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Corti Monzón G, Bertola G, Herrera Seitz MK, Murialdo SE. Exploring polyhydroxyalkanoates biosynthesis using hydrocarbons as carbon source: a comprehensive review. Biodegradation 2024:10.1007/s10532-023-10068-9. [PMID: 38310580 DOI: 10.1007/s10532-023-10068-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Environmental pollution caused by petrochemical hydrocarbons (HC) and plastic waste is a pressing global challenge. However, there is a promising solution in the form of bacteria that possess the ability to degrade HC, making them valuable tools for remediating contaminated environments and effluents. Moreover, some of these bacteria offer far-reaching potential beyond bioremediation, as they can also be utilized to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a common type of bioplastics. The accumulation of PHAs in bacterial cells is facilitated in environments with high C/N or C/P ratio, which are often found in HC-contaminated environments and effluents. Consequently, some HC-degrading bacteria can be employed to simultaneously produce PHAs and conduct biodegradation processes. Although bacterial bioplastic production has been thoroughly studied, production costs are still too high compared to petroleum-derived plastics. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of recent scientific advancements concerning the capacity of HC-degrading bacteria to produce PHAs. It will delve into the microbial strains involved and the types of bioplastics generated, as well as the primary pathways for HC biodegradation and PHAs production. In essence, we propose the potential utilization of HC-degrading bacteria as a versatile tool to tackle two major environmental challenges: HC pollution and the accumulation of plastic waste. Through a comprehensive analysis of strengths and weaknesses in this aspect, this review aims to pave the way for future research in this area, with the goal of facilitating and promoting investigation in a field where obtaining PHAs from HC remains a costly and challenging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Corti Monzón
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos y Ambiente, INCITAA, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - G Bertola
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos y Ambiente, INCITAA, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M K Herrera Seitz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, IIB, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S E Murialdo
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos y Ambiente, INCITAA, CIC, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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2
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Rajeshkumar L, Kumar PS, Ramesh M, Sanjay MR, Siengchin S. Assessment of biodegradation of lignocellulosic fiber-based composites - A systematic review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127237. [PMID: 37804890 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Lignocellulosic fiber-reinforced polymer composites are the most extensively used modern-day materials with low density and better specific strength specifically developed to render better physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Synthetic fiber-reinforced composites face some serious issues like low biodegradability, non-environmentally friendly, and low disposability. Lignocellulosic or natural fiber-reinforced composites, which are developed from various plant-based fibers and animal-based fibers are considered potential substitutes for synthetic fiber composites because they are characterized by lightweight, better biodegradability, and are available at low cost. It is very much essential to study end-of-life (EoL) conditions like biodegradability for the biocomposites which occur commonly after their service life. During biodegradation, the physicochemical arrangement of the natural fibers, the environmental conditions, and the microbial populations, to which the natural fiber composites are exposed, play the most influential factors. The current review focuses on a comprehensive discussion of the standards and assessment methods of biodegradation in aerobic and anaerobic conditions on a laboratory scale. This review is expected to serve the materialists and technologists who work on the EoL behaviour of various materials, particularly in natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites to apply these standards and test methods to various classes of biocomposites for developing sustainable materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rajeshkumar
- Centre for Machining and Materials Testing, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P Sathish Kumar
- Natural Composites Research Group Lab, Department of Materials and Production Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - M Ramesh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KIT-Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M R Sanjay
- Natural Composites Research Group Lab, Department of Materials and Production Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Suchart Siengchin
- Natural Composites Research Group Lab, Department of Materials and Production Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Bangkok, Thailand
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3
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Wang Y, Baral NR, Yang M, Scown CD. Co-Processing Agricultural Residues and Wet Organic Waste Can Produce Lower-Cost Carbon-Negative Fuels and Bioplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:2958-2969. [PMID: 36747467 PMCID: PMC9948286 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06674] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Scalable, low-cost biofuel and biochemical production can accelerate progress on the path to a more circular carbon economy and reduced dependence on crude oil. Rather than producing a single fuel product, lignocellulosic biorefineries have the potential to serve as hubs for the production of fuels, production of petrochemical replacements, and treatment of high-moisture organic waste. A detailed techno-economic analysis and life-cycle greenhouse gas assessment are developed to explore the cost and emission impacts of integrated corn stover-to-ethanol biorefineries that incorporate both codigestion of organic wastes and different strategies for utilizing biogas, including onsite energy generation, upgrading to bio-compressed natural gas (bioCNG), conversion to poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) bioplastic, and conversion to single-cell protein (SCP). We find that codigesting manure or a combination of manure and food waste alongside process wastewater can reduce the biorefinery's total costs per metric ton of CO2 equivalent mitigated by half or more. Upgrading biogas to bioCNG is the most cost-effective climate mitigation strategy, while upgrading biogas to PHB or SCP is competitive with combusting biogas onsite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Energy
& Biosciences Institute, University
of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Life-Cycle,
Economics, and Agronomy Division, Joint
BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Nawa R. Baral
- Life-Cycle,
Economics, and Agronomy Division, Joint
BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Minliang Yang
- Life-Cycle,
Economics, and Agronomy Division, Joint
BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Corinne D. Scown
- Energy
& Biosciences Institute, University
of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Life-Cycle,
Economics, and Agronomy Division, Joint
BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Energy
Analysis and Environmental Impacts Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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4
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Sangtani R, Nogueira R, Yadav AK, Kiran B. Systematizing Microbial Bioplastic Production for Developing Sustainable Bioeconomy: Metabolic Nexus Modeling, Economic and Environmental Technologies Assessment. JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT 2023; 31:2741-2760. [PMID: 36811096 PMCID: PMC9933833 DOI: 10.1007/s10924-023-02787-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The excessive usage of non-renewable resources to produce plastic commodities has incongruously influenced the environment's health. Especially in the times of COVID-19, the need for plastic-based health products has increased predominantly. Given the rise in global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, the lifecycle of plastic has been established to contribute to it significantly. Bioplastics such as polyhydroxy alkanoates, polylactic acid, etc. derived from renewable energy origin have been a magnificent alternative to conventional plastics and reconnoitered exclusively for combating the environmental footprint of petrochemical plastic. However, the economically reasonable and environmentally friendly procedure of microbial bioplastic production has been a hard nut to crack due to less scouted and inefficient process optimization and downstream processing methodologies. Thereby, meticulous employment of computational tools such as genome-scale metabolic modeling and flux balance analysis has been practiced in recent times to understand the effect of genomic and environmental perturbations on the phenotype of the microorganism. In-silico results not only aid us in determining the biorefinery abilities of the model microorganism but also curb our reliance on equipment, raw materials, and capital investment for optimizing the best conditions. Additionally, to accomplish sustainable large-scale production of microbial bioplastic in a circular bioeconomy, extraction, and refinement of bioplastic needs to be investigated extensively by practicing techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment. This review put forth state-of-the-art know-how on the proficiency of these computational techniques in laying the foundation of an efficient bioplastic manufacturing blueprint, chiefly focusing on microbial polyhydroxy alkanoates (PHA) production and its efficacy in outplacing fossil based plastic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimjhim Sangtani
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, 453552, Indore, India
| | - Regina Nogueira
- Institute for Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Asheesh Kumar Yadav
- CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751013 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002 India
| | - Bala Kiran
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, 453552, Indore, India
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5
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Yu C, Dongsu B, Tao Z, Xintong J, Ming C, Siqi W, Zheng S, Yalei Z. Anaerobic co-digestion of three commercial bio-plastic bags with food waste: Effects on methane production and microbial community structure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:159967. [PMID: 36347286 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of bioplastic bags as a replacement for traditional petroleum-based plastic bags is promising for their simultaneous anaerobic digestion with food waste. In this study, the degradation of three bioplastic bags is evaluated during anaerobic co-digestion with food waste under mesophilic/thermophilic conditions, and the results indicated PBAT/PLA/starch > PLA > PBAT for methane production rate. The PBAT/PLA/starch mixture produced 23.4 ml/g of methane at 55 °C, and the cumulative methane production increased by 28.4 % compared to the control. In addition, the lag time before methane production was reduced by one to four days when anaerobic co-digestion was performed under thermophilic conditions, and the conversion of the bioplastics improved by 9.11-11.2 %. Microscopy further showed obvious physical degradation of the PBAT/PLA/starch material. The FTIR analysis showed that the characteristic peaks of the material at 3320, 2957, and 934 cm-1 decreased significantly after anaerobic fermentation. The biodegradability of the polymer decreased with an increase in the content of the crystalline area in the structure. The addition of a comonomer reduced the crystallinity of the polymer. In addition, the biodegradability was increased by adjusting the hydrolysis reaction and microbial activity of the polymer surface. An analysis of the structural features of the microbial communities revealed that Archaea exhibited different biodiversity at distinct temperatures. In particular, under thermophilic conditions, the relative abundance of Methanothermobacter was 56.0 %, and it plays an important role in the anaerobic degradation of PBAT/PLA/starch materials, while bacterial communities showed smaller differences. Overall, the bioplastic was able to be co-digested anaerobically with food waste to produce renewable energy. This study provides a plan for the practical application of biodegradable plastic bag collection for the combined treatment of food waste in anaerobic digesters. It provides a theoretical basis for modifications of bioplastic and domestication of anaerobic microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Yu
