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Yu Y, Shi Y, Kwon YW, Choi Y, Kim Y, Na JG, Huh J, Lee J. A rationally designed miniature of soluble methane monooxygenase enables rapid and high-yield methanol production in Escherichia coli. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4399. [PMID: 38782897 PMCID: PMC11116448 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48671-w] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO) oxidizes a wide range of carbon feedstocks (C1 to C8) directly using intracellular NADH and is a useful means in developing green routes for industrial manufacturing of chemicals. However, the high-throughput biosynthesis of active recombinant sMMO and the ensuing catalytic oxidation have so far been unsuccessful due to the structural and functional complexity of sMMO, comprised of three functionally complementary components, which remains a major challenge for its industrial applications. Here we develop a catalytically active miniature of sMMO (mini-sMMO), with a turnover frequency of 0.32 s-1, through an optimal reassembly of minimal and modified components of sMMO on catalytically inert and stable apoferritin scaffold. We characterise the molecular characteristics in detail through in silico and experimental analyses and verifications. Notably, in-situ methanol production in a high-cell-density culture of mini-sMMO-expressing recombinant Escherichia coli resulted in higher yield and productivity (~ 3.0 g/L and 0.11 g/L/h, respectively) compared to traditional methanotrophic production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonhwa Yu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Anam-Dong 5-1, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongfan Shi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Wan Kwon
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Anam-Dong 5-1, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoobin Choi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Anam-Dong 5-1, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yusik Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Anam-Dong 5-1, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Geol Na
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - June Huh
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Anam-Dong 5-1, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeewon Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Anam-Dong 5-1, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Li W, Sun J, Wang M, Xu J, Wang Y, Yang L, Yan R, He H, Wang S, Deng WQ, Tian ZQ, Fan FR. Contact-Electro-Catalysis for Direct Oxidation of Methane under Ambient Conditions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202403114. [PMID: 38488787 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202403114] [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: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The conversion of methane under ambient conditions has attracted significant attention. Although advancements have been made using active oxygen species from photo- and electro- chemical processes, challenges such as complex catalyst design, costly oxidants, and unwanted byproducts remain. This study exploits the concept of contact-electro-catalysis, initiating chemical reactions through charge exchange at a solid-liquid interface, to report a novel process for directly converting methane under ambient conditions. Utilizing the electrification of commercially available Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) with water under ultrasound, we demonstrate how this interaction promote the activation of methane and oxygen molecules. Our results show that the yield of HCHO and CH3OH can reach 467.5 and 151.2 μmol ⋅ gcat -1, respectively. We utilized electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to confirm the evolution of hydroxyl radicals (⋅OH) and superoxide radicals (⋅OOH). Isotope mass spectrometry (MS) was employed to analyze the elemental origin of CH3OH, which can be further oxidized to HCHO. Additionally, we conducted density functional theory (DFT) simulations to assess the reaction energies of FEP with H2O, O2, and CH4 under these conditions. The implications of this methodology, with its potential applicability to a wider array of gas-phase catalytic reactions, underscore a significant advance in catalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Jikai Sun
- Institute of Frontier Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Mingda Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Jiajia Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yanjie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Li Yang
- Institute of Frontier Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Ran Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Green Chemical Productions of Alcohols-Ethers-Esters, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Haoxian He
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Green Chemical Productions of Alcohols-Ethers-Esters, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Wei-Qiao Deng
- Institute of Frontier Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Zhong-Qun Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Feng Ru Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
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3
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Decembrino D, Cannella D. The thin line between monooxygenases and peroxygenases. P450s, UPOs, MMOs, and LPMOs: A brick to bridge fields of expertise. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 72:108321. [PMID: 38336187 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108321] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Many scientific fields, although driven by similar purposes and dealing with similar technologies, often appear so isolated and far from each other that even the vocabularies to describe the very same phenomenon might differ. Concerning the vast field of biocatalysis, a special role is played by those redox enzymes that employ oxygen-based chemistry to unlock transformations otherwise possible only with metal-based catalysts. As such, greener chemical synthesis methods and environmentally-driven biotechnological approaches were enabled over the last decades by the use of several enzymes and ultimately resulted in the first industrial applications. Among what can be called today the environmental biorefinery sector, biomass transformation, greenhouse gas reduction, bio-gas/fuels production, bioremediation, as well as bulk or fine chemicals and even pharmaceuticals manufacturing are all examples of fields in which successful prototypes have been demonstrated employing redox enzymes. In this review we decided to focus on the most prominent enzymes (MMOs, LPMO, P450 and UPO) capable of overcoming the ∼100 kcal mol-1 barrier of inactivated CH bonds for the oxyfunctionalization of organic compounds. Harnessing the enormous potential that lies within these enzymes is of extreme value to develop sustainable industrial schemes and it is still deeply coveted by many within the aforementioned fields of application. Hence, the ambitious scope of this account is to bridge the current cutting-edge knowledge gathered upon each enzyme. By creating a broad comparison, scientists belonging to the different fields may find inspiration and might overcome obstacles already solved by the others. This work is organised in three major parts: a first section will be serving as an introduction to each one of the enzymes regarding their structural and activity diversity, whereas a second one will be encompassing the mechanistic aspects of their catalysis. In this regard, the machineries that lead to analogous catalytic outcomes are depicted, highlighting the major differences and similarities. Finally, a third section will be focusing on the elements that allow the oxyfunctionalization chemistry to occur by delivering redox equivalents to the enzyme by the action of diverse redox partners. Redox partners are often overlooked in comparison to the catalytic counterparts, yet they represent fundamental elements to better understand and further develop practical applications based on mono- and peroxygenases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Decembrino
- Photobiocatalysis Unit - Crop Production and Biostimulation Lab (CPBL), and Biomass Transformation Lab (BTL), École Interfacultaire de Bioingénieurs, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | - David Cannella
- Photobiocatalysis Unit - Crop Production and Biostimulation Lab (CPBL), and Biomass Transformation Lab (BTL), École Interfacultaire de Bioingénieurs, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.
