1
|
Li F, Yu H, Zhang B, Hu C, Lan F, Wang Y, You Z, Liu Q, Tang R, Zhang J, Li C, Shi L, Li WW, Nealson KH, Liu Z, Song H. Engineered Cell Elongation Promotes Extracellular Electron Transfer of Shewanella Oneidensis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2403067. [PMID: 39234800 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202403067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
To investigate how cell elongation impacts extracellular electron transfer (EET) of electroactive microorganisms (EAMs), the division of model EAM Shewanella oneidensis (S. oneidensis) MR-1 is engineered by reducing the formation of cell divisome. Specially, by blocking the translation of division proteins via anti-sense RNAs or expressing division inhibitors, the cellular length and output power density are all increased. Electrophysiological and transcriptomic results synergistically reveal that the programmed cell elongation reinforces EET by enhancing NADH oxidation, inner-membrane quinone pool, and abundance of c-type cytochromes. Moreover, cell elongation enhances hydrophobicity due to decreased cell-surface polysaccharide, thus facilitates the initial surface adhesion stage during biofilm formation. The output current and power density all increase in positive correction with cellular length. However, inhibition of cell division reduces cell growth, which is then restored by quorum sensing-based dynamic regulation of cell growth and elongation phases. The QS-regulated elongated strain thus enables a cell length of 143.6 ± 40.3 µm (72.6-fold of that of S. oneidensis MR-1), which results in an output power density of 248.0 ± 10.6 mW m-2 (3.41-fold of that of S. oneidensis MR-1) and exhibits superior potential for pollutant treatment. Engineering cellular length paves an innovate avenue for enhancing the EET of EAMs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Huan Yu
- 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
| | - Baocai 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
| | - Chaoning Hu
- 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
| | - Fei Lan
- 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
| | - Yuxuan Wang
- 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
| | - Zixuan You
- 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
| | - Rui Tang
- 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
| | - 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
| | - Chao 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
| | - Liang Shi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geoscience in Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Wen-Wei Li
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Kenneth H Nealson
- Departments of Earth Science & Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, 4953 Harriman Ave., South Pasadena, CA, 91030, USA
| | - ZhanYing Liu
- Center for Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction in Fermentation Industry in Inner Mongolia, Engineering Research Center of Inner Mongolia for Green Manufacturing in Bio-fermentation Industry, and School of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Inner Mongolia, Hohhot, 010051, 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
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang J, Chen M, Zhang J, Sun X, Li N, Wang X. Dynamic membrane filtration accelerates electroactive biofilms in bioelectrochemical systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 20:100375. [PMID: 38283869 PMCID: PMC10821169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2023.100375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) have emerged as a dual-function technology for treating wastewater and recovering energy. A vital element of BES is the rapid formation and maintenance of electroactive biofilms (EABs). Previous attempts to accelerate EAB formation and improve electroactivities focused on enhancing the bacterial adhesion process while neglecting the rate-limiting step of the bacterial transport process. Here, we introduce membrane filtration into BES, establishing a dynamic membrane filtration system that enhances overall performance. We observed that optimal membrane flux considerably reduced the startup time for EAB formation. Specifically, EABs established under a 25 L m-2 h-1 flux (EAB25 LMH) had a formation time of 43.8 ± 1.3 h, notably faster than the 51.4 ± 1.6 h in the static state (EAB0 LMH). Additionally, EAB25 LMH exhibited a significant increase in maximum current density, approximately 2.2 times higher than EAB0 LMH. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between current densities and biomass quantities and an inverse correlation with startup time. Microbial analysis revealed two critical findings: (i) variations in maximum current densities across different filtration conditions were associated with redox-active substances and biomass accumulation, and (ii) the incorporation of a filtration process in EAB formation enhanced the proportion of viable cells and encouraged a more diverse range of electroactive bacteria. Moreover, the novel electroactive membrane demonstrated sustained current production and effective solid-liquid separation during prolonged operation, indicating its potential as a viable alternative in membrane-based systems. This approach not only provides a new operational model for BES but also holds promise for expanding its application in future wastewater treatment solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinning Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Mei Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Jiayao Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xinyi Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Nan Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, No. 35 Yaguan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xin Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schwarz IA, Alsaqri B, Lekbach Y, Henry K, Gorman S, Woodard T, Dion L, Real L, Holmes DE, Smith JA, Lovley DR. Lack of physiological evidence for cytochrome filaments functioning as conduits for extracellular electron transfer. mBio 2024; 15:e0069024. [PMID: 38717196 PMCID: PMC11077965 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00690-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular cytochrome filaments are proposed to serve as conduits for long-range extracellular electron transfer. The primary functional physiological evidence has been the reported inhibition of Geobacter sulfurreducens Fe(III) oxide reduction when the gene for the filament-forming cytochrome OmcS is deleted. Here we report that the OmcS-deficient strain from that original report reduces Fe(III) oxide as well as the wild-type, as does a triple mutant in which the genes for the other known filament-forming cytochromes were also deleted. The triple cytochrome mutant displayed filaments with the same 3 nm diameter morphology and conductance as those produced by Escherichia coli heterologously expressing the G. sulfurreducens PilA pilin gene. Fe(III) oxide reduction was inhibited when the pilin gene in cytochrome-deficient mutants was modified to yield poorly conductive 3 nm diameter filaments. The results are consistent with the concept that 3 nm diameter electrically conductive pili (e-pili) are required for G. sulfurreducens long-range extracellular electron transfer. In contrast, rigorous physiological functional evidence is lacking for cytochrome filaments serving as conduits for long-range electron transport. IMPORTANCE Unraveling microbial extracellular electron transfer mechanisms has profound implications for environmental processes and advancing biological applications. This study on Geobacter sulfurreducens challenges prevailing beliefs on cytochrome filaments as crucial components thought to facilitate long-range electron transport. The discovery of an OmcS-deficient strain's unexpected effectiveness in Fe(III) oxide reduction prompted a reevaluation of the key conduits for extracellular electron transfer. By exploring the impact of genetic modifications on G. sulfurreducens' performance, this research sheds light on the importance of 3-nm diameter electrically conductive pili in Fe(III) oxide reduction. Reassessing these mechanisms is essential for uncovering the true drivers of extracellular electron transfer in microbial systems, offering insights that could revolutionize applications across diverse fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid A. Schwarz
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, Connecticut, USA
| | - Baha Alsaqri
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yassir Lekbach
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kathryn Henry
- Department of Physical and Biological Sciences, Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sydney Gorman
- Department of Physical and Biological Sciences, Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Trevor Woodard
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laura Dion
- Department of Physical and Biological Sciences, Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren Real
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, Connecticut, USA
| | - Dawn E. Holmes
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Physical and Biological Sciences, Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica A. Smith
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Derek R. Lovley
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Parmar D, Rosado-Rosa JM, Shrout JD, Sweedler JV. Metabolic insights from mass spectrometry imaging of biofilms: A perspective from model microorganisms. Methods 2024; 224:21-34. [PMID: 38295894 PMCID: PMC11149699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2024.01.014] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are dense aggregates of bacterial colonies embedded inside a self-produced polymeric matrix. Biofilms have received increasing attention in medical, industrial, and environmental settings due to their enhanced survival. Their characterization using microscopy techniques has revealed the presence of structural and cellular heterogeneity in many bacterial systems. However, these techniques provide limited chemical detail and lack information about the molecules important for bacterial communication and virulence. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) bridges the gap by generating spatial chemical information with unmatched chemical detail, making it an irreplaceable analytical platform in the multi-modal imaging of biofilms. In the last two decades, over 30 species of biofilm-forming bacteria have been studied using MSI in different environments. The literature conveys both analytical advancements and an improved understanding of the effects of environmental variables such as host surface characteristics, antibiotics, and other species of microorganisms on biofilms. This review summarizes the insights from frequently studied model microorganisms. We share a detailed list of organism-wide metabolites, commonly observed mass spectral adducts, culture conditions, strains of bacteria, substrate, broad problem definition, and details of the MS instrumentation, such as ionization sources and matrix, to facilitate future studies. We also compared the spatial characteristics of the secretome under different study designs to highlight changes because of various environmental influences. In addition, we highlight the current limitations of MSI in relation to biofilm characterization to enable cross-comparison between experiments. Overall, MSI has emerged to become an important approach for the spatial/chemical characterization of bacterial biofilms and its use will continue to grow as MSI becomes more accessible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dharmeshkumar Parmar
