1
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Huang S, Ye J, Gao J, Chen M, Zhou S. Harnessing microbes to pioneer environmental biophotoelectrochemistry. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(24)00183-5. [PMID: 39095256 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
In seeking sustainable environmental strategies, microbial biophotoelectrochemistry (BPEC) systems represent a significant advancement. In this review, we underscore the shift from conventional bioenergy systems to sophisticated BPEC applications, emphasizing their utility in leveraging solar energy for essential biochemical conversions. Recent progress in BPEC technology has facilitated improved photoelectron transfer and system stability, resulting in substantial advancements in carbon and nitrogen fixation, degradation of pollutants, and energy recovery from wastewater. Advances in system design and synthetic biology have expanded the potential of BPEC for environmental clean-up and sustainable energy generation. We also highlight the challenges of environmental BPEC systems, ranging from performance improvement to future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaofu Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Eco-Industrial Green Technology, College of Ecology and Resources Engineering, Wuyi University, Wuyishan 354300, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Jie Ye
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Jiangtao Gao
- Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Man Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China.
| | - Shungui Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
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2
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Che S, Guan X, Rodrigues R, Yu Y, Xie Y, Liu C, Men Y. Synergistic material-microbe interface toward deeper anaerobic defluorination. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2400525121. [PMID: 39042683 PMCID: PMC11295042 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2400525121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), particularly the perfluorinated ones, are recalcitrant to biodegradation. By integrating an enrichment culture of reductive defluorination with biocompatible electrodes for the electrochemical process, a deeper defluorination of a C6-perfluorinated unsaturated PFAS was achieved compared to the biological or electrochemical system alone. Two synergies in the bioelectrochemical system were identified: i) The in-series microbial-electrochemical defluorination and ii) the electrochemically enabled microbial defluorination of intermediates. These synergies at the material-microbe interfaces surpassed the limitation of microbial defluorination and further turned the biotransformation end products into less fluorinated products, which could be less toxic and more biodegradable in the environment. This material-microbe hybrid system brings opportunities in the bioremediation of PFAS driven by renewable electricity and warrants future research on mechanistic understanding of defluorinating and electroactive microorganisms at the material-microbe interface for system optimizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Che
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA92521
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Xun Guan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Roselyn Rodrigues
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Yaochun Yu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA92521
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Yongchao Xie
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Yujie Men
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA92521
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
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3
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Schuman Z, Xie Y, O'Keeffe S, Guan X, Sha J, Sun J, Wohlschlegel JA, Park JO, Liu C. Integrated Proteomics and Metabolomics Reveal Altered Metabolic Regulation of Xanthobacter autotrophicus under Electrochemical Water-Splitting Conditions. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 39058742 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c07363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Biological-inorganic hybrid systems are a growing class of technologies that combine microorganisms with materials for a variety of purposes, including chemical synthesis, environmental remediation, and energy generation. These systems typically consider microorganisms as simple catalysts for the reaction of interest; however, other metabolic activity is likely to have a large influence on the system performance. The investigation of biological responses to the hybrid environment is thus critical to the future development and optimization. The present study investigates this phenomenon in a recently reported hybrid system that uses electrochemical water splitting to provide reducing equivalents to the nitrogen-fixing bacteria Xanthobacter autotrophicus for efficient reduction of N2 to biomass that may be used as fertilizer. Using integrated proteomic and metabolomic methods, we find a pattern of differentiated metabolic regulation under electrochemical water-splitting (hybrid) conditions with an increase in carbon fixation products glycerate-3-phosphate and acetyl-CoA that suggests a high energy availability. We further report an increased expression of proteins of interest, namely, those responsible for nitrogen fixation and assimilation, which indicate increased rates of nitrogen fixation and support previous observations of faster biomass accumulation in the hybrid system compared to typical planktonic growth conditions. This work complicates the inert catalyst view of biological-inorganic hybrids while demonstrating the power of multiomics analysis as a tool for deeper understanding of those systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Schuman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Yongchao Xie
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Samantha O'Keeffe
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Xun Guan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Jihui Sha
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Jingwen Sun
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - James A Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Junyoung O Park