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4
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Li A, Cao X, Fu R, Guo S, Fei Q. Biocatalysis of CO 2 and CH 4: Key enzymes and challenges. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 72:108347. [PMID: 38527656 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108347] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions is a critical challenge for promoting global sustainability. The utilization of CO2 and CH4 as substrates for the production of valuable products offers a promising avenue for establishing an eco-friendly economy. Biocatalysis, a sustainable process utilizing enzymes to facilitate biochemical reactions, plays a significant role in upcycling greenhouse gases. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the enzymes and associated reactions involved in the biocatalytic conversion of CO2 and CH4. Furthermore, the challenges facing the field are discussed, paving the way for future research directions focused on developing robust enzymes and systems for the efficient fixation of CO2 and CH4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aipeng Li
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of C1 Compound Bioconversion Technology, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Xupeng Cao
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Rongzhan Fu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Shuqi Guo
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of C1 Compound Bioconversion Technology, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Qiang Fei
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of C1 Compound Bioconversion Technology, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
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5
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Tucci FJ, Rosenzweig AC. Direct Methane Oxidation by Copper- and Iron-Dependent Methane Monooxygenases. Chem Rev 2024; 124:1288-1320. [PMID: 38305159 PMCID: PMC10923174 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to climate change and is primarily regulated in Nature by methanotrophic bacteria, which consume methane gas as their source of energy and carbon, first by oxidizing it to methanol. The direct oxidation of methane to methanol is a chemically difficult transformation, accomplished in methanotrophs by complex methane monooxygenase (MMO) enzyme systems. These enzymes use iron or copper metallocofactors and have been the subject of detailed investigation. While the structure, function, and active site architecture of the copper-dependent particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) have been investigated extensively, its putative quaternary interactions, regulation, requisite cofactors, and mechanism remain enigmatic. The iron-dependent soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO) has been characterized biochemically, structurally, spectroscopically, and, for the most part, mechanistically. Here, we review the history of MMO research, focusing on recent developments and providing an outlook for future directions of the field. Engineered biological catalysis systems and bioinspired synthetic catalysts may continue to emerge along with a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of biological methane oxidation. Harnessing the power of these enzymes will necessitate combined efforts in biochemistry, structural biology, inorganic chemistry, microbiology, computational biology, and engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank J Tucci
- Departments of Molecular Biosciences and of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Amy C Rosenzweig
- Departments of Molecular Biosciences and of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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6
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Kang NK, Chau THT, Lee EY. Engineered methane biocatalysis: strategies to assimilate methane for chemical production. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 85:103031. [PMID: 38101295 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.103031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Methane (CH4), one of the greenhouse gases, is considered a promising feedstock for the biological production of fuels and chemicals. Although recent studies have demonstrated the capability of methanotrophs to convert CH4 into various bioproducts by metabolic engineering, the productivity has not reached commercial levels. As such, there is a growing interest in synthetic methanotrophic systems as an alternative. This review summarizes the strategies for enhancing native CH4 assimilation and discusses the challenges for the construction of synthetic methanotrophy into nonmethanotrophic industrial strains. Additionally, we suggest a mixed heterotrophic approach that integrates CH4 assimilation with glucose and xylose metabolism to improve productivity. The synthetic methanotrophic system presented in this review could pave the way for sustainable and efficient biomanufacturing using CH4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam Kyu Kang
- Department of Chemical Engineering (BK21 FOUR Integrated Engineering Program), Kyung Hee University, 17104 Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Tin Hoang Trung Chau
- Department of Chemical Engineering (BK21 FOUR Integrated Engineering Program), Kyung Hee University, 17104 Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Eun Yeol Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering (BK21 FOUR Integrated Engineering Program), Kyung Hee University, 17104 Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
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7
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Kurt E, Qin J, Williams A, Zhao Y, Xie D. Perspectives for Using CO 2 as a Feedstock for Biomanufacturing of Fuels and Chemicals. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1357. [PMID: 38135948 PMCID: PMC10740661 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10121357] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial cell factories offer an eco-friendly alternative for transforming raw materials into commercially valuable products because of their reduced carbon impact compared to conventional industrial procedures. These systems often depend on lignocellulosic feedstocks, mainly pentose and hexose sugars. One major hurdle when utilizing these sugars, especially glucose, is balancing carbon allocation to satisfy energy, cofactor, and other essential component needs for cellular proliferation while maintaining a robust yield. Nearly half or more of this carbon is inevitably lost as CO2 during the biosynthesis of regular metabolic necessities. This loss lowers the production yield and compromises the benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions-a fundamental advantage of biomanufacturing. This review paper posits the perspectives of using CO2 from the atmosphere, industrial wastes, or the exhausted gases generated in microbial fermentation as a feedstock for biomanufacturing. Achieving the carbon-neutral or -negative goals is addressed under two main strategies. The one-step strategy uses novel metabolic pathway design and engineering approaches to directly fix the CO2 toward the synthesis of the desired products. Due to the limitation of the yield and efficiency in one-step fixation, the two-step strategy aims to integrate firstly the electrochemical conversion of the exhausted CO2 into C1/C2 products such as formate, methanol, acetate, and ethanol, and a second fermentation process to utilize the CO2-derived C1/C2 chemicals or co-utilize C5/C6 sugars and C1/C2 chemicals for product formation. The potential and challenges of using CO2 as a feedstock for future biomanufacturing of fuels and chemicals are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Kurt
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, USA; (E.K.); (J.Q.); (A.W.)
| | - Jiansong Qin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, USA; (E.K.); (J.Q.); (A.W.)
| | - Alexandria Williams
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, USA; (E.K.); (J.Q.); (A.W.)
| | - Youbo Zhao
- Physical Sciences Inc., 20 New England Business Ctr., Andover, MA 01810, USA;
| | - Dongming Xie
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, USA; (E.K.); (J.Q.); (A.W.)
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8
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Peng W, Wang Z, Zhang Q, Yan S, Wang B. Unraveling the Valence State and Reactivity of Copper Centers in Membrane-Bound Particulate Methane Monooxygenase. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:25304-25317. [PMID: 37955571 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c08834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) plays a critical role in catalyzing the conversion of methane to methanol, constituting the initial step in the C1 metabolic pathway within methanotrophic bacteria. However, the membrane-bound pMMO's structure and catalytic mechanism, notably the copper's valence state and genuine active site for methane oxidation, have remained elusive. Based on the recently characterized structure of membrane-bound pMMO, extensive computational studies were conducted to address these long-standing issues. A comprehensive analysis comparing the quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) molecular dynamics (MD) simulated structures with cryo-EM data indicates that both the CuC and CuD sites tend to stay in the Cu(I) valence state within the membrane environment. Additionally, the concurrent presence of Cu(I) at both CuC and CuD sites leads to the significant reduction of the ligand-binding cavity situated between them, making it less likely to accommodate a reductant molecule such as durohydroquinone (DQH2). Subsequent QM/MM calculations reveal that the CuD(I) site is more reactive than the CuC(I) site in oxygen activation, en route to H2O2 formation and the generation of Cu(II)-O•- species. Finally, our simulations demonstrate that the natural reductant ubiquinol (CoQH2) assumes a productive binding conformation at the CuD(I) site but not at the CuC(I) site. This provides evidence that the true active site of membrane-bound pMMOs may be CuD rather than CuC. These findings clarify pMMO's catalytic mechanism and emphasize the membrane environment's pivotal role in modulating the coordination structure and the activity of copper centers within pMMO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics, State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology (SKLLQG), Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710061, P. R. China
| | - Zikuan Wang
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, Mülheim an der Ruhr 45470, Germany
| | - Qiaoyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Shengheng Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Binju Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
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Sahoo KK, Katari JK, Das D. Recent advances in methanol production from methanotrophs. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:360. [PMID: 37891430 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03813-y] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Methanol, the simplest aliphatic molecule of the alcohol family, finds diverse range of applications as an industrial solvent, a precursor for producing other chemicals (e.g., dimethyl ether, acetic acid and formaldehyde), and a potential fuel. There are conventional chemical routes for methanol production such as, steam reforming of natural gas to form syngas, followed by catalytic conversion into methanol; direct catalytic oxidation of methane, or hydrogenation of carbon dioxide. However, these chemical routes are limited by the requirement for expensive catalysts and extreme process conditions, and plausible environmental implications. Alternatively, methanotrophic microorganisms are being explored as biological alternative for methanol production, under milder process conditions, bypassing the requirement for chemical catalysts, and without imposing any adverse environmental impact. Methanotrophs possess inherent metabolic pathways for methanol production via biological methane oxidation or carbon dioxide reduction, thus offering a surplus advantage pertaining to the sequestration of two major greenhouse gases. This review sheds light on the recent advances in methanotrophic methanol production including metabolic pathways, feedstocks, metabolic engineering, and bioprocess engineering approaches. Furthermore, various reactor configurations are discussed in view of the challenges associated with solubility and mass transfer limitations in methanotrophic gas fermentation systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Kalyani Sahoo
- Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - John Kiran Katari
- School of Energy Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Debasish Das
- Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India.