- Department of Chemistry and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Joenisse M Rosado-Rosa
- Department of Chemistry and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Joshua D Shrout
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - Jonathan V Sweedler
- Department of Chemistry and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Law SR, Mathes F, Paten AM, Alexandre PA, Regmi R, Reid C, Safarchi A, Shaktivesh S, Wang Y, Wilson A, Rice SA, Gupta VVSR. Life at the borderlands: microbiomes of interfaces critical to One Health. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2024; 48:fuae008. [PMID: 38425054 PMCID: PMC10977922 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuae008] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbiomes are foundational components of the environment that provide essential services relating to food security, carbon sequestration, human health, and the overall well-being of ecosystems. Microbiota exert their effects primarily through complex interactions at interfaces with their plant, animal, and human hosts, as well as within the soil environment. This review aims to explore the ecological, evolutionary, and molecular processes governing the establishment and function of microbiome-host relationships, specifically at interfaces critical to One Health-a transdisciplinary framework that recognizes that the health outcomes of people, animals, plants, and the environment are tightly interconnected. Within the context of One Health, the core principles underpinning microbiome assembly will be discussed in detail, including biofilm formation, microbial recruitment strategies, mechanisms of microbial attachment, community succession, and the effect these processes have on host function and health. Finally, this review will catalogue recent advances in microbiology and microbial ecology methods that can be used to profile microbial interfaces, with particular attention to multi-omic, advanced imaging, and modelling approaches. These technologies are essential for delineating the general and specific principles governing microbiome assembly and functions, mapping microbial interconnectivity across varying spatial and temporal scales, and for the establishment of predictive frameworks that will guide the development of targeted microbiome-interventions to deliver One Health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon R Law
- CSIRO MOSH-Future Science Platform, Australia
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Falko Mathes
- CSIRO MOSH-Future Science Platform, Australia
- CSIRO Environment, Floreat, WA 6014, Australia
| | - Amy M Paten
- CSIRO MOSH-Future Science Platform, Australia
- CSIRO Environment, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Pamela A Alexandre
- CSIRO MOSH-Future Science Platform, Australia
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Roshan Regmi
- CSIRO MOSH-Future Science Platform, Australia
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Cameron Reid
- CSIRO MOSH-Future Science Platform, Australia
- CSIRO Environment, Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Azadeh Safarchi
- CSIRO MOSH-Future Science Platform, Australia
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Shaktivesh Shaktivesh
- CSIRO MOSH-Future Science Platform, Australia
- CSIRO Data 61, Clayton, Vic 3168, Australia
| | - Yanan Wang
- CSIRO MOSH-Future Science Platform, Australia
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
| | - Annaleise Wilson
- CSIRO MOSH-Future Science Platform, Australia
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, Vic 3220, Australia
| | - Scott A Rice
- CSIRO MOSH-Future Science Platform, Australia
- CSIRO Agriculture, and Food, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Vadakattu V S R Gupta
- CSIRO MOSH-Future Science Platform, Australia
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang X, Luther AK, Rabaey K, Prévoteau A. Periodic polarization duty cycle tunes performance and adhesion of anodic electroactive biofilms. Bioelectrochemistry 2024; 155:108581. [PMID: 37883861 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108581] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Periodic polarization can improve the performance of anodic electroactive biofilms (EABs). The impact of the half-period duration was previously investigated at constant duty cycle (50%), i.e., the proportion of a period during which the electrode is polarized. Here, we cultured eight EABs on glassy carbon electrodes at four different duty cycles (50%, 67%, 80% and 91%) by varying the time interval under open circuit conditions, while keeping the polarization duration at 10 s. The shorter duty cycles slightly slowed initial growth but produced EABs generating higher faradaic currents. The total charge recovery over 38 days increased with decreasing duty cycles from 0.53 kC.cm-2 (duty cycle of 91%) to 1.65 kC.cm-2 (50%). EABs with the shortest duty cycle fully detached twice from the electrode surface, but detachments were quickly followed by the formation of more efficient EABs. We then carried out controlled removal of some aged and low current-producing EABs by applying a 30 s cathodic current (H2 evolution at -15 mA.cm-2) and observed the subsequent rapid development of fresh EABs displaying better electrochemical performance. Our results illustrate that well-chosen dynamic controls of electrode potentials can substantially improve the average current production of EABs, or allow a simple replacement of underperforming EABs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Amanda K Luther
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Korneel Rabaey
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Centre for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource Recovery (CAPTURE), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Antonin Prévoteau
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Centre for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource Recovery (CAPTURE), 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ye Y, Zhang L, Hong X, Chen M, Liu X, Zhou S. Interspecies ecological competition rejuvenates decayed Geobacter electroactive biofilm. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrae118. [PMID: 38916438 PMCID: PMC11227281 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae118] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) exploit electroactive biofilms (EABs) for promising applications in biosensing, wastewater treatment, energy production, and chemical biosynthesis. However, during the operation of BESs, EABs inevitably decay. Seeking approaches to rejuvenate decayed EABs is critical for the sustainability and practical application of BESs. Prophage induction has been recognized as the primary reason for EAB decay. Herein, we report that introducing a competitive species of Geobacter uraniireducens suspended prophage induction in Geobacter sulfurreducens and thereby rejuvenated the decayed G. sulfurreducens EAB. The transcriptomic profile of G. sulfurreducens demonstrated that the addition of G. uraniireducens significantly affected the expression of metabolism- and stress response system-related genes and in particular suppressed the induction of phage-related genes. Mechanistic analyses revealed that interspecies ecological competition exerted by G. uraniireducens suppressed prophage induction. Our findings not only reveal a novel strategy to rejuvenate decayed EABs, which is significant for the sustainability of BESs, but also provide new knowledge for understanding phage-host interactions from an ecological perspective, with implications for developing therapies to defend against phage attack.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Ye
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiaohui Hong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, 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 350002, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 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 350002, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yang P, Gao Y, Wang N, Zhu Y, Xue L, Han Y, Liu J, He W, Feng Y. The restricted mass transfer inside the anode pore channel affects the electroactive biofilms formation, community composition and the power production in microbial electrochemical systems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:165448. [PMID: 37442459 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Porous anodes improve system performance in microbial electrochemical systems by increasing the specific surface area for electroactive bacteria. In this study, multilayer anodes with different pore diameters were constructed to assess the impact of pore size and depth on anode performance. This layered structure makes detecting electroactive biofilms more accessible layer by layer, which is the first study to examine electroactive biofilms' molecular biology and electrochemical properties at different depths in pores with varied pore sizes. The millimeter-scale pores inside the bioanode have a limited effect in increasing power. The larger the pore diameter, the higher the maximum power density (Pmax) obtained. The Pmax of anodes with 4 mm pore (1.91 ± 0.15 W m-2) was 1.4 times higher than that of the non-perforated (1.37 ± 0.07 W m-2) and 0.5 mm pore anodes (1.39 ± 0.04 W m-2). Electricigens can colonize into pore channels for at least 10 mm with a pore diameter ≥3 mm and current densities >0.05 A m-2. However, in the pores channel with 0.5 mm diameter, electricigens can only colonize to a depth of 2 mm. The biofilm thickness, electricity output, metabolic activity, and biocommunity changed with pore depth and were restricted by the limited mass transfer. The Geobacter sp. was the dominant species in inter-pore biofilms, with 43.8 %-78.6 % in abundance and decreased in quantity as pore depth increased. The inter-pore biofilms on the outer layer contributed a current density of 0.17 ± 0.003 A m-2, while that of the inner layer was only 0.02 ± 0.01 A m-2. Further studies found that the pore edge mass transfer effect can contribute up to 75 % of the current. The mass transfer process at the pore edge region could be a multidirectional mass transfer rather than a pore channel mass transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pinpin Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Academy of Ecology and Environment, Tianjin University, No 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, 300072 Tianjin, China
| | - Yaqian Gao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Academy of Ecology and Environment, Tianjin University, No 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, 300072 Tianjin, China
| | - Naiyu Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Academy of Ecology and Environment, Tianjin University, No 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, 300072 Tianjin, China
| | - Yujie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Lefei Xue
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Academy of Ecology and Environment, Tianjin University, No 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, 300072 Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Han
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Academy of Ecology and Environment, Tianjin University, No 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, 300072 Tianjin, China
| | - Jia Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Academy of Ecology and Environment, Tianjin University, No 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, 300072 Tianjin, China
| | - Weihua He
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China.