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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4
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Guan X, Erşan S, Xie Y, Park J, Liu C. Redox and Energy Homeostasis Enabled by Photocatalytic Material-Microbial Interfaces. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 39056348 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c05763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Material-microbial interfaces offer a promising future in sustainable and efficient chemical-energy conversions, yet the impacts of these artificial interfaces on microbial metabolisms remain unclear. Here, we conducted detailed proteomic and metabolomic analyses to study the regulations of microbial metabolism induced by the photocatalytic material-microbial interfaces, especially the intracellular redox and energy homeostasis, which are vital for sustaining cell activity. First, we learned that the materials have a heavier weight in perturbing microbial metabolism and inducing distinctive biological pathways, like the expression of the metal-resisting system, than light stimulations. Furthermore, we observed that the materials-microbe interfaces can maintain the delicate redox balance and the energetic status of the microbial cells since the intracellular redox cofactors and energy currencies show stable levels as naturally inoculated microbes. These observations ensure the possibility of energizing microbial activities with artificial materials-microbe interfaces for diverse applications and also provide guides for future designs of materials-microbe hybrids to guard microbial activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Guan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Sevcan Erşan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Yongchao Xie
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Junyoung Park
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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5
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Bishara Robertson IL, Zhang H, Reisner E, Butt JN, Jeuken LJC. Engineering of bespoke photosensitiser-microbe interfaces for enhanced semi-artificial photosynthesis. Chem Sci 2024; 15:9893-9914. [PMID: 38966358 PMCID: PMC11220614 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc00864b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Biohybrid systems for solar fuel production integrate artificial light-harvesting materials with biological catalysts such as microbes. In this perspective, we discuss the rational design of the abiotic-biotic interface in biohybrid systems by reviewing microbes and synthetic light-harvesting materials, as well as presenting various approaches to coupling these two components together. To maximise performance and scalability of such semi-artificial systems, we emphasise that the interfacial design requires consideration of two important aspects: attachment and electron transfer. It is our perspective that rational design of this photosensitiser-microbe interface is required for scalable solar fuel production. The design and assembly of a biohybrid with a well-defined electron transfer pathway allows mechanistic characterisation and optimisation for maximum efficiency. Introduction of additional catalysts to the system can close the redox cycle, omitting the need for sacrificial electron donors. Studies that electronically couple light-harvesters to well-defined biological entities, such as emerging photosensitiser-enzyme hybrids, provide valuable knowledge for the strategic design of whole-cell biohybrids. Exploring the interactions between light-harvesters and redox proteins can guide coupling strategies when translated into larger, more complex microbial systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Huijie Zhang
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University PO Box 9502 Leiden 2300 RA the Netherlands
| | - Erwin Reisner
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Julea N Butt
- School of Chemistry and School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia Norwich Research Park Norwich NR4 7TJ UK
| | - Lars J C Jeuken
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University PO Box 9502 Leiden 2300 RA the Netherlands
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6
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Li J, Shen J, Hou T, Tang H, Zeng C, Xiao K, Hou Y, Wang B. A Self-Assembled MOF-Escherichia Coli Hybrid System for Light-Driven Fuels and Valuable Chemicals Synthesis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308597. [PMID: 38664984 PMCID: PMC11220693 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The development of semi-artificial photosynthetic systems, which integrate metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with industrial microbial cell factories for light-driven synthesis of fuels and valuable chemicals, represents a highly promising avenue for both research advancements and practical applications. In this study, an MOF (PCN-222) utilizing racemic-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin and zirconium chloride (ZrCl4) as primary constituents is synthesized. Employing a self-assembly process, a hybrid system is constructed, integrating engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) to investigate light-driven hydrogen and lysine production. These results demonstrate that the light-irradiated biohybrid system efficiently produce H2 with a quantum efficiency of 0.75% under full spectrum illumination, the elevated intracellular reducing power NADPH is also observed. By optimizing the conditions, the biohybrid system achieves a maximum lysine production of 18.25 mg L-1, surpassing that of pure bacteria by 332%. Further investigations into interfacial electron transfer mechanisms reveals that PCN-222 efficiently captures light and facilitates the transfer of photo-generated electrons into E. coli cells. It is proposed that the interfacial energy transfer process is mediated by riboflavin, with facilitation by secreted small organic acids acting as hole scavengers for PCN-222. This study establishes a crucial foundation for future research into the light-driven biomanufacturing using E. coli-based hybrid systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering BiologyShenzhen Institute of Synthetic BiologyShenzhen Institute of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhen518055China