- School of Energy Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India.
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10
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Dai C, Zhang Y, Liu N, Yu G, Wang N, Xu R, Chen B. Mechanistic insight into the effect of active site motif structures on direct oxidation of methane to methanol over Cu-ZSM-5. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:24894-24903. [PMID: 37681261 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp01906c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Direct oxidation of methane to methanol (DMTM), a highly challenging reaction in C1 chemistry, has attracted lots of attention. Herein, we investigate the continuous H2O-mediated N2O-DMTM over a series of Cu-ZSM-5-n zeolites prepared by a solid-state ion-exchange method. Excellent CH3OH productivity (194.8 μmol gcat-1 h-1) and selectivity (67.1%) can be achieved over Cu-ZSM-5-0.3%, which surpasses most recently reported zeolite catalysts. The effect of the active site motif structure on the reaction was systematically investigated by the combined experimental and theoretical studies. It has been revealed that both the monomeric [Cu]+ and binuclear [Cu]+-[Cu]+ sites function to produce CH3OH, following the radical rebound mechanism, wherein the latter one plays a dominant role due to the synergistic effect of neighboring [Cu]+ that can efficiently reduce the N2O dissociation barrier to generate active oxygen for CH4 oxidation. Microkinetic modeling results further show that the dicopper site possesses a much higher net reaction rate (1.23 × 105 s-1) than the monomeric Cu site (0.962 s-1); moreover, H2O can shift the rate determining step from the CH3OH desorption step to the N2O dissociation step over the dicopper site, thereby efficiently favoring CH3OH production and resisting carbon deposition. Generally, the study in the present work would substantially favor other highly efficient catalyst designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengna Dai
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
| | - Yuchan Zhang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
| | - Ning Liu
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
| | - Gangqiang Yu
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
| | - Ning Wang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
| | - Ruinian Xu
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
| | - Biaohua Chen
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
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11
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Weng C, Peng X, Han Y. From methane to value-added bioproducts: microbial metabolism, enzymes, and metabolic engineering. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2023; 124:119-146. [PMID: 37597946 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Methane is abundant in nature, and excessive emissions will cause the greenhouse effect. Methane is also an ideal carbon and energy feedstock for biosynthesis. In the review, the microorganisms, metabolism, and enzymes for methane utilization, and the advances of conversion to value-added bioproducts were summarized. First, the physiological characteristics, classification, and methane oxidation process of methanotrophs were introduced. The metabolic pathways for methane utilization and key intermediate metabolites of native and synthetic methanotrophs were summarized. Second, the enzymatic properties, crystal structures, and catalytic mechanisms of methane-oxidizing and metabolizing enzymes in methanotrophs were described. Third, challenges and prospects in metabolic pathways and enzymatic catalysis for methane utilization and conversion to value-added bioproducts were discussed. Finally, metabolic engineering of microorganisms for methane biooxidation and bioproducts synthesis based on different pathways were summarized. Understanding the metabolism and challenges of microbial methane utilization will provide insights into possible strategies for efficient methane-based synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caihong Weng
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowei Peng
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yejun Han
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.
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12
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Thi Quynh Le H, Yeol Lee E. Methanotrophs: Metabolic versatility from utilization of methane to multi-carbon sources and perspectives on current and future applications. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023:129296. [PMID: 37302766 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The development of biorefineries for a sustainable bioeconomy has been driven by the concept of utilizing environmentally friendly and cost-effective renewable energy sources. Methanotrophic bacteria with a unique capacity to utilize methane as a carbon and energy source can serve as outstanding biocatalysts to develop C1 bioconversion technology. By establishing the utilization of diverse multi-carbon sources, integrated biorefinery platforms can be created for the concept of the circular bioeconomy. An understanding of physiology and metabolism could help to overcome challenges for biomanufacturing. This review summaries fundamental gaps for methane oxidation and the capability to utilize multi-carbon sources in methanotrophic bacteria. Subsequently, breakthroughs and challenges in harnessing methanotrophs as robust microbial chassis for industrial biotechnology were compiled and overviewed. Finally, capabilities to exploit the inherent advantages of methanotrophs to synthesize various target products in higher titers are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoa Thi Quynh Le
- Department of Chemical Engineering (BK21 FOUR Integrated Engineering Program), Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Yeol Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering (BK21 FOUR Integrated Engineering Program), Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Ali Eltayb W, Abdalla M, Ahmed EL-Arabey A, Boufissiou A, Azam M, Al-Resayes SI, Alam M. Exploring particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) proteins using experimentation and computational molecular docking. JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY - SCIENCE 2023; 35:102634. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2023.102634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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14
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Ahn YJ, Lee JA, Choi KR, Bang J, Lee SY. Can microbes be harnessed to reduce atmospheric loads of greenhouse gases? Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:17-25. [PMID: 36655716 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Reducing atmospheric loads of greenhouse gases (GHGs), especially CO2 and CH4 , has been considered the key to alleviating global crises we are facing, such as climate change, sea level elevation and ocean acidification. To this end, development of strategies and technologies for carbon capture, sequestration and utilization (CCSU) is urgently needed. Although physicochemical methods have been the most actively studied in the early stages of developing CCSU technologies, there have recently been growing interests in developing microbe-based CCSU processes. In this article, we discuss advantages of microbe-based CCSU technologies over physicochemical approaches and even plant-based approaches. Next, various parts of the global carbon cycle where microorganisms can contribute, such as sequestering atmospheric GHGs, facilitating the carbon cycle, and slowing down the depletion of carbon reservoirs are described, emphasizing the impacts of microbes on the carbon cycle. Strategies to upgrade microbes and increase their performance in assimilating GHGs or converting GHGs to value-added chemicals are also provided. Moreover, several examples of exploiting microbes to address environmental crises are discussed. Finally, we discuss things to overcome in microbe-based CCSU technologies and provide future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeah-Ji Ahn
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross Generation Collaborative Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 Four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong An Lee
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross Generation Collaborative Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 Four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Rok Choi
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross Generation Collaborative Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 Four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,BioProcess Engineering Research Center, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Junho Bang
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross Generation Collaborative Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 Four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Yup Lee
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross Generation Collaborative Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 Four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,BioProcess Engineering Research Center, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,BioInformatics Research Center, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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15
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Koo CW, Hershewe JM, Jewett MC, Rosenzweig AC. Cell-Free Protein Synthesis of Particulate Methane Monooxygenase into Nanodiscs. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:4009-4017. [PMID: 36417751 PMCID: PMC9910172 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) is a multi-subunit membrane metalloenzyme used by methanotrophic bacteria to convert methane to methanol. A major hurdle to studying pMMO is the lack of a recombinant expression system, precluding investigation of individual residues by mutagenesis and hampering a complete understanding of its mechanism. Here, we developed an Escherichia coli lysate-based cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) system that can be used to express pMMO in vitro in the presence of nanodiscs. We used a SUMO fusion construct to generate the native PmoB subunit and showed that the SUMO protease (Ulp1) cleaves the protein in the reaction mixture. Using an affinity tag to isolate the complete pMMO complex, we demonstrated that the complex forms without the need for exogenous translocon machinery or chaperones, confirmed by negative stain electron microscopy. This work demonstrates the potential for using CFPS to express multi-subunit membrane-bound metalloenzymes directly into lipid bilayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W. Koo
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Jasmine M. Hershewe
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Michael C. Jewett
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Amy C. Rosenzweig
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and of Chemistry and Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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16
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Recent progress in the engineering of C1-utilizing microbes. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 78:102836. [PMID: 36334444 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The global climate crisis has led to the transition toward the sustainable production of chemicals and fuels with a low carbon footprint. Microbial utilization of one-carbon (C1) substrates, such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, formate, and methanol, may be a promising replacement for the current fossil fuel-based industry. However, natural C1-utilizing microbes are currently unsuitable for industrial applications because of their slow growth and low carbon conversion efficiency, which results in low productivity and yield. Here, we review the recent achievements in engineering C1-utilizing microbes with improved carbon assimilation efficiency and describe the development of synthetic microorganisms by introducing natural C1 assimilation pathways in non-C1-utilizing microbes. Finally, we outline the future directions for realizing the industrial potential of C1-utilizing microbes.
