waste-derived polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) is a promising technology to recover secondary resources. Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) form the preferred substrate for PHA production. Isobutyrate is a VFA appearing in multiple waste valorization routes, such as anaerobic fermentation, chain elongation, and microbial electrosynthesis, but has never been assessed individually on its PHA production potential. This research investigates isobutyrate as sole carbon source for a microbial enrichment culture in comparison to its structural isomer butyrate. The results reveal that the enrichment of isobutyrate has a very distinct character regarding microbial community development, PHA productivity, and even PHA composition. Although butyrate is a superior substrate in almost every aspect, this research shows that isobutyrate-rich waste streams have a noteworthy PHA-producing potential. The main finding is that the dominant microorganism, a Comamonas sp., is linked to the production of a unique PHA family member, poly(3-hydroxyisobutyrate) (PHiB), up to 37% of the cell dry weight. This is the first scientific report identifying microbial PHiB production, demonstrating that mixed microbial communities can be a powerful tool for discovery of new metabolic pathways and new types of polymers. Key points • PHiB production is a successful storage strategy in an isobutyrate-fed SBR • Isomers isobutyrate and butyrate reveal a very distinct PHA production behavior • Enrichments can be a tool for discovery of new metabolic pathways and polymers Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-021-11742-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris M Vermeer
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - Larissa J Bons
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert Kleerebezem
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands
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26
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Lee J, Park HJ, Moon M, Lee JS, Min K. Recent progress and challenges in microbial polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production from CO 2 as a sustainable feedstock: A state-of-the-art review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 339:125616. [PMID: 34304096 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The recalcitrance of petroleum-based plastics causes severe environmental problems and has accelerated research into production of biodegradable polymers from inexpensive and sustainable feedstocks. Various microorganisms are capable of producing Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a representative biodegradable polymer, under nutrient-limited conditions, among which CO2-utilizing microorganisms are of primary interest. Herein, we discuss recent progress on bacterial strains including proteobacteria, purple non-sulfur bacteria, and cyanobacteria in terms of CO2-containing carbon sources, PHB-production capability, and genetic modification. In addition, this review introduces recent technical approaches used to improve PHB production from CO2 such as two-stage bioprocesses and bioelectrochemical systems. Challenges and future perspectives for the development of economically feasible PHB production are also discussed. Finally, this review might provide insights into the construction of a closed-carbon-loop to cope with climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiye Lee
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun June Park
- Department of Biotechnology, Duksung Women's University, Seoul 01369, Republic of Korea
| | - Myounghoon Moon
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Suk Lee
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoungseon Min
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea.
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27
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Jaffur N, Jeetah P, Kumar G. A review on enzymes and pathways for manufacturing polyhydroxybutyrate from lignocellulosic materials. 3 Biotech 2021; 11:483. [PMID: 34790507 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-021-03009-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, major focus in the biopolymer field is being drawn on the exploitation of plant-based resources grounded on holistic sustainability trends to produce novel, affordable, biocompatible and environmentally safe polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolymers. The global PHA market, estimated at USD 62 Million in 2020, is predicted to grow by 11.2 and 14.2% between 2020-2024 and 2020-2025 correspondingly based on market research reports. The market is primarily driven by the growing demand for PHA products by the food packaging, biomedical, pharmaceutical, biofuel and agricultural sectors. One of the key limitations in the growth of the PHA market is the significantly higher production costs associated with pure carbon raw materials as compared to traditional polymers. Nonetheless, considerations such as consumer awareness on the toxicity of petroleum-based plastics and strict government regulations towards the prohibition of the use and trade of synthetic plastics are expected to boost the market growth rate. This study throws light on the production of polyhydroxybutyrate from lignocellulosic biomass using environmentally benign techniques via enzyme and microbial activities to assess its feasibility as a green substitute to conventional plastics. The novelty of the present study is to highlight the recent advances, pretreatment techniques to reduce the recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass such as dilute and concentrated acidic pretreatment, alkaline pretreatment, steam explosion, ammonia fibre explosion (AFEX), ball milling, biological pretreatment as well as novel emerging pretreatment techniques notably, high-pressure homogenizer, electron beam, high hydrostatic pressure, co-solvent enhanced lignocellulosic fractionation (CELF) pulsed-electric field, low temperature steep delignification (LTSD), microwave and ultrasound technologies. Additionally, inhibitory compounds and detoxification routes, fermentation downstream processes, life cycle and environmental impacts of recovered natural biopolymers, review green procurement policies in various countries, PHA strategies in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) along with the fate of the spent polyhydroxybutyrate are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nausheen Jaffur
