Novel Fusion Protein Consisting of Metallothionein, Cellulose Binding Module, and Superfolder GFP for Lead Removal from the Water Decoction of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Harnessing cellulose-binding protein domains for the development of functionalized cellulose materials

Cellulosic materials are attracting increasing research interest because of their abundance, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, making them suitable in multiple industrial and medical applications. Functionalization of cellulose is usually required to improve or expand its properties to meet the requirements of different applications. Cellulose-binding domains (CBDs) found in various proteins have been shown to be powerful tools in the functionalization of cellulose materials. In this review, we firstly introduce the structural characteristics of commonly used CBDs belonging to carbohydrate-binding module families 1, 2 and 3. Then, we summarize four main kinds of methodologies for employing CBDs to modify cellulosic materials (i.e., CBD only, genetic fusion, non-covalent linkage and covalent linkage). Via different approaches, CBDs have been used to improve the material properties of cellulose, immobilize enzymes for biocatalysis, and design various detection tools. To achieve industrial applications, researches for lowering the production cost of CBDs, improving their performance (e.g., stability), and expanding their application scenarios are still in need.

Efficacious Removal of Trace Mercury from Honeysuckle Water Decoction Using Multifunctional Mesoporous Carbon

A mesoporous carbon (PC-2) obtained by using sucrose as a carbon source and urea as a nitrogen source has been used to remove trace mercury (Hg) from honeysuckle water decoction with high efficiency. The morphology, chemical composition, and pore structure of PC-2 have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The results show that the specific surface area of PC-2 with the -NH₂ functional is 1077.44 m²·g^-1, and the mesoporous pore size is mainly around 2.8 nm. The investigation of the relationship between the adsorption performance and the structure of PC-2 indicates that the pore size and the chemical composition of carbons are significantly correlated with adsorption performance of mercury in water and honeysuckle water decoction. PC-2 has high efficiency approximated 100% for mercury from aqueous solutions. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich model could better fit the adsorption process of Hg(II) onto PC-2. The process was dominated by chemical adsorption. Meanwhile, the adsorption behavior and the influence on the medicinal components (chlorogenic acid) of mercury removal in honeysuckle water decoction were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results suggest that PC-2 has high efficiency approximated 66% for mercury from honeysuckle water decoction under optimal adsorption conditions, without affecting its active ingredients (chlorogenic acid). Therefore, PC-2 can potentially be used for adsorption of mercury in honeysuckle water decoction.

Making Waves: Biocatalysis and Biosorption: Opportunities and Challenges Associated with a New Protein-Based Toolbox for Water and Wastewater Treatment

New water and wastewater treatment technologies are required to meet the demands created by emerging contaminants and resource recovery needs, yet technology development is a slow and uncertain process. Through evolution, nature has developed highly selective and fast-acting proteins that could help address these issues, but research and application have been limited, often due to assumptions about stability and economic feasibility. Here we highlight the potential advantages of cell-free, protein-based water and wastewater treatment processes (biocatalysis and biosorption), evaluate existing information about their economic feasibility, consider when a protein-based treatment process might be advantageous, and highlight key research needs.