| | - Yujie Feng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Academy of Ecology and Environment, Tianjin University, No 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, 300072 Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fu B, Mao X, Park Y, Zhao Z, Yan T, Jung W, Francis DH, Li W, Pian B, Salimijazi F, Suri M, Hanrath T, Barstow B, Chen P. Single-cell multimodal imaging uncovers energy conversion pathways in biohybrids. Nat Chem 2023; 15:1400-1407. [PMID: 37500951 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01285-z] [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] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Microbe-semiconductor biohybrids, which integrate microbial enzymatic synthesis with the light-harvesting capabilities of inorganic semiconductors, have emerged as promising solar-to-chemical conversion systems. Improving the electron transport at the nano-bio interface and inside cells is important for boosting conversion efficiencies, yet the underlying mechanism is challenging to study by bulk measurements owing to the heterogeneities of both constituents. Here we develop a generalizable, quantitative multimodal microscopy platform that combines multi-channel optical imaging and photocurrent mapping to probe such biohybrids down to single- to sub-cell/particle levels. We uncover and differentiate the critical roles of different hydrogenases in the lithoautotrophic bacterium Ralstonia eutropha for bioplastic formation, discover this bacterium's surprisingly large nanoampere-level electron-uptake capability, and dissect the cross-membrane electron-transport pathways. This imaging platform, and the associated analytical framework, can uncover electron-transport mechanisms in various types of biohybrid, and potentially offers a means to use and engineer R. eutropha for efficient chemical production coupled with photocatalytic materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Fu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xianwen Mao
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Functional Intelligent Materials, and Centre for Advanced 2D Materials, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Youngchan Park
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Zhiheng Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Tianlei Yan
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Won Jung
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Danielle H Francis
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Friends School of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Wenjie Li
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Brooke Pian
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Farshid Salimijazi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Mokshin Suri
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Tobias Hanrath
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Buz Barstow
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Correia GD, Marchesi JR, MacIntyre DA. Moving beyond DNA: towards functional analysis of the vaginal microbiome by non-sequencing-based methods. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 73:102292. [PMID: 36931094 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Over the last two decades, sequencing-based methods have revolutionised our understanding of niche-specific microbial complexity. In the lower female reproductive tract, these approaches have enabled identification of bacterial compositional structures associated with health and disease. Application of metagenomics and metatranscriptomics strategies have provided insight into the putative function of these communities but it is increasingly clear that direct measures of microbial and host cell function are required to understand the contribution of microbe-host interactions to pathophysiology. Here we explore and discuss current methods and approaches, many of which rely upon mass-spectrometry, being used to capture functional insight into the vaginal mucosal interface. In addition to improving mechanistic understanding, these methods offer innovative solutions for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies designed to improve women's health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo Ds Correia
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Julian R Marchesi
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK; Centre for Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - David A MacIntyre
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nie WB, Xie GJ, Tan X, Ding J, Lu Y, Chen Y, Yang C, He Q, Liu BF, Xing D, Ren N. Microbial Niche Differentiation during Nitrite-Dependent Anaerobic Methane Oxidation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:7029-7040. [PMID: 37041123 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n-DAMO) has been demonstrated to play important roles in the global methane and nitrogen cycle. However, despite diverse n-DAMO bacteria widely detected in environments, little is known about their physiology for microbial niche differentiation. Here, we show the microbial niche differentiation of n-DAMO bacteria through long-term reactor operations combining genome-centered omics and kinetic analysis. With the same inoculum dominated by both species "Candidatus Methylomirabilis oxyfera" and "Candidatus Methylomirabilis sinica", n-DAMO bacterial population was shifted to "Ca. M. oxyfera" in a reactor fed with low-strength nitrite, but shifted to "Ca. M. sinica" with high-strength nitrite. Metatranscriptomic analysis showed that "Ca. M. oxyfera" harbored more complete function in cell chemotaxis, flagellar assembly, and two-component system for better uptake of nitrite, while "Ca. M. sinica" had a more active ion transport and stress response system, and more redundant function in nitrite reduction to mitigate nitrite inhibition. Importantly, the half-saturation constant of nitrite (0.057 mM vs 0.334 mM NO2-) and inhibition thresholds (0.932 mM vs 2.450 mM NO2-) for "Ca. M. oxyfera" vs "Ca. M. sinica", respectively, were highly consistent with genomic results. Integrating these findings demonstrated biochemical characteristics, especially the kinetics of nitrite affinity and inhibition determine niche differentiation of n-DAMO bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Bo Nie
- College of Environment and Ecology, Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Guo-Jun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73, Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Xin Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73, Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Jie Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73, Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Yang Lu
- The Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yi Chen
- College of Environment and Ecology, Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Chun Yang
- College of Environment and Ecology, Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Qiang He
- College of Environment and Ecology, Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Bing-Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73, Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Defeng Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73, Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Nanqi Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73, Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ortiz-Medina JF, Poole MR, Grunden AM, Call DF. Nitrogen Fixation and Ammonium Assimilation Pathway Expression of Geobacter sulfurreducens Changes in Response to the Anode Potential in Microbial Electrochemical Cells. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0207322. [PMID: 36975810 PMCID: PMC10132095 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02073-22] [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: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen gas (N2) fixation in the anode-respiring bacterium Geobacter sulfurreducens occurs through complex, multistep processes. Optimizing ammonium (NH4+) production from this bacterium in microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) requires an understanding of how those processes are regulated in response to electrical driving forces. In this study, we quantified gene expression levels (via RNA sequencing) of G. sulfurreducens growing on anodes fixed at two different potentials (-0.15 V and +0.15 V versus standard hydrogen electrode). The anode potential had a significant impact on the expression levels of N2 fixation genes. At -0.15 V, the expression of nitrogenase genes, such as nifH, nifD, and nifK, significantly increased relative to that at +0.15 V, as well as genes associated with NH4+ uptake and transformation, such as glutamine and glutamate synthetases. Metabolite analysis confirmed that both of these organic compounds were present in significantly higher intracellular concentrations at -0.15 V. N2 fixation rates (estimated using the acetylene reduction assay and normalized to total protein) were significantly larger at -0.15 V. Genes expressing flavin-based electron bifurcation complexes, such as electron-transferring flavoproteins (EtfAB) and the NADH-dependent ferredoxin:NADP reductase (NfnAB), were also significantly upregulated at -0.15 V, suggesting that these mechanisms may be involved in N2 fixation at that potential. Our results show that in energy-constrained situations (i.e., low anode potential), the cells increase per-cell respiration and N2 fixation rates. We hypothesize that at -0.15 V, they increase N2 fixation activity to help maintain redox homeostasis, and they leverage electron bifurcation as a strategy to optimize energy generation and use. IMPORTANCE Biological nitrogen fixation coupled with ammonium recovery provides a sustainable alternative to the carbon-, water-, and energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. Aerobic biological nitrogen fixation technologies are hindered by oxygen gas inhibition of the nitrogenase enzyme. Electrically driving biological nitrogen fixation in anaerobic microbial electrochemical technologies overcomes this challenge. Using Geobacter sulfurreducens as a model exoelectrogenic diazotroph, we show that the anode potential in microbial electrochemical technologies has a significant impact on nitrogen gas fixation rates, ammonium assimilation pathways, and expression of genes associated with nitrogen gas fixation. These findings have important implications for understanding regulatory pathways of nitrogen gas fixation and will help identify target genes and operational strategies to enhance ammonium production in microbial electrochemical technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan F. Ortiz-Medina
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mark R. Poole
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Amy M. Grunden
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Douglas F. Call
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhao Q, Liu Y, Liao C, Yan X, Tian L, Li T, Li N, Wang X. Reduction of S 0 deposited on electroactive biofilm under an oxidative potential. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 882:163698. [PMID: 37094684 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The inevitable deposition of S0 on the electroactive biofilm (EAB) via anodic sulfide oxidation affects the stability of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) when an accidental discharge of sulfide occurred, leading to the inhibition of electroacitivity, because the potential of anode (e.g., 0 V versus Ag/AgCl) is ~500 mV more positive than the redox potential of S2-/S0. Here we found that S0 deposited on the EAB can be spontaneously reduced under this oxidative potential independent of microbial community variation, leading to a self-recovery of electroactivity (> 100 % in current density) with biofilm thickening (~210 μm). Transcriptomics of pure culture indicated that Geobacter highly expressed genes involving in S0 metabolism, which had an additional benefit to improve the viability (25 % - 36 %) of bacterial cells in biofilm distant from the anode and the cellular metabolic activity via electron shuttle pair of S0/S2-(Sx2-). Our findings highlighted the importance of spatially heterogeneous metabolism to its stability when EABs encountered with the problem of S0 deposition, and that in turn improved the electroactivity of EABs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ying Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Chengmei Liao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xuejun Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lili Tian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Tian Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Nan Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, No. 135 Yaguan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xin Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu X, Ye Y, Zhang Z, Rensing C, Zhou S, Nealson KH. Prophage Induction Causes Geobacter Electroactive Biofilm Decay. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:6196-6204. [PMID: 36997849 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Sustaining a metabolically active electroactive biofilm (EAB) is essential for the high efficiency and durable operation of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). However, EABs usually decay during long-term operation, and, until now, the causes remain unknown. Here, we report that lysogenic phages can cause EAB decay in Geobacter sulfurreducens fuel cells. A cross-streak agar assay and bioinformatic analysis revealed the presence of prophages on the G. sulfurreducens genome, and a mitomycin C induction assay revealed the lysogenic to lytic transition of those prophages, resulting in a progressive decay in both current generation and the EAB. Furthermore, the addition of phages purified from decayed EAB resulted in accelerated decay of the EAB, thereafter contributing to a faster decline in current generation; otherwise, deleting prophage-related genes rescued the decay process. Our study provides the first evidence of an interaction between phages and electroactive bacteria and suggests that attack by phages is a primary cause of EAB decay, having significant implications in bioelectrochemical systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yin Ye
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhishuai Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Christopher Rensing
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 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 350002, China
| | - Kenneth H Nealson
- Department of Earth Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Martinez Ostormujof L, Teychené S, Achouak W, Fochesato S, Bakarat M, Rodriguez‐Ruiz I, Bergel A, Erable B. Systemic Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Changes in Multi‐Species Electroactive Biofilms to Clarify the Gradual Decline of Current Generation in Microbial Anodes. ChemElectroChem 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.202201135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
|
16
|
Chu N, Jiang Y, Liang Q, Liu P, Wang D, Chen X, Li D, Liang P, Zeng RJ, Zhang Y. Electricity-Driven Microbial Metabolism of Carbon and Nitrogen: A Waste-to-Resource Solution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:4379-4395. [PMID: 36877891 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Electricity-driven microbial metabolism relies on the extracellular electron transfer (EET) process between microbes and electrodes and provides promise for resource recovery from wastewater and industrial discharges. Over the past decades, tremendous efforts have been dedicated to designing electrocatalysts and microbes, as well as hybrid systems to push this approach toward industrial adoption. This paper summarizes these advances in order to facilitate a better understanding of electricity-driven microbial metabolism as a sustainable waste-to-resource solution. Quantitative comparisons of microbial electrosynthesis and abiotic electrosynthesis are made, and the strategy of electrocatalyst-assisted microbial electrosynthesis is critically discussed. Nitrogen recovery processes including microbial electrochemical N2 fixation, electrocatalytic N2 reduction, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), and abiotic electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia (Abio-NRA) are systematically reviewed. Furthermore, the synchronous metabolism of carbon and nitrogen using hybrid inorganic-biological systems is discussed, including advanced physicochemical, microbial, and electrochemical characterizations involved in this field. Finally, perspectives for future trends are presented. The paper provides valuable insights on the potential contribution of electricity-driven microbial valorization of waste carbon and nitrogen toward a green and sustainable society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Chu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Qinjun Liang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Panpan Liu
