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Pichaiyotinkul P, Leksingto J, Sukkasam N, In-Na P, Incharoensakdi A, Monshupanee T. Erythromycin mediates co-flocculation between cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and filamentous fungi in liquid cultivation without organic compounds. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9640. [PMID: 38671026 PMCID: PMC11053131 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60016-7] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Photoautotrophic cyanobacteria assimilate the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide as their sole carbon source for producing useful bioproducts. However, harvesting the cells from their liquid media is a major bottleneck in the process. Thus, an easy-to-harvest method, such as auto-flocculation, is desirable. Here, we found that cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 co-flocculated with a natural fungal contamination in the presence of the antibiotic erythromycin (EM) but not without EM. The fungi in the co-flocculated biomass were isolated and found to consist of five species with the filamentous Purpureocillium lilacinum and Aspergillus protuberus making up 71% of the overall fungal population. The optimal co-cultivation for flocculation was an initial 5 mg (fresh weight) of fungi, an initial cell density of Synechocystis of 0.2 OD730, 10 µM EM, and 14 days of cultivation in 100 mL of BG11 medium with no organic compound. This yielded 248 ± 28 mg/L of the Synechocystis-fungi flocculated biomass from 560 ± 35 mg/L of total biomass, a 44 ± 2% biomass flocculation efficiency. Furthermore, the EM treated Synechocystis cells in the Synechocystis-fungi flocculate had a normal cell color and morphology, while those in the axenic suspension exhibited strong chlorosis. Thus, the occurrence of the Synechocystis-fungi flocculation was mediated by EM, and the co-flocculation with the fungi protected Synechocystis against the development of chlorosis. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that the EM-mediated co-flocculation was a result of down-regulation of the minor pilin genes and up-regulation of several genes including the chaperone gene for pilin regulation, the S-layer protein genes, the exopolysaccharide-polymerization gene, and the genes for signaling proteins involved in cell attachment and abiotic-stress responses. The CuSO4 stress can also mediate Synechocystis-fungi flocculation but at a lower flocculation efficiency than that caused by EM. The EM treatment may be applied in the co-culture between other cyanobacteria and fungi to mediate cell bio-flocculation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jidapa Leksingto
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Nannaphat Sukkasam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Pichaya In-Na
- Research Unit on Sustainable Algal Cultivation and Applications, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Department of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Aran Incharoensakdi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Academy of Science, Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok, 10300, Thailand
| | - Tanakarn Monshupanee
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- Research Unit on Sustainable Algal Cultivation and Applications, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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Zhang J, Xue D, Wang C, Fang D, Cao L, Gong C. Genetic engineering for biohydrogen production from microalgae. iScience 2023; 26:107255. [PMID: 37520694 PMCID: PMC10384274 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of biohydrogen as an alternative energy source has had great economic and environmental benefits. Hydrogen production from microalgae is considered a clean and sustainable energy production method that can both alleviate fuel shortages and recycle waste. Although algal hydrogen production has low energy consumption and requires only simple pretreatment, it has not been commercialized because of low product yields. To increase microalgal biohydrogen production several technologies have been developed, although they struggle with the oxygen sensitivity of the hydrogenases responsible for hydrogen production and the complexity of the metabolic network. In this review, several genetic and metabolic engineering studies on enhancing microalgal biohydrogen production are discussed, and the economic feasibility and future direction of microalgal biohydrogen commercialization are also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zhang
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P.R.China
| | - Dongsheng Xue
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P.R.China
| | - Chongju Wang
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P.R.China
| | - Donglai Fang
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P.R.China
| | - Liping Cao
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P.R.China
| | - Chunjie Gong
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P.R.China
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Schumann C, Fernández Méndez J, Berggren G, Lindblad P. Novel concepts and engineering strategies for heterologous expression of efficient hydrogenases in photosynthetic microorganisms. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1179607. [PMID: 37502399 PMCID: PMC10369191 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1179607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen is considered one of the key enablers of the transition towards a sustainable and net-zero carbon economy. When produced from renewable sources, hydrogen can be used as a clean and carbon-free energy carrier, as well as improve the sustainability of a wide range of industrial processes. Photobiological hydrogen production is considered one of the most promising technologies, avoiding the need for renewable electricity and rare earth metal elements, the demands for which are greatly increasing due to the current simultaneous electrification and decarbonization goals. Photobiological hydrogen production employs photosynthetic microorganisms to harvest solar energy and split water into molecular oxygen and hydrogen gas, unlocking the long-pursued target of solar energy storage. However, photobiological hydrogen production has to-date been constrained by several limitations. This review aims to discuss the current state-of-the art regarding hydrogenase-driven photobiological hydrogen production. Emphasis is placed on engineering strategies for the expression of improved, non-native, hydrogenases or photosynthesis re-engineering, as well as their combination as one of the most promising pathways to develop viable large-scale hydrogen green cell factories. Herein we provide an overview of the current knowledge and technological gaps curbing the development of photobiological hydrogenase-driven hydrogen production, as well as summarizing the recent advances and future prospects regarding the expression of non-native hydrogenases in cyanobacteria and green algae with an emphasis on [FeFe] hydrogenases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conrad Schumann
- Molecular Biomimetics, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jorge Fernández Méndez
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gustav Berggren
- Molecular Biomimetics, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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4
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Jackson PJ, Hitchcock A, Brindley AA, Dickman MJ, Hunter CN. Absolute quantification of cellular levels of photosynthesis-related proteins in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2023; 155:219-245. [PMID: 36542271 PMCID: PMC9958174 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-022-00990-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Quantifying cellular components is a basic and important step for understanding how a cell works, how it responds to environmental changes, and for re-engineering cells to produce valuable metabolites and increased biomass. We quantified proteins in the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 given the general importance of cyanobacteria for global photosynthesis, for synthetic biology and biotechnology research, and their ancestral relationship to the chloroplasts of plants. Four mass spectrometry methods were used to quantify cellular components involved in the biosynthesis of chlorophyll, carotenoid and bilin pigments, membrane assembly, the light reactions of photosynthesis, fixation of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, and hydrogen and sulfur metabolism. Components of biosynthetic pathways, such as those for chlorophyll or for photosystem II assembly, range between 1000 and 10,000 copies per cell, but can be tenfold higher for CO2 fixation enzymes. The most abundant subunits are those for photosystem I, with around 100,000 copies per cell, approximately 2 to fivefold higher than for photosystem II and ATP synthase, and 5-20 fold more than for the cytochrome b6f complex. Disparities between numbers of pathway enzymes, between components of electron transfer chains, and between subunits within complexes indicate possible control points for biosynthetic processes, bioenergetic reactions and for the assembly of multisubunit complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Jackson
- Plants, Photosynthesis and Soil, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK.