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17
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Thi Quynh Le H, Lee EY. Biological production of 2-propanol from propane using a metabolically engineered type I methanotrophic bacterium. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 362:127835. [PMID: 36031125 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127835] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
2-Propanol is a widely used industrial solvents. Herein, we employed a unique feature of type I methanotrophic bacterium Methylotuvimicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z possessing only particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) for one-step direct production of pure 2-propanol from propane. By maintaining cell growth on glycerol, and after deletion of both Ca2+-dependent and La3+-dependent methanol dehydrogenases, propane was converted to 2-propanol by pMMO. Although most of the 2-propanol produced was further oxidized to acetone, deletion of active alcohol dehydrogenase, concomitant with synchronous overexpression of secondary alcohol dehydrogenase, significantly inhibited such undesirable oxidation. As a result, a remarkable enhancement (263 mg/L) of 2-propanol was achieved for 120 h by increasing cell growth with a supply of 50% (v/v) propane in headspace. This is the first demonstration to develop an engineered methanotrophic strain for the one-step direct production of pure 2-propanol from propane using one-phase cultivation without the supply of chemical inhibitors or additional reducing-power sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoa Thi Quynh Le
- Department of Chemical Engineering (BK21 FOUR Integrated Engineering Program), Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Yeol Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering (BK21 FOUR Integrated Engineering Program), Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Republic of Korea.
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18
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An Overview on Methanotrophs and the Role of Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b for Biotechnological Applications. BIOTECHNOL BIOPROC E 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12257-022-0046-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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19
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Moon OJ, Yoon CJ, Lee BR, Lee J. An Optimally Fabricated Platform Guides Cancer-Specific Activation of Chemotherapeutic Drugs and Toxicity-free Cancer Treatment. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2200765. [PMID: 35670274 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200765] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cancer chemotherapeutic drugs such as doxorubicin, mitomycin C, and gemcitabine, which are mostly small synthetic molecules, are still clinically useful for cancer treatment. However, despite considerable therapeutic efficacy, severe toxicity-associated problems, which are mainly caused by the non-specific mode of action such as chromosomal DNA damage and interference in the DNA replication even in normal cells, remain unresolved and a major challenge for safer and thus more widespread adoption of chemotherapy. Here we developed an innovative platform through beneficially integrating core peptide units into highly-ordered, stable, and flexibly guest-adaptable structure of apoferritin, which simultaneously fulfills high-capacity loading of chemotherapeutic drugs compared with the case of FDA-approved antibody-drug conjugates, efficient drug targeting to cancer cells, and cancer cell-specific drug release and activation. This approach dramatically reduced drug toxicity to normal cells, significantly enhanced efficacy in in vivo cancer treatment without toxicity to normal organs of mice, and thus is expected to open up a novel clinical route to break through the limits of current cancer chemotherapy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ok Jeong Moon
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Korea University, Anam-Ro 145, Seoul, 136-713, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul Joo Yoon
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Korea University, Anam-Ro 145, Seoul, 136-713, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Ram Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Korea University, Anam-Ro 145, Seoul, 136-713, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeewon Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Korea University, Anam-Ro 145, Seoul, 136-713, Republic of Korea
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20
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Tsai YF, Natarajan T, Lin ZH, Tsai IK, Janmanchi D, Chan SI, Yu SSF. Voltage-Gated Electrocatalysis of Efficient and Selective Methane Oxidation by Tricopper Clusters under Ambient Conditions. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:9695-9706. [PMID: 35622083 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c01169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Selective methane oxidation is difficult chemistry. Here we describe a strategy for the electrocatalysis of selective methane oxidation by immobilizing tricopper catalysts on the cathodic surface. In the presence of dioxygen and methane, the activation of these catalysts above a threshold cathodic potential can initiate the dioxygen chemistry for O atom transfer to methane. The catalytic turnover is completed by facile electron injections into the tricopper catalysts from the electrode. This technology leads to dramatic enhancements in performance of the catalysts toward methane oxidation. Unprecedented turnover frequencies (>40 min-1) and high product throughputs (turnover numbers >30 000 in 12 h) are achieved for this challenging chemical transformation in water under ambient conditions. The technology is green and suitable for on-site direct conversion of methane into methanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fang Tsai
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | | | - Zhi-Han Lin
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.,Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP), Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - I-Kuen Tsai
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Damodar Janmanchi
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Sunney I Chan
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Steve S-F Yu
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.,Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP), Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
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21
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Zhang C, Ottenheim C, Weingarten M, Ji L. Microbial Utilization of Next-Generation Feedstocks for the Biomanufacturing of Value-Added Chemicals and Food Ingredients. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:874612. [PMID: 35480982 PMCID: PMC9035589 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.874612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Global shift to sustainability has driven the exploration of alternative feedstocks beyond sugars for biomanufacturing. Recently, C1 (CO2, CO, methane, formate and methanol) and C2 (acetate and ethanol) substrates are drawing great attention due to their natural abundance and low production cost. The advances in metabolic engineering, synthetic biology and industrial process design have greatly enhanced the efficiency that microbes use these next-generation feedstocks. The metabolic pathways to use C1 and C2 feedstocks have been introduced or enhanced into industrial workhorses, such as Escherichia coli and yeasts, by genetic rewiring and laboratory evolution strategies. Furthermore, microbes are engineered to convert these low-cost feedstocks to various high-value products, ranging from food ingredients to chemicals. This review highlights the recent development in metabolic engineering, the challenges in strain engineering and bioprocess design, and the perspectives of microbial utilization of C1 and C2 feedstocks for the biomanufacturing of value-added products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congqiang Zhang
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Congqiang Zhang, ,
| | - Christoph Ottenheim
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Melanie Weingarten
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - LiangHui Ji
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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22
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Enhancement of Methane Catalysis Rates in Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040560. [PMID: 35454149 PMCID: PMC9024549 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO), a membrane-bound enzyme having three subunits (α, β, and γ) and copper-containing centers, is found in most of the methanotrophs that selectively catalyze the oxidation of methane into methanol. Active sites in the pMMO of Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b were determined by docking the modeled structure with ethylbenzene, toluene, 1,3-dibutadiene, and trichloroethylene. The docking energy between the modeled pMMO structure and ethylbenzene, toluene, 1,3-dibutadiene, and trichloroethylene was −5.2, −5.7, −4.2, and −3.8 kcal/mol, respectively, suggesting the existence of more than one active site within the monomeric subunits due to the presence of multiple binding sites within the pMMO monomer. The evaluation of tunnels and cavities of the active sites and the docking results showed that each active site is specific to the radius of the substrate. To increase the catalysis rates of methane in the pMMO of M. trichosporium OB3b, selected amino acid residues interacting at the binding site of ethylbenzene, toluene, 1,3-dibutadiene, and trichloroethylene were mutated. Based on screening the strain energy, docking energy, and physiochemical properties, five mutants were downselected, B:Leu31Ser, B:Phe96Gly, B:Phe92Thr, B:Trp106Ala, and B:Tyr110Phe, which showed the docking energy of −6.3, −6.7, −6.3, −6.5, and −6.5 kcal/mol, respectively, as compared to the wild type (−5.2 kcal/mol) with ethylbenzene. These results suggest that these five mutants would likely increase methane oxidation rates compared to wild-type pMMO.