- School of Ecology and Environment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Donglin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Xueming Chen
- Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Rural Waste Recycling Technology, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Daping Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Peng Liang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Raymond Jianxiong Zeng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li F, Tang R, Zhang B, Qiao C, Yu H, Liu Q, Zhang J, Shi L, Song H. Systematic Full-Cycle Engineering Microbial Biofilms to Boost Electricity Production in Shewanella oneidensis. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0081. [PMID: 36939407 PMCID: PMC10017123 DOI: 10.34133/research.0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Electroactive biofilm plays a crucial rule in the electron transfer efficiency of microbial electrochemical systems (MES). However, the low ability to form biofilm and the low conductivity of the formed biofilm substantially limit the extracellular electron transfer rate of microbial cells to the electrode surfaces in MES. To promote biofilm formation and enhance biofilm conductivity, we develop synthetic biology approach to systematically engineer Shewanella oneidensis, a model exoelectrogen, via modular manipulation of the full-cycle different stages of biofilm formation, namely, from initial contact, cell adhesion, and biofilm growth stable maturity to cell dispersion. Consequently, the maximum output power density of the engineered biofilm reaches 3.62 ± 0.06 W m-2, 39.3-fold higher than that of the wild-type strain of S. oneidensis, which, to the best our knowledge, is the highest output power density that has ever been reported for the biofilms of the genetically engineered Shewanella strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering,
Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology,
Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Rui Tang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering,
Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology,
Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Baocai Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering,
Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology,
Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Chunxiao Qiao
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering,
Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology,
Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Huan Yu
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering,
Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology,
Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Qijing Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering,
Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology,
Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Junqi Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering,
Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology,
Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Liang Shi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, School of Environmental Studies,
China University of Geoscience in Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Hao Song
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering,
Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology,
Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gu Y, Guberman-Pfeffer MJ, Srikanth V, Shen C, Giska F, Gupta K, Londer Y, Samatey FA, Batista VS, Malvankar NS. Structure of Geobacter cytochrome OmcZ identifies mechanism of nanowire assembly and conductivity. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:284-298. [PMID: 36732469 PMCID: PMC9999484 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01315-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OmcZ nanowires produced by Geobacter species have high electron conductivity (>30 S cm-1). Of 111 cytochromes present in G. sulfurreducens, OmcZ is the only known nanowire-forming cytochrome essential for the formation of high-current-density biofilms that require long-distance (>10 µm) extracellular electron transport. However, the mechanisms underlying OmcZ nanowire assembly and high conductivity are unknown. Here we report a 3.5-Å-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy structure for OmcZ nanowires. Our structure reveals linear and closely stacked haems that may account for conductivity. Surface-exposed haems and charge interactions explain how OmcZ nanowires bind to diverse extracellular electron acceptors and how organization of nanowire network re-arranges in different biochemical environments. In vitro studies explain how G. sulfurreducens employ a serine protease to control the assembly of OmcZ monomers into nanowires. We find that both OmcZ and serine protease are widespread in environmentally important bacteria and archaea, thus establishing a prevalence of nanowire biogenesis across diverse species and environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangqi Gu
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- PNAC division, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Matthew J Guberman-Pfeffer
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Vishok Srikanth
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Cong Shen
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Fabian Giska
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kallol Gupta
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yuri Londer
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Fadel A Samatey
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Nikhil S Malvankar
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Yunda E, Gutensohn M, Ramstedt M, Björn E. Methylmercury formation in biofilms of Geobacter sulfurreducens. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1079000. [PMID: 36712188 PMCID: PMC9880215 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1079000] [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: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mercury (Hg) is a major environmental pollutant that accumulates in biota predominantly in the form of methylmercury (MeHg). Surface-associated microbial communities (biofilms) represent an important source of MeHg in natural aquatic systems. In this work, we report MeHg formation in biofilms of the iron-reducing bacterium Geobacter sulfurreducens. Methods Biofilms were prepared in media with varied nutrient load for 3, 5, or 7 days, and their structural properties were characterized using confocal laser scanning microscopy, cryo-scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Results Biofilms cultivated for 3 days with vitamins in the medium had the highest surface coverage, and they also contained abundant extracellular matrix. Using 3 and 7-days-old biofilms, we demonstrate that G. sulfurreducens biofilms prepared in media with various nutrient load produce MeHg, of which a significant portion is released to the surrounding medium. The Hg methylation rate constant determined in 6-h assays in a low-nutrient assay medium with 3-days-old biofilms was 3.9 ± 2.0 ∙ 10-14 L ∙ cell-1 ∙ h-1, which is three to five times lower than the rates found in assays with planktonic cultures of G. sulfurreducens in this and previous studies. The fraction of MeHg of total Hg within the biofilms was, however, remarkably high (close to 50%), and medium/biofilm partitioning of inorganic Hg (Hg(II)) indicated low accumulation of Hg(II) in biofilms. Discussion These findings suggest a high Hg(II) methylation capacity of G. sulfurreducens biofilms and that Hg(II) transfer to the biofilm is the rate-limiting step for MeHg formation in this systems.
Collapse
|
20
|
Joshi K, Chan CH, Levar CE, Bond DR. Single Amino Acid Residues Control Potential‐Dependent Inactivation of an Inner Membrane
bc‐
Cytochrome**. ChemElectroChem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.202200907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Komal Joshi
- Department of Biochemistry Molecular Biology and Biophysics University of Minnesota Twin Cities St. Paul MN 55108 USA
- The BioTechnology Institute University of Minnesota Twin Cities St. Paul MN 55108 USA
| | - Chi H. Chan
- The BioTechnology Institute University of Minnesota Twin Cities St. Paul MN 55108 USA
| | - Caleb E. Levar
- The BioTechnology Institute University of Minnesota Twin Cities St. Paul MN 55108 USA
| | - Daniel R. Bond
- The BioTechnology Institute University of Minnesota Twin Cities St. Paul MN 55108 USA
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology University of Minnesota Twin Cities St. Paul MN 55108 USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Howley E, Ki D, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Torres CI. Geobacter sulfurreducens' Unique Metabolism Results in Cells with a High Iron and Lipid Content. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0259322. [PMID: 36301091 PMCID: PMC9769739 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02593-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Geobacter sulfurreducens is a ubiquitous iron-reducing bacterium in soils, and in engineered systems, it can respire an electrode to produce measurable electric current. Its unique metabolism, heavily dependent on an extensive network of cytochromes, requires a unique cell composition. In this work, we used metallomics, cell fraction and elemental analyses, and transcriptomics to study and analyze the cell composition of G. sulfurreducens. Elemental composition studies (C, H, O, N, and ash content) showed high C:O and H:O ratios of approximately 1.7:1 and 0.25:1, indicative of more reduced cell composition that is consistent with high lipid content. Our study shows that G. sulfurreducens cells have a large amount of iron (2 ± 0.2 μg/g dry weight) and lipids (32 ± 0.5% dry weight/dry weight) and that this composition does not change whether the cells are grown with a soluble or an insoluble electron acceptor. The high iron concentration, higher than similar microorganisms, is attributed to the production of cytochromes that are abundant in transcriptomic analyses in both solid and soluble electron acceptor growth. The unique cell composition of G. sulfurreducens must be considered when growing this microorganism for lab studies and commercial applications. IMPORTANCE Geobacter sulfurreducens is an electroactive microorganism. In nature, it grows on metallic minerals by transferring electrons to them, effectively "breathing" metals. In a manmade system, it respires an electrode to produce an electric current. It has become a model organism for the study of electroactive organisms. There are potential biotechnological applications of an organism that can bridge the gap between biology and electrical signal and, as a ubiquitous iron reducer in soils around the world, G. sulfurreducens has an impact on the global iron cycle. We measured the concentrations of metals, macromolecules, and basic elements in G. sulfurreducens to define this organism's composition. We also used gene expression data to discuss which proteins those metals could be associated with. We found that G. sulfurreducens has a large amount of lipid and iron compared to other bacteria-these observations are important for future microbiologists and biotechnologists working with the organism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Howley
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School for Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Dongwon Ki
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Division of Living and the Built Environment Research, Seoul Institute of Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School for Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - César I. Torres
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School for Engineering of Matter Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ma S, Leng Y, Li X, Meng Y, Yin Z, Hang W. High spatial resolution mass spectrometry imaging for spatial metabolomics: Advances, challenges, and future perspectives. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
23
|
Maximum thickness of non-buffer limited electro-active biofilms decreases at higher anode potentials. Biofilm 2022; 4:100092. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2022.100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
24
|
Wang F, Chan CH, Suciu V, Mustafa K, Ammend M, Si D, Hochbaum AI, Egelman EH, Bond DR. Structure of Geobacter OmcZ filaments suggests extracellular cytochrome polymers evolved independently multiple times. eLife 2022; 11:e81551. [PMID: 36062910 PMCID: PMC9473688 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
While early genetic and low-resolution structural observations suggested that extracellular conductive filaments on metal-reducing organisms such as Geobacter were composed of type IV pili, it has now been established that bacterial c-type cytochromes can polymerize to form extracellular filaments capable of long-range electron transport. Atomic structures exist for two such cytochrome filaments, formed from the hexaheme cytochrome OmcS and the tetraheme cytochrome OmcE. Due to the highly conserved heme packing within the central OmcS and OmcE cores, and shared pattern of heme coordination between subunits, it has been suggested that these polymers have a common origin. We have now used cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine the structure of a third extracellular filament, formed from the Geobacter sulfurreducens octaheme cytochrome, OmcZ. In contrast to the linear heme chains in OmcS and OmcE from the same organism, the packing of hemes, heme:heme angles, and between-subunit heme coordination is quite different in OmcZ. A branched heme arrangement within OmcZ leads to a highly surface exposed heme in every subunit, which may account for the formation of conductive biofilm networks, and explain the higher measured conductivity of OmcZ filaments. This new structural evidence suggests that conductive cytochrome polymers arose independently on more than one occasion from different ancestral multiheme proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengbin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of MedicineCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Chi Ho Chan
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, and BioTechnology Institute, University of MinnesotaSt. PaulUnited States
| | - Victor Suciu
- Division of Computing and Software Systems, University of Washington BothellBothellUnited States
| | - Khawla Mustafa
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, IrvineIrvineUnited States
| | - Madeline Ammend
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, and BioTechnology Institute, University of MinnesotaSt. PaulUnited States
| | - Dong Si
- Division of Computing and Software Systems, University of Washington BothellBothellUnited States
| | - Allon I Hochbaum
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, IrvineIrvineUnited States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of CaliforniaIrvineUnited States
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of CaliforniaIrvineUnited States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of CaliforniaIrvineUnited States
| | - Edward H Egelman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of MedicineCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Daniel R Bond
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, and BioTechnology Institute, University of MinnesotaSt. PaulUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Highlighting the roles of transition metals and speciation in chemical biology. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 69:102155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
26
|
Abstract
Microbial communities have essential roles in ocean ecology and planetary health. Microbes participate in nutrient cycles, remove huge quantities of carbon dioxide from the air and support ocean food webs. The taxonomic and functional diversity of the global ocean microbiome has been revealed by technological advances in sampling, DNA sequencing and bioinformatics. A better understanding of the ocean microbiome could underpin strategies to address environmental and societal challenges, including achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals way beyond SDG 14 'life below water'. We propose a set of priorities for understanding and protecting the ocean microbiome, which include delineating interactions between microbiota, sustainably applying resources from oceanic microorganisms and creating policy- and funder-friendly ocean education resources, and discuss how to achieve these ambitious goals.