| | - Andrew Hitchcock
- Plants, Photosynthesis and Soil, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Amanda A Brindley
- Plants, Photosynthesis and Soil, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Mark J Dickman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
| | - C Neil Hunter
- Plants, Photosynthesis and Soil, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
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Khetkorn W, Raksajit W, Maneeruttanarungroj C, Lindblad P. Photobiohydrogen Production and Strategies for H 2 Yield Improvements in Cyanobacteria. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 183:253-279. [PMID: 37009974 DOI: 10.1007/10_2023_216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen gas (H2) is one of the potential future sustainable and clean energy carriers that may substitute the use of fossil resources including fuels since it has a high energy content (heating value of 141.65 MJ/kg) when compared to traditional hydrocarbon fuels [1]. Water is a primary product of combustion being a most significant advantage of H2 being environmentally friendly with the capacity to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. H2 is used in various applications. It generates electricity in fuel cells, including applications in transportation, and can be applied as fuel in rocket engines [2]. Moreover, H2 is an important gas and raw material in many industrial applications. However, the high cost of the H2 production processes requiring the use of other energy sources is a significant disadvantage. At present, H2 can be prepared in many conventional ways, such as steam reforming, electrolysis, and biohydrogen production processes. Steam reforming uses high-temperature steam to produce hydrogen gas from fossil resources including natural gas. Electrolysis is an electrolytic process to decompose water molecules into O2 and H2. However, both these two methods are energy-intensive and producing hydrogen from natural gas, which is mostly methane (CH4) and in steam reforming generates CO2 and pollutants as by-products. On the other hand, biological hydrogen production is more environmentally sustainable and less energy intensive than thermochemical and electrochemical processes [3], but most concepts are not yet developed to production scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanthanee Khetkorn
- Division of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology, Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Wuttinun Raksajit
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Program of Animal Health Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Cherdsak Maneeruttanarungroj
- Department of Biology, School of Science, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand
- Bioenergy Research Unit, School of Science, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Opel F, Itzenhäuser MA, Wehner I, Lupacchini S, Lauterbach L, Lenz O, Klähn S. Toward a synthetic hydrogen sensor in cyanobacteria: Functional production of an oxygen-tolerant regulatory hydrogenase in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1122078. [PMID: 37032909 PMCID: PMC10073562 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1122078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria have raised great interest in biotechnology, e.g., for the sustainable production of molecular hydrogen (H2) using electrons from water oxidation. However, this is hampered by various constraints. For example, H2-producing enzymes compete with primary metabolism for electrons and are usually inhibited by molecular oxygen (O2). In addition, there are a number of other constraints, some of which are unknown, requiring unbiased screening and systematic engineering approaches to improve the H2 yield. Here, we introduced the regulatory [NiFe]-hydrogenase (RH) of Cupriavidus necator (formerly Ralstonia eutropha) H16 into the cyanobacterial model strain Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. In its natural host, the RH serves as a molecular H2 sensor initiating a signal cascade to express hydrogenase-related genes when no additional energy source other than H2 is available. Unlike most hydrogenases, the C. necator enzymes are O2-tolerant, allowing their efficient utilization in an oxygenic phototroph. Similar to C. necator, the RH produced in Synechocystis showed distinct H2 oxidation activity, confirming that it can be properly matured and assembled under photoautotrophic, i.e., oxygen-evolving conditions. Although the functional H2-sensing cascade has not yet been established in Synechocystis yet, we utilized the associated two-component system consisting of a histidine kinase and a response regulator to drive and modulate the expression of a superfolder gfp gene in Escherichia coli. This demonstrates that all components of the H2-dependent signal cascade can be functionally implemented in heterologous hosts. Thus, this work provides the basis for the development of an intrinsic H2 biosensor within a cyanobacterial cell that could be used to probe the effects of random mutagenesis and systematically identify promising genetic configurations to enable continuous and high-yield production of H2 via oxygenic photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Opel
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Isabel Wehner
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sara Lupacchini
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lars Lauterbach
- Institute of Applied Microbiology (iAMB), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Oliver Lenz
- Institute of Chemistry, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Klähn
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Stephan Klähn,
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Agarwal P, Soni R, Kaur P, Madan A, Mishra R, Pandey J, Singh S, Singh G. Cyanobacteria as a Promising Alternative for Sustainable Environment: Synthesis of Biofuel and Biodegradable Plastics. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:939347. [PMID: 35903468 PMCID: PMC9325326 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.939347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the aim to alleviate the increasing plastic burden and carbon footprint on Earth, the role of certain microbes that are capable of capturing and sequestering excess carbon dioxide (CO2) generated by various anthropogenic means was studied. Cyanobacteria, which are photosynthetic prokaryotes, are promising alternative for carbon sequestration as well as biofuel and bioplastic production because of their minimal growth requirements, higher efficiency of photosynthesis and growth rates, presence of considerable amounts of lipids in thylakoid membranes, and cosmopolitan nature. These microbes could prove beneficial to future generations in achieving sustainable environmental goals. Their role in the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as a source of intracellular energy and carbon sink is being utilized for bioplastic production. PHAs have emerged as well-suited alternatives for conventional plastics and are a parallel competitor to petrochemical-based plastics. Although a lot of studies have been conducted where plants and crops are used as sources of energy and bioplastics, cyanobacteria have been reported to have a more efficient photosynthetic process strongly responsible for increased production with limited land input along with an acceptable cost. The biodiesel production from cyanobacteria is an unconventional choice for a sustainable future as it curtails toxic sulfur release and checks the addition of aromatic hydrocarbons having efficient oxygen content, with promising combustion potential, thus making them a better choice. Here, we aim at reporting the application of cyanobacteria for biofuel production and their competent biotechnological potential, along with achievements and constraints in its pathway toward commercial benefits. This review article also highlights the role of various cyanobacterial species that are a source of green and clean energy along with their high potential in the production of biodegradable plastics.
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Sukkasam N, Incharoensakdi A, Monshupanee T. Disruption of Hydrogen Gas Synthesis Enhances the Cellular Levels of NAD(P)H, Glycogen, Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and Photosynthetic Pigments Under Specific Nutrient Condition(s) in Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 63:135-147. [PMID: 34698867 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcab156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In photoautotrophic Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, NADPH is generated from photosynthesis and utilized in various metabolism, including the biosynthesis of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (the upstream substrate for carbon metabolism), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), photosynthetic pigments, and hydrogen gas (H2). Redirecting NADPH flow from one biosynthesis pathway to another has yet to be studied. Synechocystis's H2 synthesis, one of the pathways consuming NAD(P)H, was disrupted by the inactivation of hoxY and hoxH genes encoding the two catalytic subunits of hydrogenase. Such inactivation with a complete disruption of H2 synthesis led to 1.4-, 1.9-, and 2.1-fold increased cellular NAD(P)H levels when cells were cultured in normal medium (BG11), the medium without nitrate (-N), and the medium without phosphate (-P), respectively. After 49-52 d of cultivation in BG11 (when the nitrogen source in the media was depleted), the cells with disrupted H2 synthesis had 1.3-fold increased glycogen level compared to wild type of 83-85% (w/w dry weight), the highest level reported for cyanobacterial glycogen. The increased glycogen content observed by transmission electron microscopy was correlated with the increased levels of glucose 6-phosphate and glucose 1-phosphate, the two substrates in glycogen synthesis. Disrupted H2 synthesis also enhanced PHB accumulation up to 1.4-fold under -P and 1.6-fold under -N and increased levels of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, phycocyanin, and allophycocyanin) by 1.3- to 1.5-fold under BG11. Thus, disrupted H2 synthesis increased levels of NAD(P)H, which may be utilized for the biosynthesis of glycogen, PHB, and pigments. This strategy might be applicable for enhancing other biosynthetic pathways that utilize NAD(P)H.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannaphat Sukkasam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Program in Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Aran Incharoensakdi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Academy of Science, Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
| | - Tanakarn Monshupanee