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23
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Hu L, Guo S, Wang B, Fu R, Fan D, Jiang M, Fei Q, Gonzalez R. Bio-valorization of C1 gaseous substrates into bioalcohols: Potentials and challenges in reducing carbon emissions. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 59:107954. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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24
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Wang Z, Fang W, Peng W, Wu P, Wang B. Recent Computational Insights into the Oxygen Activation by Copper-Dependent Metalloenzymes. Top Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11244-021-01444-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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25
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Kim NH, Choi H, Shahzad ZM, Ki H, Lee J, Chae H, Kim YH. Supramolecular assembly of protein building blocks: from folding to function. NANO CONVERGENCE 2022; 9:4. [PMID: 35024976 PMCID: PMC8755899 DOI: 10.1186/s40580-021-00294-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Several phenomena occurring throughout the life of living things start and end with proteins. Various proteins form one complex structure to control detailed reactions. In contrast, one protein forms various structures and implements other biological phenomena depending on the situation. The basic principle that forms these hierarchical structures is protein self-assembly. A single building block is sufficient to create homogeneous structures with complex shapes, such as rings, filaments, or containers. These assemblies are widely used in biology as they enable multivalent binding, ultra-sensitive regulation, and compartmentalization. Moreover, with advances in the computational design of protein folding and protein-protein interfaces, considerable progress has recently been made in the de novo design of protein assemblies. Our review presents a description of the components of supramolecular protein assembly and their application in understanding biological phenomena to therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam Hyeong Kim
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hojae Choi
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Zafar Muhammad Shahzad
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Heesoo Ki
- Department of Nano Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaekyoung Lee
- Department of Nano Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Heeyeop Chae
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Ho Kim
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Nano Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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26
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Engineering the Reductive Glycine Pathway: A Promising Synthetic Metabolism Approach for C1-Assimilation. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 180:299-350. [DOI: 10.1007/10_2021_181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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27
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Shen X, Wu D, Fu XZ, Luo JL. Highly selective conversion of methane to ethanol over CuFe2O4-carbon nanotube catalysts at low temperature. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2021.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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28
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A Core‐Shell Cascade of Chloroperoxidase and Gold Nanoclusters for Asymmetric Hydroxylation of Ethylbenzene. ChemCatChem 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202101732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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29
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Tang Y, Li Y, Feng Tao F. Activation and catalytic transformation of methane under mild conditions. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 51:376-423. [PMID: 34904592 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00783a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In the last few decades, worldwide scientists have been motivated by the promising production of chemicals from the widely existing methane (CH4) under mild conditions for both chemical synthesis with low energy consumption and climate remediation. To achieve this goal, a whole library of catalytic chemistries of transforming CH4 to various products under mild conditions is required to be developed. Worldwide scientists have made significant efforts to reach this goal. These significant efforts have demonstrated the feasibility of oxidation of CH4 to value-added intermediate compounds including but not limited to CH3OH, HCHO, HCOOH, and CH3COOH under mild conditions. The fundamental understanding of these chemical and catalytic transformations of CH4 under mild conditions have been achieved to some extent, although currently neither a catalyst nor a catalytic process can be used for chemical production under mild conditions at a large scale. In the academic community, over ten different reactions have been developed for converting CH4 to different types of oxygenates under mild conditions in terms of a relatively low activation or catalysis temperature. However, there is still a lack of a molecular-level understanding of the activation and catalysis processes performed in extremely complex reaction environments under mild conditions. This article reviewed the fundamental understanding of these activation and catalysis achieved so far. Different oxidative activations of CH4 or catalytic transformations toward chemical production under mild conditions were reviewed in parallel, by which the trend of developing catalysts for a specific reaction was identified and insights into the design of these catalysts were gained. As a whole, this review focused on discussing profound insights gained through endeavors of scientists in this field. It aimed to present a relatively complete picture for the activation and catalytic transformations of CH4 to chemicals under mild conditions. Finally, suggestions of potential explorations for the production of chemicals from CH4 under mild conditions were made. The facing challenges to achieve high yield of ideal products were highlighted and possible solutions to tackle them were briefly proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tang
- Institute of Molecular Catalysis and In situ/operando Studies, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fujian, 350000, China.
| | - Yuting Li
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Kansas, KS 66045, USA.
| | - Franklin Feng Tao
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Kansas, KS 66045, USA.