- Institute of New Rural Development, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Bi Dongsu
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Zhang Tao
- College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiang Xintong
- Institute of New Rural Development, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Chen Ming
- Institute of New Rural Development, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Wang Siqi
- Institute of New Rural Development, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Shen Zheng
- Institute of New Rural Development, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Zhang Yalei
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
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6
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Yukesh Kannah R, Dinesh Kumar M, Kavitha S, Rajesh Banu J, Kumar Tyagi V, Rajaguru P, Kumar G. Production and recovery of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from waste streams - A review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 366:128203. [PMID: 36330969 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are the more attractive sustainable green plastic, and it has the potential to replace petroleum-based plastics (PBP) in the global market. Recently, most of the developed and developing countries have banned the use of traditional PBP. This increases the demand for green plastic production and positively impacts the global market. Producing green plastic from various waste streams such as whey, animal, and crude glycerol will be eco-friendly and cost-effective. However, the factors influencing the environmental sustainability of PHA production from different waste streams are still unclear. This review could be reinforced concrete to researchers to gather deep knowledge on techno-economic analysis, life-cycle assessment, environmental and ecological risks caused during PHA production from different waste streams.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Yukesh Kannah
- Department of Civil Engineering, Anna University Regional Campus Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu 627007 India; Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States of America
| | - M Dinesh Kumar
- Department of Civil Engineering, Anna University Regional Campus Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu 627007 India; Department of Civil Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Kavitha
- Department of Civil Engineering, Anna University Regional Campus Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu 627007 India
| | - J Rajesh Banu
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Neelakudi, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu 610005, India
| | - Vinay Kumar Tyagi
- Environmental Hydrology Division, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, 247667, India
| | - P Rajaguru
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Neelakudi, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu 610005, India
| | - Gopalakrishnan Kumar
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Ibarretxe J, Alonso L, Aranburu N, Guerrica-Echevarría G, Orbea A, Iturrondobeitia M. Sustainable PHBH-Alumina Nanowire Nanocomposites: Properties and Life Cycle Assessment. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14225033. [PMID: 36433160 PMCID: PMC9697647 DOI: 10.3390/polym14225033] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH) is a bio-based polyester with the potential to replace some common polymers of fossil origin. However, PHBH presents serious limitations, such as low stiffness, tendency to undergo crystallization over long time periods and low resistance to thermal degradation during processing. In this work, we studied the use of alumina nanowires to generate PHBH-alumina nanocomposites, modifying the properties of PHBH to improve its usability. Solvent casting and melt blending were used to produce the nanocomposites. Then, their physicochemical properties and aquatic toxicity were measured. Finally, LCA was used to evaluate and compare the environmental impacts of several scenarios relevant to the processing and end of life (EoL) conditions of PHBHs. It was observed that, at low concentrations (3 wt.%), the alumina nanowires have a small positive impact on the stiffness and thermal degradation for the samples. However, for higher concentrations, the observed effects differed for each of the applied processing techniques (solvent casting or melt blending). The toxicity measurements showed that PHBH alone and in combination with alumina nanowires (10 wt.%) did not produce any impact on the survival of brine shrimp larvae after 24 and 48 h of exposure. The 18 impact categories evaluated by LCA allowed defining the most environmentally friendly conditions for the processing and EoL of PHBHs, and comparing the PHBH-related impacts to those of some of the most common fossil-based plastics. It was concluded that the preferable processing technique for PHBH is melt blending and that PHBH is unquestionably more environmentally friendly than every other analyzed plastic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julen Ibarretxe
- eMERG Research Group, School of Engineering of Bilbao, Building II-I, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Rafael Moreno Pitxitxi 3, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Laura Alonso
- Life Cycle Thinking Group, Department of Graphic Design and Engineering Projects, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Ingeniero Torres Quevedo 1, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Nora Aranburu
- POLYMAT and Department of Polymer and Advanced Materials: Physics, Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Guerrica-Echevarría
- POLYMAT and Department of Polymer and Advanced Materials: Physics, Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Amaia Orbea
- CBET Research Group, Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology PiE and Science and Technology Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). Sarriena z/g, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Maider Iturrondobeitia
- eMERG Research Group, School of Engineering of Bilbao, Building II-I, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Rafael Moreno Pitxitxi 3, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
- Life Cycle Thinking Group, Department of Graphic Design and Engineering Projects, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Ingeniero Torres Quevedo 1, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-946014311
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Ali SS, Elsamahy T, Abdelkarim EA, Al-Tohamy R, Kornaros M, Ruiz HA, Zhao T, Li F, Sun J. Biowastes for biodegradable bioplastics production and end-of-life scenarios in circular bioeconomy and biorefinery concept. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 363:127869. [PMID: 36064080 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Due to global urbanization, industrialization, and economic development, biowastes generation represents negative consequences on the environment and human health. The use of generated biowastes as a feedstock for biodegradable bioplastic production has opened a new avenue for environmental sustainability from the circular (bio)economy standpoint. Biodegradable bioplastic production can contribute to the sustainability pillars (environmental, economic, and social). Furthermore, bioenergy, biomass, and biopolymers production after recycling of biodegradable bioplastic can help to maintain the energy-environment balance. Several types of biodegradable bioplastic, such as starch-based, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polylactic acid, and polybutylene adipate terephthalate, can achieve this aim. In this review, an overview of the main biowastes valorization routes and the main biodegradable bioplastic types of production, application, and biodegradability are discussed to achieve the transition to the circular economy. Additionally, end-of-life scenarios (up-cycle and down-cycle) are reviewed to attain the maximum environmental, social, and economic benefit from biodegradable bioplastic products under biorefinery concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh S Ali
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt.
| | - Tamer Elsamahy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Esraa A Abdelkarim
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Rania Al-Tohamy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Michael Kornaros
- Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering & Environmental Technology (LBEET), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 1 Karatheodori Str., University Campus, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Héctor A Ruiz
- Biorefinery Group, Food Research Department, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Saltillo, Coahuila 25280, Mexico
| | - Tong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150090, China
| | - Fanghua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150090, China.
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
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Awasthi SK, Kumar M, Kumar V, Sarsaiya S, Anerao P, Ghosh P, Singh L, Liu H, Zhang Z, Awasthi MK. A comprehensive review on recent advancements in biodegradation and sustainable management of biopolymers. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119600. [PMID: 35691442 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have seen upsurge in plastic manufacturing and its utilization in various fields, such as, packaging, household goods, medical applications, and beauty products. Due to various adverse impacts imposed by synthetic plastics on the health of living well-being and the environment, the biopolymers have been emerged out an alternative. Although, the biopolymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are entirely degradable. However, the other polymers, such as poly (lactic acid) (PLA) are only partially degradable and often not biosynthesized. Biodegradation of the polymers using microorganisms is considered an effective bioremediation approach. Biodegradation can be performed in aerobic and anaerobic environments. In this context, the present review discusses the biopolymer production, their persistence in the environment, aerobic biodegradation, anaerobic biodegradation, challenges associated with biodegradation and future perspectives. In addition, this review discusses the advancement in the technologies associated with biopolymer production, biodegradation, and their biodegradation standard in different environmental settings. Furthermore, differences in the degradation condition in the laboratory as well as on-site are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, PR China
| | - Manish Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vinay Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Surendra Sarsaiya
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Prathmesh Anerao
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pooja Ghosh
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Lal Singh
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Hong Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, PR China
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, PR China
| | - Mukesh Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, PR China.