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Program in Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Kosourov S, Böhm M, Senger M, Berggren G, Stensjö K, Mamedov F, Lindblad P, Allahverdiyeva Y. Photosynthetic hydrogen production: Novel protocols, promising engineering approaches and application of semi-synthetic hydrogenases. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2021; 173:555-567. [PMID: 33860946 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthetic production of molecular hydrogen (H2 ) by cyanobacteria and green algae is a potential source of renewable energy. These organisms are capable of water biophotolysis by taking advantage of photosynthetic apparatus that links water oxidation at Photosystem II and reduction of protons to H2 downstream of Photosystem I. Although the process has a theoretical potential to displace fossil fuels, photosynthetic H2 production in its current state is not yet efficient enough for industrial applications due to a number of physiological, biochemical, and engineering barriers. This article presents a short overview of the metabolic pathways and enzymes involved in H2 photoproduction in cyanobacteria and green algae and our present understanding of the mechanisms of this process. We also summarize recent advances in engineering photosynthetic cell factories capable of overcoming the major barriers to efficient and sustainable H2 production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Kosourov
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Maximilian Böhm
- Molecular Biomimetics, Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Moritz Senger
- Molecular Biomimetics, Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gustav Berggren
- Molecular Biomimetics, Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Stensjö
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fikret Mamedov
- Molecular Biomimetics, Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Yagut Allahverdiyeva
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Madavi TB, Chauhan S, Jha M, Choi KY, Pamidimarri SDVN. Biohydrogen Machinery: Recent Insights, Genetic Fabrication, and Future Prospects. Chem Eng Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ceat.202000527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tanushree Baldeo Madavi
- Amity University Chhattisgarh Amity Institute of Biotechnology 493225 Raipur, Chhattisgarh India
| | - Sushma Chauhan
- Amity University Chhattisgarh Amity Institute of Biotechnology 493225 Raipur, Chhattisgarh India
| | - Meenakshi Jha
- Amity University Chhattisgarh Amity Institute of Biotechnology 493225 Raipur, Chhattisgarh India
| | - Kwon-Young Choi
- College of Engineering, Ajou University Department of Environmental Engineering Suwon Gyeonggi-do South Korea
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Chakraborty S, Mishra AK. Effects of zinc toxicity on the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena sphaerica-ultastructural, physiological and biochemical analyses. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:10.1007/s11356-021-12882-1. [PMID: 33638788 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12882-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The current study describes the mechanisms of zinc toxicity in the cyanobacterium Anabaena sphaerica after eight days treatment with 10 mg L-1 ZnCl2. The application of zinc not only showed elevated accumulation of the metal inside the cells but also exhibited devastating impacts on the cell numbers, morphology, and ultrastructure of A. sphaerica. The effects of zinc on the pigments contents, oxygen evolution rate, Fv/Fm, electron transport rate, and carbohydrate content were also evaluated in A. sphaerica. Moreover, zinc adversely affected nutrient uptake and the cellular energy budget in the test cyanobacterium which in turn hampered heterocyst development and nitrogen fixation. Alongside, the cyanobacterium experienced zinc-mediated non-competitive inhibition of glutamine synthetase activity, curtailed synthesis of amino acids and proteins. Furthermore, drastically reduced total lipid and increased unsaturated lipid contents were also the prominent characteristics of zinc stressed A. sphaerica. Most importantly, zinc stress caused severe damages to the protein, lipid, and DNA by triggering hydrogen peroxide generation and accumulation of oxidized glutathione. Therefore, excess zinc is highly toxic to the cyanobacterium A. sphaerica, and the mechanisms of its toxicity followed a cascade of events including oxidative stress mediated geopardisation of growth and ultrastructure, metabolic derangements, and macromolecular damages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arun Kumar Mishra
- Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
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Jodlbauer J, Rohr T, Spadiut O, Mihovilovic MD, Rudroff F. Biocatalysis in Green and Blue: Cyanobacteria. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:875-889. [PMID: 33468423 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recently, several studies have proven the potential of cyanobacteria as whole-cell biocatalysts for biotransformation. Compared to heterotrophic hosts, cyanobacteria show unique advantages thanks to their photoautotrophic metabolism. Their ability to use light as energy and CO2 as carbon source promises a truly sustainable production platform. Their photoautotrophic metabolism offers an encouraging source of reducing power, which makes them attractive for redox-based biotechnological purposes. To exploit the full potential of these whole-cell biocatalysts, cyanobacterial cells must be considered in their entirety. With this emphasis, this review summarizes the latest developments in cyanobacteria research with a strong focus on the benefits associated with their unique metabolism. Remaining bottlenecks and recent strategies to overcome them are evaluated for their potential in future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Jodlbauer
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/OC-163, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Rohr
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/OC-163, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Oliver Spadiut
- Institute of Chemical Engineering, research area Biochemical Engineering, TU Wien, Gumpendorfer Strasse 1a, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marko D Mihovilovic
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/OC-163, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Rudroff
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/OC-163, 1060 Vienna, Austria.
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El-Dalatony MM, Zheng Y, Ji MK, Li X, Salama ES. Metabolic pathways for microalgal biohydrogen production: Current progress and future prospectives. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 318:124253. [PMID: 33129070 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.124253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microalgal biohydrogen (bioH2) has attracted global interest owing to its potential carbon-free source of sustainable renewable energy. Most of previous reviews which focused on microalgal bioH2, have shown unclear differentiation among the metabolic pathways. In this review, investigation of all different metabolic pathways for microalgal bioH2 production along with discussion on the recent research work of last 5-years have been considered. The major factors (such as light, vital nutrients, microalgal cell density, and substrate bioavailability) are highlighted. Moreover, effect of various pretreatment approaches on the constituent's bioaccessibility is reported. Microbial electrolysis cells as a new strategy for bioH2 production is stated. Comparison between the operation conditions of various bioreactors and economic feasibility is also emphasized. Genetic, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology as recent technologies improved the microalgal bioH2 production through inactivation of uptake hydrogenase (H2ase), inhibition of the competing pathways in polysaccharide synthesis, and improving the O2 tolerant H2ase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa M El-Dalatony
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, PR China; School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Yuanzhang Zheng
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Medicine Biochemistry, Indiana University, Indianapolis 46202, USA
| | - Min-Kyu Ji
- Environmental Assessment Group, Korea Environment Institute, Yeongi-gun 30147, South Korea
| | - Xiangkai Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - El-Sayed Salama
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, PR China.
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Genetic Engineering for Enhancement of Biofuel Production in Microalgae. CLEAN ENERGY PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-9593-6_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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15
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Anwar M, Lou S, Chen L, Li H, Hu Z. Recent advancement and strategy on bio-hydrogen production from photosynthetic microalgae. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2019; 292:121972. [PMID: 31444119 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recently, ensuring energy security is a key challenge to political and economic strength in the world. Bio-hydrogen production from microalgae is the promising alternative source for potential renewable and self-sustainability energy but still in the initial phase of development. Practically and sustainability of microalgae hydrogen production is still debatable. The genetic engineering and metabolic pathway engineering of hydrogenase and nitrogenase play a key role to enhance hydrogen production. Microalgae have photosynthetic efficiency and synthesize huge carbohydrate biomass, used as 4th generation feedstock to generate bio-hydrogen. Recent genetically modified strains of microalgae are the attractive source for enhancing bio-hydrogen production in the future. The potential of hydrogen production from microRNAs are gaining great interest of researcher. The main objective of this review is attentive discussed recent approaches on new molecular genetics engineering and metabolic pathway developments, modern photo-bioreactors efficiency, economic assessment, limitations and knowledge gap of bio-hydrogen production from microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Anwar
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Sulin Lou
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Liu Chen
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Li
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, People's Republic of China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource & Eco-environmental Science, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhangli Hu
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, People's Republic of China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource & Eco-environmental Science, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, People's Republic of China.