Collapse
|
27
|
|
28
|
Pereira J, de Nooy S, Sleutels T, Ter Heijne A. Opportunities for visual techniques to determine characteristics and limitations of electro-active biofilms. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 60:108011. [PMID: 35753624 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108011] [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: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Optimization of bio-electrochemical systems (BESs) relies on a better understanding of electro-active biofilms (EABfs). These microbial communities are studied with a range of techniques, including electrochemical, visual and chemical techniques. Even though each of these techniques provides very valuable and wide-ranging information about EABfs, such as performance, morphology and biofilm composition, they are often destructive. Therefore, the information obtained from EABfs development and characterization studies are limited to a single characterization of EABfs and often limited to one time point that determines the end of the experiment. Despite being scarcer and not as commonly reported as destructive techniques, non-destructive visual techniques can be used to supplement EABfs characterization by adding in-situ information of EABfs functioning and its development throughout time. This opens the door to EABfs monitoring studies that can complement the information obtained with destructive techniques. In this review, we provide an overview of visual techniques and discuss the opportunities for combination with the established electrochemical techniques to study EABfs. By providing an overview of suitable visual techniques and discussing practical examples of combination of visual with electrochemical methods, this review aims at serving as a source of inspiration for future studies in the field of BESs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Pereira
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911, MA, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands; Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sam de Nooy
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911, MA, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands; Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tom Sleutels
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911, MA, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands; Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747, AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Annemiek Ter Heijne
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Chi ZL, Yu GH, Teng HH, Liu HG, Wang J, Liu CQ, Shen QR, Gadd GM. Molecular Trade-Offs between Lattice Oxygen and Oxygen Vacancy Drive Organic Pollutant Degradation in Fungal Biomineralized Exoskeletons. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:8132-8141. [PMID: 35561278 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fungal-mineral interactions can effectively alleviate cellular stress from organic pollutants, the production of which are expected to rapidly increase owing to the Earth moving into an unprecedented geological epoch, the Anthropocene. The underlying mechanisms that may enable fungi to combat organic pollution during fungal-mineral interactions remain unclear. Inspired by the natural fungal sporulation process, we demonstrate for the first time that fungal biomineralization triggers the formation of an ultrathin (hundreds of nanometers thick) exoskeleton, enriched in nanosized iron (oxyhydr)oxides and biomolecules, on the hyphae. Mapped biochemical composition of this coating at a subcellular scale via high spatial resolution (down to 50 nm) synchrotron radiation-based techniques confirmed aromatic C, C-N bonds, amide carbonyl, and iron (oxyhydr)oxides as the major components of the coatings. This nanobiohybrid system appeared to impart a strong (×2) biofunctionality for fungal degradation of bisphenol A through altering molecular-level trade-offs between lattice oxygen and oxygen vacancy. Together, fungal coatings could act as "artificial spores", which enable fungi to combat physical and chemical stresses in natural environments, providing crucial insights into fungal biomineralization and coevolution of the Earth's lithosphere and biosphere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Lai Chi
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- College of Resources & Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Guang-Hui Yu
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - H Henry Teng
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Department of Chemistry, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia 20006, United States
| | - Hai-Gang Liu
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Canadian Light Source Inc., University of Saskatchewan, 44 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 2V3, Canada
| | - Cong-Qiang Liu
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Qi-Rong Shen
- College of Resources & Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Geoffrey Michael Gadd
- Geomicrobiology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, U.K
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, Beijing Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Pollution Control, College of Chemical Engineering and Environment, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Integrative metabolic flux analysis reveals an indispensable dimension of phenotypes. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 75:102701. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
31
|
Complete genome sequence of Pseudomonas stutzeri S116 owning bifunctional catalysis provides insights into affecting performance of microbial fuel cells. BMC Microbiol 2022; 22:137. [PMID: 35590268 PMCID: PMC9118636 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02552-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pseudomonas stutzeri S116 is a sulfur-oxidizing bacteria isolated from marine sludge. It exhibited excellent electricity generation as bioanode and biocathode applied in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Complete genome sequencing of P. stutzeri and cyclic voltammetry method were performed to reveal its mechanism in microbial fuel cells system. Results This study indicated that the MFCs generated a maximum output voltage of 254.2 mV and 226.0 mV, and maximum power density of 765 mW/m2 and 656.6 mW/m2 respectively. Complete genome sequencing of P. stutzeri S116 was performed to indicate that most function genes showed high similarities with P. stutzeri, and its primary annotations were associated with energy production and conversion (6.84%), amino acid transport and metabolism (6.82%) and inorganic ion transport and metabolism (6.77%). Homology of 36 genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation was detected, which suggests the strain S116 possesses an integrated electron transport chain. Additionally, many genes encoding pilus-assembly proteins and redox mediators (riboflavin and phenazine) were detected in the databases. Thiosulfate oxidization and dissimilatory nitrate reduction were annotated in the sulfur metabolism pathway and nitrogen metabolism pathway, respectively. Gene function analysis and cyclic voltammetry indicated that P. stutzeri probably possesses cellular machinery such as cytochrome c and redox mediators and can perform extracellular electron transfer and produce electricity in MFCs. Conclusion The redox mediators secreted by P. stutzeri S116 were probably responsible for performance of MFCs. The critical genes and metabolic pathways involved in thiosulfate oxide and nitrate reduction were detected, which indicated that the strain can treat wastewater containing sulfide and nitrite efficiently. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-022-02552-8.