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Abstract
In the Anthropocene, plastic pollution is a worldwide concern that must be tackled from different viewpoints, bringing together different areas of science. Microbial transformation of polymers is a broad-spectrum research topic that has become a keystone in the circular economy of fossil-based and biobased plastics. To have an open discussion about these themes, experts in the synthesis of polymers and biodegradation of lignocellulose and plastics convened within the framework of The Transnational Network for Research and Innovation in Microbial Biodiversity, Enzymes Technology and Polymer Science (MENZYPOL-NET), which was recently created by early-stage scientists from Colombia and Germany. In this context, the international workshop “Microbial Synthesis and Degradation of Polymers: Toward a Sustainable Bioeconomy” was held on 27 September 2021 via Zoom. The workshop was divided into two sections, and questions were raised for discussion with panelists and expert guests. Several key points and relevant perspectives were delivered, mainly related to (i) the microbial evolution driven by plastic pollution; (ii) the relevance of and interplay between polymer structure/composition, enzymatic mechanisms, and assessment methods in plastic biodegradation; (iii) the recycling and valorization of plastic waste; (iv) engineered plastic-degrading enzymes; (v) the impact of (micro)plastics on environmental microbiomes; (vi) the isolation of plastic-degrading (PD) microbes and design of PD microbial consortia; and (vii) the synthesis and applications of biobased plastics. Finally, research priorities from these key points were identified within the microbial, enzyme, and polymer sciences.
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11
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Shen W, Tian Z, Zhao L, Qian F. Life Cycle Assessment and Multiobjective Optimization for Steam Cracking Process in Ethylene Plant. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:15507-15517. [PMID: 35571839 PMCID: PMC9096952 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
With energy savings and emission reduction becoming national policies in recent years, the environmental impacts of industrial production are more and more critical. Most of the studies have concentrated on the environmental effects of the industrial production process. Little attention has been paid to the energy consumption and pollution emission in extracting, processing, and transporting the feedstock and other secondary materials. An integrated multiobjective optimization framework is proposed for the steam cracking process on the basis of a life cycle assessment and data-driven modeling methods. A multiobjective economic-environmental optimization model is developed on the basis of industrial and simulated data. A multiobjective optimization model combined with energy cost is also developed for comparative study. The nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II is utilized to solve the problems, and the Pareto front is obtained. An industrial case study is carried out to indicate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the LCA-based method can better represent the environmental impacts in comparison with the standard energy cost model. Therefore, the proposed method can achieve a better tradeoff between economic benefits and environmental impacts for guiding ethylene production.
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A Review on Biological Synthesis of the Biodegradable Polymers Polyhydroxyalkanoates and the Development of Multiple Applications. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal12030319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoates, or PHAs, belong to a class of biopolyesters where the biodegradable PHA polymer is accumulated by microorganisms as intracellular granules known as carbonosomes. Microorganisms can accumulate PHA using a wide variety of substrates under specific inorganic nutrient limiting conditions, with many of the carbon-containing substrates coming from waste or low-value sources. PHAs are universally thermoplastic, with PHB and PHB copolymers having similar characteristics to conventional fossil-based polymers such as polypropylene. PHA properties are dependent on the composition of its monomers, meaning PHAs can have a diverse range of properties and, thus, functionalities within this biopolyester family. This diversity in functionality results in a wide array of applications in sectors such as food-packaging and biomedical industries. In order for PHAs to compete with the conventional plastic industry in terms of applications and economics, the scale of PHA production needs to grow from its current low base. Similar to all new polymers, PHAs need continuous technological developments in their production and material science developments to grow their market opportunities. The setup of end-of-life management (biodegradability, recyclability) system infrastructure is also critical to ensure that PHA and other biobased biodegradable polymers can be marketed with maximum benefits to society. The biobased nature and the biodegradability of PHAs mean they can be a key polymer in the materials sector of the future. The worldwide scale of plastic waste pollution demands a reformation of the current polymer industry, or humankind will face the consequences of having plastic in every step of the food chain and beyond. This review will discuss the aforementioned points in more detail, hoping to provide information that sheds light on how PHAs can be polymers of the future.
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Gupta J, Rathour R, Maheshwari N, Shekhar Thakur I. Integrated analysis of Whole genome sequencing and life cycle assessment for polyhydroxyalkanoates production by Cupriavidus sp. ISTL7. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 337:125418. [PMID: 34153867 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The current study demonstrates the enhanced production capability of strain Cupriavidus sp. ISTL7 for polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) using acetate and glucose (4.93 ± 0.4571 g L-1) which was characterised analytically by GC-MS, FTIR and NMR analysis. Whole genome sequencing of strain ISTL7 unveiled an array of PHA metabolism genes which included phaA, phaB and phaC. Life cycle assessment of the protocol established that the production was most sustainable with the carbon source acetate. + Glucose as compared to acetate/glucose alone. It also concluded that solvent extraction of PHA and energy consumption during the process requires optimization to sustain the production on ecological fronts. Additionally, acetoacetyl-CoA reductase (phaB) gene was molecularly cloned, expressed and purified (27 KDa, 2.63 mg/ml). Conclusively, Cupriavidus sp. ISTL7 is a potential strain for PHA production with a scope of improvement on energy fronts which would transform the production environmentally and economically appealing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhi Gupta
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110 067, India
| | - Rashmi Rathour
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110 067, India
| | - Neha Maheshwari
- Amity School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Gurugram 122413, India
| | - Indu Shekhar Thakur
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110 067, India; Amity School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Gurugram 122413, India.
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Awasthi MK, Sarsaiya S, Wainaina S, Rajendran K, Awasthi SK, Liu T, Duan Y, Jain A, Sindhu R, Binod P, Pandey A, Zhang Z, Taherzadeh MJ. Techno-economics and life-cycle assessment of biological and thermochemical treatment of bio-waste. RENEWABLE AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS 2021; 144:110837. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2021.110837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
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15
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Abraham A, Park H, Choi O, Sang BI. Anaerobic co-digestion of bioplastics as a sustainable mode of waste management with improved energy production - A review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 322:124537. [PMID: 33341713 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.124537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The world of bioplastics has expanded rapidly in recent decades, and the new waste stream generated is creating major barriers to waste processing. Anaerobic co-digestion is to be considered one of the best options for the efficient processing of bioplastic waste due to its minimal space requirements, lower degrees of environmental pollution, and renewable energy generation. The higher carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio of bioplastics poses a challenge to anaerobic digestion, but co-digestion with lower C/N ratio biowastes can efficiently degrade bioplastics and improve biogas production in the system. In the future, the collection of organic waste in biodegradable plastic bags makes the waste management process easier for anaerobic digestion plants. The present review paper discusses current trends of bioplastic usage, degradation strategies, and the potential of anaerobic co-digestion for waste management with improved energy production in anaerobic digesters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amith Abraham
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyojung Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Okkyoung Choi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung-In Sang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.
