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Ding M, Zhou Y, Becker D, Yang S, Krischke M, Scherzer S, Yu-Strzelczyk J, Mueller MJ, Hedrich R, Nagel G, Gao S, Konrad KR. Probing plant signal processing optogenetically by two channelrhodopsins. Nature 2024; 633:872-877. [PMID: 39198644 PMCID: PMC11424491 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07884-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
Early plant responses to different stress situations often encompass cytosolic Ca2+ increases, plasma membrane depolarization and the generation of reactive oxygen species1-3. However, the mechanisms by which these signalling elements are translated into defined physiological outcomes are poorly understood. Here, to study the basis for encoding of specificity in plant signal processing, we used light-gated ion channels (channelrhodopsins). We developed a genetically engineered channelrhodopsin variant called XXM 2.0 with high Ca2+ conductance that enabled triggering cytosolic Ca2+ elevations in planta. Plant responses to light-induced Ca2+ influx through XXM 2.0 were studied side by side with effects caused by an anion efflux through the light-gated anion channelrhodopsin ACR1 2.04. Although both tools triggered membrane depolarizations, their activation led to distinct plant stress responses: XXM 2.0-induced Ca2+ signals stimulated production of reactive oxygen species and defence mechanisms; ACR1 2.0-mediated anion efflux triggered drought stress responses. Our findings imply that discrete Ca2+ signals and anion efflux serve as triggers for specific metabolic and transcriptional reprogramming enabling plants to adapt to particular stress situations. Our optogenetics approach unveiled that within plant leaves, distinct physiological responses are triggered by specific ion fluxes, which are accompanied by similar electrical signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqi Ding
- Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Neurophysiology, Physiological Institute, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dirk Becker
- Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Shang Yang
- Department of Neurophysiology, Physiological Institute, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Krischke
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sönke Scherzer
- Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jing Yu-Strzelczyk
- Department of Neurophysiology, Physiological Institute, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin J Mueller
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Hedrich
- Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Georg Nagel
- Department of Neurophysiology, Physiological Institute, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Shiqiang Gao
- Department of Neurophysiology, Physiological Institute, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Kai R Konrad
- Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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2
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Yang Z, Shen X, Jin J, Jiang X, Pan W, Wu C, Yu D, Li P, Feng W, Chen Y. Sonosynthetic Cyanobacteria Oxygenation for Self-Enhanced Tumor-Specific Treatment. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400251. [PMID: 38867396 PMCID: PMC11304326 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Photosynthesis, essential for life on earth, sustains diverse processes by providing nutrition in plants and microorganisms. Especially, photosynthesis is increasingly applied in disease treatments, but its efficacy is substantially limited by the well-known low penetration depth of external light. Here, ultrasound-mediated photosynthesis is reported for enhanced sonodynamic tumor therapy using organic sonoafterglow (ultrasound-induced afterglow) nanoparticles combined with cyanobacteria, demonstrating the proof-of-concept sonosynthesis (sonoafterglow-induced photosynthesis) in cancer therapy. Chlorin e6, a typical small-molecule chlorine, is formulated into nanoparticles to stimulate cyanobacteria for sonosynthesis, which serves three roles, i.e., overcoming the tissue-penetration limitations of external light sources, reducing hypoxia, and acting as a sonosensitizer for in vivo tumor suppression. Furthermore, sonosynthetic oxygenation suppresses the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, leading to reduced stability of downstream SLC7A11 mRNA, which results in glutathione depletion and inactivation of glutathione peroxidase 4, thereby inducing ferroptosis of cancer cells. This study not only broadens the scope of microbial nanomedicine but also offers a distinct direction for sonosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Yang
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Xiu Shen
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Junyi Jin
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Jiang
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Wenqi Pan
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, P. R. China
| | - Chenyao Wu
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Dehong Yu
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Ping Li
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Wei Feng
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health) Wenzhou Institute of Shanghai University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325088, P. R. China
| | - Yu Chen
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health) Wenzhou Institute of Shanghai University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325088, P. R. China
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3
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Zhang Z, Li Y, Wen S, Yang S, Zhu H, Zhou H. Metabolomics Reveals the Impact of Overexpression of Cytosolic Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatase on Photosynthesis and Growth in Nannochloropsis gaditana. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6800. [PMID: 38928505 PMCID: PMC11204352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nannochloropsis gaditana, a microalga known for its photosynthetic efficiency, serves as a cell factory, producing valuable biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and pigments. These components make it an ideal candidate for biofuel production and pharmaceutical applications. In this study, we genetically engineered N. gaditana to overexpress the enzyme fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (cyFBPase) using the Hsp promoter, aiming to enhance sugar metabolism and biomass accumulation. The modified algal strain, termed NgFBP, exhibited a 1.34-fold increase in cyFBPase activity under photoautotrophic conditions. This modification led to a doubling of biomass production and an increase in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) content in fatty acids to 20.78-23.08%. Additionally, the genetic alteration activated the pathways related to glycine, protoporphyrin, thioglucosides, pantothenic acid, CoA, and glycerophospholipids. This shift in carbon allocation towards chloroplast development significantly enhanced photosynthesis and growth. The outcomes of this study not only improve our understanding of photosynthesis and carbon allocation in N. gaditana but also suggest new biotechnological methods to optimize biomass yield and compound production in microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (S.W.); (S.Y.)
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China;
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (S.W.); (S.Y.)
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China;
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Shuting Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (S.W.); (S.Y.)
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China;
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Shu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (S.W.); (S.Y.)
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China;
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Hongmei Zhu
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China;
| | - Hantao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.L.); (S.W.); (S.Y.)
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China;
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
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4
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Liu H, Yu S, Liu B, Xiang S, Jiang M, Yang F, Tan W, Zhou J, Xiao M, Li X, Richardson JJ, Lin W, Zhou J. Space-Efficient 3D Microalgae Farming with Optimized Resource Utilization for Regenerative Food. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2401172. [PMID: 38483347 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202401172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Photosynthetic microalgae produce valuable metabolites and are a source of sustainable food that supports life without compromising arable land. However, the light self-shading, excessive water supply, and insufficient space utilization in microalgae farming have limited its potential in the inland areas most in need of regenerative food solutions. Herein, this work develops a 3D polysaccharide-based hydrogel scaffold for vertically farming microalgae without needing liquid media. This liquid-free strategy is compatible with diverse microalgal species and enables the design of living microalgal frameworks with customizable architectures that enhance light and water utilization. This approach significantly increases microalgae yield per unit water consumption, with an 8.8-fold increase compared to traditional methods. Furthermore, the dehydrated hydrogels demonstrate a reduced size and weight (≈70% reduction), but readily recover their vitality upon rehydration. Importantly, valuable natural products can be produced in this system including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and carotenoids. This study streamlines microalgae regenerative farming for low-carbon biomanufacturing by minimizing light self-shading, relieving water supply, and reducing physical footprints, and democratizing access to efficient aquatic food production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Liu
- College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering of Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Siqin Yu
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Bin Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Health, Institute for Advanced Study, College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Shuhong Xiang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Minwen Jiang
- College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering of Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Fan Yang
- College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering of Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Weiwei Tan
- College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering of Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Jianfei Zhou
- College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering of Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Research Institute of Leather and Footwear Industry of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Ming Xiao
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Xiaojie Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Health, Institute for Advanced Study, College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Joseph J Richardson
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Wei Lin
- College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering of Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Jiajing Zhou
- College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering of Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Research Institute of Leather and Footwear Industry of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, 325000, China
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5
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Xu Z, Michalska M, Papakonstantinou I. Optimizing Horticulture Luminescent Solar Concentrators via Enhanced Diffuse Emission Enabled by Micro-Cone Arrays. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:27587-27595. [PMID: 38748924 PMCID: PMC11145591 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c01707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Optimizing the photon spectrum for photosynthesis concurrently with improving crop yields presents an efficient and sustainable pathway to alleviate global food shortages. Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs), consisting of transparent host matrices doped with fluorophores, show excellent promise to achieve the desired spectral tailoring. However, conventional LSCs are predominantly engineered for photon concentration, which results in a limited outcoupling efficiency of converted photons. Here, we introduce a scheme to implement LSCs into horticulture (HLSC) by enhancing light extraction. The symmetry of the device is disrupted by incorporating microcone arrays on the bottom surface to mitigate total internal reflection. Both Monte Carlo ray tracing simulations and experimental results have verified that the greatest enhancements in converted light extraction, relative to planar LSCs, are achieved using microcone arrays (base width 50 μm, aspect ratio 1.2) with extruded and protruded profiles (85.15 and 66.55% improvement, respectively). Angularly resolved transmission measurements show that the HLSC device exhibits a broad angular radiation distribution. This characteristic indicates that the HLSC device emits diffuse light, which is conducive to optimal plant growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Xu
- Photonic
Innovations Lab, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, U.K.
| | - Martyna Michalska
- Manufacturing
Futures Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 3BS, U.K.
| | - Ioannis Papakonstantinou
- Photonic
Innovations Lab, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, U.K.
