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Chen J, Qiao D, Yuan T, Feng Y, Zhang P, Wang X, Zhang L. Biotechnological production of ectoine: current status and prospects. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2024; 69:247-258. [PMID: 37962826 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-023-01105-4] [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: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Ectoine is an important natural secondary metabolite in halophilic microorganisms. It protects cells against environmental stressors, such as salinity, freezing, drying, and high temperatures. Ectoine is widely used in medical, cosmetic, and other industries. Due to the commercial market demand of ectoine, halophilic microorganisms are the primary method for producing ectoine, which is produced using the industrial fermentation process "bacterial milking." The method has some limitations, such as the high salt concentration fermentation, which is highly corrosive to the equipment, and this also increases the difficulty of downstream purification and causes high production costs. The ectoine synthesis gene cluster has been successfully heterologously expressed in industrial microorganisms, and the yield of ectoine was significantly increased and the cost was reduced. This review aims to summarize and update microbial production of ectoine using different microorganisms, environments, and metabolic engineering and fermentation strategies and provides important reference for the development and application of ectoine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu'an, 237012, China
- Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-Agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, West Anhui University, Lu'an, 23702, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem and Biogeochemistry, Ministry of Natural Resources, State Oceanic Administration & Second Institute of Oceanography, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Deliang Qiao
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu'an, 237012, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluationand, Improvement of Traditional Chinese Medicine, West Anhui University, Lu, 237012, China
| | - Tao Yuan
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu'an, 237012, China
| | - Yeyuan Feng
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu'an, 237012, China
| | - Pengjun Zhang
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu'an, 237012, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu'an, 237012, China
| | - Li Zhang
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu'an, 237012, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluationand, Improvement of Traditional Chinese Medicine, West Anhui University, Lu, 237012, China.
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Feng Y, Qiu M, Shao L, Jiang Y, Zhang W, Jiang W, Xin F, Jiang M. Strategies for the biological production of ectoine by using different chassis strains. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 70:108306. [PMID: 38157997 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108306] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
As an amino acid derivative and a typical compatible solute, ectoine can assist microorganisms in resisting high osmotic pressure. Own to its long-term moisturizing effects, ectoine shows extensive applications in cosmetics, medicine and other fields. With the rapid development of synthetic biology and fermentation engineering, many biological strategies have been developed to improve the ectoine production and simplify the production process. Currently, the microbial fermentation has been widely used for large scaling ectoine production. Accordingly, this review will introduce the metabolic pathway for ectoine synthesis and also comprehensively evaluate both wild-type and genetically modified strains for ectoine production. Furthermore, process parameters affecting the ectoine production efficiency and adoption of low cost substrates will be evaluated. Lastly, future prospects on the improvement of ectoine production will be proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China
| | - Min Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China
| | - Lei Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China
| | - Yujia Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China
| | - Wenming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China
| | - Wankui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China.
| | - Fengxue Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China.
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China
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Rodero MDR, Carmona-Martínez AA, Martínez-Fraile C, Herrero-Lobo R, Rodríguez E, García-Encina PA, Peña M, Muñoz R. Ectoines production from biogas in pilot bubble column bioreactors and their subsequent extraction via bio-milking. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 245:120665. [PMID: 37801795 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120665] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite the potential of biogas from waste/wastewater treatment as a renewable energy source, the presence of pollutants and the rapid decrease in the levelized cost of solar and wind power constrain the use of biogas for energy generation. Biogas conversion into ectoine, one of the most valuable bioproducts (1000 €/kg), constitutes a new strategy to promote a competitive biogas market. The potential for a stand-alone 20 L bubble column bioreactor operating at 6% NaCl and two 10 L interconnected bioreactors (at 0 and 6% NaCl, respectively) for ectoine production from biogas was comparatively assessed. The stand-alone reactor supported the best process performance due to its highest robustness and efficiency for ectoine accumulation (20-52 mgectoine/gVSS) and CH4 degradation (up to 84%). The increase in N availability and internal gas recirculation did not enhance ectoine synthesis. However, a 2-fold increase in the internal gas recirculation resulted in an approximately 1.3-fold increase in CH4 removal efficiency. Finally, the recovery of ectoine through bacterial bio-milking resulted in efficiencies of >70% without any negative impact of methanotrophic cell recycling to the bioreactors on CH4 biodegradation or ectoine synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Del Rosario Rodero
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Valladolid 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid 47011, Spain
| | - Alessandro A Carmona-Martínez
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Valladolid 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid 47011, Spain
| | - Cristina Martínez-Fraile
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Valladolid 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid 47011, Spain
| | - Raquel Herrero-Lobo
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Valladolid 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid 47011, Spain
| | - Elisa Rodríguez
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Valladolid 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid 47011, Spain
| | - Pedro A García-Encina
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Valladolid 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid 47011, Spain
| | - Mar Peña
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Valladolid 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid 47011, Spain
| | - Raúl Muñoz
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Valladolid 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid 47011, Spain.