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Methane Monooxygenase Gene Transcripts as Quantitative Biomarkers of Methanotrophic Activity in Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.01048-20. [PMID: 32948519 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01048-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Methanotrophic microorganisms are characterized by their ability to oxidize methane. Globally they have a significant impact on methane emissions by attenuating net methane fluxes to the atmosphere in natural and engineered systems, though the populations are dynamic in their activity level in soils and waters. Methanotrophs oxidize methane using methane monooxygenase (MMO) enzymes, and selected subunit genes of the most common MMOs, specifically pmoA and mmoX, are used as biomarkers for the presence and abundance of populations of bacterial methanotrophs. The relative expression of these biomarker genes is dependent on copper-to-biomass ratios. Empirically derived quantitative relationships between methane oxidation biomarker transcript amounts and methanotrophic activity could facilitate determination of methane oxidation rates. In this study, pure cultures of a model type II methanotroph, Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b, were grown in hollow-fiber membrane bioreactors (HFMBR) under different steady-state methane oxidation conditions. Methanotroph biomass (DNA based) and methane oxidation biomarker mRNA transcript amounts were determined using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR), respectively. Under both copper-present and copper-limited conditions, per-cell pmoA mRNA transcript levels positively correlated with measured per-cell methane oxidation rates across 3 orders of magnitude. These correlations, if maintained across different methanotrophs, could prove valuable for inferring in situ oxidation rates of methanotrophs and understanding the dynamics of their impact on net methane emissions.IMPORTANCE Methanotrophs are naturally occurring microorganisms capable of oxidizing methane and have an impact on global net methane emissions. The genes pmoA and mmoX are used as biomarkers for bacterial methanotrophs. Quantitative relationships between transcript amounts of these genes and methane oxidation rates could facilitate estimation of methanotrophic activity. In this study, a strong correlation was observed between per-cell pmoA transcript levels and per-cell methane oxidation rates for pure cultures of the aerobic methanotroph M. trichosporium OB3b grown in bioreactors. If similar relationships exist across different methanotrophs, they could prove valuable for inferring in situ oxidation rates of methanotrophs and better understanding their impact on net methane emissions.
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Shahid S, Razzaq S, Farooq R, Nazli ZIH. Polyhydroxyalkanoates: Next generation natural biomolecules and a solution for the world's future economy. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 166:297-321. [PMID: 33127548 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.10.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Petrochemical plastics have become a cause of pollution for decades and finding alternative plastics that are environmental friendly. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a biopolyester produced by microbial cells, has characteristics (biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic) that make it appropriate as a biodegradable plastic substance. The different forms of PHA make it suitable to a wide choice of products, from packaging materials to biomedical applications. The major challenge in commercialization of PHA is the cost of manufacturing. There are a lot of factors that could affect the efficiency of a development method. The development of new strategic parameters for better synthesis, including consumption of low cost carbon substrates, genetic modification of PHA-producing strains, and fermentational strategies are discussed. Recently, many efforts have been made to develop a method for the cost-effective production of PHAs. The isolation, analysis as well as characterization of PHAs are significant factors for any developmental process. Due to the biodegradable and biocompatible properties of PHAs, they are majorly used in biomedical applications such as vascular grafting, heart tissue engineering, skin tissue repairing, liver tissue engineering, nerve tissue engineering, bone tissue engineering, cartilage tissue engineering and therapeutic carrier. The emerging and interesting area of research is the development of self-healing biopolymer that could significantly broaden the operational life and protection of the polymeric materials for a broad range of uses. Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers are considered as the green materials in place of petroleum-based plastics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Shahid
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College Women University Faisalabad, Pakistan.
| | - Sadia Razzaq
- Department of Chemistry, Government College Women University Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Robina Farooq
- Department of Chemistry, Government College Women University Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Zill-I-Huma Nazli
- Department of Chemistry, Government College Women University Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Pérez V, Mota CR, Muñoz R, Lebrero R. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) production from biogas in waste treatment facilities: Assessing the potential impacts on economy, environment and society. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 255:126929. [PMID: 32402877 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126929] [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: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Using the biogas generated from organic waste anaerobic treatment to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) has emerged as an attractive alternative to heat and power generation (CHP) in waste treatment plants. The sustainability of biogas combustion for CHP, biogas bioconversion into PHA and a combination of both scenarios was compared in terms of environmental impact, process economics and social responsibility according to the IChemE Sustainability Metrics. Although PHA production presented higher investment and operational costs, a comparable economic performance was observed in all biogas valorization scenarios regarding net present value (0.77 M€) and internal rate of return (6.4 ± 0.2%) due to the higher market value of biopolymers. The PHA production entailed a significant reduction of atmospheric acidification and odor emissions compared to CHP despite showing higher land, water, chemicals and energy requirements. Job creation associated to biopolymer industry and the increasing public demand for bioproducts were identified as fundamental aspects for enhancing social and local acceptance of waste processing facilities. This study demonstrated that PHA production from biogas constitutes nowadays a realistic alternative to CHP in waste treatment plants and that PHA can be produced at a competitive market price when biogas is used for internal energy provision (4.2 €·kg-1 PHA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Pérez
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011, Valladolid, Spain; Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| | - César R Mota
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raúl Muñoz
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011, Valladolid, Spain; Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Raquel Lebrero
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011, Valladolid, Spain; Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011, Valladolid, Spain.
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Life Cycle Assessment and Energy Balance of a Novel Polyhydroxyalkanoates Production Process with Mixed Microbial Cultures Fed on Pyrolytic Products of Wastewater Treatment Sludge. ENERGIES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/en13112706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A “cradle-to-grave” life cycle assessment is performed to identify the environmental issues of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) produced through a hybrid thermochemical-biological process using anaerobically digested sewage sludge (ADSS) as feedstock. The assessment includes a measure of the energy performance of the process. The system boundary includes: (i) Sludge pyrolysis followed by volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production; (ii) PHAs-enriched biomass production using a mixed microbial culture (MMC); (iii) PHAs extraction with dimethyl carbonate; and iv) PHAs end-of-life. Three scenarios differing in the use of the syngas produced by both pyrolysis and biochar gasification, and two more scenarios differing only in the external energy sources were evaluated. Results show a trade-off between environmental impacts at global scale, such as climate change and resources depletion, and those having an effect at the local/regional scale, such as acidification, eutrophication, and toxicity. Process configurations based only on the sludge-to-PHAs route require an external energy supply, which determines the highest impacts with respect to climate change, resources depletion, and water depletion. On the contrary, process configurations also integrating the sludge-to-energy route for self-sustainment imply more onsite sludge processing and combustion; this results in the highest values of eutrophication, ecotoxicity, and human toxicity. There is not a categorical winner among the investigated configurations; however, the use of a selected mix of external renewable sources while using sludge to produce PHAs only seems the best compromise. The results are comparable to those of both other PHAs production processes found in the literature and various fossil-based and bio-based polymers, in terms of both non-biogenic GHG emissions and energy demand. Further process advancements and technology improvement in high impact stages are required to make this PHAs production process a competitive candidate for the production of biopolymers on a wide scale.
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Liu LY, Xie GJ, Xing DF, Liu BF, Ding J, Ren NQ. Biological conversion of methane to polyhydroxyalkanoates: Current advances, challenges, and perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 2:100029. [PMID: 36160923 PMCID: PMC9487992 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2020.100029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Methane emissions and plastic pollution are critical global challenges. The biological conversion of methane to poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) not only mitigates methane emissions but also provides biodegradable polymer substitutes for petroleum-based materials used in plastics production. This work provides an early overview of the methane-based PHB advances and discusses challenges and related strategies. Recent advances of PHB, including PHB biosynthetic pathways, methanotrophs, bioreactors, and the performances of PHB materials are introduced. Major challenges of methane-based PHB production are discussed in detail; these include low efficiency of methanotrophs, low gas-liquid mass transfer efficiency, and poor material properties. To overcome these limitations, various approaches are also explored, such as feast-famine regimes, engineered microorganisms, gas-permeable membrane bioreactors, two-phase partitioning bioreactors, poly-β-hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate synthesis, and molecular weight manipulation.