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6
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Xu B, Park J, Zhang D, De Santiago HA, Li W, Liu X, Luo J, Lany S, Qi Y. Local Ordering, Distortion, and Redox Activity in (La 0.75Sr 0.25)(Mn 0.25Fe 0.25Co 0.25Al 0.25)O 3 Investigated by a Computational Workflow for Compositionally Complex Perovskite Oxides. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2024; 36:4990-5001. [PMID: 38828189 PMCID: PMC11138530 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c03038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Mixing multiple cations can result in a significant configurational entropy, offer a new compositional space with vast tunability, and introduce new computational challenges. For applications such as the two-step solar thermochemical hydrogen (STCH) generation techniques, we demonstrate that using density functional theory (DFT) combined with Metropolis Monte Carlo method (DFT-MC) can efficiently sample the possible cation configurations in compositionally complex perovskite oxide (CCPO) materials, with (La0.75Sr0.25)(Mn0.25Fe0.25Co0.25Al0.25)O3 as an example. In the presence of oxygen vacancies (VO), DFT-MC simulations reveal a significant increase of the local site preference of the cations (short-range ordering), compared to a more random mixing without VO. Co is found to be the redox-active element and the VO is the preferentially generated next to Co due to the stretched Co-O bonds. A clear definition of the vacancy formation energy (Evf) is proposed for CCPO in an ensemble of structures evolved in parallel from independent DFT-MC paths. By combining the distribution of Evf with VO interactions into a statistical model, the oxygen nonstoichiometry (δ), under the STCH thermal reduction and oxidation conditions, is predicted and compared with the experiments. Similar to the experiments, the predicted δ can be used to extract the enthalpy and entropy of reduction using the van't Hoff method, providing direct comparisons with the experimental results. This procedure provides a full predictive workflow for using DFT-MC to obtain possible local ordering or fully random structures, understand the redox activity of each element, and predict the thermodynamic properties of CCPOs, for computational screening and design of these CCPO materials at STCH conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyuan Xu
- Department
of Physics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Jiyun Park
- School
of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Dawei Zhang
- Program
in Materials Science and Engineering, University
of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Héctor A De Santiago
- Department
of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, Benjamin M. Statler
College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, United States
| | - Wei Li
- Department
of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, Benjamin M. Statler
College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, United States
| | - Xingbo Liu
- Department
of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, Benjamin M. Statler
College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, United States
| | - Jian Luo
- Program
in Materials Science and Engineering, University
of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Department
of NanoEngineering, University of California
San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Stephan Lany
- Materials
Science Center, National Renewable Energy
Laboratory, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Yue Qi
- School
of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
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7
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Wang Y, Hu Y, Mo J, Yan Wong T, Liu J, Alessandro P, Zhong Tang B, Wang WX, Yan N. Bioprospecting of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for boosting biofuel-related products production based on novel aggregation-induced emission active extracellular polymeric substances nanoprobes. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 399:130636. [PMID: 38548032 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Biofuel production from microalgae has been greatly restricted by low biomass productivity and long-term photosynthetic efficacy. Here, a novel strategy for selecting high-growing, stress-resistant algal strains with high photosynthetic capacity was proposed based on biocompatible extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) probes with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties. Specifically, AIE active EPS probes were synthesized for in-situ long-term monitoring of the EPS productivity at different algal growth stages. By coupling the AIE-based fluorescent techniques, algal cells were classified into four diverse populations based on their chlorophyll and EPS signals. Mechanistic studies on the sorted algal cells revealed their remarkable stress resistance and high expression of cell division, biopolymer production and photosynthesis-related genes. The sorted and subcultured algal cells consistently exhibited relatively higher growth rates and photosynthetic capacities, resulting in an increased (1.2 to 1.8-fold) algal biomass production, chlorophyll, and lipids. This study can potentially open new strategies to boost microalgal-based biofuel production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yubing Hu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Jiezhang Mo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Tin Yan Wong
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Parodi Alessandro
- Scientific Center for Translation Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology,354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen), Guangdong 518172, China
| | - Wen-Xiong Wang
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China.
| | - Neng Yan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
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8
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Thevarajah B, Piyatilleke S, Nimarshana PHV, Koushalya S, Malik A, Ariyadasa TU. Exploring effective light spectral conversion techniques for enhanced production of Spirulina-derived blue pigment protein, c-phycocyanin. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 399:130612. [PMID: 38508281 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Spirulina is a promising feedstock for c-phycocyanin, a blue pigment-protein, commercially incorporated in many food products for its desirable bright blue attributes, exceptional bioavailability, and inherent therapeutic properties. Remarkably, enhancing c-phycocyanin synthesis in Spirulina would facilitate economic viability and sustainability at large-scale production, as the forecasted market value is $ 409.8 million by 2030. Notably, the lighting source plays a key role in enhancing c-phycocyanin in Spirulina, and thus, strategies to filter/concentrate the photons of respective wavelengths, influencing light spectra, are beneficial. Enveloping open raceway ponds and greenhouses by luminescent solar concentrators and light filtering sheets enables solar spectral conversion of the sunlight at desirable wavelengths, emerges as a promising strategy to enhance synthesis of c-phycocyanin in Spirulina. Nevertheless, the conduction of techno-economic assessments and evaluation of scalability at large-scale cultivation of Spirulina are essential for the real-time implementation of lighting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bavatharny Thevarajah
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka
| | - Sajani Piyatilleke
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka
| | - P H V Nimarshana
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka
| | - S Koushalya
- Applied Microbiology Laboratory, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Anushree Malik
- Applied Microbiology Laboratory, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Thilini U Ariyadasa
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka.
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9
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Zhang F, Li Y, Miao X. Quantum dot-based light conversion strategy for customized cultivation of microalgae. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 397:130489. [PMID: 38403170 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms with the potential to mitigate the atmospheric greenhouse effect by carbon fixation. However, their growth is typically limited by light availability. A wavelength converter utilizing red, blue, and green quantum dots (QDs) was developed to optimize light quality for enhancing microalgal production. The growth, lipid content, and eicosapentaenoic acid titer of Nannochloropsis increased by 11.2%, 9.5%, and 15.5% with red QDs, respectively. The biomass and triacylglycerol content of Phaeodactylum tricornutum increased by 8.6% and 35.0%, respectively. Simultaneously, biodiesel production was accelerated in Nannochloropsis (20.2%) and P. tricornutum (11.6%), and improved with increased cetane number and reduced iodine value. Furthermore, red QDs increased the growth and biomass accumulation of Nannochloropsis under low light, while green QDs shielded Nannochloropsis from photoinhibition under high light. This customizable QD-based methodology overcomes microalgal light limitations, demonstrating a universally applicable approach to improve microalgal cultivation and biochemical component production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Biomass Energy Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yulu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Biomass Energy Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaoling Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Biomass Energy Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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10
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Li Q, Lan Y, Yang Y, Kang S, Wang X, Jiang J, Liu S, Wang Q, Zhang W, Zhang L. Effect of luminescent materials on the biochemistry, ultrastructure, and rhizobial microbiota of Spirodela polyrhiza. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 207:108427. [PMID: 38367389 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Fluorescent materials and technologies have become widely used in scientific research, and due to the ability to convert light wavelengths, their application to photosynthetic organisms can affect their development by altering light quality. However, the impacts of fluorescent materials on aquatic plants and their environmental risks remain unclear. To assess the effects of luminescent materials on floating aquatic macrophytes and their rhizosphere microorganisms, 4-(di-p-tolylamino)benzaldehyde-A (DTB-A) and 4-(di-p-tolylamino)benzaldehyde-M (DTB-M) (emitting blue-green and orange-red light, respectively) were added individually and jointly to Spirodela polyrhiza cultures and set at different concentrations (1, 10, and 100 μM). Both DTB-A and DTB-M exhibited phytotoxicity, which increased with concentration under separate treatment. Moreover, the combined group exhibited obvious stress relief at 10 μM compared to the individually treated group. Fluorescence imaging showed that DTB-A and DTB-M were able to enter the cell matrix and organelles of plant leaves and roots. Peroxidation induced cellular damage, contributing to a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. Decomposition of organelle structures, starch accumulation in chloroplasts, and plasmolysis were observed under the ultrastructure, disrupting photosynthetic pigment content and photosynthesis. DTB-A and DTB-M exposure resulted in growth inhibition, dry weight loss, and leaf yellowing in S. polyrhiza. A total of 3519 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were identified in the rhizosphere microbiome. The microbial communities were dominated by Alphaproteobacteria, Oxyphotobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria, with the abundance and diversity varied significantly among treatment groups according to Shannon, Simpson, and Chao1 indices. This study revealed the stress defense response of S. polyrhiza to DTB-A and DTB-M exposures, which provides a broader perspective for the bioremediation of pollutants using aquatic plants and supports the further development of fluorescent materials for applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, PR China.
| | - Yiyang Lan
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, PR China
| | - Yixia Yang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, PR China
| | - Shiyun Kang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, PR China
| | - Xin Wang
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, PR China
| | - Jiarui Jiang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, PR China
| | - Shengyue Liu
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, PR China
| | | | - Weizhen Zhang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, PR China
| | - Liping Zhang
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, PR China.
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11
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Cano M, Krishnan A, Karns DA, Likhogrud MA, Weissman JC, Posewitz MC. Cas9 deletion of lutein biosynthesis in the marine alga Picochlorum celeri reduces photosynthetic pigments while sustaining high biomass productivity. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 11:1332461. [PMID: 38274009 PMCID: PMC10808502 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1332461] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Domestication of algae for food and renewable biofuels remains limited by the low photosynthetic efficiencies of processes that have evolved to be competitive for optimal light capture, incentivizing the development of large antennas in light-limiting conditions, thus decreasing efficient light utilization in cultivated ponds or photobioreactors. Reducing the pigment content to improve biomass productivity has been a strategy discussed for several decades and the ability to reduce pigment significantly is now fully at hand thanks to the widespread use of genome editing tools. Picochlorum celeri is one of the fastest growing marine algae identified and holds particular promise for outdoor cultivation, especially in saline water and warm climates. We show that while chlorophyll b is essential to sustain high biomass productivities under dense cultivation, removing Picochlorum celeri's main carotenoid, lutein, leads to a decreased total chlorophyll content, higher a/b ratio, reduced functional LHCII cross section and higher maximum quantum efficiencies at lower light intensities, resulting in an incremental increase in biomass productivity and increased PAR-to-biomass conversion efficiency. These findings further strengthen the existing strategies to improve photosynthetic efficiency and biomass production in algae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Cano
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, United States
| | - Anagha Krishnan
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, United States
| | - Devin A. Karns
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, United States
| | - Maria A. Likhogrud
- ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company, Annandale, NJ, United States
| | - Joseph C. Weissman
- ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company, Annandale, NJ, United States
| | - Matthew C. Posewitz
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, United States
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12
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Sartori RB, Deprá MC, Dias RR, Fagundes MB, Zepka LQ, Jacob-Lopes E. The Role of Light on the Microalgae Biotechnology: Fundamentals, Technological Approaches, and Sustainability Issues. Recent Pat Biotechnol 2024; 18:22-51. [PMID: 38205773 DOI: 10.2174/1872208317666230504104051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Light energy directly affects microalgae growth and productivity. Microalgae in natural environments receive light through solar fluxes, and their duration and distribution are highly variable over time. Consequently, microalgae must adjust their photosynthetic processes to avoid photo limitation and photoinhibition and maximize yield. Considering these circumstances, adjusting light capture through artificial lighting in the main culture systems benefits microalgae growth and induces the production of commercially important compounds. In this sense, this review provides a comprehensive study of the role of light in microalgae biotechnology. For this, we present the main fundamentals and reactions of metabolism and metabolic alternatives to regulate photosynthetic conversion in microalgae cells. Light conversions based on natural and artificial systems are compared, mainly demonstrating the impact of solar radiation on natural systems and lighting devices, spectral compositions, periodic modulations, and light fluxes when using artificial lighting systems. The most commonly used photobioreactor design and performance are shown herein, in addition to a more detailed discussion of light-dependent approaches in these photobioreactors. In addition, we present the principal advances in photobioreactor projects, focusing on lighting, through a patent-based analysis to map technological trends. Lastly, sustainability and economic issues in commercializing microalgae products were presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Basso Sartori
- Bioprocess Intensification Group, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue, 1000, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariany Costa Deprá
- Bioprocess Intensification Group, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue, 1000, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Rodrigues Dias
- Bioprocess Intensification Group, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue, 1000, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariane Bittencourt Fagundes
- Bioprocess Intensification Group, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue, 1000, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Leila Queiroz Zepka
- Bioprocess Intensification Group, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue, 1000, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Jacob-Lopes
- Bioprocess Intensification Group, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue, 1000, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
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13
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Estime B, Ren D, Sureshkumar R. Tailored Fabrication of Plasmonic Film Light Filters for Enhanced Microalgal Growth and Biomass Composition. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 14:44. [PMID: 38202499 PMCID: PMC10780999 DOI: 10.3390/nano14010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Through plasmon resonance, silver and gold nanoparticles can selectively backscatter light within different regions of the visible electromagnetic spectrum. We engineered a plasmonic film technology that utilizes gold and silver nanoparticles to enhance light at the necessary wavelengths for microalgal photosynthetic activities. Nanoparticles were embedded in a polymeric matrix to fabricate millimeter-thin plasmonic films that can be used as light filters in microalgal photobioreactors. Experiments conducted with microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii proved that microalgal growth and photosynthetic pigment production can be increased by up to 50% and 78%, respectively, by using these plasmonic film light filters. This work provides a scalable strategy for the efficient production of specialty chemicals and biofuels from microalgae through irradiation control with plasmonic nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bendy Estime
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (B.E.); (D.R.)
- Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Dacheng Ren
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (B.E.); (D.R.)
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Radhakrishna Sureshkumar
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (B.E.); (D.R.)
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
- Department of Physics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
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14
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Macías-de la Rosa A, López-Rosales L, Cerón-García MC, Molina-Miras A, Soriano-Jerez Y, Sánchez-Mirón A, Seoane S, García-Camacho F. Assessment of the marine microalga Chrysochromulina rotalis as bioactive feedstock cultured in an easy-to-deploy light-emitting-diode-based tubular photobioreactor. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 389:129818. [PMID: 37793555 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Marine microalgae have potential to be low-cost raw materials. This depends on the exploitation of different biomass fractions for high-value products, including unique compounds. Chrysochromulina rotalis, an under-explored haptophyte with promising properties, was the focus of this study. For the first time, C. rotalis was successfully cultivated in an 80 L tubular photobioreactor, illuminated by an easy-to-use light-emitting-diode-based system. C. rotalis grew without certain trace elements and showed adaptability to different phosphorus sources, allowing a significant reduction in the N:P ratio without compromising biomass yield and productivity. The design features of the photobioreactor provided a protective environment that ensured consistent biomass production from this shear-sensitive microalgae. Carotenoid analysis showed fucoxanthin and its derivatives as major components, with essential fatty acids making up a significant proportion of the total. The study emphasizes the tubular photobioreactor's role in sustainable biomass production for biorefineries, with C. rotalis as a valuable bioactive feedstock.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Macías-de la Rosa
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Research Centre CIAIMBITAL, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - L López-Rosales
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Research Centre CIAIMBITAL, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; Research Centre CIAIMBITAL, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - M C Cerón-García
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Research Centre CIAIMBITAL, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; Research Centre CIAIMBITAL, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - A Molina-Miras
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Research Centre CIAIMBITAL, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; Research Centre CIAIMBITAL, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Y Soriano-Jerez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Research Centre CIAIMBITAL, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - A Sánchez-Mirón
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Research Centre CIAIMBITAL, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; Research Centre CIAIMBITAL, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - S Seoane
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, 48940 Leioa, Spain; Technology and Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48620 Plentzia, Spain
| | - F García-Camacho
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Research Centre CIAIMBITAL, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; Research Centre CIAIMBITAL, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain.
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15
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Hong Y, Yang L, You X, Zhang H, Xin X, Zhang Y, Zhou X. Effects of light quality on microalgae cultivation: bibliometric analysis, mini-review, and regulation approaches. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-31192-2. [PMID: 38015404 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31192-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The ever-increasing concern for energy shortages and greenhouse effect has triggered the development of sustainable green technologies. Microalgae have received more attention due to the characteristics of biofuel production and CO2 fixation. From the perspective of autotrophic growth, the optimization of light quality has the potential to promote biomass production and bio-component accumulation in microalgae at low cost. In this study, bibliometric analysis was used to describe the basic features, identify the hotspots, and predict future trends of the research related to the light quality on microalgae cultivation. In addition, a mini-review referring to regulation methods of light quality was provided to optimize the framework of research. Results demonstrated that China has the greatest interest in this area. The destination of most research was to obtain biofuels and high-value-added products. Both blue and red lights were identified as the crucial spectrums for microalgae cultivation. However, sunlight is the most affordable light resource, which could not be fully utilized by microalgae through the photosynthetic process. Hence, some regulation approaches (e.g., dyes, plasmonic scattering, and carbon-based quantum dots) are proposed to increase the proportion of beneficial spectrum for enhancement of photosynthetic efficiency. In summary, this review introduces state-of-the-art research and provides theoretical guidance for light quality optimization in microalgae cultivation to obtain more benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyuan Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Libin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Xiaogang You
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Haigeng Zhang
- Fishery Machinery and Instrument Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiaying Xin
- Department of Civil Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Yalei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xuefei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
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16
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Zhu C, Hu C, Wang J, Chen Y, Zhao Y, Chi Z. A precise microalgae farming for CO 2 sequestration: A critical review and perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:166013. [PMID: 37541491 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae are great candidates for CO2 sequestration and sustainable production of food, feed, fuels and biochemicals. Light intensity, temperature, carbon supply, and cell physiological state are key factors of photosynthesis, and efficient phototrophic production of microalgal biomass occurs only when all these factors are in their optimal range simultaneously. However, this synergistic state is often not achievable due to the ever-changing environmental factors such as sunlight and temperature, which results in serious waste of sunlight energy and other resources, ultimately leading to high production costs. Most control strategies developed thus far in the bioengineering field actually aim to improve heterotrophic processes, but phototrophic processes face a completely different problem. Hence, an alternative control strategy needs to be developed, and precise microalgal cultivation is a promising strategy in which the production resources are precisely supplied according to the dynamic changes in key factors such as sunlight and temperature. In this work, the development and recent progress of precise microalgal phototrophic cultivation are reviewed. The key environmental and cultivation factors and their dynamic effects on microalgal cultivation are analyzed, including microalgal growth, cultivation costs and energy inputs. Future research for the development of more precise microalgae farming is discussed. This study provides new insight into developing cost-effective and efficient microalgae farming for CO2 sequestration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenba Zhu
- Carbon Neutral Innovation Research Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Carbon Sequestration, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China.
| | - Chen Hu
- College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jialin Wang
- Carbon Neutral Innovation Research Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yimin Chen
- Environmental and Ecological Engineering Technology Center, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yunpeng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Coastal and Offshore Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China; Ningbo Institute of Dalian University of Technology, No.26 Yucai Road, Jiangbei District, Ningbo 315016, China.
| | - Zhanyou Chi
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China; Ningbo Institute of Dalian University of Technology, No.26 Yucai Road, Jiangbei District, Ningbo 315016, China.
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17
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Wang Y, Yang S, Liu J, Wang J, Xiao M, Liang Q, Ren X, Wang Y, Mou H, Sun H. Realization process of microalgal biorefinery: The optional approach toward carbon net-zero emission. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:165546. [PMID: 37454852 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) emission has already become a dire threat to the human race and Earth's ecology. Microalgae are recommended to be engineered as CO2 fixers in biorefinery, which play crucial roles in responding climate change and accelerating the transition to a sustainable future. This review sorted through each segment of microalgal biorefinery to explore the potential for its practical implementation and commercialization, offering valuable insights into research trends and identifies challenges that needed to be addressed in the development process. Firstly, the known mechanisms of microalgal photosynthetic CO2 fixation and the approaches for strain improvement were summarized. The significance of process regulation for strengthening fixation efficiency and augmenting competitiveness was emphasized, with a specific focus on CO2 and light optimization strategies. Thereafter, the massive potential of microalgal refineries for various bioresource production was discussed in detail, and the integration with contaminant reclamation was mentioned for economic and ecological benefits. Subsequently, economic and environmental impacts of microalgal biorefinery were evaluated via life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) to lit up commercial feasibility. Finally, the current obstacles and future perspectives were discussed objectively to offer an impartial reference for future researchers and investors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shufang Yang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology and Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jia Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Mengshi Xiao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Qingping Liang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xinmiao Ren
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Marine Science research Institute of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Haijin Mou
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Han Sun
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
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18
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Matarèse BFE, Rusin A, Seymour C, Mothersill C. Quantum Biology and the Potential Role of Entanglement and Tunneling in Non-Targeted Effects of Ionizing Radiation: A Review and Proposed Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16464. [PMID: 38003655 PMCID: PMC10671017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that cells, tissues, and organisms exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation can induce effects in non-irradiated neighbors (non-targeted effects or NTE), but the mechanisms remain unclear. This is especially true of the initial steps leading to the release of signaling molecules contained in exosomes. Voltage-gated ion channels, photon emissions, and calcium fluxes are all involved but the precise sequence of events is not yet known. We identified what may be a quantum entanglement type of effect and this prompted us to consider whether aspects of quantum biology such as tunneling and entanglement may underlie the initial events leading to NTE. We review the field where it may be relevant to ionizing radiation processes. These include NTE, low-dose hyper-radiosensitivity, hormesis, and the adaptive response. Finally, we present a possible quantum biological-based model for NTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno F. E. Matarèse
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK;
- Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Andrej Rusin
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; (A.R.); (C.S.)
| | - Colin Seymour
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; (A.R.); (C.S.)
| | - Carmel Mothersill
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; (A.R.); (C.S.)