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Réduit, 80837 Mauritius
| | - Pratima Jeetah
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Réduit, 80837 Mauritius
| | - Gopalakrishnan Kumar
- Institute of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
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28
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Estévez-Alonso Á, van Loosdrecht MCM, Kleerebezem R, Werker A. Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in microbial community-based polyhydroxyalkanoate production. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 337:125420. [PMID: 34175767 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microbial community-based polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production has been demonstrated repeatedly at pilot scale. Ammonium, normally present in waste streams, might be oxidized by nitrifying bacteria resulting in additional aeration energy demand. The use of low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations allowed to reduce nitrifying rates by up to 70% compared to non-oxygen limiting conditions. At lower DO concentrations nitrate was used as alternative electron acceptor for PHA production and therefore, a constant PHA production rate could only be maintained if nitrate was sufficiently available. An optimum DO concentration (0.9 mgO2/L) was found for which nitrification was mitigated but also exploited to supply requisite heterotrophic nitrate requirements that maintained maximum PHA production rates. PHA accumulations with such DO control was estimated to reduce oxygen demand by about 18%. This work contributes to establish fundamental insight towards viable industrial practice with the control and exploitation of nitrifying bacteria in microbial community-based PHA production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Estévez-Alonso
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
| | - Mark C M van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert Kleerebezem
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Alan Werker
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
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29
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Duque AF, Campo R, Val del Rio A, Amorim CL. Wastewater Valorization: Practice around the World at Pilot- and Full-Scale. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189466. [PMID: 34574414 PMCID: PMC8472693 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few years, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been rebranded as water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs), which recognize the resource recovery potential that exists in wastewater streams. WRRFs contribute to a circular economy by not only producing clean water but by recovering valuable resources such as nutrients, energy, and other bio-based materials. To this aim, huge efforts in technological progress have been made to valorize sewage and sewage sludge, transforming them into valuable resources. This review summarizes some of the widely used and effective strategies applied at pilot- and full-scale settings in order to valorize the wastewater treatment process. An overview of the different technologies applied in the water and sludge line is presented, covering a broad range of resources, i.e., water, biomass, energy, nutrients, volatile fatty acids (VFA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and exopolymeric substances (EPS). Moreover, guidelines and regulations around the world related to water reuse and resource valorization are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk F. Duque
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 1099-085 Lisboa, Portugal;
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 1099-085 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Riccardo Campo
- DICEA—Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile e Ambientale, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via di S. Marta 3, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Angeles Val del Rio
- Department of Chemical Engineering, CRETUS Institute, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Rúa Lope Gómez de Marzoa s/n, E-15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Catarina L. Amorim
- CBQF—Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina—Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua Diogo Botelho 1327, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-226-196-200
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30
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Inoue D, Fukuyama A, Ren Y, Ike M. Optimization of aerobic dynamic discharge process for very rapid enrichment of polyhydroxyalkanoates-accumulating bacteria from activated sludge. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 336:125314. [PMID: 34051571 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The aerobic dynamic discharge (ADD) process has the potential to reduce the enrichment period of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)-accumulating bacteria in PHA production using mixed microbial cultures (MMCs). This study aimed to efficiently enrich PHA-accumulating bacteria from activated sludge within a fixed period of 2 d by optimizing operating conditions of the ADD process. Based on the results, enrichment with separate feeding of carbon and nutrients in the feast and famine phases, respectively, and a settling duration of 10 min after the feast phase in the sequencing batch cycle for 12 h was found to be optimal. The MMC enriched at optimum conditions could store as much as 68.4 wt% of PHA. Dechloromonas and Zoogloea were identified as potential PHA-accumulating bacteria responsible for enhancing PHA accumulation ability in the enriched MMC. The optimized ADD process will facilitate the consecutive use of daily generated waste activated sludge for PHA production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Inoue
- Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Atsushi Fukuyama
- Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yu Ren
- Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Michihiko Ike
- Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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31
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Schmid MT, Sykacek E, O'Connor K, Omann M, Mundigler N, Neureiter M. Pilot scale production and evaluation of mechanical and thermal properties of P(
3HB
) from
Bacillus megaterium
cultivated on desugarized sugar beet molasses. J Appl Polym Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/app.51503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian T. Schmid
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Tulln Austria
| | - Eva Sykacek
- Institute of Natural Materials Technology University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Tulln Austria
| | | | - Markus Omann
- AGRANA Research & Innovation Center GmbH Tulln Austria
| | - Norbert Mundigler
- Institute of Natural Materials Technology University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Tulln Austria
| | - Markus Neureiter
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Tulln Austria
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32
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Asunis F, De Gioannis G, Francini G, Lombardi L, Muntoni A, Polettini A, Pomi R, Rossi A, Spiga D. Environmental life cycle assessment of polyhydroxyalkanoates production from cheese whey. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 132:31-43. [PMID: 34304020 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cheese whey (CW) is the main by-product of the dairy industry and is often considered one of the main agro-industrial biowaste streams to handle, especially within the European Union, where the diary activities play an essential role in the agrarian economy. In the paper, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is used to analyse the feasibility of producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) as the main output of an innovative CW valorisation route which is benchmarked against a conventional anaerobic digestion (AD) process. To this aim, the LCA inventory data are derived from lab-scale PHA accumulation tests performed on real CW, while data from the literature of concern are used for modelling both the PHA extraction from the accumulating biomass and for the alternative CW valorisation through AD. The comparison shows that AD would have better environmental performances than the baseline PHA production scenario. For example, the climate change indicator values result 44.8 and -35.7 kg CO2 eq./t CW for the baseline PHA recovery and AD, respectively. LCA proved to be a useful tool to highlight the weak points of innovative processes and suggest proper improvements. Once improved and again analysed through the LCA, the PHA production process from CW shows that environmental performance comparable to AD may be achieved. With reference, again, to the climate change indicator the value can be reduced to -50.3 kg CO2 eq./t CW for the improved PHA production process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiano Asunis
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giorgia De Gioannis
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy; IGAG - CNR, Istituto di Geologia Ambientale e Geoingegneria - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Piazza d'Armi, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Francini
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Florence, Via Santa Marta 3, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Lidia Lombardi
- Niccolò Cusano University of Rome, Via Don Carlo Gnocchi 3, 00166 Rome, Italy.
| | - Aldo Muntoni
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Polettini
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Pomi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Andreina Rossi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Spiga
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
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33
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Frison N, Andreolli M, Botturi A, Lampis S, Fatone F. Effects of the Sludge Retention Time and Carbon Source on Polyhydroxyalkanoate-Storing Biomass Selection under Aerobic-Feast and Anoxic-Famine Conditions. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2021; 9:9455-9464. [PMID: 35059238 PMCID: PMC8764655 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c02973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are versatile biodegradable polymers produced by bacteria and are suitable for many downstream applications. They can be produced inexpensively from mixed microbial cultures under feast and famine conditions in the presence of biobased volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Here, we investigated the effect of changing the sludge retention time (SRT) and the addition of fermented cellulosic primary sludge (CPS) as a carbon source on the selection of PHA-storing biomass when applying the feast and famine strategy under aerobic and anoxic conditions, respectively. Increasing the SRT from 5 to 7-10 days enhanced PHA yields under feast conditions from 0.18 gCODPHA/gCODVFA (period 1) to 0.40 gCODPHA/gCODVFA (period 2). The use of fermented CPS as a carbon source (period 3) increased PHA yields to 0.62 gCODPHA/gCODVFA despite the presence of biodegradable non-VFA fractions. Microbial characterization by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed high microbial speciation during the three experimental periods. In period 3, the dominant genera were Thauera, Paracoccus, and Azoarcus, which accounted for ∼95% of the total microbial biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Frison
- Department
of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Andreolli
- Department
of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Alice Botturi
- Department
of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Lampis
