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Kumar V, Verma P. Microbial valorization of kraft black liquor for production of platform chemicals, biofuels, and value-added products: A critical review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 366:121631. [PMID: 38986370 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The proper treatment and utilization of kraft black liquor, generated from the pulp and paper industry through the kraft pulping method, is required to reduce environmental impacts prior to the final disposal. It also improves the economic performance through the utilization of waste. Microbial valorization appears to demonstrates the dual benefits of waste management and resource recovery by providing an innovative solution to convert kraft black liquor into resource for reuse. A comprehensive review on the microbial valorization of kraft black liquor, describing the role in valorization and management, is still lacking in the literature, forming the rationale of this article. Thus, the present study reviews and systematically discusses the potential of utilizing microorganisms to valorize kraft black liquor as a sustainable feedstock to develop a numerous portfolio of platform chemicals, bioenergy, and other value-added products. This work contributes to sustainability and resource efficiency within the pulp and paper industry. The recent developments in utilization of synthetic biology tools and molecular techniques, including omics approaches for engineering novel microbial strains, for enhancing kraft black liquor valorization has been presented. This review explores how the better utilization of kraft black liquor in the pulp and paper industry contributes to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) as well as the affordable and clean energy goal (SDG 7). The current review also addresses challenges related to toxicity, impurities, low productivity, and downstream processing that serve as obstacles to the progress of developing highly efficient bioproducts. The new directions for future research efforts to fill the critical knowledge gaps are proposed. This study concludes that by implementing microbial valorization techniques, the pulp and paper industry can transition from a linear to a circular bioeconomy and eco-friendly manage the kraft black liuor. This approach showed to be effective towards resource recovery, while simultaneously minimizing the environmental burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet Kumar
- Bioprocess and Bioenergy Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, 305817, Rajasthan, India
| | - Pradeep Verma
- Bioprocess and Bioenergy Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, 305817, Rajasthan, India.
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2
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Tu Z, Geng A, Xiang Y, Zayas-Garriga A, Guo H, Zhu D, Xie R, Sun J. Lignin Degradation by Klebsiella aerogenes TL3 under Anaerobic Conditions. Molecules 2024; 29:2177. [PMID: 38792038 PMCID: PMC11124209 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Lignin, the largest non-carbohydrate component of lignocellulosic biomass, is also a recalcitrant component of the plant cell wall. While the aerobic degradation mechanism of lignin has been well-documented, the anaerobic degradation mechanism is still largely elusive. In this work, a versatile facultative anaerobic lignin-degrading bacterium, Klebsiella aerogenes TL3, was isolated from a termite gut, and was found to metabolize a variety of carbon sources and produce a single kind or multiple kinds of acids. The percent degradation of alkali lignin reached 14.8% under anaerobic conditions, and could reach 17.4% in the presence of glucose within 72 h. Based on the results of infrared spectroscopy and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, it can be inferred that the anaerobic degradation of lignin may undergo the cleavage of the C-O bond (β-O-4), as well as the C-C bond (β-5 and β-β), and involve the oxidation of the side chain, demethylation, and the destruction of the aromatic ring skeleton. Although the anaerobic degradation of lignin by TL3 was slightly weaker than that under aerobic conditions, it could be further enhanced by adding glucose as an electron donor. These results may shed new light on the mechanisms of anaerobic lignin degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuowei Tu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Z.T.); (Y.X.); (A.Z.-G.); (H.G.); (D.Z.); (R.X.)
| | - Alei Geng
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Z.T.); (Y.X.); (A.Z.-G.); (H.G.); (D.Z.); (R.X.)
- Changzhou Engineering and Technology Institute, Jiangsu University, Changzhou 214153, China
| | - Yuhua Xiang
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Z.T.); (Y.X.); (A.Z.-G.); (H.G.); (D.Z.); (R.X.)
| | - Anaiza Zayas-Garriga
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Z.T.); (Y.X.); (A.Z.-G.); (H.G.); (D.Z.); (R.X.)
| | - Hao Guo
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Z.T.); (Y.X.); (A.Z.-G.); (H.G.); (D.Z.); (R.X.)
| | - Daochen Zhu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Z.T.); (Y.X.); (A.Z.-G.); (H.G.); (D.Z.); (R.X.)
| | - Rongrong Xie
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Z.T.); (Y.X.); (A.Z.-G.); (H.G.); (D.Z.); (R.X.)
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Z.T.); (Y.X.); (A.Z.-G.); (H.G.); (D.Z.); (R.X.)