- School of ResourcesEnvironment and MaterialsGuangxi UniversityNanning530004China
| | - Junfeng Shen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering BiologyShenzhen Institute of Synthetic BiologyShenzhen Institute of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhen518055China
| | - Tianfeng Hou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering BiologyShenzhen Institute of Synthetic BiologyShenzhen Institute of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhen518055China
| | - Hongting Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering BiologyShenzhen Institute of Synthetic BiologyShenzhen Institute of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhen518055China
| | - Cuiping Zeng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering BiologyShenzhen Institute of Synthetic BiologyShenzhen Institute of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhen518055China
| | - Kemeng Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering BiologyShenzhen Institute of Synthetic BiologyShenzhen Institute of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhen518055China
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Cell and Developmental BiologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinHong Kong999077China
| | - Yanping Hou
- School of ResourcesEnvironment and MaterialsGuangxi UniversityNanning530004China
| | - Bo Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering BiologyShenzhen Institute of Synthetic BiologyShenzhen Institute of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhen518055China
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7
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Liang J, Xiao K, Wang X, Hou T, Zeng C, Gao X, Wang B, Zhong C. Revisiting Solar Energy Flow in Nanomaterial-Microorganism Hybrid Systems. Chem Rev 2024. [PMID: 38900019 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Nanomaterial-microorganism hybrid systems (NMHSs), integrating semiconductor nanomaterials with microorganisms, present a promising platform for broadband solar energy harvesting, high-efficiency carbon reduction, and sustainable chemical production. While studies underscore its potential in diverse solar-to-chemical energy conversions, prevailing NMHSs grapple with suboptimal energy conversion efficiency. Such limitations stem predominantly from an insufficient systematic exploration of the mechanisms dictating solar energy flow. This review provides a systematic overview of the notable advancements in this nascent field, with a particular focus on the discussion of three pivotal steps of energy flow: solar energy capture, cross-membrane energy transport, and energy conversion into chemicals. While key challenges faced in each stage are independently identified and discussed, viable solutions are correspondingly postulated. In view of the interplay of the three steps in affecting the overall efficiency of solar-to-chemical energy conversion, subsequent discussions thus take an integrative and systematic viewpoint to comprehend, analyze and improve the solar energy flow in the current NMHSs of different configurations, and highlighting the contemporary techniques that can be employed to investigate various aspects of energy flow within NMHSs. Finally, a concluding section summarizes opportunities for future research, providing a roadmap for the continued development and optimization of NMHSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liang
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Kemeng Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Tianfeng Hou
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Cuiping Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chao Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
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8
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Gao Y, Wu J, Xia Q, Liu J, Zhu JJ, Zhang JR, Chen X, Zhu W, Chen Z. Operando Spectroscopic Elucidation of the Bubble Sunshade Effect in Inorganic-Biological Hybrids for Photosynthetic Hydrogen Production. ACS NANO 2024; 18:14546-14557. [PMID: 38776420 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogen production by photosynthetic hybrid systems (PBSs) offers a promising avenue for renewable energy. However, the light-harvesting efficiency of PBSs remains constrained due to unclear intracellular kinetic factors. Here, we present an operando elucidation of the sluggish light-harvesting behavior for existing PBSs and strategies to circumvent them. By quantifying the spectral shift in the structural color scattering of individual PBSs during the photosynthetic process, we observe the accumulation of product hydrogen bubbles on their outer membrane. These bubbles act as a sunshade and inhibit light absorption. This phenomenon elucidates the intrinsic constraints on the light-harvesting efficiency of PBSs. The introduction of a tension eliminator into the PBSs effectively improves the bubble sunshade effect and results in a 4.5-fold increase in the light-harvesting efficiency. This work provides valuable insights into the dynamics of transmembrane transport gas products and holds the potential to inspire innovative designs for improving the light-harvesting efficiency of PBSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, the Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, School of the Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, the Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, School of the Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, the Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, School of the Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, the Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, School of the Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Jie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, the Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, School of the Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Rong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, the Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, School of the Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueqin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, the Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, School of the Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenlei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, the Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, School of the Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, the Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, School of the Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