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Li Z, Hu X, Qin L, Yin D. Evaluating the effect of different modified microplastics on the availability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 170:115290. [PMID: 31770647 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) discharged into the natural environment undergo various wearthering pathways, such as mechanical abrasion and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. However, little is known about the effects of such aged MPs on the bioavailability of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) in aqueous environments. To simulate the natural oxidation and UV-ageing process of MPs, three kinds of modified polyethylene MPs were obtained by plastic etching processes common in industry and UV irradiation, namely, etched MPs (EMPs), UV-aged MPs (UV-MPs), and etched MPs followed by UV ageing (UV-EMPs). The modified MPs showed a higher content of surface oxygen-containing groups than the pristine MPs, and the specific surface area and pore volume increased significantly after etching and ultraviolet ageing, especially for the EMPs (1.67 m2 g-1 and 0.0049 cm³ g-1) and UV-EMPs (2.37 m2 g-1 and 0.0089 cm³ g-1). The effect of modified MPs on the availability of 10 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, logKow 4.18-6.20) was evaluated by negligible-depletion solid-phase microextraction (nd-SPME). The free concentrations (Cfree) of most PAHs (except for less hydrophobic PAHs, logKow 4.18 and 4.56) decreased with an increasing concentration of MPs. The logarithms of the sorption coefficients of PAHs with various MPs (logKMPs, logKUV-MPs, logKEMPs and logKUV-EMPs) were linearly correlated with logKow, suggesting that the sorption is hydrophobicity dependent. Compared with the results for pristine MPs (logKMP 3.80-4.95), UV ageing only slightly enhanced the sorption of PAHs by MPs (logKUV-MPs 3.71-4.98), whereas the plastic etching processes significantly enhanced sorption (logKEMPs 3.85-5.18 and logKUV-EMPs 3.90-5.28). The sorption of PAHs to MPs is mainly based on partitioning; however, a mechanism of adsorption also likely takes place in EMPs and UV-EMPs due to hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions. Desorption study indicated that PAH desorption from MPs are dominated by film diffusion. However, intraparticle diffusion also takes great part for the EMPs. These results suggest that modification of MPs in the natural environment will change the availability of HOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Li
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xialin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Lanxue Qin
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Daqiang Yin
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China
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Luangthongkam P, Strong PJ, Syed Mahamud SN, Evans P, Jensen P, Tyson G, Laycock B, Lant PA, Pratt S. The effect of methane and odd-chain fatty acids on 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) synthesis by a Methylosinus-dominated mixed culture. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2019. [DOI: 10.1186/s40643-019-0285-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractA methanotrophic community was enriched in a semi-continuous reactor under non-aseptic conditions with methane and ammonia as carbon and nitrogen source. After a year of operation, Methylosinus sp., accounted for 80% relative abundance of the total sequences identified from potential polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) producers, dominated the methane-fed enrichment. Prior to induction of PHA accumulation, cells harvested from the parent reactor contained low level of PHA at 4.0 ± 0.3 wt%. The cells were later incubated in the absence of ammonia with various combinations of methane, propionic acid, and valeric acid to induce biosynthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). Previous studies reported that methanotrophic utilization of odd-chain fatty acids for the production of PHAs requires reducing power from methane oxidation. However, our findings demonstrated that the PHB-containing methanotrophic enrichment does not require methane availability to generate 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV)—when odd-chain fatty acids are presented. The enrichment yielded up to 14 wt% PHA with various mole fractions of 3HV monomer depending on the availability of methane and odd-fatty acids. Overall, the addition of valeric acid resulted in a higher PHA content and a higher 3HV fraction. The highest 3HV fraction (up to 65 mol%) was obtained from the methane–valeric acid experiment, which is higher than those previously reported for PHA-producing methanotrophic mixed microbial cultures.
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Abstract
After nearly two decades of subsidized and energy crop-oriented development, agricultural biogas production in Germany is standing at a crossroads. Fundamental challenges need to be met. In this article we sketch a vision of a future agricultural biogas plant that is an integral part of the circular bioeconomy and works mainly on the base of residues. It is flexible with regard to feedstocks, digester operation, microbial communities and biogas output. It is modular in design and its operation is knowledge-based, information-driven and largely automated. It will be competitive with fossil energies and other renewable energies, profitable for farmers and plant operators and favorable for the national economy. In this paper we discuss the required contribution of research to achieve these aims.
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Zhang T, Zhou J, Wang X, Zhang Y. Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate Production by Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b at Different Gas-phase Conditions. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 17:e1866. [PMID: 31457042 PMCID: PMC6697861 DOI: 10.21859/ijb.1866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The utilization of methane for production of Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) not only cuts the emissions of greenhouse gases but also greatly reduces PHB production cost. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the effects of gas-phase conditions on PHB production by Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bacterial cultivation and PHB production were conducted in a series of sealed serum bottles. Nitrogen-free mineral salts medium was used to induce PHB production in the presence or absence of N2 in the headspace. RESULTS In the absence of N2, the highest PHB content (i.e., 52.9% of the dry cell weight with a PHB concentration of 814.3 mg.L-1) was obtained at a ratio of CH4:O2=2:1. Further study at different O2 concentrations with a fixed CH4 partial pressure in absence of N2 showed that PHB accumulation by methanotroph could be tolerated high oxygen partial pressure and its respond to the variation of the oxygen concentration depends on the methane partial pressure. In presence of N2, with headspace gas replenished only when oxygen was almost depleted, the degradation of intracellular PHB has appeared. In the regimen of updating headspace gas at the point when the PHB content began to decrease, the highest PHB content (i.e., 55.5% of the dry cell weight with 901.8 mg.L-1 PHB concentration and 12.5 mg.L-1.h-1PHB productivity) was obtained at 0.2 atm O2 and PHB accumulation was depressed with an oxygen concentration greater than 0.3 atm. CONCLUSIONS The methanotroph responses differentially to the increase in the oxygen partial pressure with regard to PHB accumulation either in the presence or in the absence of N2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Energy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiti Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Energy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
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Fergala A, AlSayed A, Khattab S, Ramirez M, Eldyasti A. Development of Methane-Utilizing Mixed Cultures for the Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from Anaerobic Digester Sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:12376-12387. [PMID: 30339372 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b04142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The fundamental components required for scaling up the production of biogas-based biopolymers can be provided through a single process, that is, anaerobic digestion (AD). In this research, the possibility of enriching methane-utilizing mixed cultures from the AD process was explored as well as their capability to accumulate polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). For almost 70 days of operation in a fed-batch cyclic mode, the specific growth rate was 0.078 ± 0.005 h-1 and the biomass yield was 0.7 ± 0.08 mg-VSS/mg-CH4. Adjusting the nitrogen levels in AD centrate resulted in results comparable to those obtained with a synthetic medium. The enriched culture could accumulate up to 51 ± 2% PHB. On the other hand, when the culturing medium was supplemented with valeric acid, the enriched bacteria were able to produce polyhydroxybutyrate- co-valerate (PHBV) up to 52 ± 6% with an HV percentage of 33 ± 5%. Increasing the valeric acid concentration in the culturing medium above 100 mg/L decreased the overall amount of PHBV by 60%, whereas the number of HV units incorporated was not affected. Changing the methane-to-oxygen ratio (M/O) from 1:1 to 4:1 caused an almost 80% decline in PHB accumulation. In addition, M/O had a significant effect on the fraction composition of PHBV at different valeric acid concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Fergala
- Department of Civil Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering , York University , Toronto , Ontario Canada M3J 1P3
| | - Ahmed AlSayed
- Department of Civil Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering , York University , Toronto , Ontario Canada M3J 1P3
| | - Saif Khattab
- Department of Chemical Engineering , Ryerson University , 350 Victoria Street , Toronto , Ontario Canada M5B 2K3
| | - Megan Ramirez
- Department of Environmental Engineering , Universidad International , Cuernavaca , Morelos , Mexico
| | - Ahmed Eldyasti
- Department of Civil Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering , York University , Toronto , Ontario Canada M3J 1P3
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Abstract
This work reports on the use of a bench-scale chemostat (CSTR) in continuous mode and of a pilot-scale membrane bioreactor (MBR) in fed-batch mode to intensively produce acetic and butyric acids using C. butyricum grown on synthetic media. These studies were then used to perform a cost estimation study of the MBR system to assess the potential economic impact of this proposed methodology, regarding the production of carboxylic acids. The MBR system was found to be highly productive, reaching 37.88 g L−1 h−1 of acetic and 14.44 g L−1 h−1 of volumetric cell productivity, favoring acetic acid production over butyric acid at a ratio of 3 moles to 1. The cost of preparation and production of carboxylic acid using this system was found to be 0.0062 £PS/kg with up to 99% carbon recovery.