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19
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Yuan X, Gao X, Liu C, Liang W, Xue H, Li Z, Jin H. Application of Nanomaterials in the Production of Biomolecules in Microalgae: A Review. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:594. [PMID: 37999418 PMCID: PMC10672109 DOI: 10.3390/md21110594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanomaterials (NMs) are becoming more commonly used in microalgal biotechnology to empower the production of algal biomass and valuable metabolites, such as lipids, proteins, and exopolysaccharides. It provides an effective and promising supplement to the existing algal biotechnology. In this review, the potential for NMs to enhance microalgal growth by improving photosynthetic utilization efficiency and removing reactive oxygen species is first summarized. Then, their positive roles in accumulation, bioactivity modification, and extraction of valuable microalgal metabolites are presented. After the application of NMs in microalgae cultivation, the extracted metabolites, particularly exopolysaccharides, contain trace amounts of NM residues, and thus, the impact of these residues on the functional properties of the metabolites is also evaluated. Finally, the methods for removing NM residues from the extracted metabolites are summarized. This review provides insights into the application of nanotechnology for sustainable production of valuable metabolites in microalgae and will contribute useful information for ongoing and future practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Yuan
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an 710021, China; (X.Y.); (C.L.); (W.L.); (H.X.); (Z.L.)
| | - Xiang Gao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an 710021, China; (X.Y.); (C.L.); (W.L.); (H.X.); (Z.L.)
| | - Chang Liu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an 710021, China; (X.Y.); (C.L.); (W.L.); (H.X.); (Z.L.)
| | - Wensheng Liang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an 710021, China; (X.Y.); (C.L.); (W.L.); (H.X.); (Z.L.)
| | - Huidan Xue
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an 710021, China; (X.Y.); (C.L.); (W.L.); (H.X.); (Z.L.)
| | - Zhengke Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an 710021, China; (X.Y.); (C.L.); (W.L.); (H.X.); (Z.L.)
| | - Haojie Jin
- The College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China;
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20
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Gwon HJ, Park G, Yun J, Ryu W, Ahn HS. Prolonged hydrogen production by engineered green algae photovoltaic power stations. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6768. [PMID: 37880242 PMCID: PMC10600337 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42529-3] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Interest in securing energy production channels from renewable sources is higher than ever due to the daily observation of the impacts of climate change. A key renewable energy harvesting strategy achieving carbon neutral cycles is artificial photosynthesis. Solar-to-fuel routes thus far relied on elaborately crafted semiconductors, undermining the cost-efficiency of the system. Furthermore, fuels produced required separation prior to utilization. As an artificial photosynthesis design, here we demonstrate the conversion of swimming green algae into photovoltaic power stations. The engineered algae exhibit bioelectrogenesis, en route to energy storage in hydrogen. Notably, fuel formation requires no additives or external bias other than CO2 and sunlight. The cellular power stations autoregulate the oxygen level during artificial photosynthesis, granting immediate utility of the photosynthetic hydrogen without separation. The fuel production scales linearly with the reactor volume, which is a necessary trait for contributing to the large-scale renewable energy portfolio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Jin Gwon
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Geonwoo Park
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - JaeHyoung Yun
- Department of Mechanical engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - WonHyoung Ryu
- Department of Mechanical engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyun S Ahn
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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21
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Orsi E, Nikel PI, Nielsen LK, Donati S. Synergistic investigation of natural and synthetic C1-trophic microorganisms to foster a circular carbon economy. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6673. [PMID: 37865689 PMCID: PMC10590403 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42166-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A true circular carbon economy must upgrade waste greenhouse gases. C1-based biomanufacturing is an attractive solution, in which one carbon (C1) molecules (e.g. CO2, formate, methanol, etc.) are converted by microbial cell factories into value-added goods (i.e. food, feed, and chemicals). To render C1-based biomanufacturing cost-competitive, we must adapt microbial metabolism to perform chemical conversions at high rates and yields. To this end, the biotechnology community has undertaken two (seemingly opposing) paths: optimizing natural C1-trophic microorganisms versus engineering synthetic C1-assimilation de novo in model microorganisms. Here, we pose how these approaches can instead create synergies for strengthening the competitiveness of C1-based biomanufacturing as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Orsi
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pablo Ivan Nikel
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lars Keld Nielsen
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, 4072, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stefano Donati
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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22
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Jaiswal D, Nenwani M, Wangikar PP. Isotopically non-stationary 13 C metabolic flux analysis of two closely related fast-growing cyanobacteria, Synechococcus elongatus PCC 11801 and 11802. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 116:558-573. [PMID: 37219374 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Synechococcus elongatus PCC 11801 and 11802 are closely related cyanobacterial strains that are fast-growing and tolerant to high light and temperature. These strains hold significant promise as chassis for photosynthetic production of chemicals from carbon dioxide. A detailed quantitative understanding of the central carbon pathways would be a reference for future metabolic engineering studies with these strains. We conducted isotopic non-stationary 13 C metabolic flux analysis to quantitively assess the metabolic potential of these two strains. This study highlights key similarities and differences in the central carbon flux distribution between these and other model/non-model strains. The two strains demonstrated a higher Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle flux coupled with negligible flux through the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway and the photorespiratory pathway and lower anaplerosis fluxes under photoautotrophic conditions. Interestingly, PCC 11802 shows the highest CBB cycle and pyruvate kinase flux values among those reported in cyanobacteria. The unique tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle diversion in PCC 11801 makes it ideal for the large-scale production of TCA cycle-derived chemicals. Additionally, dynamic labeling transients were measured for intermediates of amino acid, nucleotide, and nucleotide sugar metabolism. Overall, this study provides the first detailed metabolic flux maps of S. elongatus PCC 11801 and 11802, which may aid metabolic engineering efforts in these strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damini Jaiswal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Minal Nenwani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Pramod P Wangikar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
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23
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Li Y, Wang H, Tang L, Zhu H. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles enhance photocurrent generation of cyanobacteria. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 672:113-119. [PMID: 37348173 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.06.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthetic microorganisms such as cyanobacteria can convert photons into electrons, providing ideal eco-friendly materials for converting solar energy into electricity. However, the electrons are hardly transported outside the cyanobacterial cells due to the insulation feature of the cell wall/membrane. Various nanomaterials have been reported to enhance extracellular electron transfer of heterotrophic electroactive microorganisms, but its effect on intact photosynthetic microorganisms remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of six different nanomaterials on the photocurrent generation of cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Among the nanomaterials tested, titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles increased the photocurrent generation of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 up to four-fold at the optimum concentration of 2 mg/mL. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that TiO2 bound to cyanobacterial cells and likely penetrated inside of cell membrane. Photochemical analyses for photosystems showed that TiO2 blocked the electrons transfer downstream in PS I, implying a possible extracellular electron pathway mediated by TiO2. This study provides an alternative approach for enhancing the photocurrent generation of cyanobacteria, showing the potential of photosynthetic-nanomaterial hybrids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilan Li
- The Affiliated High School of Peking University, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Haowei Wang
- Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Lingfang Tang
- The Affiliated High School of Peking University, Beijing, 100080, China.
| | - Huawei Zhu
- Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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24
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Abedi M, Tan X, Stallknecht EJ, Runkle ES, Klausner JF, Murillo MS, Bénard A. Incorporating the effect of the photon spectrum on biomass accumulation of lettuce using a dynamic growth model. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1106576. [PMID: 37360721 PMCID: PMC10286798 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1106576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Cultivation studies in specialty crop optimization utilize models to estimate the fresh and dry mass yield. However, the spectral distribution and photon flux density (μmol m-2 s-1) affect plant photosynthetic rate and morphology, which is usually not incorporated in plant growth models. In this study, using data for indoor-grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cultivated under different light spectra, a mathematical model that incorporates these effects is presented. Different experimental cases are used to obtain a modified quantum use efficiency coefficient that varies with the spectral distribution. Several models for this coefficient are fitted using experimental data. Comparing the accuracy of these models, a simple first- or second-order linear model for light-use efficiency coefficient has about 6 to 8 percent uncertainty, while a fourth-order model has a 2 percent average error in prediction. In addition, normalizing overall spectral distribution leads to a more accurate prediction of the investigated parameter. A novel mathematical model based on normalized spectral irradiance integrated over wavelength for photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) wavebands and the far-red waveband is presented in this study. It accurately predicts lettuce dry mass grown indoors under different light spectra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahyar Abedi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Xu Tan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Eric J. Stallknecht
- Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Erik S. Runkle
- Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - James F. Klausner
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Michael S. Murillo
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - André Bénard
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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25
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Dong Z, Fei J, Wang T, Li J. Long afterglow particle enables spectral and temporal light management to boost photosynthetic efficiency. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 638:76-83. [PMID: 36736120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.01.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we develop a strategy of matched spectral and temporal light management to improve photosynthetic efficiency by co-assembling natural thylakoid membrane (TM) with artificial long afterglow particle (LAP). To be specific, LAP with excellent stability and biocompatibility possesses the capabilities of light conversion and storage, optically-matched with the absorption of TM. These favorable features permit LAP as an additional well-functioned light source of photosynthesis performed by TM. As a consequence, enhanced photosynthesis is achieved after co-assembly, compared with pure TM. Under light, the rates of electron transfer, oxygen yield and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in this biohybrid architecture are boosted owing to down-conversion fluorescence emission from LAP. Under dark, persistent phosphorescence emission in charged LAP facilitates continual photosynthesis of TM, while that of pure TM almost stops immediately. This proof-of-concept work opens a new route to augment the photosynthetic efficiency of green plants by utilizing precise light-managed materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Dong
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Lab of Colloid, Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinbo Fei
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Lab of Colloid, Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Tonghui Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Lab of Colloid, Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junbai Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Lab of Colloid, Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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26
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Wang Z, Lin H, Zhang M, Yu W, Zhu C, Wang P, Huang Y, Lv F, Bai H, Wang S. Water-soluble conjugated polymers for bioelectronic systems. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023; 10:1210-1233. [PMID: 36752220 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh01520j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectronics is an interdisciplinary field of research that aims to establish a synergy between electronics and biology. Contributing to a deeper understanding of bioelectronic processes and the built bioelectronic systems, a variety of new phenomena, mechanisms and concepts have been derived in the field of biology, medicine, energy, artificial intelligence science, etc. Organic semiconductors can promote the applications of bioelectronics in improving original performance and creating new features for organisms due to their excellent photoelectric and electrical properties. Recently, water-soluble conjugated polymers (WSCPs) have been employed as a class of ideal interface materials to regulate bioelectronic processes between biological systems and electronic systems, relying on their satisfying ionic conductivity, water-solubility, good biocompatibility and the additional mechanical and electrical properties. In this review, we summarize the prominent contributions of WSCPs in the aspect of the regulation of bioelectronic processes and highlight the latest advances in WSCPs for bioelectronic applications, involving biosynthetic systems, photosynthetic systems, biophotovoltaic systems, and bioelectronic devices. The challenges and outlooks of WSCPs in designing high-performance bioelectronic systems are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenghao Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
- College of Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Hongrui Lin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
- College of Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
| | - Wen Yu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
- College of Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Chuanwei Zhu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
- College of Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
| | - Yiming Huang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
| | - Fengting Lv
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
| | - Haotian Bai
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
| | - Shu Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
- College of Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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27
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Liu H, Bai H, Lam JWY, Kwok RTK, Tang BZ. Recent advances in aggregation-induced emission materials for enhancing solar energy utilization. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2023; 8:453-459. [PMID: 36799171 DOI: 10.1039/d2nh00506a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials possessing unique properties in both the solution state and the aggregate state in the aspects of absorption, photoluminescence and heat generation have been well-established for wide applications in the past two decades. In recent years, several emerging applications of AIE materials in solar energy utilization, including luminescent solar concentrators, photosynthesis augmentation and solar steam generation have been reported. This mini-review provides a concise summary of these AIE materials in these aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixiang Liu
- HKUST-Shenzhen Research Institute, No. 9 Yuexing 1st RD, South Area, Hi-tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Haotian Bai
- The Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jacky W Y Lam
- HKUST-Shenzhen Research Institute, No. 9 Yuexing 1st RD, South Area, Hi-tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518057, China
- The Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Ryan T K Kwok
- HKUST-Shenzhen Research Institute, No. 9 Yuexing 1st RD, South Area, Hi-tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518057, China
- The Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- HKUST-Shenzhen Research Institute, No. 9 Yuexing 1st RD, South Area, Hi-tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518057, China
- The Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China.