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Ali SS, Al-Tohamy R, Elsamahy T, Sun J. Harnessing recalcitrant lignocellulosic biomass for enhanced biohydrogen production: Recent advances, challenges, and future perspective. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 72:108344. [PMID: 38521282 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108344] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Biohydrogen (Bio-H2) is widely recognized as a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy source, devoid of any detrimental impact on the environment. Lignocellulosic biomass (LB) is a readily accessible and plentiful source material that can be effectively employed as a cost-effective and sustainable substrate for Bio-H2 production. Despite the numerous challenges, the ongoing progress in LB pretreatment technology, microbial fermentation, and the integration of molecular biology techniques have the potential to enhance Bio-H2 productivity and yield. Consequently, this technology exhibits efficiency and the capacity to meet the future energy demands associated with the valorization of recalcitrant biomass. To date, several pretreatment approaches have been investigated in order to improve the digestibility of feedstock. Nevertheless, there has been a lack of comprehensive systematic studies examining the effectiveness of pretreatment methods in enhancing Bio-H2 production through dark fermentation. Additionally, there is a dearth of economic feasibility evaluations pertaining to this area of research. Thus, this review has conducted comparative studies on the technological and economic viability of current pretreatment methods. It has also examined the potential of these pretreatments in terms of carbon neutrality and circular economy principles. This review paves the way for a new opportunity to enhance Bio-H2 production with technological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh S Ali
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt.
| | - Rania Al-Tohamy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| | - Tamer Elsamahy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
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Gao X, Xu L, Zhong T, Song X, Zhang H, Liu X, Jiang Y. The proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and microbial communities in industrial wastewater treatment plant treating N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) by AAO process. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299740. [PMID: 38598457 PMCID: PMC11006197 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The excessive use of antibiotics has resulted in the contamination of the environment with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), posing a significant threat to public health. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are known to be reservoirs of ARGs and considered to be hotspots for horizontal gene transfer (HGT) between bacterial communities. However, most studies focused on the distribution and dissemination of ARGs in hospital and urban WWTPs, and little is known about their fate in industrial WWTPs. In this study, collected the 15 wastewater samples containing N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) from five stages of the anaerobic anoxic aerobic (AAO) process in an industrial WWTPs. The findings revealed a stepwise decrease in DMF and chemical oxygen demand (COD) content with the progression of treatment. However, the number and abundances of ARGs increase in the effluents of biological treatments. Furthermore, the residues of DMF and the treatment process altered the structure of the bacterial community. The correlation analysis indicated that the shift in bacterial community structures might be the main driver for the dynamics change of ARGs. Interestingly, observed that the AAO process may acted as a microbial source and increased the total abundance of ARGs instead of attenuating it. Additionally, found that non-pathogenic bacteria had higher ARGs abundance than pathogenic bacteria in effluents. The study provides insights into the microbial community structure and the mechanisms that drive the variation in ARGs abundance in industrial WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Gao
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Enzymology and Mechanism of Major Diseases and Key Laboratory of Biomedicine in Gene Diseases and Health of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Longhui Xu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Enzymology and Mechanism of Major Diseases and Key Laboratory of Biomedicine in Gene Diseases and Health of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Tao Zhong
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Ma’anshan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biofilm Water Purification and Utilization Technology, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Technology, Ma’anshan, China
| | - Xinxin Song
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Ma’anshan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biofilm Water Purification and Utilization Technology, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Technology, Ma’anshan, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Enzymology and Mechanism of Major Diseases and Key Laboratory of Biomedicine in Gene Diseases and Health of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Enzymology and Mechanism of Major Diseases and Key Laboratory of Biomedicine in Gene Diseases and Health of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Yongbin Jiang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Ma’anshan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biofilm Water Purification and Utilization Technology, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Technology, Ma’anshan, China
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Gu J, Qiu Q, Yu Y, Sun X, Tian K, Chang M, Wang Y, Zhang F, Huo H. Bacterial transformation of lignin: key enzymes and high-value products. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2024; 17:2. [PMID: 38172947 PMCID: PMC10765951 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-023-02447-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Lignin, a natural organic polymer that is recyclable and inexpensive, serves as one of the most abundant green resources in nature. With the increasing consumption of fossil fuels and the deterioration of the environment, the development and utilization of renewable resources have attracted considerable attention. Therefore, the effective and comprehensive utilization of lignin has become an important global research topic, with the goal of environmental protection and economic development. This review focused on the bacteria and enzymes that can bio-transform lignin, focusing on the main ways that lignin can be utilized to produce high-value chemical products. Bacillus has demonstrated the most prominent effect on lignin degradation, with 89% lignin degradation by Bacillus cereus. Furthermore, several bacterial enzymes were discussed that can act on lignin, with the main enzymes consisting of dye-decolorizing peroxidases and laccase. Finally, low-molecular-weight lignin compounds were converted into value-added products through specific reaction pathways. These bacteria and enzymes may become potential candidates for efficient lignin degradation in the future, providing a method for lignin high-value conversion. In addition, the bacterial metabolic pathways convert lignin-derived aromatics into intermediates through the "biological funnel", achieving the biosynthesis of value-added products. The utilization of this "biological funnel" of aromatic compounds may address the heterogeneous issue of the aromatic products obtained via lignin depolymerization. This may also simplify the separation of downstream target products and provide avenues for the commercial application of lignin conversion into high-value products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinming Gu
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, No. 2555 Jingyue Avenue, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Qing Qiu
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, No. 2555 Jingyue Avenue, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Yue Yu
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, No. 2555 Jingyue Avenue, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Xuejian Sun
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, No. 2555 Jingyue Avenue, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Kejian Tian
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, No. 2555 Jingyue Avenue, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Menghan Chang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, No. 2555 Jingyue Avenue, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Yibing Wang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, No. 2555 Jingyue Avenue, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Fenglin Zhang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, No. 2555 Jingyue Avenue, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Hongliang Huo
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, No. 2555 Jingyue Avenue, Changchun, 130117, China.