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Lin WR, Tan SI, Hsiang CC, Sung PK, Ng IS. Challenges and opportunity of recent genome editing and multi-omics in cyanobacteria and microalgae for biorefinery. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2019; 291:121932. [PMID: 31387837 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae and cyanobacteria are easy to culture, with higher growth rates and photosynthetic efficiencies compared to terrestrial plants, and thus generating higher productivity. The concept of microalgal biorefinery is to assimilate carbon dioxide and convert it to chemical energy/value-added products, such as vitamins, carotenoids, fatty acids, proteins and nucleic acids, to be applied in bioenergy, health foods, aquaculture feed, pharmaceutical and medical fields. Therefore, microalgae are annotated as the third generation feedstock in bioenergy and biorefinery. In past decades, many studies thrived to improve the carbon sequestration efficiency as well as enhance value-added compounds from different algae, especially via genetic engineering, synthetic biology, metabolic design and regulation. From the traditional Agrobacterium-mediated transformation DNA to novel CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) technology applied in microalgae and cyanobacteria, this review has highlighted the genome editing technology for biorefinery that is a highly environmental friendly trend to sustainable and renewable development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Way-Rong Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shih-I Tan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chuan-Chieh Hsiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Po-Kuei Sung
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC
| | - I-Son Ng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC.
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17
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CyanoFactory, a European consortium to develop technologies needed to advance cyanobacteria as chassis for production of chemicals and fuels. ALGAL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2019.101510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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18
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Sivaramakrishnan R, Incharoensakdi A. Low power ultrasound treatment for the enhanced production of microalgae biomass and lipid content. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2019.101230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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19
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Eungrasamee K, Miao R, Incharoensakdi A, Lindblad P, Jantaro S. Improved lipid production via fatty acid biosynthesis and free fatty acid recycling in engineered Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2019; 12:8. [PMID: 30622650 PMCID: PMC6319012 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-018-1349-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyanobacteria are potential sources for third generation biofuels. Their capacity for biofuel production has been widely improved using metabolically engineered strains. In this study, we employed metabolic engineering design with target genes involved in selected processes including the fatty acid synthesis (a cassette of accD, accA, accC and accB encoding acetyl-CoA carboxylase, ACC), phospholipid hydrolysis (lipA encoding lipase A), alkane synthesis (aar encoding acyl-ACP reductase, AAR), and recycling of free fatty acid (FFA) (aas encoding acyl-acyl carrier protein synthetase, AAS) in the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. RESULTS To enhance lipid production, engineered strains were successfully obtained including an aas-overexpressing strain (OXAas), an aas-overexpressing strain with aar knockout (OXAas/KOAar), and an accDACB-overexpressing strain with lipA knockout (OXAccDACB/KOLipA). All engineered strains grew slightly slower than wild-type (WT), as well as with reduced levels of intracellular pigment levels of chlorophyll a and carotenoids. A higher lipid content was noted in all the engineered strains compared to WT cells, especially in OXAas, with maximal content and production rate of 34.5% w/DCW and 41.4 mg/L/day, respectively, during growth phase at day 4. The OXAccDACB/KOLipA strain, with an impediment of phospholipid hydrolysis to FFA, also showed a similarly high content of total lipid of about 32.5% w/DCW but a lower production rate of 31.5 mg/L/day due to a reduced cell growth. The knockout interruptions generated, upon a downstream flow from intermediate fatty acyl-ACP, an induced unsaturated lipid production as observed in OXAas/KOAar and OXAccDACB/KOLipA strains with 5.4% and 3.1% w/DCW, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Among the three metabolically engineered Synechocystis strains, the OXAas with enhanced free fatty acid recycling had the highest efficiency to increase lipid production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamonchanock Eungrasamee
- Laboratory of Cyanobacterial Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Rui Miao
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry–Ångström, Uppsala University, Box 523, 75120 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aran Incharoensakdi
- Laboratory of Cyanobacterial Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry–Ångström, Uppsala University, Box 523, 75120 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Saowarath Jantaro
- Laboratory of Cyanobacterial Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
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Towijit U, Songruk N, Lindblad P, Incharoensakdi A, Jantaro S. Co-overexpression of native phospholipid-biosynthetic genes plsX and plsC enhances lipid production in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13510. [PMID: 30201972 PMCID: PMC6131169 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31789-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The overexpression of native plsX and plsC genes involving in fatty acid/phospholipid synthesis first timely-reported the significantly enhanced lipid contents in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Growth rate, intracellular pigment contents including chlorophyll a and carotenoids, and oxygen evolution rate of all overexpressing (OX) strains were normally similar as wild type. For fatty acid compositions, saturated fatty acid, in particular palmitic acid (16:0) was dominantly increased in OX strains whereas slight increases of unsaturated fatty acids were observed, specifically linoleic acid (18:2) and alpha-linolenic acid (18:3). The plsC/plsX-overexpressing (OX + XC) strain produced high lipid content of about 24.3%w/dcw under normal condition and was further enhanced up to 39.1%w/dcw by acetate induction. This OX + XC engineered strain was capable of decreasing phaA transcript level which related to poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) synthesis under acetate treatment. Moreover, the expression level of gene transcripts revealed that the plsX- and plsC/plsX-overexpression strains had also increased accA transcript amounts which involved in the irreversible carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA. Altogether, these overexpressing strains significantly augmented higher lipid contents when compared to wild type by partly overcoming the limitation of lipid production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umaporn Towijit
- Laboratory of Cyanobacterial Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Program of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Nutchaya Songruk
- Laboratory of Cyanobacterial Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Box 523, SE-75120, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aran Incharoensakdi
- Laboratory of Cyanobacterial Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Saowarath Jantaro
- Laboratory of Cyanobacterial Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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21
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Rewiring of Cyanobacterial Metabolism for Hydrogen Production: Synthetic Biology Approaches and Challenges. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1080:171-213. [PMID: 30091096 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-0854-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
With the demand for renewable energy growing, hydrogen (H2) is becoming an attractive energy carrier. Developing H2 production technologies with near-net zero carbon emissions is a major challenge for the "H2 economy." Certain cyanobacteria inherently possess enzymes, nitrogenases, and bidirectional hydrogenases that are capable of H2 evolution using sunlight, making them ideal cell factories for photocatalytic conversion of water to H2. With the advances in synthetic biology, cyanobacteria are currently being developed as a "plug and play" chassis to produce H2. This chapter describes the metabolic pathways involved and the theoretical limits to cyanobacterial H2 production and summarizes the metabolic engineering technologies pursued.