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9
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Jiang Q, Li Y, Wang M, Cao W, Yang X, Zhang S, Guo L. Light energy utilization and microbial catalysis for enhanced biohydrogen: Ternary coupling system of triethanolamine-mediated Fe@C-Rhodobacter sphaeroides. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 401:130733. [PMID: 38670287 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated the mediating effect of Triethanolamine on Fe@C-Rhodobacter sphaeroides hybrid photosynthetic system to achieve efficient biohydrogen production. The biocompatible Fe@C generates excited electrons upon exposure to light, releasing ferrum for nitrogenase synthesis, and regulating the pH of the fermentation environment. Triethanolamine was introduced to optimize the electron transfer chain, thereby improving system stability, prolonging electron lifespan, and facilitating ferrum corrosion. This, in turn, stimulated the lactic acid synthetic metabolic pathway of Rhodobacter sphaeroides, resulting in increased reducing power in the biohybrid system. The ternary coupling system was analyzed through the regulation of concentration, initial pH, and light intensity. The system achieved the highest total H2 production of 5410.9 mL/L, 1.29 times higher than the control (2360.5 mL/L). This research provides a valuable strategy for constructing ferrum-carbon-based composite-cellular biohybrid systems for photo-fermentation H2 production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiushi Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xianning West Road, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yanjing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xianning West Road, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Minmin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xianning West Road, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Wen Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xianning West Road, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Xueying Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xianning West Road, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Sihu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xianning West Road, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Liejin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xianning West Road, Xi'an 710049, China
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10
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Yang Y, Zwijnenburg MA, Gardner AM, Adamczyk S, Yang J, Sun Y, Jiang Q, Cowan AJ, Sprick RS, Liu LN, Cooper AI. Conjugated Polymer/Recombinant Escherichia coli Biohybrid Systems for Photobiocatalytic Hydrogen Production. ACS NANO 2024; 18:13484-13495. [PMID: 38739725 PMCID: PMC11140839 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c10668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Biohybrid photocatalysts are composite materials that combine the efficient light-absorbing properties of synthetic materials with the highly evolved metabolic pathways and self-repair mechanisms of biological systems. Here, we show the potential of conjugated polymers as photosensitizers in biohybrid systems by combining a series of polymer nanoparticles with engineered Escherichia coli cells. Under simulated solar light irradiation, the biohybrid system consisting of fluorene/dibenzo [b,d]thiophene sulfone copolymer (LP41) and recombinant E. coli (i.e., a LP41/HydA BL21 biohybrid) shows a sacrificial hydrogen evolution rate of 3.442 mmol g-1 h-1 (normalized to polymer amount). It is over 30 times higher than the polymer photocatalyst alone (0.105 mmol g-1 h-1), while no detectable hydrogen was generated from the E. coli cells alone, demonstrating the strong synergy between the polymer nanoparticles and bacterial cells. The differences in the physical interactions between synthetic materials and microorganisms, as well as redox energy level alignment, elucidate the trends in photochemical activity. Our results suggest that organic semiconductors may offer advantages, such as solution processability, low toxicity, and more tunable surface interactions with the biological components over inorganic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yang
- Materials
Innovation Factory and Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, United
Kingdom
- Institute
of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United
Kingdom
| | | | - Adrian M. Gardner
- Stephenson
Institute for Renewable Energy and the Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
- Early
Career Laser Laboratory, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Sylwia Adamczyk
- Macromolecular
Chemistry Group and Institute for Polymer Technology, Bergische Universität Wuppertal, Gauss-Straße 20, D-42097 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Jing Yang
- Materials
Innovation Factory and Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, United
Kingdom
- Institute
of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United
Kingdom
| | - Yaqi Sun
- Institute
of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United
Kingdom
| | - Qiuyao Jiang
- Institute
of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United
Kingdom
| | - Alexander J. Cowan
- Stephenson
Institute for Renewable Energy and the Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
- Early
Career Laser Laboratory, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Reiner Sebastian Sprick
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XL, United
Kingdom
| | - Lu-Ning Liu
- Institute
of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United
Kingdom
- MOE Key Laboratory
of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for
Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System & College of Marine Life
Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Andrew I. Cooper
- Materials
Innovation Factory and Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, United