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Mrudulakumari Vasudevan U, Mai DHA, Krishna S, Lee EY. Methanotrophs as a reservoir for bioactive secondary metabolites: Pitfalls, insights and promises. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 63:108097. [PMID: 36634856 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108097] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Methanotrophs are potent natural producers of several bioactive secondary metabolites (SMs) including isoprenoids, polymers, peptides, and vitamins. Cryptic biosynthetic gene clusters identified from these microbes via genome mining hinted at the vast and hidden SM biosynthetic potential of these microbes. Central carbon metabolism in methanotrophs offers rare pathway intermediate pools that could be further diversified using advanced synthetic biology tools to produce valuable SMs; for example, plant polyketides, rare carotenoids, and fatty acid-derived SMs. Recent advances in pathway reconstruction and production of isoprenoids, squalene, ectoine, polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer, cadaverine, indigo, and shinorine serve as proof-of-concept. This review provides theoretical guidance for developing methanotrophs as microbial chassis for high-value SMs. We summarize the distinct secondary metabolic potentials of type I and type II methanotrophs, with specific attention to products relevant to biomedical applications. This review also includes native and non-native SMs from methanotrophs, their therapeutic potential, strategies to induce silent biosynthetic gene clusters, and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ushasree Mrudulakumari Vasudevan
- Department of Chemical Engineering (BK21 FOUR Integrated Engineering Program), Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Dung Hoang Anh Mai
- Department of Chemical Engineering (BK21 FOUR Integrated Engineering Program), Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Shyam Krishna
- Department of Chemical Engineering (BK21 FOUR Integrated Engineering Program), Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Yeol Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering (BK21 FOUR Integrated Engineering Program), Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea.
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Cho S, Lee YS, Chai H, Lim SE, Na JG, Lee J. Enhanced production of ectoine from methane using metabolically engineered Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2022; 15:5. [PMID: 35418141 PMCID: PMC8759281 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-022-02104-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Ectoine (1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid) is an attractive compatible solute because of its wide industrial applications. Previous studies on the microbial production of ectoine have focused on sugar fermentation. Alternatively, methane can be used as an inexpensive and abundant resource for ectoine production by using the halophilic methanotroph, Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z. However, there are some limitations, including the low production of ectoine from methane and the limited tools for the genetic manipulation of methanotrophs to facilitate their use as industrial strains. Results We constructed M. alcaliphilum 20ZDP with a high conjugation efficiency and stability of the episomal plasmid by the removal of its native plasmid. To improve the ectoine production in M. alcaliphilum 20Z from methane, the ectD (encoding ectoine hydroxylase) and ectR (transcription repressor of the ectABC-ask operon) were deleted to reduce the formation of by-products (such as hydroxyectoine) and induce ectoine production. When the double mutant was batch cultured with methane, ectoine production was enhanced 1.6-fold compared to that obtained with M. alcaliphilum 20ZDP (45.58 mg/L vs. 27.26 mg/L) without growth inhibition. Notably, a maximum titer of 142.32 mg/L was reached by the use of an optimized medium for ectoine production containing 6% NaCl and 0.05 μM of tungsten without hydroxyectoine production. This result demonstrates the highest ectoine production from methane to date. Conclusions Ectoine production was significantly enhanced by the disruption of the ectD and ectR genes in M. alcaliphilum 20Z under optimized conditions favoring ectoine accumulation. We demonstrated effective genetic engineering in a methanotrophic bacterium, with enhanced production of ectoine from methane as the sole carbon source. This study suggests a potentially transformational path to commercial sugar-based ectoine production. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13068-022-02104-2.