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22
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Mellor SB, Vavitsas K, Nielsen AZ, Jensen PE. Photosynthetic fuel for heterologous enzymes: the role of electron carrier proteins. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2017; 134:329-342. [PMID: 28285375 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-017-0364-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Plants, cyanobacteria, and algae generate a surplus of redox power through photosynthesis, which makes them attractive for biotechnological exploitations. While central metabolism consumes most of the energy, pathways introduced through metabolic engineering can also tap into this source of reducing power. Recent work on the metabolic engineering of photosynthetic organisms has shown that the electron carriers such as ferredoxin and flavodoxin can be used to couple heterologous enzymes to photosynthetic reducing power. Because these proteins have a plethora of interaction partners and rely on electrostatically steered complex formation, they form productive electron transfer complexes with non-native enzymes. A handful of examples demonstrate channeling of photosynthetic electrons to drive the activity of heterologous enzymes, and these focus mainly on hydrogenases and cytochrome P450s. However, competition from native pathways and inefficient electron transfer rates present major obstacles, which limit the productivity of heterologous reactions coupled to photosynthesis. We discuss specific approaches to address these bottlenecks and ensure high productivity of such enzymes in a photosynthetic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silas Busck Mellor
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Center for Synthetic Biology 'bioSYNergy', Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Konstantinos Vavitsas
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Center for Synthetic Biology 'bioSYNergy', Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Agnieszka Zygadlo Nielsen
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Center for Synthetic Biology 'bioSYNergy', Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Poul Erik Jensen
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Center for Synthetic Biology 'bioSYNergy', Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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23
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Khetkorn W, Rastogi RP, Incharoensakdi A, Lindblad P, Madamwar D, Pandey A, Larroche C. Microalgal hydrogen production - A review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2017; 243:1194-1206. [PMID: 28774676 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.07.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Bio-hydrogen from microalgae including cyanobacteria has attracted commercial awareness due to its potential as an alternative, reliable and renewable energy source. Photosynthetic hydrogen production from microalgae can be interesting and promising options for clean energy. Advances in hydrogen-fuel-cell technology may attest an eco-friendly way of biofuel production, since, the use of H2 to generate electricity releases only water as a by-product. Progress in genetic/metabolic engineering may significantly enhance the photobiological hydrogen production from microalgae. Manipulation of competing metabolic pathways by modulating the certain key enzymes such as hydrogenase and nitrogenase may enhance the evolution of H2 from photoautotrophic cells. Moreover, biological H2 production at low operating costs is requisite for economic viability. Several photobioreactors have been developed for large-scale biomass and hydrogen production. This review highlights the recent technological progress, enzymes involved and genetic as well as metabolic engineering approaches towards sustainable hydrogen production from microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanthanee Khetkorn
- Division of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Thanyaburi, Pathumthani 12110, Thailand
| | - Rajesh P Rastogi
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Jor Bagh Road, New Delhi 110 003, India.
| | - Aran Incharoensakdi
- Laboratory of Cyanobacterial Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Uppsala University, Box 523, SE-75120 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Datta Madamwar
- Department of Biosciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Sardar Patel University, Vadtal Road, Satellite Campus, Bakrol, Anand, Gujarat 388 315, India
| | - Ashok Pandey
- Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing, C-127 2nd Floor Phase 8 Industrial Area, SAS Nagar, Mohali 160 071, Punjab, India
| | - Christian Larroche
- Labex IMobS3 and Institut Pascal, 4 Avenue Blaise Pascal, TSA 60026/CS 60026, 63178 Aubière Cedex, France
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Esteves-Ferreira AA, Cavalcanti JHF, Vaz MGMV, Alvarenga LV, Nunes-Nesi A, Araújo WL. Cyanobacterial nitrogenases: phylogenetic diversity, regulation and functional predictions. Genet Mol Biol 2017; 40:261-275. [PMID: 28323299 PMCID: PMC5452144 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2016-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria is a remarkable group of prokaryotic photosynthetic microorganisms, with several genera capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen (N2) and presenting a wide range of morphologies. Although the nitrogenase complex is not present in all cyanobacterial taxa, it is spread across several cyanobacterial strains. The nitrogenase complex has also a high theoretical potential for biofuel production, since H2 is a by-product produced during N2 fixation. In this review we discuss the significance of a relatively wide variety of cell morphologies and metabolic strategies that allow spatial and temporal separation of N2 fixation from photosynthesis in cyanobacteria. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on 16S rRNA and nifD gene sequences shed light on the evolutionary history of the two genes. Our results demonstrated that (i) sequences of genes involved in nitrogen fixation (nifD) from several morphologically distinct strains of cyanobacteria are grouped in similarity with their morphology classification and phylogeny, and (ii) nifD genes from heterocytous strains share a common ancestor. By using this data we also discuss the evolutionary importance of processes such as horizontal gene transfer and genetic duplication for nitrogenase evolution and diversification. Finally, we discuss the importance of H2 synthesis in cyanobacteria, as well as strategies and challenges to improve cyanobacterial H2 production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto A Esteves-Ferreira
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.,Max-Planck-partner group at the Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - João Henrique Frota Cavalcanti
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.,Max-Planck-partner group at the Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Gomes Marçal Vieira Vaz
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.,Max-Planck-partner group at the Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Luna V Alvarenga
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.,Max-Planck-partner group at the Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Adriano Nunes-Nesi
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.,Max-Planck-partner group at the Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Wagner L Araújo
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.,Max-Planck-partner group at the Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
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25
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Puggioni V, Tempel S, Latifi A. Distribution of Hydrogenases in Cyanobacteria: A Phylum-Wide Genomic Survey. Front Genet 2016; 7:223. [PMID: 28083017 PMCID: PMC5186783 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2016.00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial Molecular hydrogen (H2) cycling plays an important role in several ecological niches. Hydrogenases (H2ases), enzymes involved in H2 metabolism, are of great interest for investigating microbial communities, and producing BioH2. To obtain an overall picture of the genetic ability of Cyanobacteria to produce H2ases, we conducted a phylum wide analysis of the distribution of the genes encoding these enzymes in 130 cyanobacterial genomes. The concomitant presence of the H2ase and genes involved in the maturation process, and that of well-conserved catalytic sites in the enzymes were the three minimal criteria used to classify a strain as being able to produce a functional H2ase. The [NiFe] H2ases were found to be the only enzymes present in this phylum. Fifty-five strains were found to be potentially able produce the bidirectional Hox enzyme and 33 to produce the uptake (Hup) enzyme. H2 metabolism in Cyanobacteria has a broad ecological distribution, since only the genomes of strains collected from the open ocean do not possess hox genes. In addition, the presence of H2ase was found to increase in the late branching clades of the phylogenetic tree of the species. Surprisingly, five cyanobacterial genomes were found to possess homologs of oxygen tolerant H2ases belonging to groups 1, 3b, and 3d. Overall, these data show that H2ases are widely distributed, and are therefore probably of great functional importance in Cyanobacteria. The present finding that homologs to oxygen-tolerant H2ases are present in this phylum opens new perspectives for applying the process of photosynthesis in the field of H2 production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Puggioni
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne UMR 7283, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Aix-Marseille University Marseille, France
| | - Sébastien Tempel
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne UMR 7283, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Aix-Marseille University Marseille, France
| | - Amel Latifi
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne UMR 7283, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Aix-Marseille University Marseille, France
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26
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Touloupakis E, Benavides AMS, Cicchi B, Torzillo G. Growth and hydrogen production of outdoor cultures of Synechocystis PCC 6803. ALGAL RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2016.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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27
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Shirai T, Osanai T, Kondo A. Designing intracellular metabolism for production of target compounds by introducing a heterologous metabolic reaction based on a Synechosystis sp. 6803 genome-scale model. Microb Cell Fact 2016; 15:13. [PMID: 26783098 PMCID: PMC4717628 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-016-0416-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Designing optimal intracellular metabolism is essential for using microorganisms to produce useful compounds. Computerized calculations for flux balance analysis utilizing a genome-scale model have been performed for such designs. Many genome-scale models have been developed for different microorganisms. However, optimal designs of intracellular metabolism aimed at producing a useful compound often utilize metabolic reactions of only the host microbial cells. In the present study, we added reactions other than the metabolic reactions with Synechosystis sp. 6803 as a host to its genome-scale model, and constructed a metabolic model of hybrid cells (SyHyMeP) using computerized analysis. Using this model provided a metabolic design that improves the theoretical yield of succinic acid, which is a useful compound. Results Constructing the SyHyMeP model enabled new metabolic designs for producing useful compounds. In the present study, we developed a metabolic design that allowed for improved theoretical yield in the production of succinic acid during glycogen metabolism by Synechosystis sp. 6803. The theoretical yield of succinic acid production using a genome-scale model of these cells was 1.00 mol/mol-glucose, but use of the SyHyMeP model enabled a metabolic design with which a 33 % increase in theoretical yield is expected due to the introduction of isocitrate lyase, adding activations of endogenous tree reactions via D-glycerate in Synechosystis sp. 6803. Conclusions The SyHyMeP model developed in this study has provided a new metabolic design that is not restricted only to the metabolic reactions of individual microbial cells. The concept of construction of this model requires only replacement of the genome-scale model of the host microbial cells and can thus be applied to various useful microorganisms for metabolic design to produce compounds. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12934-016-0416-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomokazu Shirai
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan.
| | - Takashi Osanai
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan. .,Department of Agricultural Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1, Higashimita, Tamaku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan.
| | - Akihiko Kondo
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan. .,Organization of Advanced Science and Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodaicho, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan. .,Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodaicho, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan.