Kingdom
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11
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Gong SL, Tian Y, Sheng GP, Tian LJ. Dual-mode harvest solar energy for photothermal Cu 2-xSe biomineralization and seawater desalination by biotic-abiotic hybrid. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4365. [PMID: 38778052 PMCID: PMC11111681 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48660-z] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Biotic-abiotic hybrid photocatalytic system is an innovative strategy to capture solar energy. Diversifying solar energy conversion products and balancing photoelectron generation and transduction are critical to unravel the potential of hybrid photocatalysis. Here, we harvest solar energy in a dual mode for Cu2-xSe nanoparticles biomineralization and seawater desalination by integrating the merits of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and biogenic nanoparticles. Photoelectrons generated by extracellular Se0 nanoparticles power Cu2-xSe synthesis through two pathways that either cross the outer membrane to activate periplasmic Cu(II) reduction or are directly delivered into the extracellular space for Cu(I) evolution. Meanwhile, photoelectrons drive periplasmic Cu(II) reduction by reversing MtrABC complexes in S. oneidensis. Moreover, the unique photothermal feature of the as-prepared Cu2-xSe nanoparticles, the natural hydrophilicity, and the linking properties of bacterium offer a convenient way to tailor photothermal membranes for solar water production. This study provides a paradigm for balancing the source and sink of photoelectrons and diversifying solar energy conversion products in biotic-abiotic hybrid platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Lan Gong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - YangChao Tian
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Guo-Ping Sheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
| | - Li-Jiao Tian
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
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12
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Dong T, Zhang L, Hao S, Yang J, Peng Y. Interspecies cooperation-driven photogenerated electron transfer processes and efficient multi-pathway nitrogen removal in the g-C 3N 4-anammox consortia biohybrid system. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 255:121532. [PMID: 38564893 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Photocatalytic materials-microbial biohybrid systems pave the way for solar-driven wastewater nitrogen removal. In this study, interspecies cooperation in photogenerated electron transfer and efficient nitrogen removal mechanism in the g-C3N4-anammox consortia biohybrid system were first deciphered. The results indicated that the essential extracellular electron carriers (cytochrome c and flavin) for anammox genomes were provided by associated bacteria (BACT3 and CHLO2). This cooperation, regulated by the ArcAB system and electron transfer flavoprotein, made anammox bacteria the primary photogenerated electron sink. Furthermore, an efficient photogenerated electron harness was used to construct a reductive glycine pathway (rGlyP) in anammox bacteria inventively, which coexisted with the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway (WLP), constituting a dual-pathway carbon fixation model, rGlyP-WLP. Carbon fixation products efficiently contributed to the tricarboxylic acid cycle, while inhibiting electron diversion in anabolism. Photogenerated electrons were targeted channeled into nitrogen metabolism-available electron carriers, enhancing anammox and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) processes. Moreover, ammonia assimilation by the glycine cleavage system in rGlyP established an alternative ammonia removal route. Ultimately, multi-pathway nitrogen removal involving anammox, DNRA, and rGlyP achieved 100 % ammonia removal and 94.25 % total nitrogen removal efficiency. This study has expanded understanding of anammox metabolic diversity, enhancing its potential application in carbon-neutral wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingjun Dong
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Key Laboratory of Beijing for Water Quality Science and Water Environment Recovery Engineering, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Li Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Key Laboratory of Beijing for Water Quality Science and Water Environment Recovery Engineering, Beijing, 100124, China.
| | - Shiwei Hao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Key Laboratory of Beijing for Water Quality Science and Water Environment Recovery Engineering, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Jiachun Yang
- China Coal Technology & Engineering Group Co. Ltd., Tokyo, 100-0011, Japan
| | - Yongzhen Peng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Key Laboratory of Beijing for Water Quality Science and Water Environment Recovery Engineering, Beijing, 100124, China
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13
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Zhang J, Li F, Liu D, Liu Q, Song H. Engineering extracellular electron transfer pathways of electroactive microorganisms by synthetic biology for energy and chemicals production. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:1375-1446. [PMID: 38117181 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00537b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The excessive consumption of fossil fuels causes massive emission of CO2, leading to climate deterioration and environmental pollution. The development of substitutes and sustainable energy sources to replace fossil fuels has become a worldwide priority. Bio-electrochemical systems (BESs), employing redox reactions of electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) on electrodes to achieve a meritorious combination of biocatalysis and electrocatalysis, provide a green and sustainable alternative approach for bioremediation, CO2 fixation, and energy and chemicals production. EAMs, including exoelectrogens and electrotrophs, perform extracellular electron transfer (EET) (i.e., outward and inward EET), respectively, to exchange energy with the environment, whose rate determines the efficiency and performance of BESs. Therefore, we review the