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Rodero MDR, Herrero-Lobo R, Pérez V, Muñoz R. Influence of operational conditions on the performance of biogas bioconversion into ectoines in pilot bubble column bioreactors. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 358:127398. [PMID: 35640813 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127398] [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: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The application of biogas as a low-priced substrate for the production of ectoines constitutes an opportunity to decrease their production costs and to enhance the viability of anaerobic digestion. The influence of operational conditions on CH4-biogas biodegradation and on ectoines production yields was assessed in continuous pilot bubble column bioreactors. The rise in biomass concentration from 1 to 3 g L-1 resulted in a decrease in the specific ectoine content from 42 ± 8 to 30 ± 4 mgectoine gVSS-1. The concentration of Cu2+ and Mg2+ did not impact process performance, while the use of ammonium as N source resulted in low CH4 biodegradation and ectoine yields (13 ± 7 mgectoine gVSS-1). The increase in CH4 content from 4.5 to 9 %v·v-1 enhanced CH4 removal efficiency. Process operation at NaCl concentrations of 3 %w·w-1 instead of 6 %w·w-1 decreased the ectoine yield to 17 mgectoine gVSS-1. Finally, Methylomicrobiumburyatense was identified as the dominant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Del Rosario Rodero
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, 47011, Valladolid, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineerings. University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Raquel Herrero-Lobo
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, 47011, Valladolid, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineerings. University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Víctor Pérez
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, 47011, Valladolid, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineerings. University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Raúl Muñoz
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, 47011, Valladolid, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineerings. University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011, Valladolid, Spain.
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Cantera S, Sousa DZ, Sánchez-Andrea I. Enhanced ectoines production by carbon dioxide capture: A step further towards circular economy. J CO2 UTIL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2022.102009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Sharma K, Park YK, Nadda AK, Banerjee P, Singh P, Raizada P, Banat F, Bharath G, Jeong SM, Lam SS. Emerging chemo-biocatalytic routes for valorization of major greenhouse gases (GHG) into industrial products: A comprehensive review. J IND ENG CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Carmona-Martínez AA, Marcos-Rodrigo E, Bordel S, Marín D, Herrero-Lobo R, García-Encina PA, Muñoz R. Elucidating the key environmental parameters during the production of ectoines from biogas by mixed methanotrophic consortia. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 298:113462. [PMID: 34365180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113462] [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: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a robust biotechnology for the valorisation of organic waste into biogas. However, the rapid decrease in renewable electricity prices requires alternative uses of biogas. In this context, the engineering of innovative platforms for the bio-production of chemicals from CH4 has recently emerged. The extremolyte and osmoprotectant ectoine, with a market price of ~1000€/Kg, is the industrial flagship of CH4-based bio-chemicals. This work aimed at optimizing the accumulation of ectoines using mixed microbial consortia enriched from saline environments (a salt lagoon and a salt river) and activated sludge, and biogas as feedstock. The influence of NaCl (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 %) and Na2WO4 (0, 35 and 70 μg L-1) concentrations and incubation temperature (15, 25 and 35 °C) on the stoichiometry and kinetics of the methanotrophic consortia was investigated. Consortia enriched from activated sludge at 15 °C accumulated the highest yields of ectoine and hydroxyectoine at 6 % NaCl (105.0 ± 27.2 and 24.2 ± 5.4 mgextremolyte gbiomass-1, respectively). The consortia enriched from the salt lagoon accumulated the highest yield of ectoine and hydroxyectoine at 9 % NaCl (56.6 ± 2.5 and 51.0 ± 2.0 mgextremolyte gbiomass-1, respectively) at 25 °C. The supplementation of tungsten to the cultivation medium did not impact on the accumulation of ectoines in any of the consortia. A molecular characterization of the enrichments revealed a relative abundance of ectoine-accumulating methanotrophs of 7-16 %, with Methylomicrobium buryatense and Methylomicrobium japanense as the main players in the bioconversion of methane into ectoine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro A Carmona-Martínez
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain
| | - Eva Marcos-Rodrigo
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain
| | - Sergio Bordel
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain
| | - David Marín
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain
| | - Raquel Herrero-Lobo
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain
| | - Pedro A García-Encina
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain
| | - Raúl Muñoz
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain.