Collapse
|
32
|
Scarabotti F, Bühler K, Schmidt M, Harnisch F. Thickness and roughness of transparent gold-palladium anodes have no impact on growth kinetics and yield coefficients of early-stage Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 144:108043. [PMID: 34959027 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.108043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Geobacter sulfurreducens is the model organism for electroactive microorganisms performing direct extracellular electron transfer and forming thick mature biofilm electrodes. Although numerous physiological properties of mature biofilm electrodes are deciphered, there is an extensive gap of knowledge on the early-stage biofilm formation. We have shown recently that transparent gold-palladium (AuPd) electrodes allow for analysis of early-stage biofilm formation using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Here we analysed the influence of thickness (ranging from 12.5 to 200 nm) and roughness of AuPd electrodes on physiological parameters of G. sulfurreducens early-stage biofilms. We show that when grown potentiostatically at -200 mV vs. Ag/ AgCl sat. KCl neither maximum current density (jmax of ∼ 80-150 µA cm-2) nor lag time (lag t of ∼ 0.2-0.4 days) or single cell yield coefficients (YNe of 1.43 × 1012 cells mole--1) of the biofilms are influenced by the electrode preparation. This confirms the robustness of the experimental approach, which is an inevitable prerequisite for obtaining reliable results in follow-up experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Scarabotti
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katja Bühler
- Department Solar Materials, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias Schmidt
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Falk Harnisch
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Subirana MA, Riemschneider S, Hause G, Dobritzsch D, Schaumlöffel D, Herzberg M. High spatial resolution imaging of subcellular macro and trace element distribution during phagocytosis. Metallomics 2022; 14:6530650. [PMID: 35179212 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfac011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The bioavailability of trace elements in the course of evolution had an essential influence on the emergence of life itself. This is reflected in the co-evolution between eukaryotes and prokaryotes. In this study, the influence and cellular distribution of bioelements during phagocytosis at the host-pathogen interface was investigated using high-resolution nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) and quantitative inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In the eukaryotic murine macrophages (RAW 264.7 cell line), the cellular Fe / Zn ratio was found to be balanced, whereas the dominance of iron in the prokaryotic cells of the pathogen Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis was about 90% compared to zinc. This confirms the evolutionary increased zinc requirement of the eukaryotic animal cell. Using NanoSIMS, the Cs+ primary ion source allowed high spatial resolution mapping of cell morphology down to subcellular level. At a comparable resolution, several low abundant trace elements could be mapped during phagocytosis with a RF plasma O- primary ion source. An enrichment of copper and nickel could be detected in the prokaryotic cells. Surprisingly, an accumulation of cobalt in the area of nuclear envelope was observed indicating an interesting but still unknown distribution of this trace element in murine macrophages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Angels Subirana
- CNRS, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux (IPREM), UMR 5254, 64000 Pau, France
| | - Sina Riemschneider
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gerd Hause
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Biozentrum, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Dirk Dobritzsch
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Core Facility - Proteomic Mass Spectrometry, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Dirk Schaumlöffel
- CNRS, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux (IPREM), UMR 5254, 64000 Pau, France.,Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Mklukho-Maklaya str. 6, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Martin Herzberg
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute for Biology/Microbiology, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Jo J, Price-Whelan A, Dietrich LEP. Gradients and consequences of heterogeneity in biofilms. Nat Rev Microbiol 2022; 20:593-607. [PMID: 35149841 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-022-00692-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Historically, appreciation for the roles of resource gradients in biology has fluctuated inversely to the popularity of genetic mechanisms. Nevertheless, in microbiology specifically, widespread recognition of the multicellular lifestyle has recently brought new emphasis to the importance of resource gradients. Most microorganisms grow in assemblages such as biofilms or spatially constrained communities with gradients that influence, and are influenced by, metabolism. In this Review, we discuss examples of gradient formation and physiological differentiation in microbial assemblages growing in diverse settings. We highlight consequences of physiological heterogeneity in microbial assemblages, including division of labour and increased resistance to stress. Our impressions of microbial behaviour in various ecosystems are not complete without complementary maps of the chemical and physical geographies that influence cellular activities. A holistic view, incorporating these geographies and the genetically encoded functions that operate within them, will be essential for understanding microbial assemblages in their many roles and potential applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanyoung Jo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexa Price-Whelan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lars E P Dietrich
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Amirdehi MA, Gong L, Khodaparastasgarabad N, Sonawane JM, Logan BE, Greener J. Hydrodynamic interventions and measurement protocols to quantify and mitigate power overshoot in microbial fuel cells using microfluidics. Electrochim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.139771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
36
|
Chi ZL, Yu GH, Kappler A, Liu CQ, Gadd GM. Fungal-Mineral Interactions Modulating Intrinsic Peroxidase-like Activity of Iron Nanoparticles: Implications for the Biogeochemical Cycles of Nutrient Elements and Attenuation of Contaminants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:672-680. [PMID: 34905360 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fungal-mediated extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential for biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and contaminants in terrestrial environments. These ROS levels may be modulated by iron nanoparticles that possess intrinsic peroxidase (POD)-like activity (nanozymes). However, it remains largely undescribed how fungi modulate the POD-like activity of the iron nanoparticles with various crystallinities and crystal facets. Using well-controlled fungal-mineral cultivation experiments, here, we showed that fungi possessed a robust defect engineering strategy to modulate the POD-like activity of the attached iron minerals by decreasing the catalytic activity of poorly ordered ferrihydrite but enhancing that of well-crystallized hematite. The dynamics of POD-like activity were found to reside in molecular trade-offs between lattice oxygen and oxygen vacancies in the iron nanoparticles, which may be located in a cytoprotective fungal exoskeleton. Together, our findings unveil coupled POD-like activity and oxygen redox dynamics during fungal-mineral interactions, which increase the understanding of the catalytic mechanisms of POD-like nanozymes and microbial-mediated biogeochemical cycles of nutrient elements as well as the attenuation of contaminants in terrestrial environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Lai Chi
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Earth Critical Zone Science and Sustainable Development in Bohai Rim, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for Organic Solid Waste Utilization, College of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Guang-Hui Yu
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Earth Critical Zone Science and Sustainable Development in Bohai Rim, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Andreas Kappler
- Geomicrobiology, Centre for Applied Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Cong-Qiang Liu
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Earth Critical Zone Science and Sustainable Development in Bohai Rim, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Geoffrey Michael Gadd
- Geomicrobiology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, U.K
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, Beijing Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Pollution Control, College of Chemical Engineering and Environment, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
High-resolution imaging with secondary ion mass spectrometry (nanoSIMS) has become a standard method in systems biology and environmental biogeochemistry and is broadly used to decipher ecophysiological traits of environmental microorganisms, metabolic processes in plant and animal tissues, and cross-kingdom symbioses. When combined with stable isotope-labeling-an approach we refer to as nanoSIP-nanoSIMS imaging offers a distinctive means to quantify net assimilation rates and stoichiometry of individual cell-sized particles in both low- and high-complexity environments. While the majority of nanoSIP studies in environmental and microbial biology have focused on nitrogen and carbon metabolism (using 15N and 13C tracers), multiple advances have pushed the capabilities of this approach in the past decade. The development of a high-brightness oxygen ion source has enabled high-resolution metal analyses that are easier to perform, allowing quantification of metal distribution in cells and environmental particles. New preparation methods, tools for automated data extraction from large data sets, and analytical approaches that push the limits of sensitivity and spatial resolution have allowed for more robust characterization of populations ranging from marine archaea to fungi and viruses. NanoSIMS studies continue to be enhanced by correlation with orthogonal imaging and 'omics approaches; when linked to molecular visualization methods, such as in situ hybridization and antibody labeling, these techniques enable in situ function to be linked to microbial identity and gene expression. Here we present an updated description of the primary materials, methods, and calculations used for nanoSIP, with an emphasis on recent advances in nanoSIMS applications, key methodological steps, and potential pitfalls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Pett-Ridge
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Physical and Life Science Directorate, Livermore, CA, USA.
| | - Peter K Weber
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Physical and Life Science Directorate, Livermore, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zhang H, Lu Y, Li Y, Wang C, Yu Y, Zhang W, Wang L, Niu L, Zhang C. Propelling the practical application of the intimate coupling of photocatalysis and biodegradation system: System amelioration, environmental influences and analytical strategies. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:132196. [PMID: 34517239 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The intimate coupling of photocatalysis and biodegradation (ICPB) possesses an enhanced ability of recalcitrant contaminant removal and energy generation, owing to the compact communication between biotic components and photocatalysts during the system operation. The photocatalysts in the ICPB system could dispose of noxious contaminants to relieve the external pressure on microorganisms which could realize the mineralization of the photocatalytic degradation products. However, due to the complex components in the composite system, the mechanism of the ICPB system has not been completely understood. Moreover, the variable environmental conditions would play a significant role in the ICPB system performance. The further development of the ICPB scheme requires clarification on how to reach an accurate understanding of the system condition during the practical application. This review starts by offering detailed information on the system construction and recent progress in the system components' amelioration. We then describe the potential influences of relevant environmental factors on the system performance, and the analytical strategies applicable for comprehending the critical processes during the system operation are further summarized. Finally, we put forward the research gaps in the current system and envision the system's prospective application. This review provides a valuable reference for future researches that are devoted to assessing the environmental disturbance and exploring the reaction mechanisms during the practical application of the ICPB system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huanjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Xikang Road #1, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Yin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Xikang Road #1, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Xikang Road #1, Nanjing, 210098, PR China.
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Xueyuan Road #1088, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China.
| | - Yanan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Xikang Road #1, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Wenlong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Xikang Road #1, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Longfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Xikang Road #1, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Lihua Niu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Xikang Road #1, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Xikang Road #1, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Hu Y, Wang Y, Han X, Shan Y, Li F, Shi L. Biofilm Biology and Engineering of Geobacter and Shewanella spp. for Energy Applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:786416. [PMID: 34926431 PMCID: PMC8683041 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.786416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Geobacter and Shewanella spp. were discovered in late 1980s as dissimilatory metal-reducing microorganisms that can transfer electrons from cytoplasmic respiratory oxidation reactions to external metal-containing minerals. In addition to mineral-based electron acceptors, Geobacter and Shewanella spp. also can transfer electrons to electrodes. The microorganisms that have abilities to transfer electrons to electrodes are known as exoelectrogens. Because of their remarkable abilities of electron transfer, Geobacter and Shewanella spp. have been the two most well studied groups of exoelectrogens. They are widely used in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) for various biotechnological applications, such as bioelectricity generation via microbial fuel cells. These applications mostly associate with Geobacter and Shewanella biofilms grown on the surfaces of electrodes. Geobacter and Shewanella biofilms are electrically conductive, which is conferred by matrix-associated electroactive components such as c-type cytochromes and electrically conductive nanowires. The thickness and electroactivity of Geobacter and Shewanella biofilms have a significant impact on electron transfer efficiency in BESs. In this review, we first briefly discuss the roles of planktonic and biofilm-forming Geobacter and Shewanella cells in BESs, and then review biofilm biology with the focus on biofilm development, biofilm matrix, heterogeneity in biofilm and signaling regulatory systems mediating formation of Geobacter and Shewanella biofilms. Finally, we discuss strategies of Geobacter and Shewanella biofilm engineering for improving electron transfer efficiency to obtain enhanced BES performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yidan Hu
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yinghui Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Han
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yawei Shan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Li
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Liang Shi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China.,State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Metagenomic and Metatranscriptomic Characterization of a Microbial Community That Catalyzes Both Energy-Generating and Energy-Storing Electrode Reactions. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0167621. [PMID: 34613754 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01676-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroactive bacteria are living catalysts, mediating energy-generating reactions at anodes or energy storage reactions at cathodes via extracellular electron transfer (EET). The Cathode-ANode (CANode) biofilm community was recently shown to facilitate both reactions; however, the identities of the primary constituents and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we used metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to characterize the CANode biofilm. We show that a previously uncharacterized member of the family Desulfobulbaceae, Desulfobulbaceae-2, which had <1% relative abundance, had the highest relative gene expression and accounted for over 60% of all differentially expressed genes. At the anode potential, differential expression of genes for a conserved flavin oxidoreductase (Flx) and heterodisulfide reductase (Hdr) known to be involved in ethanol oxidation suggests a source of electrons for the energy-generating reaction. Genes for sulfate and carbon dioxide reduction pathways were expressed by Desulfobulbaceae-2 at both potentials and are the proposed energy storage reactions. Reduction reactions may be mediated by direct electron uptake from the electrode or from hydrogen generated at the cathode potential. The Desulfobulbaceae-2 genome is predicted to encode at least 85 multiheme (≥3 hemes) c-type cytochromes, some with as many as 26 heme-binding domains, that could facilitate reversible electron transfer with the electrode. Gene expression in other CANode biofilm species was also affected by the electrode potential, although to a lesser extent, and we cannot rule out their contribution to observed current. Results provide evidence of gene expression linked to energy storage and energy-generating reactions and will enable development of the CANode biofilm as a microbially driven rechargeable battery. IMPORTANCE Microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) rely on electroactive bacteria to catalyze energy-generating and energy storage reactions at electrodes. Known electroactive bacteria are not equally capable of both reactions, and METs are typically configured to be unidirectional. Here, we report on genomic and transcriptomic characterization of a recently described microbial electrode community called the Cathode-ANode (CANode). The CANode community is able to generate or store electrical current based on the electrode potential. During periods where energy is not needed, electrons generated from a renewable source, such as solar power, could be converted into energy storage compounds to later be reversibly oxidized by the same microbial catalyst. Thus, the CANode system can be thought of as a living "rechargeable battery." Results show that a single organism may be responsible for both reactions demonstrating a new paradigm for electroactive bacteria.
