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Rebnegger C, Coltman BL, Kowarz V, Peña DA, Mentler A, Troyer C, Hann S, Schöny H, Koellensperger G, Mattanovich D, Gasser B. Protein production dynamics and physiological adaptation of recombinant Komagataella phaffii at near-zero growth rates. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:43. [PMID: 38331812 PMCID: PMC10851509 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02314-3] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific productivity (qP) in yeast correlates with growth, typically peaking at intermediate or maximum specific growth rates (μ). Understanding the factors limiting productivity at extremely low μ might reveal decoupling strategies, but knowledge of production dynamics and physiology in such conditions is scarce. Retentostats, a type of continuous cultivation, enable the well-controlled transition to near-zero µ through the combined retention of biomass and limited substrate supply. Recombinant Komagataella phaffii (syn Pichia pastoris) secreting a bivalent single domain antibody (VHH) was cultivated in aerobic, glucose-limited retentostats to investigate recombinant protein production dynamics and broaden our understanding of relevant physiological adaptations at near-zero growth conditions. RESULTS By the end of the retentostat cultivation, doubling times of approx. two months were reached, corresponding to µ = 0.00047 h-1. Despite these extremely slow growth rates, the proportion of viable cells remained high, and de novo synthesis and secretion of the VHH were observed. The average qP at the end of the retentostat was estimated at 0.019 mg g-1 h-1. Transcriptomics indicated that genes involved in protein biosynthesis were only moderately downregulated towards zero growth, while secretory pathway genes were mostly regulated in a manner seemingly detrimental to protein secretion. Adaptation to near-zero growth conditions of recombinant K. phaffii resulted in significant changes in the total protein, RNA, DNA and lipid content, and lipidomics revealed a complex adaptation pattern regarding the lipid class composition. The higher abundance of storage lipids as well as storage carbohydrates indicates that the cells are preparing for long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, retentostat cultivation proved to be a valuable tool to identify potential engineering targets to decouple growth and protein production and gain important insights into the physiological adaptation of K. phaffii to near-zero growth conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Rebnegger
- CD-Laboratory for Growth-Decoupled Protein Production in Yeast at Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology (IMMB), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB GmbH), Muthgasse 11, 1190, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin L Coltman
- CD-Laboratory for Growth-Decoupled Protein Production in Yeast at Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology (IMMB), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Vienna, Austria
| | - Viktoria Kowarz
- CD-Laboratory for Growth-Decoupled Protein Production in Yeast at Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology (IMMB), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Vienna, Austria
| | - David A Peña
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology (IMMB), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Vienna, Austria
| | - Axel Mentler
- Department of Forest- and Soil Sciences, Institute of Soil Research, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Peter-Jordan-Straße 82, 1190, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christina Troyer
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan Hann
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald Schöny
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Straße 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gunda Koellensperger
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Straße 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Metabolomics Center (VIME), University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Diethard Mattanovich
- CD-Laboratory for Growth-Decoupled Protein Production in Yeast at Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology (IMMB), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB GmbH), Muthgasse 11, 1190, Vienna, Austria
| | - Brigitte Gasser
- CD-Laboratory for Growth-Decoupled Protein Production in Yeast at Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology (IMMB), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Vienna, Austria.
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB GmbH), Muthgasse 11, 1190, Vienna, Austria.
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Ingham B, Sung R, Kay P, Hollywood K, Wongsirichot P, Veitch A, Winterburn J. Determining the accuracy and suitability of common analytical techniques for sophorolipid biosurfactants. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 51:kuae021. [PMID: 38906848 PMCID: PMC11223654 DOI: 10.1093/jimb/kuae021] [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: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
To determine the performance of a sophorolipid biosurfactant production process, it is important to have accurate and specific analytical techniques in place. Among the most popular are the anthrone assay, gravimetric quantification (hexane:ethyl acetate extraction), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The choice of analytical tool varies depending on cost, availability, and ease of use; however, these techniques have never been compared directly against one another. In this work, 75 fermentation broths with varying product/substrate concentrations were comprehensively tested with the 3 techniques and compared. HPLC-ultraviolet detection (198 nm) was capable of quantifying C18:1 subterminal hydroxyl diacetylated lactonic sophorolipid down to a lower limit of 0.3 g/L with low variability (<3.21%). Gravimetric quantification of the broths following liquid:liquid extraction with hexane and ethyl acetate showed some linearity (R2 = .658) when compared to HPLC but could not quantify lower than 11.06 g/L, even when no sophorolipids were detected in the sample, highlighting the non-specificity of the method to co-extract non-sophorolipid components in the final gravimetric measure. The anthrone assay showed no linearity (R2 = .129) and was found to cross-react with media components (rapeseed oil, corn steep liquor, glucose), leading to consistent overestimation of sophorolipid concentration. The appearance of poor biomass separation during sample preparation with centrifugation was noted and resolved with a novel sample preparation method with pure ethanol. Extensive analysis and comparisons of the most common sophorolipid quantification techniques are explored and the limitations/advantages are highlighted. The findings provide a guide for scientists to make an informed decision on the suitable quantification tool that meets their needs, exploring all aspects of the analysis process from harvest, sample preparation, and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ingham