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Klanchui A, Raethong N, Prommeenate P, Vongsangnak W, Meechai A. Cyanobacterial Biofuels: Strategies and Developments on Network and Modeling. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2016; 160:75-102. [PMID: 27783135 DOI: 10.1007/10_2016_42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria, the phototrophic microorganisms, have attracted much attention recently as a promising source for environmentally sustainable biofuels production. However, barriers for commercial markets of cyanobacteria-based biofuels concern the economic feasibility. Miscellaneous strategies for improving the production performance of cyanobacteria have thus been developed. Among these, the simple ad hoc strategies resulting in failure to optimize fully cell growth coupled with desired product yield are explored. With the advancement of genomics and systems biology, a new paradigm toward systems metabolic engineering has been recognized. In particular, a genome-scale metabolic network reconstruction and modeling is a crucial systems-based tool for whole-cell-wide investigation and prediction. In this review, the cyanobacterial genome-scale metabolic models, which offer a system-level understanding of cyanobacterial metabolism, are described. The main process of metabolic network reconstruction and modeling of cyanobacteria are summarized. Strategies and developments on genome-scale network and modeling through the systems metabolic engineering approach are advanced and employed for efficient cyanobacterial-based biofuels production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amornpan Klanchui
- Biological Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10140, Thailand
| | - Nachon Raethong
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Peerada Prommeenate
- Biochemical Engineering and Pilot Plant Research and Development (BEC) Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
| | - Wanwipa Vongsangnak
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.,Computational Biomodelling Laboratory for Agricultural Science and Technology (CBLAST), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Asawin Meechai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10140, Thailand.
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Qian X, Kumaraswamy GK, Zhang S, Gates C, Ananyev GM, Bryant DA, Dismukes GC. Inactivation of nitrate reductase alters metabolic branching of carbohydrate fermentation in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. strain PCC 7002. Biotechnol Bioeng 2015; 113:979-88. [PMID: 26479976 DOI: 10.1002/bit.25862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
To produce cellular energy, cyanobacteria reduce nitrate as the preferred pathway over proton reduction (H2 evolution) by catabolizing glycogen under dark anaerobic conditions. This competition lowers H2 production by consuming a large fraction of the reducing equivalents (NADPH and NADH). To eliminate this competition, we constructed a knockout mutant of nitrate reductase, encoded by narB, in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002. As expected, ΔnarB was able to take up intracellular nitrate but was unable to reduce it to nitrite or ammonia, and was unable to grow photoautotrophically on nitrate. During photoautotrophic growth on urea, ΔnarB significantly redirects biomass accumulation into glycogen at the expense of protein accumulation. During subsequent dark fermentation, metabolite concentrations--both the adenylate cellular energy charge (∼ATP) and the redox poise (NAD(P)H/NAD(P))--were independent of nitrate availability in ΔnarB, in contrast to the wild type (WT) control. The ΔnarB strain diverted more reducing equivalents from glycogen catabolism into reduced products, mainly H2 and d-lactate, by 6-fold (2.8% yield) and 2-fold (82.3% yield), respectively, than WT. Continuous removal of H2 from the fermentation medium (milking) further boosted net H2 production by 7-fold in ΔnarB, at the expense of less excreted lactate, resulting in a 49-fold combined increase in the net H2 evolution rate during 2 days of fermentation compared to the WT. The absence of nitrate reductase eliminated the inductive effect of nitrate addition on rerouting carbohydrate catabolism from glycolysis to the oxidative pentose phosphate (OPP) pathway, indicating that intracellular redox poise and not nitrate itself acts as the control switch for carbon flux branching between pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Qian
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey.,Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | | | - Shuyi Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania
| | - Colin Gates
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | | | - Donald A Bryant
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
| | - G Charles Dismukes
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey. .,Department of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08901.
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Touloupakis E, Cicchi B, Torzillo G. A bioenergetic assessment of photosynthetic growth of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 in continuous cultures. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2015; 8:133. [PMID: 26379769 PMCID: PMC4571542 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-015-0319-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, a model organism used for bioenergy and bioplastic production, was grown in continuous culture to assess its most important bioenergetic parameters. RESULTS Biomass yield on light energy of 1.237 g mol photons(-1) and maintenance energy requirement of 0.00312 mol photons g(-1) h(-1) were calculated. This corresponded to a light conversion efficiency of 12.5 %, based on the model of Pirt which was about 35 % lower than the theoretical one based on the stoichiometric equation for the formation of biomass on carbon dioxide, water, and nitrate. The maximum F v/F m ratio recorded in the Synechocystis cultures was 0.57; it progressively declined to 0.45 as the dilution rate increased. An over-reduction of reaction centers at a high dilution rate was also recorded, together with an increased VJ phase for the chlorophyll fluorescence transient. In contrast, the chlorophyll optical cross section increased by about 40 % at the fastest dilution rate, and compensated for the decline in F v/F m, thus resulting in a constant total photosynthesis rate (photosynthesis plus respiration). Chlorophyll content was maximum at the lowest dilution rate and was 48 % lower at the highest one, while phycocyanin, and total carotenoids decreased by about 42 % and 37 %, respectively. Carotenoid analysis revealed increased echinenone, zeaxanthin, and myxoxanthophyll contents as the dilution rate increased (40.6, 63.8 and 35.5 %, respectively, at the fastest dilution rate). A biochemical analysis of the biomass harvested at each different dilution rates showed no changes in the lipid content (averaging 11.2 ± 0.6 % of the dry weight), while the protein content decreased as the dilution rate increased, ranging between 60.7 ± 1.1 and 72.6 ± 0.6 %. Amino acids pattern did not vary with the dilution rate. Carbohydrate content ranged from 9.4 to 16.2 % with a mean value of 11.2 ± 1.4 %. CONCLUSIONS The present work provides useful information on the threshold of light conversion efficiency in Synechocystis, as well as basic bioenergetic parameters that will be helpful for future studies related to its genetic transformation and metabolic network reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftherios Touloupakis
- Istituto per lo Studio degli Ecosistemi, CNR, Sede di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Bernardo Cicchi
- Istituto per lo Studio degli Ecosistemi, CNR, Sede di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Torzillo
- Istituto per lo Studio degli Ecosistemi, CNR, Sede di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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31
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Lee TC, Xiong W, Paddock T, Carrieri D, Chang IF, Chiu HF, Ungerer J, Hank Juo SH, Maness PC, Yu J. Engineered xylose utilization enhances bio-products productivity in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Metab Eng 2015; 30:179-189. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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32
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Khanna N, Lindblad P. Cyanobacterial hydrogenases and hydrogen metabolism revisited: recent progress and future prospects. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:10537-61. [PMID: 26006225 PMCID: PMC4463661 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160510537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria have garnered interest as potential cell factories for hydrogen production. In conjunction with photosynthesis, these organisms can utilize inexpensive inorganic substrates and solar energy for simultaneous biosynthesis and hydrogen evolution. However, the hydrogen yield associated with these organisms remains far too low to compete with the existing chemical processes. Our limited understanding of the cellular hydrogen production pathway is a primary setback in the potential scale-up of this process. In this regard, the present review discusses the recent insight around ferredoxin/flavodoxin as the likely electron donor to the bidirectional Hox hydrogenase instead of the generally accepted NAD(P)H. This may have far reaching implications in powering solar driven hydrogen production. However, it is evident that a successful hydrogen-producing candidate would likely integrate enzymatic traits from different species. Engineering the [NiFe] hydrogenases for optimal catalytic efficiency or expression of a high turnover [FeFe] hydrogenase in these photo-autotrophs may facilitate the development of strains to reach target levels of biohydrogen production in cyanobacteria. The fundamental advancements achieved in these fields are also summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namita Khanna
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, Uppsala SE-75120, Sweden.