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30
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Le HTQ, Nguyen AD, Park YR, Lee EY. Sustainable biosynthesis of chemicals from methane and glycerol via reconstruction of multi-carbon utilizing pathway in obligate methanotrophic bacteria. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:2552-2565. [PMID: 33830652 PMCID: PMC8601198 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Obligate methanotrophic bacteria can utilize methane, an inexpensive carbon feedstock, as a sole energy and carbon substrate, thus are considered as the only nature-provided biocatalyst for sustainable biomanufacturing of fuels and chemicals from methane. To address the limitation of native C1 metabolism of obligate type I methanotrophs, we proposed a novel platform strain that can utilize methane and multi-carbon substrates, such as glycerol, simultaneously to boost growth rates and chemical production in Methylotuvimicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z. To demonstrate the uses of this concept, we reconstructed a 2,3-butanediol biosynthetic pathway and achieved a fourfold higher titer of 2,3-butanediol production by co-utilizing methane and glycerol compared with that of methanotrophic growth. In addition, we reported the creation of a methanotrophic biocatalyst for one-step bioconversion of methane to methanol in which glycerol was used for cell growth, and methane was mainly used for methanol production. After the deletion of genes encoding methanol dehydrogenase (MDH), 11.6 mM methanol was obtained after 72 h using living cells in the absence of any chemical inhibitors of MDH and exogenous NADH source. A further improvement of this bioconversion was attained by using resting cells with a significantly increased titre of 76 mM methanol after 3.5 h with the supply of 40 mM formate. The work presented here provides a novel framework for a variety of approaches in methane-based biomanufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoa Thi Quynh Le
- Department of Chemical Engineering (Integrated Engineering)Kyung Hee University17104Yongin‐siGyeonggi‐doSouth Korea
| | - Anh Duc Nguyen
- Department of Chemical Engineering (Integrated Engineering)Kyung Hee University17104Yongin‐siGyeonggi‐doSouth Korea
| | - Ye Rim Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering (Integrated Engineering)Kyung Hee University17104Yongin‐siGyeonggi‐doSouth Korea
| | - Eun Yeol Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering (Integrated Engineering)Kyung Hee University17104Yongin‐siGyeonggi‐doSouth Korea
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31
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Chan SI, Chang WH, Huang SH, Lin HH, Yu SSF. Catalytic machinery of methane oxidation in particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO). J Inorg Biochem 2021; 225:111602. [PMID: 34547604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In this focused review, we portray the recently reported 2.5 Å cyro-EM structure of the particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) from M. capsulatus (Bath). The structure of the functional holo-pMMO near atomic resolution has uncovered the sites of the copper cofactors including the location of the active site in the enzyme. The three coppers seen in the original X-ray crystal structures of the enzyme are now augmented by additional coppers in the transmembrane domain as well as in the water-exposed C-terminal subdomain of the PmoB subunit. The cryo-EM structure offers the first glimpse of the catalytic machinery capable of methane oxidation with high selectivity and efficiency. The findings are entirely consistent with the biochemical and biophysical findings previously reported in the literature, including the chemistry of hydrocarbon hydroxylation, regeneration of the catalyst for multiple turnovers, and the mechanism of aborting non-productive cycles to ensure kinetic competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunney I Chan
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Hau Chang
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Hsin Huang
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hung Lin
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Steve S-F Yu
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
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32
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Gregory GJ, Bennett RK, Papoutsakis ET. Recent advances toward the bioconversion of methane and methanol in synthetic methylotrophs. Metab Eng 2021; 71:99-116. [PMID: 34547453 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Abundant natural gas reserves, along with increased biogas production, have prompted recent interest in harnessing methane as an industrial feedstock for the production of liquid fuels and chemicals. Methane can either be used directly for fermentation or first oxidized to methanol via biological or chemical means. Methanol is advantageous due to its liquid state under normal conditions. Methylotrophy, defined as the ability of microorganisms to utilize reduced one-carbon compounds like methane and methanol as sole carbon and energy sources for growth, is widespread in bacterial communities. However, native methylotrophs lack the extensive and well-characterized synthetic biology toolbox of platform microorganisms like Escherichia coli, which results in slow and inefficient design-build-test cycles. If a heterologous production pathway can be engineered, the slow growth and uptake rates of native methylotrophs generally limit their industrial potential. Therefore, much focus has been placed on engineering synthetic methylotrophs, or non-methylotrophic platform microorganisms, like E. coli, that have been engineered with synthetic methanol utilization pathways. These platform hosts allow for rapid design-build-test cycles and are well-suited for industrial application at the current time. In this review, recent progress made toward synthetic methylotrophy (including methanotrophy) is discussed. Specifically, the importance of amino acid metabolism and alternative one-carbon assimilation pathways are detailed. A recent study that has achieved methane bioconversion to liquid chemicals in a synthetic E. coli methanotroph is also briefly discussed. We also discuss strategies for the way forward in order to realize the industrial potential of synthetic methanotrophs and methylotrophs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn J Gregory
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA; The Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
| | - R Kyle Bennett
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA; The Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
| | - Eleftherios T Papoutsakis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA; The Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
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33
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Intasian P, Prakinee K, Phintha A, Trisrivirat D, Weeranoppanant N, Wongnate T, Chaiyen P. Enzymes, In Vivo Biocatalysis, and Metabolic Engineering for Enabling a Circular Economy and Sustainability. Chem Rev 2021; 121:10367-10451. [PMID: 34228428 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Since the industrial revolution, the rapid growth and development of global industries have depended largely upon the utilization of coal-derived chemicals, and more recently, the utilization of petroleum-based chemicals. These developments have followed a linear economy model (produce, consume, and dispose). As the world is facing a serious threat from the climate change crisis, a more sustainable solution for manufacturing, i.e., circular economy in which waste from the same or different industries can be used as feedstocks or resources for production offers an attractive industrial/business model. In nature, biological systems, i.e., microorganisms routinely use their enzymes and metabolic pathways to convert organic and inorganic wastes to synthesize biochemicals and energy required for their growth. Therefore, an understanding of how selected enzymes convert biobased feedstocks into special (bio)chemicals serves as an important basis from which to build on for applications in biocatalysis, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology to enable biobased processes that are greener and cleaner for the environment. This review article highlights the current state of knowledge regarding the enzymatic reactions used in converting biobased wastes (lignocellulosic biomass, sugar, phenolic acid, triglyceride, fatty acid, and glycerol) and greenhouse gases (CO2 and CH4) into value-added products and discusses the current progress made in their metabolic engineering. The commercial aspects and life cycle assessment of products from enzymatic and metabolic engineering are also discussed. Continued development in the field of metabolic engineering would offer diversified solutions which are sustainable and renewable for manufacturing valuable chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattarawan Intasian
- School of Biomolecular Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Wangchan Valley, Rayong 21210, Thailand
| | - Kridsadakorn Prakinee
- School of Biomolecular Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Wangchan Valley, Rayong 21210, Thailand
| | - Aisaraphon Phintha
- School of Biomolecular Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Wangchan Valley, Rayong 21210, Thailand.,Department of Biochemistry and Center for Excellence in Protein and Enzyme Technology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Duangthip Trisrivirat
- School of Biomolecular Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Wangchan Valley, Rayong 21210, Thailand
| | - Nopphon Weeranoppanant
- School of Biomolecular Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Wangchan Valley, Rayong 21210, Thailand.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Burapha University, 169, Long-hard Bangsaen, Saensook, Muang, Chonburi 20131, Thailand
| | - Thanyaporn Wongnate
- School of Biomolecular Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Wangchan Valley, Rayong 21210, Thailand
| | - Pimchai Chaiyen
- School of Biomolecular Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Wangchan Valley, Rayong 21210, Thailand
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34
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Blankenship AN, Ravi M, Newton MA, van Bokhoven JA. Heterogeneously Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of Methane to a Methyl Derivative. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:18138-18143. [PMID: 34076327 PMCID: PMC8456920 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202104153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A promising strategy to break through the selectivity‐conversion limit of direct methane conversion to achieve high yields is the protection of methanol via esterification to a more stable methyl ester. We present an aerobic methane‐to‐methyl‐ester approach that utilizes a highly dispersed, cobalt‐containing solid catalyst, along with significantly more favorable reaction conditions compared to existing homogeneously‐catalyzed approaches (e.g. diluted acid, O2 oxidant, moderate temperature and pressure). The trifluoroacetic acid medium is diluted (<25 wt %) with an inert fluorous co‐solvent that can be recovered after the separation of the methyl trifluoroacetate via liquid–liquid extraction at ambient conditions. Silica‐supported cobalt catalysts are highly active in this system, with competitive yields and turnovers in comparison to known aerobic transition metal‐based catalytic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea N Blankenship
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manoj Ravi
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mark A Newton
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jeroen A van Bokhoven
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.,Laboratory for Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
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35
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Blankenship AN, Ravi M, Newton MA, Bokhoven JA. Heterogeneously Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of Methane to a Methyl Derivative. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202104153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea N. Blankenship
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Manoj Ravi
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Mark A. Newton
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Jeroen A. Bokhoven
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1 8093 Zurich Switzerland
- Laboratory for Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry Paul Scherrer Institute 5232 Villigen Switzerland
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36
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Metabolic engineering strategies to enable microbial utilization of C1 feedstocks. Nat Chem Biol 2021; 17:845-855. [PMID: 34312558 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-021-00836-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
One-carbon (C1) substrates are preferred feedstocks for the biomanufacturing industry and have recently gained attention owing to their natural abundance, low production cost and availability as industrial by-products. However, native pathways to utilize these substrates are absent in most biotechnologically relevant microorganisms. Recent advances in synthetic biology, genome engineering and laboratory evolution are enabling the first steps towards the creation of synthetic C1-utilizing microorganisms. Here, we briefly review the native metabolism of methane, methanol, CO2, CO and formate, and how these C1-utilizing pathways can be engineered into heterologous hosts. In addition, this review analyses the potential, the challenges and the perspectives of C1-based biomanufacturing.