synthetic biology strategies developed in the last decade for engineering EAMs to enhance the EET rate in cell-electrode interfaces for facilitating the production of electricity energy and value-added chemicals, which include (1) progress in genetic manipulation and editing tools to achieve the efficient regulation of gene expression, knockout, and knockdown of EAMs; (2) synthetic biological engineering strategies to enhance the outward EET of exoelectrogens to anodes for electricity power production and anodic electro-fermentation (AEF) for chemicals production, including (i) broadening and strengthening substrate utilization, (ii) increasing the intracellular releasable reducing equivalents, (iii) optimizing c-type cytochrome (c-Cyts) expression and maturation, (iv) enhancing conductive nanowire biosynthesis and modification, (v) promoting electron shuttle biosynthesis, secretion, and immobilization, (vi) engineering global regulators to promote EET rate, (vii) facilitating biofilm formation, and (viii) constructing cell-material hybrids; (3) the mechanisms of inward EET, CO2 fixation pathway, and engineering strategies for improving the inward EET of electrotrophic cells for CO2 reduction and chemical production, including (i) programming metabolic pathways of electrotrophs, (ii) rewiring bioelectrical circuits for enhancing inward EET, and (iii) constructing microbial (photo)electrosynthesis by cell-material hybridization; (4) perspectives on future challenges and opportunities for engineering EET to develop highly efficient BESs for sustainable energy and chemical production. We expect that this review will provide a theoretical basis for the future development of BESs in energy harvesting, CO2 fixation, and chemical synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqi Zhang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Feng Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Dingyuan Liu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Qijing Liu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Hao Song
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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14
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Ma JY, Yan Z, Sun XD, Jiang YQ, Duan JL, Feng LJ, Zhu FP, Liu XY, Xia PF, Yuan XZ. A hybrid photocatalytic system enables direct glucose utilization for methanogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317058121. [PMID: 38232281 PMCID: PMC10823229 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317058121] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Integration of methanogenic archaea with photocatalysts presents a sustainable solution for solar-driven methanogenesis. However, maximizing CH4 conversion efficiency remains challenging due to the intrinsic energy conservation and strictly restricted substrates of methanogenic archaea. Here, we report a solar-driven biotic-abiotic hybrid (biohybrid) system by incorporating cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles with a rationally designed methanogenic archaeon Methanosarcina acetivorans C2A, in which the glucose synergist protein and glucose kinase, an energy-efficient route for glucose transport and phosphorylation from Zymomonas mobilis, were implemented to facilitate nonnative substrate glucose for methanogenesis. We demonstrate that the photo-excited electrons facilitate membrane-bound electron transport chain, thereby augmenting the Na+ and H+ ion gradients across membrane to enhance adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. Additionally, this biohybrid system promotes the metabolism of pyruvate to acetyl coenzyme A (AcCoA) and inhibits the flow of AcCoA to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, resulting in a 1.26-fold augmentation in CH4 production from glucose-derived carbon. Our results provide a unique strategy for enhancing methanogenesis through rational biohybrid design and reprogramming, which gives a promising avenue for sustainably manufacturing value-added chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Ya Ma
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Yan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Dong Sun
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Qian Jiang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian-Lu Duan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Juan Feng
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan250014, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fan-Ping Zhu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peng-Fei Xia
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xian-Zheng Yuan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, People’s Republic of China
- Sino-French Research Institute for Ecology and Environment, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, People’s Republic of China
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15
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Sheppard TJ, Specht DA, Barstow B. Efficiency estimates for electromicrobial production of branched-chain hydrocarbons. iScience 2024; 27:108773. [PMID: 38283329 PMCID: PMC10821168 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
In electromicrobial production (EMP), electricity is used as microbial energy to produce complex molecules starting from simple compounds like CO2. The aviation industry requires sustainable fuel alternatives that can meet demands for high-altitude performance and modern emissions standards. EMP of jet fuel components provides a unique opportunity to generate fuel blends compatible with modern engines producing net-neutral emissions. Branched-chain hydrocarbons modulate the boiling and freezing points of liquid fuels at high altitudes. In this study, we analyze the pathways necessary to generate branched-chain hydrocarbons in vivo utilizing extracellular electron uptake (EEU) and H2-oxidation for electron delivery, the Calvin cycle for CO2-fixation and the aldehyde deformolating oxygenase decarboxylation pathway. We find the maximum electrical-to-fuel energy conversion efficiencies to be 40.0 - 4.4 + 0.6 % and 39.8 - 4.5 + 0.7 % . For a model blend containing straight-chain, branched-chain, and terpenoid components, increasing the fraction of branched-chain alkanes from zero to 47% only lowers the electrical energy conversion efficiency from 40.1 - 4.5 + 0.7 % to 39.5 - 4.6 + 0.7 % .