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, Uppsala SE-75120, Sweden.
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33
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Nitrogen Starvation Acclimation in Synechococcus elongatus: Redox-Control and the Role of Nitrate Reduction as an Electron Sink. Life (Basel) 2015; 5:888-904. [PMID: 25780959 PMCID: PMC4390884 DOI: 10.3390/life5010888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen starvation acclimation in non-diazotrophic cyanobacteria is characterized by a process termed chlorosis, where the light harvesting pigments are degraded and the cells gradually tune down photosynthetic and metabolic activities. The chlorosis response is governed by a complex and poorly understood regulatory network, which converges at the expression of the nblA gene, the triggering factor for phycobiliprotein degradation. This study established a method that allows uncoupling metabolic and redox-signals involved in nitrogen-starvation acclimation. Inhibition of glutamine synthetase (GS) by a precise dosage of l-methionine-sulfoximine (MSX) mimics the metabolic situation of nitrogen starvation. Addition of nitrate to such MSX-inhibited cells eliminates the associated redox-stress by enabling electron flow towards nitrate/nitrite reduction and thereby, prevents the induction of nblA expression and the associated chlorosis response. This study demonstrates that nitrogen starvation is perceived not only through metabolic signals, but requires a redox signal indicating over-reduction of PSI-reduced electron acceptors. It further establishes a cryptic role of nitrate/nitrite reductases as electron sinks to balance conditions of over-reduction.
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34
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Metabolic switching of central carbon metabolism in response to nitrate: application to autofermentative hydrogen production in cyanobacteria. J Biotechnol 2014; 182-183:83-91. [PMID: 24755336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2014.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Nitrate removal from culture media is widely used to enhance autofermentative hydrogen production in cyanobacteria during dark anaerobiosis. Here we have performed a systematic inventory of carbon and nitrogen metabolites, redox pools, and excreted product fluxes which show that addition of nitrate to cultures of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 has no influence on glycogen catabolic rate, but shifts the distribution of excreted products from predominantly lactate and H2 to predominantly CO2 and nitrite, while increasing the total consumption of intracellular reducing equivalents (mainly glycogen) by 3-fold. Together with LC-MS derived metabolite pool sizes these data show that glycogen catabolism is redirected from the upper-glycolytic (EMP) pathway to the oxidative pentose phosphate (OPP) pathway upon nitrate addition. This metabolic switch in carbon catabolism is shown to temporally correlate with the pyridine nucleotide redox-poise (NAD(P)H/NAD(P)(+)) and demonstrates the reductant availability controls H2 evolution in cyanobacteria.
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35
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Anfelt J, Hallström B, Nielsen J, Uhlén M, Hudson EP. Using transcriptomics to improve butanol tolerance of Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 79:7419-27. [PMID: 24056459 PMCID: PMC3837751 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02694-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are emerging as promising hosts for production of advanced biofuels such as n-butanol and alkanes. However, cyanobacteria suffer from the same product inhibition problems as those that plague other microbial biofuel hosts. High concentrations of butanol severely reduce growth, and even small amounts can negatively affect metabolic processes. An understanding of how cyanobacteria are affected by their biofuel product can enable identification of engineering strategies for improving their tolerance. Here we used transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) to assess the transcriptome response of Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 to two concentrations of exogenous n-butanol. Approximately 80 transcripts were differentially expressed at 40 mg/liter butanol, and 280 transcripts were different at 1 g/liter butanol. Our results suggest a compromised cell membrane, impaired photosynthetic electron transport, and reduced biosynthesis. Accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) scaled with butanol concentration. Using the physiology and transcriptomics data, we selected several genes for overexpression in an attempt to improve butanol tolerance. We found that overexpression of several proteins, notably, the small heat shock protein HspA, improved tolerance to butanol. Transcriptomics-guided engineering created more solvent-tolerant cyanobacteria strains that could be the foundation for a more productive biofuel host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefine Anfelt
- School of Biotechnology, KTH—Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Hallström
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jens Nielsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chalmers Institute of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mathias Uhlén
- School of Biotechnology, KTH—Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elton P. Hudson
- School of Biotechnology, KTH—Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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36
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Montagud A, Gamermann D, Fernández de Córdoba P, Urchueguía JF. Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 metabolic models for the enhanced production of hydrogen. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2013; 35:184-98. [PMID: 24090244 DOI: 10.3109/07388551.2013.829799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In the present economy, difficulties to access energy sources are real drawbacks to maintain our current lifestyle. In fact, increasing interests have been gathered around efficient strategies to use energy sources that do not generate high CO2 titers. Thus, science-funding agencies have invested more resources into research on hydrogen among other biofuels as interesting energy vectors. This article reviews present energy challenges and frames it into the present fuel usage landscape. Different strategies for hydrogen production are explained and evaluated. Focus is on biological hydrogen production; fermentation and photon-fuelled hydrogen production are compared. Mathematical models in biology can be used to assess, explore and design production strategies for industrially relevant metabolites, such as biofuels. We assess the diverse construction and uses of genome-scale metabolic models of cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 to efficiently obtain biofuels. This organism has been studied as a potential photon-fuelled production platform for its ability to grow from carbon dioxide, water and photons, on simple culture media. Finally, we review studies that propose production strategies to weigh this organism's viability as a biofuel production platform. Overall, the work presented in this review unveils the industrial capabilities of cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 to evolve interesting metabolites as a clean biofuel production platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnau Montagud
- Instituto Universitario de Matemática Pura y Aplicada, Universitat Politècnica de València , Valencia , Spain
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37
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Development of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 as a phototrophic cell factory. Mar Drugs 2013; 11:2894-916. [PMID: 23945601 PMCID: PMC3766872 DOI: 10.3390/md11082894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) play profound roles in ecology and biogeochemistry. One model cyanobacterial species is the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. This species is highly amenable to genetic modification. Its genome has been sequenced and many systems biology and molecular biology tools are available to study this bacterium. Recently, researchers have put significant efforts into understanding and engineering this bacterium to produce chemicals and biofuels from sunlight and CO2. To demonstrate our perspective on the application of this cyanobacterium as a photosynthesis-based chassis, we summarize the recent research on Synechocystis 6803 by focusing on five topics: rate-limiting factors for cell cultivation; molecular tools for genetic modifications; high-throughput system biology for genome wide analysis; metabolic modeling for physiological prediction and rational metabolic engineering; and applications in producing diverse chemicals. We also discuss the particular challenges for systems analysis and engineering applications of this microorganism, including precise characterization of versatile cell metabolism, improvement of product rates and titers, bioprocess scale-up, and product recovery. Although much progress has been achieved in the development of Synechocystis 6803 as a phototrophic cell factory, the biotechnology for “Compounds from Synechocystis” is still significantly lagging behind those for heterotrophic microbes (e.g., Escherichia coli).