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37
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Ahn W, Lee JH, Kim SR, Lee J, Lee EJ. Designed protein- and peptide-based hydrogels for biomedical sciences. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:1919-1940. [PMID: 33475659 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb02604b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Proteins are fundamentally the most important macromolecules for biochemical, mechanical, and structural functions in living organisms. Therefore, they provide us with diverse structural building blocks for constructing various types of biomaterials, including an important class of such materials, hydrogels. Since natural peptides and proteins are biocompatible and biodegradable, they have features advantageous for their use as the building blocks of hydrogels for biomedical applications. They display constitutional and mechanical similarities with the native extracellular matrix (ECM), and can be easily bio-functionalized via genetic and chemical engineering with features such as bio-recognition, specific stimulus-reactivity, and controlled degradation. This review aims to give an overview of hydrogels made up of recombinant proteins or synthetic peptides as the structural elements building the polymer network. A wide variety of hydrogels composed of protein or peptide building blocks with different origins and compositions - including β-hairpin peptides, α-helical coiled coil peptides, elastin-like peptides, silk fibroin, and resilin - have been designed to date. In this review, the structures and characteristics of these natural proteins and peptides, with each of their gelation mechanisms, and the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties as well as biocompatibility of the resulting hydrogels are described. In addition, this review discusses the potential of using protein- or peptide-based hydrogels in the field of biomedical sciences, especially tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonkyung Ahn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Applied Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea. and Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong-Hwan Lee
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Rin Kim
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeewon Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eun Jung Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Applied Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.
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38
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Methylotrophic bacterium-based molecular sensor for the detection of low concentrations of methanol. J Biosci Bioeng 2021; 132:247-252. [PMID: 34092492 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Methylotrophic bacterium Methylorubrum extorquens is a promising microorganism for the production of value-added compounds from methanol. This study focused on the development of a single-cell level biosensor system that detects methanol by using the intrinsic regulatory machinery which responds to the presence of methanol in this bacterium. A green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene located downstream of the promoter region of the serine glyoxylate aminotransferase gene (Psga) or the methanol dehydrogenase subunit 1 precursor gene (PmxaF) was inserted into the chromosome of M. extorquens wild-type strain AM1. The expression of GFP upon methanol exposure was measured by spectrofluorometer and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). The strain harboring Psga-gfp emitted fluorescence only when methanol was supplied to the culture medium, while the other strain harboring PmxaF-gfp showed high basal fluorescence even in the absence of methanol. The fluorescence intensity of the Psga-gfp strain depended on a methanol concentration higher than 25 μM, and the sensitivity and dose-dependency of this strain were much higher than previous systems using Escherichia coli. The methanol-sensing properties of the engineered M. extorquens strain were comparable to those of a methylotrophic yeast-based biosensor, suggesting the usefulness of methylotrophic microorganisms as platforms for single-cell sensing of C1 compounds. The constructed methanol sensor strain, coupled with flow cytometry techniques, provides a high-throughput and highly sensitive screening method for the selection of functional methanol-producing enzymes.
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39
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Peng W, Qu X, Shaik S, Wang B. Deciphering the oxygen activation mechanism at the CuC site of particulate methane monooxygenase. Nat Catal 2021. [DOI: 10.1038/s41929-021-00591-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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40
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Cutsail GE, Ross MO, Rosenzweig AC, DeBeer S. Towards a unified understanding of the copper sites in particulate methane monooxygenase: an X-ray absorption spectroscopic investigation. Chem Sci 2021; 12:6194-6209. [PMID: 33996018 PMCID: PMC8098663 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc00676b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The enzymatic conversion of the greenhouse gas, methane, to a liquid fuel, methanol, is performed by methane monooxygenases (MMOs) under mild conditions. The copper stoichiometry of particulate MMO (pMMO) has been long debated, with a dicopper site previously proposed on the basis of a 2.51 Å Cu–Cu feature in extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) data. However, recent crystallographic data and advanced electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) characterization support the presence of only mononuclear copper sites. To reconcile these data, we have collected high-energy resolution fluorescence detected (HERFD) and partial fluorescence yield (PFY) EXAFS spectra of Methylococcus (M.) capsulatus (Bath) pMMO. Both methods reveal only monocopper sites. These data were compared to previously published pMMO PFY-EXAFS data from M. capsulatus (Bath) and Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z, supporting dicopper and monocopper sites, respectively. The FT-EXAFS feature previously attributed to a dicopper site can be reproduced by the inclusion of a metallic copper background signal. The exact position of this feature is dependent on the nature of the sample and the percentage of background contamination, indicating that visual inspection is not sufficient for identifying background metallic contributions. Additionally, an undamaged X-ray absorption spectrum was obtained, consistent with the copper oxidation-state speciation determined by EPR quantification. X-ray photodamage studies suggest that the previously observed Cu(i) XAS features are in part attributable to photodamage. This study illustrates the complex array of factors involved in EXAFS measurement and modeling of pMMO and more generally, dilute metalloproteins with multiple metal centers. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopic analysis of particulate methane monooxygenase reveals only monocopper sites and investigates the possible origins of the previous observed dicopper signals.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- George E Cutsail
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion Stiftstrasse 34-36 D-45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr Germany .,University of Duisburg-Essen Universitätsstrasse 7 D-45151 Essen Germany
| | - Matthew O Ross
- Departments of Molecular Biosciences and Chemistry, Northwestern University Evanston 60208 IL USA
| | - Amy C Rosenzweig
- Departments of Molecular Biosciences and Chemistry, Northwestern University Evanston 60208 IL USA
| | - Serena DeBeer
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion Stiftstrasse 34-36 D-45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr Germany
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41
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Abstract
Methanotrophic bacteria represent a potential route to methane utilization and mitigation of methane emissions. In the first step of their metabolic pathway, aerobic methanotrophs use methane monooxygenases (MMOs) to activate methane, oxidizing it to methanol. There are two types of MMOs: a particulate, membrane-bound enzyme (pMMO) and a soluble, cytoplasmic enzyme (sMMO). The two MMOs are completely unrelated, with different architectures, metal cofactors, and mechanisms. The more prevalent of the two, pMMO, is copper-dependent, but the identity of its copper active site remains unclear. By contrast, sMMO uses a diiron active site, the catalytic cycle of which is well understood. Here we review the current state of knowledge for both MMOs, with an emphasis on recent developments and emerging hypotheses. In addition, we discuss obstacles to developing expression systems, which are needed to address outstanding questions and to facilitate future protein engineering efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Koo
- Departments of Molecular Biosciences and of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
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42
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Perez NM, Higashijima GY, Ramos VM, de Lima Batista AP, Nikolaou S. Probing solvents effects on the absorption spectrum of oxo-centered carbonyl-triruthenium clusters. Polyhedron 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.poly.2020.114944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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43
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Miyaji A, Satou K, Baba T. Influence of tryptic hydrolysis on the enzymatic function of the membrane-bound form of particulate methane monooxygenase from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b. J Biotechnol 2020; 323:98-106. [PMID: 32828830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2020.08.006] [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: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) is a membrane protein embedded in the intracytoplasmic membrane of methane-oxidizing bacteria. Structural analysis of pMMO showed the existence of a hydrophilic region exposed outside of the bacterial membrane. To obtain information regarding the role of this hydrophilic region in the enzymatic function of pMMO, trypsin proteolysis of the membrane-bound form of pMMO from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b was performed at 4 °C. The polypeptides produced by this hydrolysis were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF/TOF. Furthermore, the influence of this tryptic digestion on the methane hydroxylation and propene epoxidation enzymatic activities of pMMO was investigated. Among the three subunits of pMMO, PmoB and PmoC were hydrolyzed by trypsin, but PmoA was not. With 10 mg L-1 trypsin, both terminal regions or the C-terminal region of PmoC polypeptide was selectively hydrolyzed. Furthermore, the stability of pMMO was decreased by this digestion. These results indicate that PmoC plays a role in maintaining the stability of pMMO in vitro. On the other hand, the digestion of PmoB with 100 mg L-1 trypsin produced several polypeptides, indicating that trypsin digestion occurs at several sites of the hydrophilic region of PmoB. Hydrolysis led to a decrease in pMMO activity towards methane hydroxylation and propene epoxidation. These results indicate that the hydrophilic region of PmoB is critically important for the enzymatic function of pMMO, which is consistent with the models of the functional mechanism of pMMO proposed so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akimitsu Miyaji
- Department of Environmental Chemistry and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259-G1-14, Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8502, Japan.