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28
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Xu K, Ye H. Light scattering in stacked mesophyll cells results in similarity characteristic of solar spectral reflectance and transmittance of natural leaves. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4694. [PMID: 36949090 PMCID: PMC10033640 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31718-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Solar spectral reflectance and transmittance of natural leaves exhibit dramatic similarity. To elucidate the formation mechanism and physiological significance, a radiative transfer model was constructed, and the effects of stacked mesophyll cells, chlorophyll content and leaf thickness on the visible light absorptance of the natural leaves were analyzed. Results indicated that light scattering caused by the stacked mesophyll cells is responsible for the similarity. The optical path of visible light in the natural leaves is increased with the scattering process, resulting in that the visible light transmittance is significantly reduced meanwhile the visible light reflectance is at a low level, thus the visible light absorptance tends to a maximum and the absorption of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) by the natural leaves is significantly enhanced. Interestingly, as two key leaf functional traits affecting the absorption process of PAR, chlorophyll content and leaf thickness of the natural leaves in a certain environment show a convergent behavior, resulting in the high visible light absorptance of the natural leaves, which demonstrates the PAR utilizing strategies of the natural leaves. This work provides a new perspective for revealing the evolutionary processes and ecological strategies of natural leaves, and can be adopted to guide the improvement directions of crop photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Xu
- Department of Thermal Science and Energy Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Ye
- Department of Thermal Science and Energy Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, People's Republic of China.
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29
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Light map optimization via direct chlorophyll fluorescence imaging in algal photobioreactors. ALGAL RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2023.103022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
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30
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Maurya PK, Kumar V, Mondal S, Singh SP. Photoautotrophic black-colored cyanobacterial soil crust biosynthesizes photoprotective compounds and is capable of using blue, green, and red wavelengths of light for its growth. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:16756-16769. [PMID: 36576619 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24993-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Several cyanobacteria can adjust their light-harvesting machinery in response to existing light signals in a process called chromatic acclimation (CA) which permits the utilization of available light resources for photosynthesis. CA involves alteration in the pigment composition of a major light-harvesting complex called phycobilisome (PBS) and allows some cyanobacteria to utilize green light (GL) to drive photosynthesis. However, cyanobacteria, in contrast with eukaryotic algae and higher plants, can not utilize blue light (BL) for photosynthesis due to their dependency on PBS. Here, we studied a black-colored soil crust that was composed of a single cyanobacterium identified and named Oscillatoria sp. Malviya-1 after phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses. The black-colored crust can absorb light from almost all parts of photosynthetically active radiation (400-700 nm) and ultraviolet radiation (280-400 nm) due to the presence of photosynthetic pigments and microbial sunscreens such as chlorophyll ɑ, carotenoids, phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, mycosporine-like amino acids, and scytonemin. Unlike other cyanobacteria, Oscillatoria sp. Malviya-1 can grow using GL, BL, and red light (RL) in addition to white light (WL) which was accompanied by the different colors of the mat under different light conditions. The presence of CA and sunscreens compounds can maximize the fitness of soil crust under a dynamic light environment, UVR, and desiccation. Detailed study of Oscillatoria sp. Malviya-1 will provide information on the mechanism of CA in cyanobacterial soil crust and its unique ability to use both GL and BL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj K Maurya
- Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
- Institute of Forest Biodiversity (ICFRE), Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change, Hyderabad-500100, India
| | - Soumila Mondal
- Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Shailendra P Singh
- Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
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31
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You X, Chen C, Yang L, Xia X, Zhang Y, Zhou X. Physiological and morphological responses of Chlorella pyrenoidosa to different exposure methods of graphene oxide quantum dots. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158722. [PMID: 36108851 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) can convert the ultraviolet (200- 380 nm) into available wavelength (400- 700 nm) for microalgae cultivation. However, it has not been applied in large-scale microalgae culture due to its high cost and difficulties in recovery. This study proposed a new strategy for the sustainable use of GOQDs, namely, GOQDs solution was added to the outer sandwich of the reactor. Herein, the effects of direct and indirect exposure of different GOQDs concentrations (0, 100, and 1000 mg/L) on the microalgae culture were compared. When microalgae were directly exposed to the GOQDs, 100 mg/L of GOQDs increased the biomass production of microalgae by 24.0 %, while 1000 mg/L of GOQDs decreased biomass production by 31 %. High concentration of GOQDs (direct exposure) could cause extra oxidative stress in the microalgae cells and result in a significant reduction of pigment content. When microalgae were indirectly exposed to the GOQDs, the increased concentration of GOQDs enhanced the growth of microalgae. Compared to the blank group, 1000 mg/L of GOQDs increased the microalgae biomass production and bioenergy by 14.1 % and 40.17 %, respectively. The indirect exposure of GOQDs can effectively avoid photo-oxidation and organelle damage to the microalgae cells. Overall, the indirect exposure of GOQDs is a sustainable way for effectively promoting microalgae growth and reducing the application cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaogang You
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Can Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Libin Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Xuefen Xia
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yalei Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xuefei Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai 200092, China
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32
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Xu Z, Portnoi M, Papakonstantinou I. Micro-cone arrays enhance outcoupling efficiency in horticulture luminescent solar concentrators. OPTICS LETTERS 2023; 48:183-186. [PMID: 36563401 DOI: 10.1364/ol.478206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have shown the ability to realize spectral conversion, which could tailor the solar spectrum to better match photosynthesis requirements. However, conventional LSCs are designed to trap, rather than extract, spectrally converted light. Here, we propose an effective method for improving outcoupling efficiency based on protruded and extruded micro-cone arrays patterned on the bottom surface of LSCs. Using Monte Carlo ray tracing, we estimate a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 37.73% for our horticulture LSC (HLSC), corresponding to 53.78% improvement relative to conventional, planar LSCs. Additionally, structured HLSCs provide diffuse light, which is beneficial for plant growth. Our micro-patterned surfaces provide a solution to light trapping in LSCs and a foundation for the practical application of HLSCs.