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Wang X, Daigger G, Lee DJ, Liu J, Ren NQ, Qu J, Liu G, Butler D. Evolving wastewater infrastructure paradigm to enhance harmony with nature. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:eaaq0210. [PMID: 30083599 PMCID: PMC6070318 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaq0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Restoring and improving harmony between human activities and nature are essential to human well-being and survival. The role of wastewater infrastructure is evolving toward resource recovery to address this challenge. Yet, existing design approaches for wastewater systems focus merely on technological aspects of these systems. If system design could take advantage of natural ecological processes, it could ensure infrastructure development within ecological constraints and maximize other benefits. To test this hypothesis, we illustrate a data-driven, systems-level approach that couples natural ecosystems and the services they deliver to explore how sustainability principles could be embedded into the life phases of wastewater systems. We show that our design could produce outcomes vastly superior to those of conventional paradigms that focus on technologies alone, by enabling high-level recovery of both energy and materials and providing substantial benefits to offset a host of unintended environmental effects. This integrative study advances our understanding and suggests approaches for regaining a balance between satisfying human demands and maintaining ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Centre for Water Systems, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Glen Daigger
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Duu-Jong Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Junxin Liu
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Nan-Qi Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Jiuhui Qu
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, 2600 GA, Delft, Netherlands
| | - David Butler
- Centre for Water Systems, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK
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28
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A Review on Established and Emerging Fermentation Schemes for Microbial Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Biopolyesters. FERMENTATION-BASEL 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/fermentation4020030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Zhang T, Wang X, Zhou J, Zhang Y. Enrichments of methanotrophic-heterotrophic cultures with high poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) accumulation capacities. J Environ Sci (China) 2018; 65:133-143. [PMID: 29548384 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Methanotrophic-heterotrophic communities were selectively enriched from sewage sludge to obtain a mixed culture with high levels of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) accumulation capacity from methane. Methane was used as the carbon source, N2 as sole nitrogen source, and oxygen and Cu content were varied. Copper proved essential for PHB synthesis. All cultures enriched with Cu could accumulate high content of PHB (43.2%-45.9%), while only small amounts of PHB were accumulated by cultures enriched without Cu (11.9%-17.5%). Batch assays revealed that communities grown with Cu and a higher O2 content synthesized more PHB, which had a wider optimal CH4:O2 range and produced a high PHB content (48.7%) even though in the presence of N2. In all methanotrophic-heterotrophic communities, both methanotrophic and heterotrophic populations showed the ability to accumulate PHB. Although methane was added as the sole carbon source, heterotrophs dominated with abundances between 77.2% and 85.6%. All methanotrophs detected belonged to type II genera, which formed stable communities with heterotrophs of different PHB production capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Jiti Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
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30
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Technologies for the bioconversion of methane into more valuable products. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2018; 50:128-135. [PMID: 29316497 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2017.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Methane, with a global warming potential twenty five times higher than that of CO2 is the second most important greenhouse gas emitted nowadays. Its bioconversion into microbial molecules with a high retail value in the industry offers a potential cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solution for mitigating anthropogenic diluted CH4-laden streams. Methane bio-refinery for the production of different compounds such as ectoine, feed proteins, biofuels, bioplastics and polysaccharides, apart from new bioproducts characteristic of methanotrophic bacteria, has been recently tested in discontinuous and continuous bioreactors with promising results. This review constitutes a critical discussion about the state-of-the-art of the potential and research niches of biotechnologies applied in a CH4 biorefinery approach.
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31
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Myung J, Flanagan JCA, Waymouth RM, Criddle CS. Expanding the range of polyhydroxyalkanoates synthesized by methanotrophic bacteria through the utilization of omega-hydroxyalkanoate co-substrates. AMB Express 2017; 7:118. [PMID: 28587442 PMCID: PMC5459778 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-017-0417-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The first methanotrophic syntheses of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) that contain repeating units beyond 3-hydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxyvalerate are reported. New PHAs synthesized by methanotrophs include poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB-co-4HB)), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-5-hydroxyvalerate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (P(3HB-co-5HV-co-3HV)), and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-6-hydroxyhexanoate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB-co-6HHx-co-4HB)). This was achieved from a pure culture of Methylocystis parvus OBBP where the primary substrate is methane and the corresponding ω-hydroxyalkanoate monomers are added as a co-substrate after the cells are subjected to nitrogen-limited conditions.
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32
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Pieja AJ, Morse MC, Cal AJ. Methane to bioproducts: the future of the bioeconomy? Curr Opin Chem Biol 2017; 41:123-131. [PMID: 29197255 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2017.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Methanotrophs have been studied since the 1970s, but interest has increased tremendously in recent years due to their potential to transform methane into valuable bioproducts. The vast quantity of available methane and the low price of methane as natural gas have helped to spur this interest. The most well-studied, biologically-derived products from methane include methanol, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and single cell protein. However, many other high-interest chemicals such as biofuels or high-value products such as ectoine could be made industrially relevant through metabolic engineering. Although challenges must be overcome to achieve commercialization of biologically manufactured methane-to-products, taking a holistic view of the production process or radically re-imagining pathways could lead to a future bioeconomy with methane as the primary feedstock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison J Pieja
- Mango Materials, 490 Lake Park Ave #16098, Oakland, CA 94610, United States.
| | - Molly C Morse
- Mango Materials, 490 Lake Park Ave #16098, Oakland, CA 94610, United States
| | - Andrew J Cal
- USDA-ARS-WRRC, Bioproducts Research Unit, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, United States
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33
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Zhang X, Fevre M, Jones GO, Waymouth RM. Catalysis as an Enabling Science for Sustainable Polymers. Chem Rev 2017; 118:839-885. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 472] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyi Zhang
- Department
of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5080, United States
| | - Mareva Fevre
- IBM Research−Almaden, 650 Harry Road, San Jose, California 95120, United States
| | - Gavin O. Jones
- IBM Research−Almaden, 650 Harry Road, San Jose, California 95120, United States
| | - Robert M. Waymouth
- Department
of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5080, United States
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Chidambarampadmavathy K, Karthikeyan OP, Huerlimann R, Maes GE, Heimann K. Responses of mixed methanotrophic consortia to variable Cu 2+/Fe 2+ ratios. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 197:159-166. [PMID: 28365562 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.03.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Methane mitigation in landfill top cover soils is mediated by methanotrophs whose optimal methane (CH4) oxidation capacity is governed by environmental and complex microbial community interactions. Optimization of CH4 remediating bio-filters need to take microbial responses into account. Divalent copper (Cu2+) and iron (Fe2+) are present in landfills at variable ratios and play a vital role in methane oxidation capacity and growth of methanotrophs. This study, as a first of its kind, therefore quantified effects of variable Cu2+ and Fe2+ (5:5, 5:25 and 5:50 μM) ratios on mixed methanotrophic communities enriched from landfill top cover (LB) and compost soils (CB). CH4 oxidation capacity, CH4 removal efficiencies, fatty acids content/profiles and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB; a biopolymer) contents were also analysed to quantify performance and potential co-product development. Mixed methanotroph cultures were raised in 10 L continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs, Bioflo® & Celligen® 310 Fermentor/Bioreactor; John Morris Scientific, Chatswood, NSW, Australia). Community structure was determined by amplifying the V3-V4 region of 16s rRNA gene. Community structure and, consequently, fatty acid-profiles changed significantly with increasing Cu2+/Fe2+ ratios, and responses were different for LB and CB. Effects on methane oxidation capacities and PHB content were similar in the LB- and CB-CSTR, decreasing with increasing Cu2+/Fe2+ ratios, while biomass growth was unaffected. In general, high Fe2+ concentration favored growth of the type -II methanotroph Methylosinus in the CB-CSTR, but methanotroph abundances decreased in the LB-CSTR. Increase in Cu2+/Fe2+ ratio increased the growth of Sphingopyxis in both systems, while Azospirllum was co-dominant in the LB- but absent in the CB-CSTR. After 13 days, methane oxidation capacities and PHB content decreased by ∼50% and more in response to increasing Fe2+ concentrations. Although methanotroph abundance was ∼2% in the LB- (compared to >50% in CB-CSTR), methane oxidation capacities were comparable in the two systems, suggesting that methane oxidation capacity was maintained by the dominant Azospirllum and Sphingopyxis in the LB-CSTR. Despite similar methanotroph inoculum community composition and controlled environmental variables, increasing Cu2+/Fe2+ ratios resulted in significantly different microbial community structures in the LB- and CB-CSTR, indicative of complex microbial interactions. In summary, our results suggest that a detailed understanding of allelopathic interactions in mixed methanotrophic consortia is vital for constructing robust bio-filters for CH4 emission abatement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthigeyan Chidambarampadmavathy
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia
| | - Obulisamy Parthiba Karthikeyan
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Comparative Genomics Centre, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment (ARCPE), Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Roger Huerlimann
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Comparative Genomics Centre, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gregory E Maes
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Comparative Genomics Centre, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kirsten Heimann
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Comparative Genomics Centre, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Bio-discovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia.