Collapse
|
41
|
Cai W, Wang B, Liu W, Yao H, Deng Y, Wang A. Sessile methanogens dominated cathodic biofilm: Distribution and network in physiological transitions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 795:148724. [PMID: 34237534 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A mature cathodic biofilm plays the key role in biocathode electron transfer. The physiological transitions of it were of great interests as the sessile and dispersed (planktonic) work in a balance while it is still lack of understanding. In this study, an improved sampling method was used for detecting sessile, detached, and dispersed microorganisms. The results indicated a certain number of methanogens (82.6%) and its associated phyla (60%-90%) are immobilized as sessile biofilm. The Tax4Fun predicted a lower abundance of mobility associated genes and a significant enrichment (t-test, P = 0.003) of c-di-GMP in sessile biofilm. Overall, the microbial interaction and motility were predicted as two factors to affect the physiological transitions of cathodic biofilm. This finding could shed a light on the investigation of cathodic biofilm in a dynamic transition rather than a static community, playing a pivotal role in understanding the relation between specific property of biofilm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Cai
- School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology (SKLUWRE, HIT), Harbin 150090, China
| | - Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology (SKLUWRE, HIT), Harbin 150090, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Prevention and Control, Environmental Science and Engineering Research Center, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wenzong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology (SKLUWRE, HIT), Harbin 150090, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Prevention and Control, Environmental Science and Engineering Research Center, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Hong Yao
- School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Ye Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Aijie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology (SKLUWRE, HIT), Harbin 150090, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Prevention and Control, Environmental Science and Engineering Research Center, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Aiyer K, Doyle LE. Capturing the signal of weak electricigens: a worthy endeavour. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 40:564-575. [PMID: 34696916 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.10.002] [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: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Recently several non-traditional electroactive microorganisms have been discovered. These can be considered weak electricigens; microorganisms that typically rely on soluble electron acceptors and donors in their lifecycle but are also capable of extracellular electron transfer (EET), resulting in either a low, unreliable, or otherwise unexpected current. These unanticipated electroactive microorganisms represent a new chapter in electromicrobiology and have important medical, environmental, and biotechnological relevance. As such, it is essential to continue the momentum of their discovery. However, their study poses unique challenges due to their low current output. Capturing their signal necessitates novel approaches including unconventional electrode choice, the use of sensitive electrochemical techniques, and modifications of conventional experiments that use bioelectrochemical systems (BES).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kartik Aiyer
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, G5WV+9H9, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi 110016, India
| | - Lucinda E Doyle
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, G5WV+9H9, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi 110016, India.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Yang G, Mai Q, Zhuang Z, Zhuang L. Buffer capacity regulates the stratification of anode-respiring biofilm during brewery wastewater treatment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 201:111572. [PMID: 34186084 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Improving the buffer capacity of the electrolyte can enhance the anode performance in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). To elucidate the mechanism underlying the facilitated BESs performance, this study used three different anode biofilms cultured with different concentrations of phosphate buffer (5, 50 and 100 mM) to investigate the biofilm response, in terms of the spatial structure of metabolic activity and microbial community, to different buffer capacities. Results showed that the electrochemical activities of the anode biofilms positively correlated with the buffer concentration. The spatial stratification of metabolic activity and microbial community of the anode biofilms were regulated by the buffer capacity, and the spatial microbial heterogeneity of the anode biofilm decreased as the buffer concentration increased. With increasing buffer capacity, Geobacter spp. were enriched in both the inner and outer layers of the biofilm, and the inhibition of methanogens growth improved the COD removal attributed to anode respiration. Additionally, the stimulation of EPS production in biofilms played a role in increasing the electrochemical performance of biofilms by buffer improvement. This study first revealed the regulation of buffer capacity on the stratification of anode biofilm during brewery wastewater treatment, which provided a deep insight into the relation of biofilm structure to its electrochemical properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guiqin Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Qijun Mai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zheng Zhuang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Li Zhuang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Scaling of joint mass and metabolism fluctuations in in silico cell-laden spheroids. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2025211118. [PMID: 34526399 PMCID: PMC8463845 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2025211118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Allometric scaling has many applications, from the prediction of pharmacokinetics in animals and humans to the probing of ecosystem dynamics. Most studies have neglected to account for variations and fluctuations, although they are intrinsic features of all biological systems. To understand how metabolic scaling emerges in the presence of variations, we developed computer-generated models of cell-laden spheroids to define the experimental size range of cell cultures with quantifiable similitudes in terms of fluctuations and metabolic scaling with living organisms. We show that the estimates of scaling exponents may change with increasing variability in both mass and metabolic rate. The computational pipeline described underpins the sound design of statistically meaningful cell-based models, with impacts in both biomedical science and ecology. Variations and fluctuations are characteristic features of biological systems and are also manifested in cell cultures. Here, we describe a computational pipeline for identifying the range of three-dimensional (3D) cell-aggregate sizes in which nonisometric scaling emerges in the presence of joint mass and metabolic rate fluctuations. The 3D cell-laden spheroids with size and single-cell metabolic rates described by probability density functions were randomly generated in silico. The distributions of the resulting metabolic rates of the spheroids were computed by modeling oxygen diffusion and reaction. Then, a method for estimating scaling exponents of correlated variables through statistically significant data collapse of joint probability distributions was developed. The method was used to identify a physiologically relevant range of spheroid sizes, where both nonisometric scaling and a minimum oxygen concentration (0.04 mol⋅m−3) is maintained. The in silico pipeline described enables the prediction of the number of experiments needed for an acceptable collapse and, thus, a consistent estimate of scaling parameters. Using the pipeline, we also show that scaling exponents may be significantly different in the presence of joint mass and metabolic-rate variations typically found in cells. Our study highlights the importance of incorporating fluctuations and variability in size and metabolic rates when estimating scaling exponents. It also suggests the need for taking into account their covariations for better understanding and interpreting experimental observations both in vitro and in vivo and brings insights for the design of more predictive and physiologically relevant in vitro models.