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33
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Zhou X, Zhang Y, Ding H, Liao J, Li Q, Gu Z. Begonia-Inspired Slow Photon Effect of a Photonic Crystal for Augmenting Algae Photosynthesis. ACS NANO 2022; 16:21334-21344. [PMID: 36482510 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c09608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plant photosynthesis is considered to be an environmentally friendly and effective measure for reducing carbon dioxide levels to meet the global objective of carbon neutrality. However, the light energy utilization of photosynthetic pigments is insufficient. Begonia pavonine (B. pavonina) with blue leaves exhibits a photosynthetic quantum yield 10% higher than those of other plants by virtue of their photonic crystal (PC) thylakoids. Inspired by this property, we prepared non-angle-dependent PC hydrogels and assembled them with algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyre). The band edge of PC hydrogels matched the absorption peaks of C. pyre, and the resulting slow photon effect increased the interaction time between incident light and photosynthetic pigments, which in turn induced the expression of light-harvesting proteins and the synthesis of pigments, thereby improving the light energy utilization. Further, we introduced an artificial antenna into the assembly, which assisted the slow photon effect in increasing the oxygen evolution and carbon sequestration rate by more than 200%. This method avoids the photobleaching problems faced by methods of synthesizing artificial antenna pigments and the biosafety problems faced by genetically engineered methods of editing pigments or proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, People's Republic of China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096 People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, People's Republic of China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096 People's Republic of China
| | - Haibo Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, People's Republic of China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096 People's Republic of China
| | - Junlong Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, People's Republic of China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096 People's Republic of China
| | - Qiwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, People's Republic of China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096 People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, People's Republic of China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096 People's Republic of China
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Tzachor A, Richards CE, Smidt-Jensen A, Skúlason AÞ, Ramel A, Geirsdóttir M. The Potential Role of Iceland in Northern Europe's Protein Self-Sufficiency: Feasibility Study of Large-Scale Production of Spirulina in a Novel Energy-Food System. Foods 2022; 12:38. [PMID: 36613252 PMCID: PMC9818573 DOI: 10.3390/foods12010038] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Europe is dependent on protein-rich crop imports to meet domestic food demand. This has moved the topic of sustainable protein self-sufficiency up the policy agenda. The current study assesses the feasibility of protein self-sufficiency in Iceland, and its capacity to meet Northern Europe's demand, based on industrial-scale cultivation of Spirulina in novel production units. Production units currently operating in Iceland, and laboratory-derived nutritional profile for the Spirulina cultivated, provide the basis for a theoretical protein self-sufficiency model. Integrating installed and potentially installed energy generation data, the model elaborates six production scale-up scenarios. Annual biomass produced is compared with recommended dietary allowance figures for protein and essential amino acids to determine whether Northern Europe's population demands can be met in 2030. Results show that Iceland could be protein self-sufficient under the most conservative scenario, with 20,925 tonnes of Spirulina produced using 15% of currently installed capacity. In a greater allocation of energy capacity used by heavy industry, Iceland could additionally meet the needs of Lithuania, or Latvia, Estonia, Jersey, Isle of Man, Guernsey, and Faroe Islands. Under the most ambitious scenario utilizing planned energy projects, Iceland could support itself plus Denmark, or Finland, or Norway, or Ireland with up to 242,366 tonnes of biomass. On a protein-per-protein basis, each kilogram of Spirulina consumed instead of beef could save 0.315 tonnes CO2-eq. Under the most ambitious scenario, this yields annual savings of 75.1 million tonnes CO2-eq or 7.3% of quarterly European greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, practicalities of production scale-up are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asaf Tzachor
- Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1SB, UK
- School of Sustainability, Reichman University, Herzliya 4610101, Israel
| | - Catherine E. Richards
- Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1SB, UK
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK
| | - Asger Smidt-Jensen
- Centre for Food Technology, Danish Technological Institute (DTI), 8000 Århus, Midtjylland, Denmark
| | - Arnar Þór Skúlason
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, Ssn. 600169-2039, 113 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Alfons Ramel
- Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland, Ssn. 600169-2039, 113 Reykjavík, Iceland
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Tzachor A, Smidt-Jensen A, Ramel A, Geirsdóttir M. Environmental Impacts of Large-Scale Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) Production in Hellisheidi Geothermal Park Iceland: Life Cycle Assessment. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 24:991-1001. [PMID: 36071348 PMCID: PMC9560931 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-022-10162-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Spirulina algae (Spirulina platensis) cultivated in geothermally powered photobioreactors is here proposed as a potentially resource efficient, zero-carbon, and nutritious alternative to conventional beef meat. Employing a standard life cycle assessment, environmental impacts of large-scale Spirulina production in this facility are calculated. The production facility is sited in Orka náttúrunnar (ON Power) Geothermal Park, Iceland, and benefits from resource streams accessible through Hellisheiði (Hellisheidi) power station, including renewable electricity for illumination and power usage, hot and cold water streams for thermal management, freshwater for cultivation, and CO2 for biofixation. During cultivation, GHG-intensive ammonia-based fertilizers are replaced with macronutrients sourced from natural open mines. LCA results show that production of 1 kg of wet edible biomass in this facility requires 0.0378 m2 non-arable land, 8.36 m3 fresh water and is carbon neutral with - 0.008 CO2-eq GHG emissions (net zero). Compared with conventionally produced meat from beef cattle, Spirulina algae cultured in the ON Power Geothermal Park, referred to in this study as GeoSpirulina, requires less than 1% land and water and emits less than 1% GHGs. Considering food and nutritional security concerns, cultivation in a controlled environment agriculture system assures consistent nutritional profile year-round. Moreover, GeoSpirulina biomass assessed in this study contains all essential amino acids as well as essential vitamins and minerals. While keeping a balanced nutrition, for every kg beef meat replaced with one kg GeoSpirulina, the average consumer can save ~ 100 kg CO2-eq GHGs. It is concluded that environmental impacts of GeoSpirulina production in the Hellisheidi facility are considerably lower than those of conventionally produced ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asaf Tzachor
- Global Food Security Research Center & Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- School of Sustainability, Reichman University, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Asger Smidt-Jensen
- Centre for Food Technology, Danish Technological Institute (DTI), Århus, Midtjylland, Danmark
| | - Alfons Ramel
- Bioactive Compounds Group, Matís, Reykjavík, Iceland
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Shen L, Yin X. Solar spectral management for natural photosynthesis: from photonics designs to potential applications. NANO CONVERGENCE 2022; 9:36. [PMID: 35930145 PMCID: PMC9356122 DOI: 10.1186/s40580-022-00327-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthesis is the most important biological process on Earth that converts solar energy to chemical energy (biomass) using sunlight as the sole energy source. The yield of photosynthesis is highly sensitive to the intensity and spectral components of light received by the photosynthetic organisms. Therefore, photon engineering has the potential to increase photosynthesis. Spectral conversion materials have been proposed for solar spectral management and widely investigated for photosynthesis by modifying the quality of light reaching the organisms since the 1990s. Such spectral conversion materials manage the photon spectrum of light by a photoconversion process, and a primary challenge faced by these materials is increasing their efficiencies. This review focuses on emerging spectral conversion materials for augmenting the photosynthesis of plants and microalgae, with a special emphasis on their fundamental design and potential applications in both greenhouse settings and microalgae cultivation systems. Finally, a discussion about the future perspectives in this field is made to overcome the remaining challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Shen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Xiaobo Yin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Mohebi Najafabadi M, Naeimpoor F. Boosting β-carotene and storage materials productivities by two-stage mixed and monochromatic exposure stresses on Dunaliella salina. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2022; 25:609-620. [PMID: 35815399 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2022.2095976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Growth and product formation of Dunaliella salina, a potent β-carotene source, were investigated under single and two-stage monochromic and mixed illuminations using two LEDs, each emitting red (R), blue (B), or white (W) light. Targeting cell growth in single-stage, WW, RR, and BB, as well as RB illumination, were compared and mixed RB illumination was found most supportive showing the highest cell growth of 1.81 ± 0.008 g/L. Subsequently, new two-stage illuminations (RB-BB and RB-RR) were designed to investigate growth and bio-product formation using RB illumination similarly in the 1st stage followed by separate BB and RR illuminations within the 2nd stage. RB-BB strategy resulted in enhanced productivities of lipid (7.6 mg/L/day), starch (20 mg/L/day), and β-carotene (0.4 mg/L/day) which were respectively higher by 80, 70, and 81% compared to single-stage control (WW). RB-RR strategy stimulated cell growth while it resulted in decreased productivities of products (other than chlorophyll). The highest biomass level of 2.2 g/L and nitrate removal of 80% were obtained in RB-RR while RB-BB resulted in the lowest values of 1.2 g/L and 48%, respectively. Appropriate selection of illuminations in two-stage strategies, therefore, functions to enhance the productivity of important metabolites or cell growth which can have generic applications in other microalgae.NOVELTY STATEMENTAlthough the effects of a variety of stressful conditions on microalgae product lines have been investigated so far, the effects of two-stage mixed and monochromatic exposure as a light management strategy have not yet been considered. This strategy was inspired by the fact that cell mass alongside the cell content of a product contributes to product productivity. Accordingly, the growth of Dunaliella salina was first examined under single-stage mixed and monochromatic exposure where mixed red-blue light led to the highest biomass formation. Shifting from mixed to different monochromatic exposures was then examined as a stress factor to stimulate product formation. Higher cell factories obtained under mixed exposure in the 1st stage escalated product productivities within the 2nd stage when exposed to monochromatic light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Mohebi Najafabadi
- Biotechnology Research Laboratory, School of Chemical, Petroleum and Gas Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Naeimpoor
- Biotechnology Research Laboratory, School of Chemical, Petroleum and Gas Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Tehran, Iran
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Sun J, Yang L, Xiao S, Chu H, Jiang S, Yu Z, Zhou X, Zhang Y. A promising microalgal wastewater cyclic cultivation technology: Dynamic simulations, economic viability, and environmental suitability. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 217:118411. [PMID: 35429879 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The microalgal wastewater cyclic cultivation technology (AWC2T) proposed in this study helps address the challenges surrounding water scarcity and ecological sustainability in a clean, resource-efficient, and affordable manner. A novel microalgae growth model (AGM) elucidating the growth mechanisms of microalgae in the AWC2T system was established for dynamic simulations and design optimization. The recycled wastewater accelerated the growth rate of microalgae, and increased biomass and lipids content by 11% and 37.65%, respectively, after 8 batches of cultivation. The accumulated soluble algae products (SAPs) enhanced microalgae growth by providing nutrients and regulating metabolism. In addition, scenario simulations illustrated the excellent long-term performance of the AWC2T system. 100% recycling of microalgal wastewater could save 0.3% N and 54.36% P. The techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) explored how economic and sustainability principles can be embedded into the life cycle of microalgae production. The AWC2T led to outcomes vastly superior to non-cyclic technology by enabling the high-level recovery of resources, providing substantial benefits, enhancing contingency and risk resistance, and offsetting a host of unintended environmental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Libin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shaoze Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Huaqiang Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of pollution control and ecological security, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Shuhong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhenjiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xuefei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of pollution control and ecological security, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Yalei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of pollution control and ecological security, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Liu H, Yan N, Bai H, Kwok RTK, Tang BZ. Aggregation-induced emission luminogens for augmented photosynthesis. EXPLORATION (BEIJING, CHINA) 2022; 2:20210053. [PMID: 37323699 PMCID: PMC10190952 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20210053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthesis is promising in sequestrating carbon dioxide and providing food and biofuel. Recent findings have shown that luminescent materials could shift the wavelength of light to a more usable range for augmented photosynthesis. Among them, aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) have advantages of efficient light conversion, high biocompatibility, large Stokes' shift, and so on. In this perspective, emerging reports of augmented photosynthesis with luminescent materials, especially the AIEgens are included. We emphasized the spectra shift characteristics, material formation, and sustainable development based on augmented photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixiang Liu