- Department
of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco Fatone
- Department
of Science and Engineering of Materials, Environment and Urban Planning-SIMAU, Marche Polytechnic University, via Brecce Bianche 12, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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34
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Microbial cell factories for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:337-353. [PMID: 34132340 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pollution caused by persistent petro-plastics is the most pressing problem currently, with 8 million tons of plastic waste dumped annually in the oceans. Plastic waste management is not systematized in many countries, because it is laborious and expensive with secondary pollution hazards. Bioplastics, synthesized by microorganisms, are viable alternatives to petrochemical-based thermoplastics due to their biodegradable nature. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a structurally and functionally diverse group of storage polymers synthesized by many microorganisms, including bacteria and Archaea. Some of the most important PHA accumulating bacteria include Cupriavidus necator, Burkholderia sacchari, Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp., recombinant Escherichia coli, and certain halophilic extremophiles. PHAs are synthesized by specialized PHA polymerases with assorted monomers derived from the cellular metabolite pool. In the natural cycle of cellular growth, PHAs are depolymerized by the native host for carbon and energy. The presence of these microbial PHA depolymerases in natural niches is responsible for the degradation of bioplastics. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is the most common PHA with desirable thermoplastic-like properties. PHAs have widespread applications in various industries including biomedicine, fine chemicals production, drug delivery, packaging, and agriculture. This review provides the updated knowledge on the metabolic pathways for PHAs synthesis in bacteria, and the major microbial hosts for PHAs production. Yeasts are presented as a potential candidate for industrial PHAs production, with their high amenability to genetic engineering and the availability of industrial-scale technology. The major bottlenecks in the commercialization of PHAs as an alternative for plastics and future perspectives are also critically discussed.
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35
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Comparative analysis of various extraction processes based on economy, eco-friendly, purity and recovery of polyhydroxyalkanoate: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 183:1881-1890. [PMID: 34090850 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Bioplastics have been an interesting area of research and development in the last few decades. Normal plastics are made out of petroleum products, which is a non-renewable resource. Apart from that, its non-biodegradable nature makes it a serious threat to the environment, and hence a better alternative is needed. Bioplastics are synthesized by microorganisms and are biodegradable; this property makes them a promising alternative to normal plastic. However, the major drawback related to bioplastic is the high cost of its production. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a very popular biopolymer produced by different types of microbes. The review focuses on the different methods of extraction of PHA based on the percentage of purity, recovery, eco-friendly, and cost-effectiveness. There is a wide array of extraction methods reported to date, wherein there is the involvement of different types of solvents (like halogenated, non-halogenated, and green solvents) or mechanical or enzymatic methods. Each extraction process has its advantages and disadvantages. In this study, we have attempted to present a structured comparison of these different methods and highlight the factors that can be addressed for better extraction of PHA thereby making it a feasible alternative to commercial synthetic plastic.
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36
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Di Caprio F. Cultivation processes to select microorganisms with high accumulation ability. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 49:107740. [PMID: 33838283 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The microbial ability to accumulate biomolecules is fundamental for different biotechnological applications aiming at the production of biofuels, food and bioplastics. However, high accumulation is a selective advantage only under certain stressful conditions, such as nutrient depletion, characterized by lower growth rate. Conventional bioprocesses maintain an optimal and stable environment for large part of the cultivation, that doesn't reward cells for their accumulation ability, raising the risk of selection of contaminant strains with higher growth rate, but lower accumulation of products. Here in this work the physiological responses of different microorganisms (microalgae, bacteria, yeasts) under N-starvation and energy starvation are reviewed, with the aim to furnish relevant insights exploitable to develop tailored bioprocesses to select specific strains for their higher accumulation ability. Microorganism responses to starvation are reviewed focusing on cell cycle, biomass production and variations in biochemical composition. Then, the work describes different innovative bioprocess configurations exploiting uncoupled nutrient feeding strategies (feast-famine), tailored to maintain a selective pressure to reward the strains with higher accumulation ability in mixed microbial populations. Finally, the main models developed in recent studies to describe and predict microbial growth and intracellular accumulation upon N-starvation and feast-famine conditions have been reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Di Caprio
- Department of Chemistry, University Sapienza of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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