Collapse
|
45
|
Shi H, Grodner B, De Vlaminck I. Recent advances in tools to map the microbiome. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2021; 19:100289. [PMID: 34151052 PMCID: PMC8208594 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2021.100289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Microbes thrive in diverse habitats. They often form ecological niches with rich species diversity and complex spatial structure. These communities drive biogeochemical cycles in the environment and modulate host health in the human body. Much has been learned about the makeup of human and environmental microbiota via metagenomic DNA sequencing, but information on spatial interactions between microbes and between microbes and their environment remains scarce. Here, we review recent advances in tools to map the biogeography of microbiomes. We discuss methods to spatially map microbial genes, transcripts, and metabolites. We also examine future directions for microbiome mapping technologies that will allow improved understanding of both microbiome structure and function. Finally, we reflect on the impact of these methods in Biomedical Engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Shi
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin Grodner
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Iwijn De Vlaminck
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Joshi K, Chan CH, Bond DR. Geobacter sulfurreducens inner membrane cytochrome CbcBA controls electron transfer and growth yield near the energetic limit of respiration. Mol Microbiol 2021; 116:1124-1139. [PMID: 34423503 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Geobacter sulfurreducens utilizes extracellular electron acceptors such as Mn(IV), Fe(III), syntrophic partners, and electrodes that vary from +0.4 to -0.3 V versus standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), representing a potential energy span that should require a highly branched electron transfer chain. Here we describe CbcBA, a bc-type cytochrome essential near the thermodynamic limit of respiration when acetate is the electron donor. Mutants-lacking cbcBA ceased Fe(III) reduction at -0.21 V versus SHE, could not transfer electrons to electrodes between -0.21 and -0.28 V, and could not reduce the final 10%-35% of Fe(III) minerals. As redox potential decreased during Fe(III) reduction, cbcBA was induced with the aid of the regulator BccR to become one of the most highly expressed genes in G. sulfurreducens. Growth yield (CFU/mM Fe(II)) was 112% of WT in ∆cbcBA, and deletion of cbcL (an unrelated bc-cytochrome essential near -0.15 V) in ΔcbcBA increased yield to 220%. Together with ImcH, which is required at high redox potentials, CbcBA represents a third cytoplasmic membrane oxidoreductase in G. sulfurreducens. This expanding list shows how metal-reducing bacteria may constantly sense redox potential to adjust growth efficiency in changing environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Komal Joshi
- The BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Chi Ho Chan
- The BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Daniel R Bond
- The BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Dar D, Dar N, Cai L, Newman DK. Spatial transcriptomics of planktonic and sessile bacterial populations at single-cell resolution. Science 2021; 373:373/6556/eabi4882. [PMID: 34385369 DOI: 10.1126/science.abi4882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Capturing the heterogeneous phenotypes of microbial populations at relevant spatiotemporal scales is highly challenging. Here, we present par-seqFISH (parallel sequential fluorescence in situ hybridization), a transcriptome-imaging approach that records gene expression and spatial context within microscale assemblies at a single-cell and molecule resolution. We applied this approach to the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, analyzing about 600,000 individuals across dozens of conditions in planktonic and biofilm cultures. We identified numerous metabolic- and virulence-related transcriptional states that emerged dynamically during planktonic growth, as well as highly spatially resolved metabolic heterogeneity in sessile populations. Our data reveal that distinct physiological states can coexist within the same biofilm just several micrometers away, underscoring the importance of the microenvironment. Our results illustrate the complex dynamics of microbial populations and present a new way of studying them at high resolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Dar
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.,Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Nina Dar
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Long Cai
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
| | - Dianne K Newman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA. .,Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Evidence of a Streamlined Extracellular Electron Transfer Pathway from Biofilm Structure, Metabolic Stratification, and Long-Range Electron Transfer Parameters. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0070621. [PMID: 34190605 PMCID: PMC8357294 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00706-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A strain of Geobacter sulfurreducens, an organism capable of respiring solid extracellular substrates, lacking four of five outer membrane cytochrome complexes (extABCD+ strain) grows faster and produces greater current density than the wild type grown under identical conditions. To understand cellular and biofilm modifications in the extABCD+ strain responsible for this increased performance, biofilms grown using electrodes as terminal electron acceptors were sectioned and imaged using electron microscopy to determine changes in thickness and cell density, while parallel biofilms incubated in the presence of nitrogen and carbon isotopes were analyzed using NanoSIMS (nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry) to quantify and localize anabolic activity. Long-distance electron transfer parameters were measured for wild-type and extABCD+ biofilms spanning 5-μm gaps. Our results reveal that extABCD+ biofilms achieved higher current densities through the additive effects of denser cell packing close to the electrode (based on electron microscopy), combined with higher metabolic rates per cell compared to the wild type (based on increased rates of 15N incorporation). We also observed an increased rate of electron transfer through extABCD+ versus wild-type biofilms, suggesting that denser biofilms resulting from the deletion of unnecessary multiheme cytochromes streamline electron transfer to electrodes. The combination of imaging, physiological, and electrochemical data confirms that engineered electrogenic bacteria are capable of producing more current per cell and, in combination with higher biofilm density and electron diffusion rates, can produce a higher final current density than the wild type. IMPORTANCE Current-producing biofilms in microbial electrochemical systems could potentially sustain technologies ranging from wastewater treatment to bioproduction of electricity if the maximum current produced could be increased and current production start-up times after inoculation could be reduced. Enhancing the current output of microbial electrochemical systems has been mostly approached by engineering physical components of reactors and electrodes. Here, we show that biofilms formed by a Geobacter sulfurreducens strain producing ∼1.4× higher current than the wild type results from a combination of denser cell packing and higher anabolic activity, enabled by an increased rate of electron diffusion through the biofilms. Our results confirm that it is possible to engineer electrode-specific G. sulfurreducens strains with both faster growth on electrodes and streamlined electron transfer pathways for enhanced current production.
Collapse
|
49
|
Wong GCL, Antani JD, Lele PP, Chen J, Nan B, Kühn MJ, Persat A, Bru JL, Høyland-Kroghsbo NM, Siryaporn A, Conrad JC, Carrara F, Yawata Y, Stocker R, Brun YV, Whitfield GB, Lee CK, de Anda J, Schmidt WC, Golestanian R, O’Toole GA, Floyd KA, Yildiz FH, Yang S, Jin F, Toyofuku M, Eberl L, Nomura N, Zacharoff LA, El-Naggar MY, Yalcin SE, Malvankar NS, Rojas-Andrade MD, Hochbaum AI, Yan J, Stone HA, Wingreen NS, Bassler BL, Wu Y, Xu H, Drescher K, Dunkel J. Roadmap on emerging concepts in the physical biology of bacterial biofilms: from surface sensing to community formation. Phys Biol 2021; 18:10.1088/1478-3975/abdc0e. [PMID: 33462162 PMCID: PMC8506656 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/abdc0e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are communities of bacteria that exist as aggregates that can adhere to surfaces or be free-standing. This complex, social mode of cellular organization is fundamental to the physiology of microbes and often exhibits surprising behavior. Bacterial biofilms are more than the sum of their parts: single-cell behavior has a complex relation to collective community behavior, in a manner perhaps cognate to the complex relation between atomic physics and condensed matter physics. Biofilm microbiology is a relatively young field by biology standards, but it has already attracted intense attention from physicists. Sometimes, this attention takes the form of seeing biofilms as inspiration for new physics. In this roadmap, we highlight the work of those who have taken the opposite strategy: we highlight the work of physicists and physical scientists who use physics to engage fundamental concepts in bacterial biofilm microbiology, including adhesion, sensing, motility, signaling, memory, energy flow, community formation and cooperativity. These contributions are juxtaposed with microbiologists who have made recent important discoveries on bacterial biofilms using state-of-the-art physical methods. The contributions to this roadmap exemplify how well physics and biology can be combined to achieve a new synthesis, rather than just a division of labor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerard C L Wong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California—Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, CA 90095, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California—Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, CA 90095, United States of America
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California—Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, CA 90095, United States of America
| | - Jyot D Antani
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States of America
| | - Pushkar P Lele
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States of America
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA24061, United States of America
| | - Beiyan Nan
- Department of Biology, Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas, TX 77845, United States of America
| | - Marco J Kühn
- Institute of Bioengineering and Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Persat
- Institute of Bioengineering and Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Louis Bru
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California—Irvine, California, CA 92697, United States of America
| | | | - Albert Siryaporn
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California—Irvine, California, CA 92697, United States of America
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of California—Irvine, California, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Jacinta C Conrad
- William A Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, TX 77204, United States of America
| | - Francesco Carrara
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yutaka Yawata
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
- Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability, University of Tsukuba, 305-8572 Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Roman Stocker
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yves V Brun
- University of Montreal, Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Gregory B Whitfield
- University of Montreal, Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Calvin K Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California—Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, CA 90095, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California—Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, CA 90095, United States of America
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California—Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, CA 90095, United States of America
| | - Jaime de Anda
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California—Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, CA 90095, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California—Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, CA 90095, United States of America
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California—Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, CA 90095, United States of America
| | - William C Schmidt
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California—Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, CA 90095, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California—Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, CA 90095, United States of America
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California—Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, CA 90095, United States of America
| | - Ramin Golestanian
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPIDS), D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Rudolf Peierls Centre for Theoretical Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
| | - George A O’Toole
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, United States of America
| | - Kyle A Floyd
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California—Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, CA 95060, United States of America
| | - Fitnat H Yildiz
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California—Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, CA 95060, United States of America
| | - Shuai Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fan Jin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Masanori Toyofuku
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
- Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability, University of Tsukuba, 305-8572 Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Leo Eberl
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zürich, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nobuhiko Nomura
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
- Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability, University of Tsukuba, 305-8572 Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Lori A Zacharoff
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, CA 90089, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, CA 90089, United States of America
| | - Mohamed Y El-Naggar
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, CA 90089, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, CA 90089, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, CA 90089, United States of America
| | - Sibel Ebru Yalcin
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, CT 06516, United States of America
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, CT 06516, United States of America
| | - Nikhil S Malvankar
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, CT 06516, United States of America
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, CT 06516, United States of America
| | - Mauricio D Rojas-Andrade
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California—Irvine, Irvine, California CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Allon I Hochbaum
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California—Irvine, California, CA 92697, United States of America
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California—Irvine, Irvine, California CA 92697, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, University of California—Irvine, Irvine, California, CA 92697, United States of America
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California—Irvine, Irvine, California, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Jing Yan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, CT 06511, United States of America
| | - Howard A Stone
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, NJ 08544, United States of America
| | - Ned S Wingreen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, NJ 08544, United States of America
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, NJ 08544, United States of America
| | - Bonnie L Bassler
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, NJ 08544, United States of America
- The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland MD 20815, United States of America
| | - Yilin Wu
- Department of Physics and Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haoran Xu
- Department of Physics and Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Knut Drescher
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Department of Physics, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jörn Dunkel
- Department of Mathematics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139-4307, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Hydrogen peroxide in bioelectrochemical systems negatively affects microbial current generation. J APPL ELECTROCHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10800-021-01586-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|