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Wei L, Li X, Yi J, Yang Z, Wang Q, Ma W. A simple approach for the efficient production of hydrogen from Taihu Lake Microcystis spp. blooms. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2013; 139:136-40. [PMID: 23648763 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2013.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2013] [Revised: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/06/2013] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The death and subsequent decomposition of algal blooms is capable of depleting dissolved O2 to anaerobic levels, and this can de-inactivate hydrogenases. Inspired by this fact, a simple method for efficient H2 production from algal bloom biomass was developed. Direct transfer of Taihu Lake Microcystis spp. blooms into dark conditions resulted in H2 evolution, and yield was much greater than compared to Microcystis spp. cultured in the laboratory and reported previously in the literature. Further, efficient H2 production was inhibited significantly by light, which was most likely due to reduced O2 content and the stimulation of hydrogenase activity. Therefore, a simple approach for efficient H2 production from Taihu Lake Microcystis spp. blooms is presented. Furthermore, a post-treatment strategy for dealing with large quantities of refloated algal blooms is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanzhen Wei
- College of Life and Environment Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Guilin Road 100, Shanghai 200234, China
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Bradley RW, Bombelli P, Lea-Smith DJ, Howe CJ. Terminal oxidase mutants of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 show increased electrogenic activity in biological photo-voltaic systems. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2013; 15:13611-8. [DOI: 10.1039/c3cp52438h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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40
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Nogales J, Gudmundsson S, Thiele I. Toward systems metabolic engineering in cyanobacteria: opportunities and bottlenecks. Bioengineered 2012; 4:158-63. [PMID: 23138691 PMCID: PMC3669157 DOI: 10.4161/bioe.22792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently assessed the metabolism of Synechocystis sp PCC6803 through a constraints-based reconstruction and analysis approach and identified its main metabolic properties. These include reduced metabolic robustness, in contrast to a high photosynthetic robustness driving the optimal autotrophic metabolism. Here, we address how these metabolic features affect biotechnological capabilities of this bacterium. The search for growth-coupled overproducer strains revealed that the carbon flux re-routing, but not the electron flux, is significantly more challenging under autotrophic conditions than under mixo- or heterotrophic conditions. We also found that the blocking of the light-driven metabolism was required for carbon flux re-routing under mixotrophic conditions. Overall, our analysis, which represents the first systematic evaluation of the biotechnological capabilities of a photosynthetic organism, paradoxically suggests that the light-driven metabolism itself and its unique metabolic features are the main bottlenecks in harnessing the biotechnological potential of Synechocystis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Nogales
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Khetkorn W, Baebprasert W, Lindblad P, Incharoensakdi A. Redirecting the electron flow towards the nitrogenase and bidirectional Hox-hydrogenase by using specific inhibitors results in enhanced H2 production in the cyanobacterium Anabaena siamensis TISTR 8012. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2012; 118:265-271. [PMID: 22705533 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Revised: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The inhibition of competitive metabolic pathways by various inhibitors in order to redirect electron flow towards nitrogenase and bidirectional Hox-hydrogenase was investigated in Anabaena siamensis TISTR 8012. Cells grown in BG11(0) supplemented with KCN, rotenone, DCMU, and DL-glyceraldehyde under light condition for 24 h showed enhanced H(2) production. Cells grown in BG11 medium showed only marginal H(2) production and its production was hardly increased by the inhibitors tested. H(2) production with either 20mM KCN or 50 μM DCMU in BG11(0) medium was 22 μmol H(2) mg chl a(-1) h(-1), threefold higher than the control. The increased H(2) production caused by inhibitors was consistent with the increase in the respective Hox-hydrogenase activities and nifD transcript levels, as well as the decrease in hupL transcript levels. The results suggested that interruption of metabolic pathways essential for growth could redirect electrons flow towards nitrogenase and bidirectional Hox-hydrogenase resulting in increased H(2) production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanthanee Khetkorn
- Program of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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42
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Designing and creating a modularized synthetic pathway in cyanobacterium Synechocystis enables production of acetone from carbon dioxide. Metab Eng 2012; 14:394-400. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2012.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Revised: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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43
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Ananyev GM, Skizim NJ, Dismukes GC. Enhancing biological hydrogen production from cyanobacteria by removal of excreted products. J Biotechnol 2012; 162:97-104. [PMID: 22503939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2012.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 03/24/2012] [Accepted: 03/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogen is produced by a [NiFe]-hydrogenase in the cyanobacterium Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima during autofermentation of photosynthetically accumulated glycogen under dark anaerobic conditions. Herein we show that elimination of H₂ backpressure by continuous H₂ removal ("milking") can significantly increase the yield of H₂ in this strain. We show that "milking" by continuous selective consumption of H₂ using an electrochemical cell produces the maximum increase in H₂ yield (11-fold) and H₂ rate (3.4-fold), which is considerably larger than through "milking" by non-selective dilution of the biomass in media (increases H₂ yield 3.7-fold and rate 3.1-fold). Exhaustive autofermentation under electrochemical milking conditions consumes >98% of glycogen and 27.6% of biomass over 7-8 days and extracts 39% of the energy content in glycogen as H₂. Non-selective dilution stimulates H₂ production by shifting intracellular equilibria competing for NADH from excreted products and terminal electron sinks into H₂ production. Adding a mixture of the carbon fermentative products shifts the equilibria towards reactants, resulting in increased intracellular NADH and an increased H₂ yield (1.4-fold). H₂ production is sustained for a period of time up to 7days, after which the PSII activity of the cells decreases by 80-90%, but can be restored by regeneration under photoautotrophic growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennady M Ananyev
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology and Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Magnuson A, Styring S. Molecular Chemistry for Solar Fuels: From Natural to Artificial Photosynthesis. Aust J Chem 2012. [DOI: 10.1071/ch12114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The world needs new, environmentally friendly, and renewable fuels to exchange for fossil fuels. The fuel must be made from cheap, abundant, and renewable resources. The research area of solar fuels aims to meet this demand. This paper discusses why we need a solar fuel, and proposes solar energy as the major renewable energy source to feed from. The scientific field concerning artificial photosynthesis is expanding rapidly and most of the different scientific visions for solar fuels are briefly reviewed. Research strategies for the development of artificial photosynthesis to produce solar fuels are overviewed, with some critical concepts discussed in closer detail.
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Lindblad P, Lindberg P, Oliveira P, Stensjö K, Heidorn T. Design, engineering, and construction of photosynthetic microbial cell factories for renewable solar fuel production. AMBIO 2012; 41 Suppl 2:163-8. [PMID: 22434446 PMCID: PMC3357766 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-012-0274-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to develop sustainable solutions to convert solar energy into energy carriers used in the society. In addition to solar cells generating electricity, there are several options to generate solar fuels. This paper outlines and discusses the design and engineering of photosynthetic microbial systems for the generation of renewable solar fuels, with a focus on cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are prokaryotic microorganisms with the same type of photosynthesis as higher plants. Native and engineered cyanobacteria have been used by us and others as model systems to examine, demonstrate, and develop photobiological H(2) production. More recently, the production of carbon-containing solar fuels like ethanol, butanol, and isoprene have been demonstrated. We are using a synthetic biology approach to develop efficient photosynthetic microbial cell factories for direct generation of biofuels from solar energy. Present progress and advances in the design, engineering, and construction of such cyanobacterial cells for the generation of a portfolio of solar fuels, e.g., hydrogen, alcohols, and isoprene, are presented and discussed. Possibilities and challenges when introducing and using synthetic biology are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lindblad
- Photochemistry and Molecular Science, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 523, 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden.
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