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35
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Blasco-Gómez R, Batlle-Vilanova P, Villano M, Balaguer MD, Colprim J, Puig S. On the Edge of Research and Technological Application: A Critical Review of Electromethanogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E874. [PMID: 28425974 PMCID: PMC5412455 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The conversion of electrical current into methane (electromethanogenesis) by microbes represents one of the most promising applications of bioelectrochemical systems (BES). Electromethanogenesis provides a novel approach to waste treatment, carbon dioxide fixation and renewable energy storage into a chemically stable compound, such as methane. This has become an important area of research since it was first described, attracting different research groups worldwide. Basics of the process such as microorganisms involved and main reactions are now much better understood, and recent advances in BES configuration and electrode materials in lab-scale enhance the interest in this technology. However, there are still some gaps that need to be filled to move towards its application. Side reactions or scaling-up issues are clearly among the main challenges that need to be overcome to its further development. This review summarizes the recent advances made in the field of electromethanogenesis to address the main future challenges and opportunities of this novel process. In addition, the present fundamental knowledge is critically reviewed and some insights are provided to identify potential niche applications and help researchers to overcome current technological boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro Blasco-Gómez
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUIA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, Carrer Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain.
| | - Pau Batlle-Vilanova
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUIA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, Carrer Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain.
- Department of Innovation and Technology, FCC Aqualia, Balmes Street, 36, 6th Floor, 08007 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marianna Villano
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Dolors Balaguer
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUIA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, Carrer Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain.
| | - Jesús Colprim
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUIA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, Carrer Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain.
| | - Sebastià Puig
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUIA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, Carrer Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain.
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36
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Chidambarampadmavathy K, Karthikeyan OP, Huerlimann R, Maes GE, Heimann K. Response of mixed methanotrophic consortia to different methane to oxygen ratios. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2017; 61:220-228. [PMID: 27876290 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Methane (CH4) and oxygen (air) concentrations affect the CH4 oxidation capacity (MOC) and mixed methanotrophic community structures in compost (fresh) and landfill (age old) top cover soils. A change in the mixed methanotrophic community structure in response has implications for landfill CH4 bio-filter remediation and possible bio-product outcomes (i.e., fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) content and profiles and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) contents). Therefore the study aimed to evaluate the effect of variable CH4 to oxygen ratios (10-50% CH4 in air) on mixed methanotrophic community structures enriched from landfill top cover (LB) and compost soils (CB) and to quantify flow on impacts on MOC, total FAME contents and profiles, and PHB accumulation. A stable consortium developed achieving average MOCs of 3.0±0.12, 4.1±0.26, 6.9±0.7, 7.6±1.3 and 9.2±1.2mgCH4g-1DWbiomassh-1 in LB and 2.9±0.04, 5.05±0.32, 6.7±0.31, 7.9±0.61 and 8.6±0.48mgCH4g-1DWbiomassh-1 in CB for a 20day cultivation period at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% CH4, respectively. CB at 10% CH4 had a maximal FAME content of 40.5±0.8mgFAMEg-1DWbiomass, while maximal PHB contents (25mgg-1DWbiomass) was observed at 40% CH4 in LB. Despite variable CH4/O2 ratios, the mixed methanotrophic community structures in both LB and CB were relatively stable, dominated by Methylosarcina sp., and Chryseobacterium, suggesting that a resilient consortium had formed which can now be tested in bio-filter operations for CH4 mitigations in landfills.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Chidambarampadmavathy
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia
| | - O P Karthikeyan
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Comparative Genomics Centre, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment (ARCPE), Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - R Huerlimann
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Comparative Genomics Centre, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia
| | - G E Maes
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Comparative Genomics Centre, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Center for Human Genetics, Genomics Core, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - K Heimann
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Comparative Genomics Centre, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Bio-discovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia.
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37
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Zhang T, Zhou J, Wang X, Zhang Y. Coupled effects of methane monooxygenase and nitrogen source on growth and poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) production of Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b. J Environ Sci (China) 2017; 52:49-57. [PMID: 28254057 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The coupled effects of nitrogen source and methane monooxygenase (MMO) on the growth and poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) accumulation capacity of methanotrophs were explored. The ammonia-supplied methanotrophs expressing soluble MMO (sMMO) grew at the highest rate, while N2-fixing bacteria expressing particulate MMO (pMMO) grew at the lowest rate. Further study showed that more hydroxylamine and nitrite was formed by ammonia-supplied bacteria containing pMMO, which might cause their slightly lower growth rate. The highest PHB content (51.0%) was obtained under nitrogen-limiting conditions with the inoculation of nitrate-supplied bacteria containing pMMO. Ammonia-supplied bacteria also accumulated a higher content of PHB (45.2%) with the expression of pMMO, while N2-fixing bacteria containing pMMO only showed low PHB production capacity (32.1%). The maximal PHB contents of bacteria expressing sMMO were low, with no significant change under different nitrogen source conditions. The low MMO activity, low cell growth rate and low PHB production capacity of methanotrophs continuously cultivated with N2 with the expression of pMMO were greatly improved in the cyclic NO3-N2 cultivation regime, indicating that long-term deficiency of nitrogen sources was detrimental to the activity of methanotrophs expressing pMMO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Jiti Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
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Tortajada M. New waves underneath the purple strain. Microb Biotechnol 2016; 10:1297-1299. [PMID: 27573515 PMCID: PMC5658615 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful merging of chemical and biotechnological operations is essential to achieve cost‐efficient industrialization of bio‐based processes. The demonstration of the use of syngas, derived from microwave assisted pyrolysis of municipal solid waste, for the improved growth and poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate production in Rhodospirillium rubrum, stands out as an example of the synergistic contribution of chemical engineering and applied microbiology to sustainable biomaterial manufacturing, paving the way to similar applications for other syngas derived bioproducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Tortajada
- BIOPOLIS S.L., Parc Científic Universitat de València. C/Catedrático Agustín Escardino, 9, Paterna, Valencia, 46980, Spain
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39
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Myung J, Flanagan JC, Waymouth RM, Criddle CS. Methane or methanol-oxidation dependent synthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) by obligate type II methanotrophs. Process Biochem 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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40
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Karthikeyan OP, Chidambarampadmavathy K, Nadarajan S, Lee PKH, Heimann K. Effect of CH4/O2 ratio on fatty acid profile and polyhydroxybutyrate content in a heterotrophic-methanotrophic consortium. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 141:235-42. [PMID: 26247542 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/19/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the role of heterotrophic-methanotrophic (H-Meth) communities is important for improvement of methane (CH4) oxidation capacities (MOC) particularly in conjunction with bio-product development in industrial bio-filters. Initially, a H-Meth consortium was established and enriched from marine sediments and characterized by next generation sequencing of the 16s rDNA gene. The enriched consortium was subjected to 10-50% CH4 (i.e., 0.20-1.6 CH4/O2 ratios) to study the effects on MOCs, biomass growth, fatty acid profiles and biopolymer (e.g. polyhydroxybutyrate; PHB) content. Methylocystis, Methylophaga and Pseudoxanthomonas dominated the H-Meth consortium. Culture enrichment of the H-Meth consortium resulted in 15-20-folds higher MOC compared to seed sediments. Increasing CH4 concentration (and decreased O2 levels) yielded higher MOCs, but did not improve total fatty acid contents. PHB contents varied between 2.5% and 8.5% independently of CH4/O2 ratios. The results suggest that H-Meth consortia could potentially be used in industrial bio-filters for production of biopolymer/biofuel precursors from CH4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obulisamy P Karthikeyan
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Comparative Genomics Centre, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia
| | - Karthigeyan Chidambarampadmavathy
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia
| | - Saravanan Nadarajan
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia
| | - Patrick K H Lee
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kirsten Heimann
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Comparative Genomics Centre, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Bio-discovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia.