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Gęsicka A, Oleskowicz-Popiel P, Łężyk M. Recent trends in methane to bioproduct conversion by methanotrophs. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 53:107861. [PMID: 34710553 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Methane is an abundant and low-cost gas with high global warming potential and its use as a feedstock can help mitigate climate change. Variety of valuable products can be produced from methane by methanotrophs in gas fermentation processes. By using methane as a sole carbon source, methanotrophic bacteria can produce bioplastics, biofuels, feed additives, ectoine and variety of other high-value chemical compounds. A lot of studies have been conducted through the years for natural methanotrophs and engineered strains as well as methanotrophic consortia. These have focused on increasing yields of native products as well as proof of concept for the synthesis of new range of chemicals by metabolic engineering. This review shows trends in the research on key methanotrophic bioproducts since 2015. Despite certain limitations of the known production strategies that makes commercialization of methane-based products challenging, there is currently much attention placed on the promising further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Gęsicka
- Water Supply and Bioeconomy Division, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Energy, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Piotr Oleskowicz-Popiel
- Water Supply and Bioeconomy Division, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Energy, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Mateusz Łężyk
- Water Supply and Bioeconomy Division, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Energy, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznan, Poland.
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Bordel S, Pérez R, Rodríguez E, Cantera S, Fernández-González N, Martínez MA, Muñoz R. Halotolerance mechanisms of the methanotroph Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:3459-3474. [PMID: 32672837 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum is an alkaliphilic and halotolerant methanotroph. The physiological responses of M. alcaliphilum to high NaCl concentrations, were studied using RNA sequencing and metabolic modeling. This study revealed that M. alcaliphilum possesses an unusual respiratory chain, in which complex I is replaced by a Na+ extruding NQR complex (highly upregulated under high salinity conditions) and a Na+ driven adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase coexists with a conventional H+ driven ATP synthase. A thermodynamic and metabolic model showing the interplay between these different components is presented. Ectoine is the main osmoprotector used by the cells. Ectoine synthesis is activated by the transcription of an ect operon that contains five genes, including the ectoine hydroxylase coding ectD gene. Enzymatic tests revealed that the product of ectD does not have catalytic activity. A new Genome Scale Metabolic Model for M. alcaliphilum revealed a higher flux in the oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway leading to NADPH production and contributing to resistance to oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Bordel
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Insdustrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Pérez
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Insdustrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Elisa Rodríguez
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Insdustrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Sara Cantera
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research Center, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nuria Fernández-González
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Insdustrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid, Spain
| | - María A Martínez
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid, Spain.,PROIMI Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos, CONICET, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Raúl Muñoz
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Insdustrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid, Spain
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12
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Cantera S, Phandanouvong-Lozano V, Pascual C, García-Encina PA, Lebrero R, Hay A, Muñoz R. A systematic comparison of ectoine production from upgraded biogas using Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum and a mixed haloalkaliphilic consortium. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 102:773-781. [PMID: 31812092 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2019.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Biogas is the byproduct of anaerobic digestion with the highest valorization potential, however its full exploitation is limited by the lack of tax incentives and the inherent presence of pollutants. The development of technologies for biogas conversion into added-value products is crucial in order to ensure the competitiveness of this bioresource. This study constitutes the first proof of concept of upgraded biogas bioconversion into the high profit margin product ectoine. Ectoine represents the most expensive product synthesized by microorganisms with a retail value of 1000 $ kg-1 and a yearly increasing demand that currently entails a total market opportunity of 15000 M€. First, the production of ectoine from upgraded biogas was assessed in batch bioreactors. The presence of H2S did not exert a negative effect on the growth of the haloalkaliphilic ectoine producers, and ectoine yields up to 49 mg g biomass-1 were obtained. A second experiment conducted in continuous bubble column bioreactors confirmed the feasibility of the process under continuous mode (with ectoine yields of 109 mg g biomass-1). Finally, this study revealed that the removal of toxic compounds (i.e. medium dilution rate of 0.5 day-1) and process operation with a consortium composed of methylotrophic/non-methylotrophic ectoine producers enhanced upgraded biogas bioconversion. This research discloses the basis for the application of this innovative technology and could boost the economic performance of anaerobic digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cantera
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research Center, The Netherlands
| | | | - Celia Pascual
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, Universidad de Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, Valladolid, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, Universidad de Valladolid, Spain
| | - Pedro A García-Encina
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, Universidad de Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, Valladolid, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, Universidad de Valladolid, Spain
| | - Raquel Lebrero
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, Universidad de Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, Valladolid, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, Universidad de Valladolid, Spain
| | - Anthony Hay
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Raúl Muñoz
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, Universidad de Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, Valladolid, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, Universidad de Valladolid, Spain.