| | - Keita Satou
- Department of Environmental Chemistry and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259-G1-14, Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8502, Japan
| | - Toshihide Baba
- Department of Environmental Chemistry and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259-G1-14, Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8502, Japan
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44
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Brander S, Horvath I, Ipsen JØ, Peciulyte A, Olsson L, Hernández-Rollán C, Nørholm MHH, Mossin S, Leggio LL, Probst C, Thiele DJ, Johansen KS. Biochemical evidence of both copper chelation and oxygenase activity at the histidine brace. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16369. [PMID: 33004835 PMCID: PMC7529816 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73266-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) and copper binding protein CopC share a similar mononuclear copper site. This site is defined by an N-terminal histidine and a second internal histidine side chain in a configuration called the histidine brace. To understand better the determinants of reactivity, the biochemical and structural properties of a well-described cellulose-specific LPMO from Thermoascus aurantiacus (TaAA9A) is compared with that of CopC from Pseudomonas fluorescens (PfCopC) and with the LPMO-like protein Bim1 from Cryptococcus neoformans. PfCopC is not reduced by ascorbate but is a very strong Cu(II) chelator due to residues that interacts with the N-terminus. This first biochemical characterization of Bim1 shows that it is not redox active, but very sensitive to H2O2, which accelerates the release of Cu ions from the protein. TaAA9A oxidizes ascorbate at a rate similar to free copper but through a mechanism that produce fewer reactive oxygen species. These three biologically relevant examples emphasize the diversity in how the proteinaceous environment control reactivity of Cu with O2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren Brander
- Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, 1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Istvan Horvath
- Division of Chemical Biology, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 10, 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Ø Ipsen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Ausra Peciulyte
- Division of Industrial Biotechnology, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 10, 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lisbeth Olsson
- Division of Industrial Biotechnology, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 10, 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Cristina Hernández-Rollán
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Morten H H Nørholm
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Susanne Mossin
- Centre for Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Leila Lo Leggio
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Corinna Probst
- Department of Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Cancer Biology and Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Dennis J Thiele
- Department of Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Cancer Biology and Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Katja S Johansen
- Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, 1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark. .,Division of Industrial Biotechnology, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 10, 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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45
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Nguyen AD, Lee EY. Engineered Methanotrophy: A Sustainable Solution for Methane-Based Industrial Biomanufacturing. Trends Biotechnol 2020; 39:381-396. [PMID: 32828555 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Methane is a promising feedstock with high abundance and low cost for the sustainable production of biochemicals and biofuels. Methanotrophic bacteria are particularly interesting platforms for methane bioconversion as they can utilize methane as a carbon substrate. Recently, breakthroughs in the understanding of methane metabolism in methanotrophs as well as critical advances in systems metabolic engineering of methanotrophic bacteria have been reported. Here, we discuss the important gaps in the understanding of methanotrophic metabolism that have been uncovered recently and the current trends in systems metabolic engineering in both methanotrophic bacteria and non-native hosts to advance the potential of methane-based biomanufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh Duc Nguyen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
| | - Eun Yeol Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea.
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46
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Kasprzycka A, Lalak-Kańczugowska J, Walkiewicz A, Bulak P, Proc K, Stępień Ł. Biocatalytic conversion of methane – selected aspects. Curr Opin Chem Eng 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Singh R, Ryu J, Kim SW. Microbial consortia including methanotrophs: some benefits of living together. J Microbiol 2019; 57:939-952. [PMID: 31659683 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-019-9328-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
With the progress of biotechnological research and improvements made in bioprocessing with pure cultures, microbial consortia have gained recognition for accomplishing biological processes with improved effectiveness. Microbes are indispensable tool in developing bioprocesses for the production of bioenergy and biochemicals while utilizing renewable resources due to technical, economic and environmental advantages. They communicate with specific cohorts in close proximity to promote metabolic cooperation. Use of positive microbial associations has been recognized widely, especially in food industries and bioremediation of toxic compounds and waste materials. Role of microbial associations in developing sustainable energy sources and substitutes for conventional fuels is highly promising with many commercial prospects. Detoxification of chemical contaminants sourced from domestic, agricultural and industrial wastes has also been achieved through microbial catalysis in pure and co-culture systems. Methanotrophs, the sole biological sink of greenhouse gas methane, catalyze the methane monooxygenasemediated oxidation of methane to methanol, a high energy density liquid and key platform chemical to produce commodity chemical compounds and their derivatives. Constructed microbial consortia have positive effects, such as improved biomass, biocatalytic potential, stability etc. In a methanotroph-heterotroph consortium, non-methanotrophs provide key nutrient factors and alleviate the toxicity from the culture. Non-methanotrophic organisms biologically stimulate the growth and activity of methanotrophs via production of growth stimulators. However, methanotrophs in association with co-cultured microorganisms are in need of further exploration and thorough investigation to study their interaction mode and application with improved effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Singh
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewon Ryu
- Department of Energy Convergence, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Wouk Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Energy Convergence, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea.
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Miyanishi M, Abe T, Hori Y, Shiota Y, Yoshizawa K. Role of Amino Acid Residues for Dioxygen Activation in the Second Coordination Sphere of the Dicopper Site of pMMO. Inorg Chem 2019; 58:12280-12288. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b01752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mayuko Miyanishi
- Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering and IRCCS, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Abe
- Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering and IRCCS, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yuta Hori
- Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering and IRCCS, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Shiota
- Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering and IRCCS, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Kazunari Yoshizawa
- Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering and IRCCS, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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