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Myung J, Galega WM, Van Nostrand JD, Yuan T, Zhou J, Criddle CS. Long-term cultivation of a stable Methylocystis-dominated methanotrophic enrichment enabling tailored production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate). BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2015; 198:811-818. [PMID: 26454368 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.09.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Methane (CH4) is a readily available feedstock for production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). The structure and PHA production capacity of a Methylocystis-dominated methanotrophic enrichment was stable in long-term operation (>175 days) when grown exponentially under non-aseptic conditions in fill-and-draw batch cultures with ammonium as nitrogen source. Cells harvested in the draw step were incubated in the absence of nitrogen with various combinations of CH4 and valerate to assess capacity for synthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). When fed CH4 alone, only P3HB was produced. When fed CH4 plus valerate, PHBV was synthesized. The mol% of 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) increased with added valerate. Oxidation of CH4 was required for valerate assimilation, and the fraction of CH4 oxidized increased with increased mol% 3 HV. By separating PHA accumulation from cell replication, tailored PHA-rich biomass can be generated by addition of co-substrate, while retaining a large inoculum for the next cycle of cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewook Myung
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Wakuna M Galega
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Joy D Van Nostrand
- Institute for Environmental Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Plant Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
| | - Tong Yuan
- Institute for Environmental Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Plant Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
| | - Jizhong Zhou
- Institute for Environmental Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Plant Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
| | - Craig S Criddle
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; William and Cloy Codiga Resource Recovery Center, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Chidambarampadmavathy K, Karthikeyan OP, Heimann K. Biopolymers made from methane in bioreactors. Eng Life Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201400203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Karthigeyan Chidambarampadmavathy
- College of Marine and Environmental Science; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland Australia
- Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Obulisamy P. Karthikeyan
- College of Marine and Environmental Science; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland Australia
- Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Kirsten Heimann
- College of Marine and Environmental Science; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland Australia
- Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland Australia
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland Australia
- Comparative Genomics Centre; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland Australia
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43
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Riverbed methanotrophy sustained by high carbon conversion efficiency. ISME JOURNAL 2015; 9:2304-14. [PMID: 26057842 PMCID: PMC4579481 DOI: 10.1038/ismej.2015.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of the role of freshwaters in the global carbon cycle is being revised, but there is still a lack of data, especially for the cycling of methane, in rivers and streams. Unravelling the role of methanotrophy is key to determining the fate of methane in rivers. Here we focus on the carbon conversion efficiency (CCE) of methanotrophy, that is, how much organic carbon is produced per mole of CH4 oxidised, and how this is influenced by variation in methanotroph communities. First, we show that the CCE of riverbed methanotrophs is consistently high (~50%) across a wide range of methane concentrations (~10–7000 nM) and despite a 10-fold span in the rate of methane oxidation. Then, we show that this high conversion efficiency is largely conserved (50%± confidence interval 44–56%) across pronounced variation in the key functional gene (70 operational taxonomic units (OTUs)), particulate methane monooxygenase (pmoA), and marked shifts in the abundance of Type I and Type II methanotrophs in eight replicate chalk streams. These data may suggest a degree of functional redundancy within the variable methanotroph community inhabiting these streams and that some of the variation in pmoA may reflect a suite of enzymes of different methane affinities which enables such a large range of methane concentrations to be oxidised. The latter, coupled to their high CCE, enables the methanotrophs to sustain net production throughout the year, regardless of the marked temporal and spatial changes that occur in methane.
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Optimization of Methanotrophic Growth and Production of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate) in a High-Throughput Microbioreactor System. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:4767-73. [PMID: 25956771 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00025-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) from methane has economic and environmental advantages over production by agricultural feedstock. Identification of high-productivity strains and optimal growth conditions is critical to efficient conversion of methane to polymer. Current culture conditions, including serum bottles, shake flasks, and agar plates, are labor-intensive and therefore insufficient for systematic screening and isolation. Gas chromatography, the standard method for analysis of P3HB content in bacterial biomass, is also incompatible with high-throughput screening. Growth in aerated microtiter plates coupled with a 96-well Nile red flow-cytometric assay creates an integrated microbioreactor system for high-throughput growth and analysis of P3HB-producing methanotrophic cultures, eliminating the need for individual manipulation of experimental replicates. This system was tested in practice to conduct medium optimization for P3HB production in pure cultures of Methylocystis parvus OBBP. Optimization gave insight into unexpected interactions: for example, low calcium concentrations significantly enhanced P3HB production under nitrogen-limited conditions. Optimization of calcium and copper concentrations in the growth medium increased final P3HB content from 18.1% to 49.4% and P3HB concentration from 0.69 g/liter to 3.43 g/liter while reducing doubling time from 10.6 h to 8.6 h. The ability to culture and analyze thousands of replicates with high mass transfer in completely mixed culture promises to streamline medium optimization and allow the detection and isolation of highly productive strains. Applications for this system are numerous, encompassing analysis of biofuels and other lipid inclusions, as well as analysis of heterotrophic and photosynthetic systems.
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Gao H, Scherson YD, Wells GF. Towards energy neutral wastewater treatment: methodology and state of the art. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2014; 16:1223-46. [PMID: 24777396 DOI: 10.1039/c4em00069b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Conventional biological wastewater treatment processes are energy-intensive endeavors that yield little or no recovered resources and often require significant external chemical inputs. However, with embedded energy in both organic carbon and nutrients (N, P), wastewater has the potential for substantial energy recovery from a low-value (or no-value) feedstock. A paradigm shift is thus now underway that is transforming our understanding of necessary energy inputs, and potential energy or resource outputs, from wastewater treatment, and energy neutral or even energy positive treatment is increasingly emphasized in practice. As two energy sources in domestic wastewater, we argue that the most suitable way to maximize energy recovery from wastewater treatment is to separate carbon and nutrient (particularly N) removal processes. Innovative anaerobic treatment technologies and bioelectrochemical processes are now being developed as high efficiency methods for energy recovery from waste COD. Recently, energy savings or even generation from N removal has become a hotspot of research and development activity, and nitritation-anammox, the newly developed CANDO process, and microalgae cultivation are considered promising techniques. In this paper, we critically review these five emerging low energy or energy positive bioprocesses for sustainable wastewater treatment, with a particular focus on energy optimization in management of nitrogenous oxygen demand. Taken together, these technologies are now charting a path towards to a new paradigm of resource and energy recovery from wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Gao
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
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46
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Miller SA, Lepech MD, Billington SL. Application of multi-criteria material selection techniques to constituent refinement in biobased composites. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2013.06.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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47
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Marshall CW, LaBelle EV, May HD. Production of fuels and chemicals from waste by microbiomes. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2013; 24:391-7. [PMID: 23587964 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2013.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Revised: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The demand for chemicals and fuels will continue to grow simultaneously with the costly requirement to treat solid waste, wastewater, and regarding climate change, carbon dioxide. A dual benefit is at hand if waste could be converted to valuable chemicals. The application of stable chemical producing microbiomes adapted to these waste streams may turn this challenge into an opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Marshall
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Marine Biomedicine & Environmental Science Center, Medical University of South Carolina, United States
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Rostkowski KH, Pfluger AR, Criddle CS. Stoichiometry and kinetics of the PHB-producing Type II methanotrophs Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b and Methylocystis parvus OBBP. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2013; 132:71-77. [PMID: 23395757 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.12.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Revised: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In this study, modeling is used to describe how oxygen and nitrogen source affect the stoichiometry and kinetics of growth and PHB production in the Type II methanotrophs Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b and Methylocystis parvus OBBP. Significant differences were observed, with major implications for the use of these species in biotechnology applications. Such analyses can better inform bioreactor design, scale-up models, and life cycle assessments (LCAs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine H Rostkowski
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, CA 94305-4020, USA.
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