- HKUST‐Shenzhen Research InstituteNanshanShenzhenChina
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringDepartment of Chemistry, The Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction Institute for Advanced StudyThe Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyKowloonHong KongChina
| | - Neng Yan
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine PollutionCity University of Hong KongKowloonHong KongChina
| | - Haotian Bai
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringDepartment of Chemistry, The Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction Institute for Advanced StudyThe Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyKowloonHong KongChina
| | - Ryan T. K. Kwok
- HKUST‐Shenzhen Research InstituteNanshanShenzhenChina
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringDepartment of Chemistry, The Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction Institute for Advanced StudyThe Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyKowloonHong KongChina
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- HKUST‐Shenzhen Research InstituteNanshanShenzhenChina
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringDepartment of Chemistry, The Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction Institute for Advanced StudyThe Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyKowloonHong KongChina
- School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Functional Aggregate MaterialsThe Chinese University of Hong KongShenzhenChina
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Paper M, Glemser M, Haack M, Lorenzen J, Mehlmer N, Fuchs T, Schenk G, Garbe D, Weuster-Botz D, Eisenreich W, Lakatos M, Brück TB. Efficient Green Light Acclimation of the Green Algae Picochlorum sp. Triggering Geranylgeranylated Chlorophylls. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:885977. [PMID: 35573232 PMCID: PMC9095919 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.885977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In analogy to higher plants, eukaryotic microalgae are thought to be incapable of utilizing green light for growth, due to the “green gap” in the absorbance profiles of their photosynthetic pigments. This study demonstrates, that the marine chlorophyte Picochlorum sp. is able to grow efficiently under green light emitting diode (LED) illumination. Picochlorum sp. growth and pigment profiles under blue, red, green and white LED illumination (light intensity: 50–200 μmol m−2 s−1) in bottom-lightened shake flask cultures were evaluated. Green light-treated cultures showed a prolonged initial growth lag phase of one to 2 days, which was subsequently compensated to obtain comparable biomass yields to red and white light controls (approx. 0.8 gDW L−1). Interestingly, growth and final biomass yields of the green light-treated sample were higher than under blue light with equivalent illumination energies. Further, pigment analysis indicated, that during green light illumination, Picochlorum sp. formed unknown pigments (X1-X4). Pigment concentrations increased with illumination intensity and were most abundant during the exponential growth phase. Mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance data indicated, that pigments X1-X2 and X3-X4 are derivatives of chlorophyll b and a, which harbor C=C bonds in the phytol side chain similar to geranylgeranylated chlorophylls. Thus, for the first time, the natural accumulation of large pools (approx. 12 mg gDW−1) of chlorophyll intermediates with incomplete hydrogenation of their phytyl chains is demonstrated for algae under monochromatic green light (Peak λ 510 nm, full width at half maximum 91 nm). The ability to utilize green light offers competitive advantages for enhancing biomass production, particularly under conditions of dense cultures, long light pathways and high light intensity. Green light acclimation for an eukaryotic microalgae in conjunction with the formation of new aberrant geranylgeranylated chlorophylls and high efficiency of growth rates are novel for eukaryotic microalgae. Illumination with green light could enhance productivity in industrial processes and trigger the formation of new metabolites–thus, underlying mechanisms require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Paper
- Werner Siemens-Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Matthias Glemser
- Werner Siemens-Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
- TUM AlgaeTec Center, Ludwig Bölkow Campus, Department of Aerospace and Geodesy, Taufkirchen, Germany
| | - Martina Haack
- Werner Siemens-Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Jan Lorenzen
- Werner Siemens-Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Norbert Mehlmer
- Werner Siemens-Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Tobias Fuchs
- Werner Siemens-Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
- TUM AlgaeTec Center, Ludwig Bölkow Campus, Department of Aerospace and Geodesy, Taufkirchen, Germany
| | - Gerhard Schenk
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel Garbe
- Werner Siemens-Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
- TUM AlgaeTec Center, Ludwig Bölkow Campus, Department of Aerospace and Geodesy, Taufkirchen, Germany
| | - Dirk Weuster-Botz
- TUM AlgaeTec Center, Ludwig Bölkow Campus, Department of Aerospace and Geodesy, Taufkirchen, Germany
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Eisenreich
- Chair of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Michael Lakatos
- Integrative Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Pirmasens, Germany
| | - Thomas B. Brück
- Werner Siemens-Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
- TUM AlgaeTec Center, Ludwig Bölkow Campus, Department of Aerospace and Geodesy, Taufkirchen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Thomas B. Brück,
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Electric Field-Enhanced Cadmium Accumulation and Photosynthesis in a Woody Ornamental Hyperaccumulator—Lonicera japonica Thunb. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11081040. [PMID: 35448768 PMCID: PMC9030930 DOI: 10.3390/plants11081040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The multi-system of electro-phytotechnology using a woody ornamental cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulator (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) is a new departure for environmental remediation. The effects of four electric field conditions on Cd accumulation, growth, and photosynthesis of L. japonica under four Cd treatments were investigated. Under 25 and 50 mg L−1 Cd treatments, Cd accumulation in L. japonica was enhanced significantly compared to the control and reached 1110.79 mg kg−1 in root and 428.67 mg kg−1 in shoots influenced by the electric field, especially at 2 V cm−1, and with higher bioaccumulation coefficient (BC), translocation factor (TF), removal efficiency (RE), and the maximum Cd uptake, indicating that 2 V cm−1 voltage may be the most suitable electric field for consolidating Cd-hyperaccumulator ability. It is accompanied by increased root and shoots biomass and photosynthetic parameters through the electric field effect. These results show that a suitable electric field may improve the growth, hyperaccumulation, and photosynthetic ability of L.japonica. Meanwhile, low Cd supply (5 mg L−1) and medium voltage (2 V cm−1) improved plant growth and photosynthetic capacity, conducive to the practical application to a plant facing low concentration Cd contamination in the real environment.
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The Carbon Source Effect on the Production of Ralstonia eutropha H16 and Proteomic Response Underlying Targeting the Bioconversion with Solar Fuels. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2022; 194:3212-3227. [PMID: 35349090 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-022-03887-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chemoautotrophic bacterium Ralstonia eutropha H16 can fix CO2 to bioplastic and is potentially useful for CO2 neutralization. Targeting the solar fuel-based plastic biomanufactory, the polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production between heterotrophy and chemoautotrophy conditions was evaluated and the proteomic responses of the R. eutropha H16 cells to different carbon and energy sources were investigated. The results show that the chemoautotrophic mode hardly affected the cellular PHB accumulation capacity. Benefited from the high coverage proteome data, the global response of R. eutropha H16 to different carbon and energy sources was presented with a 95% KEGG pathway annotation, and the genome-wide location-related protein expression pattern was also identified. PHB depolymerase Q0K9H3 was found as a key protein responding to the low carbon input while CO2 and H2 were used, and will be a new regulation target for further high PHB production based on solar fuels.
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Ataeian M, Liu Y, Kouris A, Hawley AK, Strous M. Ecological Interactions of Cyanobacteria and Heterotrophs Enhances the Robustness of Cyanobacterial Consortium for Carbon Sequestration. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:780346. [PMID: 35222325 PMCID: PMC8880816 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.780346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lack of robustness is a major barrier to foster a sustainable cyanobacterial biotechnology. Use of cyanobacterial consortium increases biodiversity, which provides functional redundancy and prevents invading species from disrupting the production ecosystem. Here we characterized a cyanobacterial consortium enriched from microbial mats of alkaline soda lakes in BC, Canada, at high pH and alkalinity. This consortium has been grown in open laboratory culture for 4 years without crashes. Using shotgun metagenomic sequencing, 29 heterotrophic metagenome-assembled-genomes (MAGs) were retrieved and were assigned to Bacteroidota, Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Verrucomicrobiota, Patescibacteria, Planctomycetota, and Archaea. In combination with metaproteomics, the overall stability of the consortium was determined under different cultivation conditions. Genome information from each heterotrophic population was investigated for six ecological niches created by cyanobacterial metabolism and one niche for phototrophy. Genome-resolved metaproteomics with stable isotope probing using 13C-bicarbonate (protein/SIP) showed tight coupling of carbon transfer from cyanobacteria to the heterotrophic populations, specially Wenzhouxiangella. The community structure was compared to a previously described consortium of a closely related cyanobacteria, which indicated that the results may be generalized. Productivity losses associated with heterotrophic metabolism were relatively small compared to other losses during photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ataeian
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Yihua Liu
- Department Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Angela Kouris
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alyse K. Hawley
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Marc Strous
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Ji B. Towards environment-sustainable wastewater treatment and reclamation by the non-aerated microalgal-bacterial granular sludge process: Recent advances and future directions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150707. [PMID: 34599950 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Currently, we are increasingly aware of the environmental unsustainability of the conventional wastewater treatment processes, e.g. extensive energy consumption and greenhouse gases emission. As such, the light-motivated non-aerated microalgal-bacterial granular sludge (MBGS) process has drawn extensive attention recently. This review aims to offer the important recent advances and future directions on the emerging non-aerated MBGS process for wastewater treatment and reclamation. The formation mechanism of MBGS from activated sludge is revealed to be the mobility under environmental stress such as shear force and nutrient deficiency. The key environmental factors affecting the non-aerated MBGS process are analyzed in terms with light, temperature, stirring and influent composition. Furthermore, sceneries of future outdoor processes by non-aerated MBGS are outlined. In turns out that the non-aerated MBGS offers a harmonious ecosystem to enrich the pollutants from wastewater to biomass, which can be potentially utilized as biofertilizer and feed for plant and animal, respectively. This review is expected to deepen our insights into the emerging non-aerated MBGS process for environment-sustainable wastewater treatment and reclamation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Ji
- Department of Water and Wastewater Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China.