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Cantera S, Sánchez-Andrea I, Sadornil LJ, García-Encina PA, Stams AJM, Muñoz R. Novel haloalkaliphilic methanotrophic bacteria: An attempt for enhancing methane bio-refinery. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 231:1091-1099. [PMID: 30602233 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Methane bioconversion into products with a high market value, such as ectoine or hydroxyectoine, can be optimized via isolation of more efficient novel methanotrophic bacteria. The research here presented focused on the enrichment of methanotrophic consortia able to co-produce different ectoines during CH4 metabolism. Four different enrichments (Cow3, Slu3, Cow6 and Slu6) were carried out in basal media supplemented with 3 and 6% NaCl, and using methane as the sole carbon and energy source. The highest ectoine accumulation (∼20 mg ectoine g biomass-1) was recorded in the two consortia enriched at 6% NaCl (Cow6 and Slu6). Moreover, hydroxyectoine was detected for the first time using methane as a feedstock in Cow6 and Slu6 (∼5 mg g biomass-1). The majority of the haloalkaliphilic bacteria identified by 16S rRNA community profiling in both consortia have not been previously described as methanotrophs. From these enrichments, two novel strains (representing novel species) capable of using methane as the sole carbon and energy source were isolated: Alishewanella sp. strain RM1 and Halomonas sp. strain PGE1. Halomonas sp. strain PGE1 showed higher ectoine yields (70-92 mg ectoine g biomass-1) than those previously described for other methanotrophs under continuous cultivation mode (∼37-70 mg ectoine g biomass-1). The results here obtained highlight the potential of isolating novel methanotrophs in order to boost the competitiveness of industrial CH4-based ectoine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cantera
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Irene Sánchez-Andrea
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Lidia J Sadornil
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Pedro A García-Encina
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Alfons J M Stams
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Raúl Muñoz
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, Valladolid, Spain.
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Cantera S, Sánchez-Andrea I, Lebrero R, García-Encina PA, Stams AJM, Muñoz R. Multi-production of high added market value metabolites from diluted methane emissions via methanotrophic extremophiles. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2018; 267:401-407. [PMID: 30031279 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2018.07.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This study constitutes the first-proof-of-concept of a methane biorefinery based on the multi-production of high profit margin substances (ectoine, hydroxyectoine, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and exopolysaccharides (EPS)) using methane as the sole carbon and energy source. Two bubble column bioreactors were operated under different magnesium concentrations (0.2, 0.02 and 0.002 g L-1) to validate and optimize this innovative strategy for valorization of CH4 emissions. High Mg2+ concentrations promoted the accumulation of ectoine (79.7-94.2 mg g biomass-1), together with high hydroxyectoine yields (up to 13 mg g biomass-1) and EPS concentrations (up to 2.6 g L culture broth-1). Unfortunately, PHA synthesis was almost negligible (14.3 mg L-1) and only found at the lowest Mg2+ concentration tested. Halomonas, Marinobacter, Methylophaga and Methylomicrobium, previously described as ectoine producers, were dominant in both bioreactors, Methylomicrobium being the only described methanotroph. This study encourages further research on CH4 biorefineries capable of creating value out of GHG mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cantera
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, Valladolid, Spain
| | - I Sánchez-Andrea
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - R Lebrero
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, Valladolid, Spain
| | - P A García-Encina
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Alfons J M Stams
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - R Muñoz
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, Valladolid, Spain.