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J. Sheppard
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - David A. Specht
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Buz Barstow
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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16
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Sheppard TJ, Specht DA, Barstow B. Upper limit efficiency estimates for electromicrobial production of drop-in jet fuels. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 154:108506. [PMID: 37473694 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Microbes which participate in extracellular electron uptake (EEU) or H2 oxidation have the ability to manufacture organic compounds using electricity as the primary source of metabolic energy. So-called electromicrobial production could be valuable to efficiently synthesize drop-in jet fuels using renewable energy. Here, we calculate the upper limit electrical-to-fuel conversion efficiency for a model jet fuel blend containing 85% straight-chain alkanes and 15% terpenoids. When using the Calvin cycle for carbon-fixation, the energy conversion efficiency is 37.8-4.3+1.8% when using EEU for electron delivery and 40.1-4.6+0.7% when using H2 oxidation. The production efficiency can be raised to 44.2-3.7+0.5% when using the Formolase formate-assimilation pathway, and to 49.2-2.1+0.3% with the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. This efficiency can be further raised by swapping the well-known Aldehyde Deformolating Oxygenase (ADO) termination pathway with the recently discovered Fatty Acid Photodecarboxylase (FAP) pathway. If these systems were supplied with electricity from a maximally-efficient silicon solar photovoltaic, even the least efficient pathway exceeds the maximum solar-to-fuel efficiency of all known forms of photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Sheppard
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - David A Specht
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Buz Barstow
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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17
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Zhang L, Dong T, Yang J, Hao S, Sun Z, Peng Y. Anammox Coupled with Photocatalyst for Enhanced Nitrogen Removal and the Activated Aerobic Respiration of Anammox Bacteria Based on cbb3-Type Cytochrome c Oxidase. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:17910-17919. [PMID: 37463493 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
This study introduced photogenerated electrons into the anammox system by coupling them to a g-C3N4 nanoparticle photocatalyst. A high nitrogen removal efficiency (94.25%) was achieved, exceeding the biochemical limit of 89% imposed by anammox stoichiometry. Photogenerated electrons boosted anammox metabolic activity by empowering key enzymes (NIR, HZS, and WLP-related proteins) and triggered rapid algal enrichment by enhancing the algal Calvin cycle, thus developing multiple anammox-algae synergistic nitrogen removal processes. Remarkably, the homologous expression of cbb3-type cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) in anammox bacteria was discovered and reported in this study for the first time. This conferred aerobic respiration capability to anammox bacteria and rendered them the principal oxygen consumer under 7.9-19.8 mg/L dissolved oxygen, originating from algal photosynthesis. Additionally, photogenerated electrons selectively targeted the cb1 complex and cbb3-type CcO as activation sites while mobilizing the RegA/B regulatory system to activate the expression of cbb3-type CcO. Furthermore, cbb3-type CcO blocked oxidative stress in anammox by depleting intracellular oxygen, a substrate for reactive oxygen species synthesis. This optimized the environmental sensitivity of anammox bacteria and maintained their high metabolic activity. This study expands our understanding of the physiological aptitudes of anammox bacteria and provides valuable insights into applying solar energy for enhanced wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Key Laboratory of Beijing for Water Quality Science and Water Environment Recovery Engineering, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Tingjun Dong
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Key Laboratory of Beijing for Water Quality Science and Water Environment Recovery Engineering, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jiachun Yang
- Shuifa Shandong Water Development Group Co. Ltd., Shandong 274200, China
- Shandong Jianzhu University, Shandong 250101, China
| | - Shiwei Hao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Key Laboratory of Beijing for Water Quality Science and Water Environment Recovery Engineering, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Zaicheng Sun
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, 100 Pingleyuan, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Yongzhen Peng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Key Laboratory of Beijing for Water Quality Science and Water Environment Recovery Engineering, Beijing 100124, China
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18
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Xie Y, Erşan S, Guan X, Wang J, Sha J, Xu S, Wohlschlegel JA, Park JO, Liu C. Unexpected metabolic rewiring of CO 2 fixation in H 2-mediated materials-biology hybrids. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2308373120. [PMID: 37816063 PMCID: PMC10589654 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308373120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A hybrid approach combining water-splitting electrochemistry and H2-oxidizing, CO2-fixing microorganisms offers a viable solution for producing value-added chemicals from sunlight, water, and air. The classic wisdom without thorough examination to date assumes that the electrochemistry in such a H2-mediated process is innocent of altering microbial behavior. Here, we report unexpected metabolic rewiring induced by water-splitting electrochemistry in H2-oxidizing acetogenic bacterium Sporomusa ovata that challenges such a classic view. We found that the planktonic S. ovata is more efficient in utilizing reducing equivalent for ATP generation in the materials-biology hybrids than cells grown with H2 supply, supported by our metabolomic and proteomic studies. The efficiency of utilizing reducing equivalents and fixing CO2 into acetate has increased from less than 80% of chemoautotrophy to more than 95% under electroautotrophic conditions. These observations unravel previously underappreciated materials' impact on microbial metabolism in seemingly simply H2-mediated charge transfer between biotic and abiotic components. Such a deeper understanding of the materials-biology interface will foster advanced design of hybrid systems for sustainable chemical transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchao Xie