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Rehana Sung
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
| | - Phil Kay
- JMP Statistical Discovery LLC, Wittington House, Henley Road, Medmenham, Marlow SL7 2EB, UK
| | - Katherine Hollywood
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
| | - Phavit Wongsirichot
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Alistair Veitch
- Holiferm Ltd, Unit 15, Severnside Trading Estate, Textilose Road, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 1WA, UK
| | - James Winterburn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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Pal S, Chatterjee N, Das AK, McClements DJ, Dhar P. Sophorolipids: A comprehensive review on properties and applications. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 313:102856. [PMID: 36827914 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2023.102856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Sophorolipids are surface-active glycolipids produced by several non-pathogenic yeast species and are widely used as biosurfactants in several industrial applications. Sophorolipids provide a plethora of benefits over chemically synthesized surfactants for certain applications like bioremediation, oil recovery, and pharmaceuticals. They are, for instance less toxic, more benign and environment friendly in nature, biodegradable, freely adsorb to different surfaces, self-assembly in hydrated solutions, robustness for industrial applications etc. These miraculous properties result in valuable physicochemical attributes such as low critical micelle concentrations (CMCs), reduced interfacial surface tension, and capacity to dissolve non-polar components. Moreover, they exhibit a diverse range of physicochemical, functional, and biological attributes due to their unique molecular composition and structure. In this article, we highlight the physico-chemical properties of sophorolipids, how these properties are exploited by the human community for extensive benefits and the conditions which lead to their unique tailor-made structures and how they entail their interfacial behavior. Besides, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of these sophorolipids. We also review their physiological and functional attributes, along with their potential commercial applications, in real-world scenario. Biosurfactants are compared to their man-made equivalents to show the variations in structure-property correlations and possible benefits. Those attempting to manufacture purported natural or green surfactant with innovative and valuable qualities can benefit from an understanding of biosurfactant features structured along the same principles. The uniqueness of this review article is the detailed physico-chemical study of the sophorolipid biosurfactant and how these properties helps in their usage and detailed explicit study of their applications in the current scenario and also covering their pros and cons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srija Pal
- Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Food and Nutrition Division, University of Calcutta, 20B Judges Court Road, Kolkata 700027, West Bengal, India
| | - Niloy Chatterjee
- Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Food and Nutrition Division, University of Calcutta, 20B Judges Court Road, Kolkata 700027, West Bengal, India; Centre for Research in Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, University of Calcutta, JD 2, Sector III, Salt Lake City, Kolkata 700 098, West Bengal, India
| | - Arun K Das
- Eastern Regional Station, ICAR-IVRI, 37 Belgachia Road, Kolkata 700037, West Bengal, India
| | - David Julian McClements
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; Department of Food Science & Bioengineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, 18 Xuezheng Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Pubali Dhar
- Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Food and Nutrition Division, University of Calcutta, 20B Judges Court Road, Kolkata 700027, West Bengal, India; Centre for Research in Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, University of Calcutta, JD 2, Sector III, Salt Lake City, Kolkata 700 098, West Bengal, India.
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Dierickx S, Souvereyns M, Roelants SLKW, De Graeve M, Van Meulebroek L, De Maeseneire SL, Soetaert WKG, Vanhaecke L. Comprehensive metabolomics reveals correlation between sophorolipid biosynthesis and autophagy. N Biotechnol 2023; 75:1-12. [PMID: 36805132 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Sophorolipids are biobased and biodegradable glycolipid surface-active agents contributing to the shift from petroleum to biobased surfactants, associated with clear environmental benefits. However, their production cost is currently too high to allow commercialisation. Therefore, a continuous sophorolipid production process was evaluated, i.e., a retentostat with an external filtration unit. Despite an initial increase in volumetric productivity, productivity eventually declined to almost 0 g L-1 h-1. Following comprehensive metabolomics on supernatant obtained from a standardised retentostat, we hypothesised exhaustion of the N-starvation-induced autophagy as the main mechanism responsible for the decline in bolaform sophorolipid productivity. Thirty-six metabolites that correlate with RNA/protein autophagy and high sophorolipid productivity were putatively identified. In conclusion, our results unveil a plausible cause of this bola sophorolipid productivity decline in an industrially relevant bioreactor set-up, which may thus impact majorly on future yeast biosurfactant regulation studies and the finetuning of bola sophorolipid production processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Dierickx
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Integrative Metabolomics (LIMET), Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Maximilien Souvereyns
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sophie L K W Roelants
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP), Rodenhuizekaai 1, 9042 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marilyn De Graeve
- Laboratory of Integrative Metabolomics (LIMET), Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Lieven Van Meulebroek
- Laboratory of Integrative Metabolomics (LIMET), Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sofie L De Maeseneire
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim K G Soetaert
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP), Rodenhuizekaai 1, 9042 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lynn Vanhaecke
- Laboratory of Integrative Metabolomics (LIMET), Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University, University Road, Belfast BT7 1NN, United Kingdom.
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Pal Y, Mali SN, Kale SB, Pratap AP. Improved adsorptive purification and effective separation of acidic and lactonic sophorolipid biosurfactant. J INDIAN CHEM SOC 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jics.2022.100776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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