- Engineering Lab for Water Pollution Control and Resources Recovery of Jilin Province, Changchun, 130117, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Low-Carbon Treatment and Green Development of Polluted Water in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, Changchun, 130117, China.
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Zhao ZM, Meng X, Pu Y, Li M, Li Y, Zhang Y, Chen F, Ragauskas AJ. Bioconversion of Homogeneous Linear C-Lignin to Polyhydroxyalkanoates. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:3996-4004. [PMID: 37555845 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
The bioconversion of homogeneous linear catechyl lignin (C-lignin) to polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) was examined for the first time in this study. C-lignins from vanilla, euphorbia, and candlenut seed coats (denoted as C1, C2, and C3, respectively) varied in their molecular structures, which showed different molecular weight distributions, etherification degrees, and contents of hydroxyl groups. A notable amount of nonetherified catechol units existed within C1 and C2 lignins, and these catechol units were consumed during fermentation. These results suggested that the nonetherified catechol structure was readily converted by Pseudomonas putida KT2440. Since the weight-average molecular weight of C2 raw lignin was 26.7% lower than that of C1, the bioconversion performance of C2 lignin was more outstanding. The P. putida KT2440 cell amount reached the maximum of 9.3 × 107 CFU/mL in the C2 medium, which was 37.9 and 82.4% higher than that in the C1 and C3 medium, respectively. Accordingly, PHA concentration reached 137 mg/L within the C2 medium, which was 41.2 and 149.1% higher than the C1 and C3 medium, respectively. Overall, C-lignin, with a nonetherified catechol structure and low molecular weight, benefits its microbial conversion significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Min Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau (Ministry of Education), School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Xianzhi Meng
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Yunqiao Pu
- Center for Bioenergy Innovation (CBI), Joint Institute of Biological Science, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Mi Li
- Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, Center for Renewable Carbon, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Yibing Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau (Ministry of Education), School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Yihan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau (Ministry of Education), School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Center for Bioenergy Innovation (CBI), Joint Institute of Biological Science, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203, United States
| | - Arthur J Ragauskas
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
- Center for Bioenergy Innovation (CBI), Joint Institute of Biological Science, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
- Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, Center for Renewable Carbon, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
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Elsamahy T, Sun J, Elsilk SE, Ali SS. Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene plastic waste by a constructed tri-culture yeast consortium from wood-feeding termite: Degradation mechanism and pathway. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 448:130944. [PMID: 36860037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most common synthetic polymers, and PE waste pollution has been an environmental and health concern for decades. Biodegradation is the most eco-friendly and effective approach for plastic waste management. Recently, an emphasis has been placed on novel symbiotic yeasts isolated from termite guts as promising microbiomes for multiple biotechnological applications. This study might be the first to explore the potential of a constructed tri-culture yeast consortium, designated as DYC, isolated from termites for the degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The yeast consortium DYC stands for the molecularly identified species Sterigmatomyces halophilus, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, and Meyerozyma caribbica. The LDPE-DYC consortium showed a high growth rate on UV-sterilized LDPE as a sole carbon source, resulting in a reduction in tensile strength (TS) of 63.4% and a net LDPE mass reduction of 33.2% compared to the individual yeasts. All yeasts, individually and in consortium, showed a high production rate for LDPE-degrading enzymes. The hypothetical LDPE biodegradation pathway that was proposed revealed the formation of several metabolites, including alkanes, aldehydes, ethanol, and fatty acids. This study emphasizes a novel concept for using LDPE-degrading yeasts from wood-feeding termites for plastic waste biodegradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer Elsamahy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| | - Sobhy E Elsilk
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Sameh S Ali
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt.
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