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Sevcan Erşan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Xun Guan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Jihui Sha
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Shuangning Xu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | | | - Junyoung O. Park
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
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19
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Sheng Y, Guo F, Guo B, Wang N, Sun Y, Liu H, Feng X, Han Q, Yu Y, Li C. Light-Driven CO 2 Reduction with a Surface-Displayed Enzyme Cascade-C 3N 4 Hybrid. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:2715-2724. [PMID: 37651305 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00273] [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] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Efficient and cost-effective conversion of CO2 to biomass holds the potential to address the climate crisis. Light-driven CO2 conversion can be realized by combining inorganic semiconductors with enzymes or cells. However, designing enzyme cascades for converting CO2 to multicarbon compounds is challenging, and inorganic semiconductors often possess cytotoxicity. Therefore, there is a critical need for a straightforward semiconductor biohybrid system for CO2 conversion. Here, we used a visible-light-responsive and biocompatible C3N4 porous nanosheet, decorated with formate dehydrogenase, formaldehyde dehydrogenase, and alcohol dehydrogenase to establish an enzyme-photocoupled catalytic system, which showed a remarkable CO2-to-methanol conversion efficiency with an apparent quantum efficiency of 2.48% in the absence of externally added electron mediator. To further enable the in situ transformation of methanol into biomass, the enzymes were displayed on the surface of Komagataella phaffii, which was further coupled with C3N4 to create an organic semiconductor-enzyme-cell hybrid system. Methanol was produced through enzyme-photocoupled CO2 reduction, achieving a rate of 4.07 mg/(L·h), comparable with reported rates from photocatalytic systems employing mediators or photoelectrochemical cells. The produced methanol can subsequently be transported into the cell and converted into biomass. This work presents a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective enzyme-photocoupled biocatalytic system for efficient solar-driven conversion of CO2 within a microbial cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukai Sheng
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Fang Guo
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Bingchen Guo
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Yiyang Sun
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Hu Liu
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Xudong Feng
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Qing Han
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, Ministry of Education of China, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Chun Li
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, China
- Key Laboratory for Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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20
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Chen Z, Quek G, Zhu JY, Chan SJW, Cox-Vázquez SJ, Lopez-Garcia F, Bazan GC. A Broad Light-Harvesting Conjugated Oligoelectrolyte Enables Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation in a Bacterial Biohybrid. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202307101. [PMID: 37438952 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202307101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
We report a rationally designed membrane-intercalating conjugated oligoelectrolyte (COE), namely COE-IC, which endows aerobic N2 -fixing bacteria Azotobacter vinelandii with a light-harvesting ability that enables photosynthetic ammonia production. COE-IC possesses an acceptor-donor-acceptor (A-D-A) type conjugated core, which promotes visible light absorption with a high molar extinction coefficient. Furthermore, COE-IC spontaneously associates with A. vinelandii to form a biohybrid in which the COE is intercalated within the lipid bilayer membrane. In the presence of L-ascorbate as a sacrificial electron donor, the resulting COE-IC/A. vinelandii biohybrid showed a 2.4-fold increase in light-driven ammonia production, as compared to the control. Photoinduced enhancement of bacterial biomass and production of L-amino acids is also observed. Introduction of isotopically enriched 15 N2 atmosphere led to the enrichment of 15 N-containing intracellular metabolites, consistent with the products being generated from atmospheric N2 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxin Chen
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
- Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117544, Singapore
| | - Glenn Quek
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Ji-Yu Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Samuel J W Chan
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Sarah J Cox-Vázquez
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
- Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117544, Singapore
| | - Fernando Lopez-Garcia
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
- Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117544, Singapore
| | - Guillermo C Bazan
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
- Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117544, Singapore
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
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21
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Zhang J, Liu L, Chen X. Pushing hybrids to the limits. Nat Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1038/s41929-022-00878-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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