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Palomo-Briones R, Esquivel-González S, Aizpuru A, Gómez-Hernández N, Casas-Flores S, Barba de la Rosa AP, Arriaga S. Microbial contamination in methanol biofilters inoculated with a pure strain of Pichia pastoris: A potential limitation for waste revalorization. Biotechnol Prog 2018; 35:e2715. [PMID: 30294912 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Novel biotechnologies to valorize waste emissions are based on the use of specialized microbial groups that produce different compounds of industrial interest. On this scenario, the retention of such specific microorganisms in the system is of critical interest; however, the potential limitations of working with simplified cultures in a competitive open environment are neither fully explored nor well understood. In this work, a series of biofilters treating methanol vapors coupled with heterologous endochitinase production were used to evaluate the performance of a specialized microbial population during a typical open-to-environment operation. The biofilters were inoculated with a transformed strain of Pichia pastoris and were operated identically for about 90 days. The results showed that the biofiltration performance became diverse with time in terms of the elimination capacity (EC) shifting from a variation coefficient of 1.5% (EC = 274 ± 24, 279 ± 5, and 281.9 ± 25 g/[m3 h]) at the beginning of the operation to 33% (EC = 297 ± 9, 338 ± 7, and 341 ± 2 g/[m3 h]) at the end of operation. Epifluorescence analysis and cloning-sequencing suggested that P. pastoris remained as the dominant microorganism of methanol degradation, whereas diverse airborne bacteria, including Ochrobactrum spp. and Klebsiella oxytoca, played a secondary role possibly associated with the consumption of intermediates. Overall, this study found that low diversity systems operated under non-sterile conditions could be susceptible to contamination with external microorganisms causing a diversifying behavior at the performance and microbial community levels. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2715, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Palomo-Briones
- Div. de Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICYT), San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Saúl Esquivel-González
- Div. de Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICYT), San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Aitor Aizpuru
- Universidad del Mar, Campus Purto Ángel, San Pedro Pochutla, México
| | - Nicolás Gómez-Hernández
- Div. de Biología Molecular, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICYT), San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Sergio Casas-Flores
- Div. de Biología Molecular, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICYT), San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Ana Paulina Barba de la Rosa
- Div. de Biología Molecular, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICYT), San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Sonia Arriaga
- Div. de Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICYT), San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
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16
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Saavedra R, Muñoz R, Taboada ME, Vega M, Bolado S. Comparative uptake study of arsenic, boron, copper, manganese and zinc from water by different green microalgae. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2018; 263:49-57. [PMID: 29729541 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2018.04.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This work represents a comparative uptake study of the toxic elements arsenic, boron, copper, manganese and zinc in monometallic and multimetallic solutions by four green microalgae species (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus almeriensis and an indigenous Chlorophyceae spp.), evaluating the effect of pH and contact time. Maximum removal efficiencies for each toxic element were 99.4% for Mn (C. vulgaris, pH 7.0, 3 h), 91.9% for Zn (Chlorophyceae spp., pH 5.5, 3 h), 88% for Cu (Chlorophyceae spp., pH 7.0, 10 min), 40.7% for As (S. almeriensis, pH 9.5, 3 h) and 38.6% for B (S. almeriensis, pH 5.5, 10 min). B removal efficiencies decreased remarkably in multimetallic solutions (down to 0.2% in C. reinhardtii), except for Chlorophyceae spp., the only species isolated from a polluted environment. FTIR spectra shown the highest interactions for As (1150-1300 cm-1) and Cu (3300, 1741, 1535, 1350-1400 cm-1). Results confirm microalgae biomass as a potential biosorbent for toxic elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Saavedra
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering, Antofagasta University, Universidad de Antofagasta Avenue 02800, CP 1240000 Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Raúl Muñoz
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - María Elisa Taboada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Antofagasta University, Universidad de Antofagasta Avenue 02800, CP 1240000 Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Marisol Vega
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Valladolid University, Campus Miguel Delibes, Paseo Belén 7, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Silvia Bolado
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.
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17
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Technologies for the bioconversion of methane into more valuable products. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2018; 50:128-135. [PMID: 29316497 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2017.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Methane, with a global warming potential twenty five times higher than that of CO2 is the second most important greenhouse gas emitted nowadays. Its bioconversion into microbial molecules with a high retail value in the industry offers a potential cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solution for mitigating anthropogenic diluted CH4-laden streams. Methane bio-refinery for the production of different compounds such as ectoine, feed proteins, biofuels, bioplastics and polysaccharides, apart from new bioproducts characteristic of methanotrophic bacteria, has been recently tested in discontinuous and continuous bioreactors with promising results. This review constitutes a critical discussion about the state-of-the-art of the potential and research niches of biotechnologies applied in a CH4 biorefinery approach.
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