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45
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Long B, Fischer B, Zeng Y, Amerigian Z, Li Q, Bryant H, Li M, Dai SY, Yuan JS. Machine learning-informed and synthetic biology-enabled semi-continuous algal cultivation to unleash renewable fuel productivity. Nat Commun 2022; 13:541. [PMID: 35087023 PMCID: PMC8795378 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27665-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Algal biofuel is regarded as one of the ultimate solutions for renewable energy, but its commercialization is hindered by growth limitations caused by mutual shading and high harvest costs. We overcome these challenges by advancing machine learning to inform the design of a semi-continuous algal cultivation (SAC) to sustain optimal cell growth and minimize mutual shading. An aggregation-based sedimentation (ABS) strategy is then designed to achieve low-cost biomass harvesting and economical SAC. The ABS is achieved by engineering a fast-growing strain, Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973, to produce limonene, which increases cyanobacterial cell surface hydrophobicity and enables efficient cell aggregation and sedimentation. SAC unleashes cyanobacterial growth potential with 0.1 g/L/hour biomass productivity and 0.2 mg/L/hour limonene productivity over a sustained period in photobioreactors. Scaling-up the SAC with an outdoor pond system achieves a biomass yield of 43.3 g/m2/day, bringing the minimum biomass selling price down to approximately $281 per ton. Growth limitation caused by mutual shading and the high harvest cost hamper algal biofuel production. Here, the authors overcome these two problems by designing a semi-continuous algal cultivation system and an aggregation-based sedimentation strategy to achieve high levels production of biomass and limonene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Long
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Bart Fischer
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Yining Zeng
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, 80401, USA
| | - Zoe Amerigian
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Henry Bryant
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Man Li
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.,Synthetic and Systems Biology Innovation Hub (SSBiH), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Susie Y Dai
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.,Synthetic and Systems Biology Innovation Hub (SSBiH), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Joshua S Yuan
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA. .,Synthetic and Systems Biology Innovation Hub (SSBiH), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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Zhou X, Zeng Y, Lv F, Bai H, Wang S. Organic Semiconductor-Organism Interfaces for Augmenting Natural and Artificial Photosynthesis. Acc Chem Res 2022; 55:156-170. [PMID: 34963291 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.1c00580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Carbon neutrality is increasingly broadly recognized as a vehicle for climate action and sustainable development. Photosynthesis contributes to maintaining a suitable carbon-oxygen balance for survival and plays an irreplaceable role in mitigating the greenhouse effect. However, the energy conversion efficiency of photosynthesis is only about 1%, far below the theoretical maximum. With the ecological demand of carbon neutrality, it is wise and necessary to further improve the efficiency of photosynthesis. Among methods to do so, the most direct and original one is improving the utilization of photosynthetic pigments to the weak absorption region of the spectrum and thus enhancing the solar energy utilization efficiency.This Account summarizes our group's work on constructing conjugated polymer-photosynthetic organism interfaces to augment photosynthetic efficiency. Side chain modification of ionic groups or preparation of nanoparticles makes conjugated polymers water-soluble and electrically charged, which allows them to bind to the surface of photosynthetic microorganisms through electrostatic interactions or be absorbed by plant roots. Owing to the designable and unparalleled light capture and emission capabilities, funnel-like excitation energy transfer mode, and enviable biocompatibility, organic semiconductor conjugated polymers can be used as "artificial antennas" to make up for the lack of natural antenna pigments and expand the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) range. With this strategy, we achieved enhancement of the photosynthetic efficiency of a broad range of organisms, including oxygenic photosynthetic organisms, from organelle to prokaryotic cyanobacteria, eukaryotic lower plants, and higher plants, as well as anoxygenic photosynthetic organisms. Unlike conventional semiconductors, conjugated polymers have not only electronic conductivity but also ionic conductivity, which is the main means of bioelectrical signal transduction. Therefore, they are able to act as "electron bridges" to accelerate the electron transfer rate at the material-organism interface. On this basis, we introduced conjugated polymers into artificial photosynthesis systems, including biological photovoltaics and artificial carbon sequestration, to increase energy conversion efficiency. These studies open a new frontier for functional studies of conjugated molecules and provide inspirations for the design of photosynthesis systems in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhou
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Yue Zeng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Fengting Lv
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Haotian Bai
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Shu Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
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Kilbane JJ. Shining a Light on Wastewater Treatment with Microalgae. ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022; 47:45-56. [PMID: 35036288 PMCID: PMC8752175 DOI: 10.1007/s13369-021-06444-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Microalgae can produce biofuels, nutriceuticals, pigments and many other products, but commercialization has been limited by the cost of growing, harvesting and processing algal biomass. Nutrients, chiefly nitrogen and phosphorus, are a key cost for growing microalgae, but these nutrients are present in abundance in municipal wastewater where they pose environmental problems if not removed. This is not a traditional review article; rather, it is a fact-based set of suggestions that will have to be investigated by scientists and engineers. It is suggested that if microalgae were grown as biofilms rather than as planktonic cells, and if internal illumination rather than external illumination were employed, then the use of microalgae may provide useful improvements to the wastewater treatment process. The use of microalgae to remove nutrients from wastewater has been demonstrated, but has not yet been widely implemented due to cost, and because microalgae derived from wastewater treatment has not yet been demonstrated as a commercial source for value-added products. Future facilities are likely to be called Municipal Resource Recovery Facilities as wastewater will increasingly be viewed as a resource for water, biofuels, fertilizer, monitoring public health and value-added products. Advances in photonics will accelerate this transition.
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Yang H, Hu C. Soil Chemistry and Nutrients Influence the Distribution of Aerobic Anoxygenic Phototrophic Bacteria and Eukaryotic Phototrophic Microorganisms of Physical Soil Crusts at Different Elevations on the Tibetan Plateau. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022; 83:100-113. [PMID: 33733304 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01734-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthetic microorganisms are widely distributed in the soil and play an important role in plant-free soil crusts. However, the distribution and environmental drivers of phototrophic microbial communities in physical soil crusts, where the abundance of cyanobacteria is low, are scarcely understood. Here, we performed high-throughput sequencing of pufM and 18S rRNA genes in soil crusts at different elevations on the Tibetan Plateau and used the data combined with environmental variables to analyze the diversity and structure of phototrophic microbial communities. We found that the dominant taxa of aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria (AAPB) and eukaryotic phototrophic microorganisms (EPM) were shown to shift with elevation. The phototrophic microbial diversity showed a single-peak pattern, with the lowest diversity of AAPB and highest diversity of EPM at middle elevations. Moreover, the elevation and soil property determined the phototrophic microbial community. Soil salts, especially Cl-, were the most important for AAPB. Likewise, soil nutrients, especially carbon, were the most important for EPM. The relationship between high-abundance taxa and environmental variables showed that Rhizobiales was significantly negatively correlated with salt ions and positively correlated with chlorophyll. Rhodobacterales showed the strongest and significant positive associations with Cl-. Chlorophyceae and Bacillariophyceae were positively correlated with CO32-. These results indicated that salinity and soil nutrients affected the diversity and structure of microbial communities. This study contributes to our understanding of the diversity, composition, and structure of photosynthetic microorganisms in physical soil crusts and helps in developing new approaches for controlling desertification and salinization and improving the desert ecological environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijian Yang
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Chunxiang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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49
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Jaiswal KK, Kumar V, Vlaskin MS, Nanda M. Impact of pyrene (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) pollutant on metabolites and lipid induction in microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana (UUIND6) to produce renewable biodiesel. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 285:131482. [PMID: 34273690 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Pyrene (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon), an anthropogenic organic pollutant prevalent in various ecological units, receives more attention for bioremediation and energy transformation using microalgae. In this study, we have used pyrene pollutant (50-500 ppm) to evaluate the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of Chlorella sorokiniana and the impact on metabolites as well as the induction of lipid biosynthesis to produce renewable biodiesel. Pyrene concentration at 230 ppm (IC50) caused half-maximum inhibition for the 96 h incubation. The harvest in the stationary stage (day 16) for C. sorokiniana revealed a biomass generation of 449 ± 7 mg L-1 and 444 ± 8 mg L-1 dcw in the control medium and pyrene IC50 medium, respectively. An insignificant decline in biomass generation (1.2%) was observed due to the stress effect of the pyrene IC50 medium on metabolic biosynthesis. Although contrary to biomass generation, IC50 of pyrene assisted to induce lipid biosynthesis in C. sorokiniana. The improvement in lipid biosynthesis was observed as ~24% higher in pyrene IC50 compared to the control medium. The chemical composition of the microalgae biomass, metabolites, and lipids was examined using FTIR spectra. The extracted lipid was transesterified to produce biodiesel via methanolic-H2SO4 catalysis. The renewable biodiesel obtained was evaluated using FTIR and 1H NMR spectra. The transformation efficiency of the lipid of C. sorokiniana in biodiesel was calculated as ~81%. This research offers the incentive in lipid biosynthesis in microalgae cells using pyrene for the production of renewable and sustainable ecological biofuels along with bioremediation of pyrene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Kumar Jaiswal
- Algae Research and Bio-energy Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India; Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Life Sciences, Graphic Era (Deemed to Be University), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248002, India; Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation.
| | - Mikhail S Vlaskin
- Joint Institute for High Temperatures of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 13/2 Izhorskaya St, Moscow, 125412, Russia.
| | - Manisha Nanda
- Department of Biotechnology, Dolphin (PG) Institute of Biomedical and Natural Sciences, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India
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50
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Nwoba EG, Rohani T, Raeisossadati M, Vadiveloo A, Bahri PA, Moheimani NR. Monochromatic light filters to enhance biomass and carotenoid productivities of Dunaliella salina in raceway ponds. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 340:125689. [PMID: 34358987 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Monochromatic blue and red wavelengths are more efficient for light to algal biomass conversion than full-spectrum sunlight. In this study, monochromatic light filters were used to down-regulate natural sunlight to blue (400-520 nm) and red (600-700 nm) wavelengths to enhance biomass productivity of Dunaliella salina in outdoor raceway ponds. Growth indices such as cell size, pigment concentrations, biomass yield, photosynthetic efficiency, and major nutritional compositions were determined and compared against a control receiving unfiltered sunlight. Results showed that red light increased biomass productivity, lipid, and carotenoid contents but decreased cell volume, chlorophyll production, and cell weight. Conversely, blue light increased cell volume by 200%, cell weight by 68%, and enhanced chlorophyll a and protein contents by 35% and 51%, respectively, over red light. Compared to the control treatment, photoinhibition of D. salina cells at noon sunshine was decreased 60% by utilizing optical filters on the pond's surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeka G Nwoba
- Algae R&D Centre, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Tarannom Rohani
- Algae R&D Centre, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; Engineering and Energy, Murdoch University, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | | | - Ashiwin Vadiveloo
- Algae R&D Centre, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Parisa A Bahri
- Engineering and Energy, Murdoch University, Western Australia 6150, Australia; Centre for Water, Energy and Waste, Harry Butler Institute, Australia University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Navid R Moheimani
- Algae R&D Centre, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; Centre for Water, Energy and Waste, Harry Butler Institute, Australia University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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