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Shimizu T, Inui M. Novel aspects of ethylene glycol catabolism. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:369. [PMID: 38861200 PMCID: PMC11166783 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13179-2] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Ethylene glycol (EG) is an industrially important two-carbon diol used as a solvent, antifreeze agent, and building block of polymers such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Recently, the use of EG as a starting material for the production of bio-fuels or bio-chemicals is gaining attention as a sustainable process since EG can be derived from materials not competing with human food stocks including CO2, syngas, lignocellulolytic biomass, and PET waste. In order to design and construct microbial process for the conversion of EG to value-added chemicals, microbes capable of catabolizing EG such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida, Rhodococcus jostii, Ideonella sakaiensis, Paracoccus denitrificans, and Acetobacterium woodii are candidates of chassis for the construction of synthetic pathways. In this mini-review, we describe EG catabolic pathways and catabolic enzymes in these microbes, and further review recent advances in microbial conversion of EG to value-added chemicals by means of metabolic engineering. KEY POINTS: • Ethylene glycol is a potential next-generation feedstock for sustainable industry. • Microbial conversion of ethylene glycol to value-added chemicals is gaining attention. • Ethylene glycol-utilizing microbes are useful as chassis for synthetic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsu Shimizu
- Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth, 9-2, Kizugawadai, Kizugawa-shi, Kyoto, 619-0292, Japan
| | - Masayuki Inui
- Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth, 9-2, Kizugawadai, Kizugawa-shi, Kyoto, 619-0292, Japan.
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma, 630-0192, Japan.
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2
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Yang J, Li Z, Xu Q, Liu W, Gao S, Qin P, Chen Z, Wang A. Towards carbon neutrality: Sustainable recycling and upcycling strategies and mechanisms for polyethylene terephthalate via biotic/abiotic pathways. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH 2024; 3:117-130. [PMID: 38638172 PMCID: PMC11021832 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), one of the most ubiquitous engineering plastics, presents both environmental challenges and opportunities for carbon neutrality and a circular economy. This review comprehensively addressed the latest developments in biotic and abiotic approaches for PET recycling/upcycling. Biotically, microbial depolymerization of PET, along with the biosynthesis of reclaimed monomers [terephthalic acid (TPA), ethylene glycol (EG)] to value-added products, presents an alternative for managing PET waste and enables CO2 reduction. Abiotically, thermal treatments (i.e., hydrolysis, glycolysis, methanolysis, etc.) and photo/electrocatalysis, enabled by catalysis advances, can depolymerize or convert PET/PET monomers in a more flexible, simple, fast, and controllable manner. Tandem abiotic/biotic catalysis offers great potential for PET upcycling to generate commodity chemicals and alternative materials, ideally at lower energy inputs, greenhouse gas emissions, and costs, compared to virgin polymer fabrication. Remarkably, over 25 types of upgraded PET products (e.g., adipic acid, muconic acid, catechol, vanillin, and glycolic acid, etc.) have been identified, underscoring the potential of PET upcycling in diverse applications. Efforts can be made to develop chemo-catalytic depolymerization of PET, improve microbial depolymerization of PET (e.g., hydrolysis efficiency, enzymatic activity, thermal and pH level stability, etc.), as well as identify new microorganisms or hydrolases capable of degrading PET through computational and machine learning algorithms. Consequently, this review provides a roadmap for advancing PET recycling and upcycling technologies, which hold the potential to shape the future of PET waste management and contribute to the preservation of our ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Yang
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhiling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Qiongying Xu
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wenzong Liu
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shuhong Gao
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Peiwu Qin
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhenglin Chen
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Aijie Wang
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
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3
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Du H, Cheng JL, Li ZY, Zhong HN, Wei S, Gu YJ, Yao CC, Zhang M, Cai QY, Zhao HM, Mo CH. Molecular insights into the catabolism of dibutyl phthalate in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PS1 based on biochemical and multi-omics approaches. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171852. [PMID: 38518818 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying microbial catabolism of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is still lacking. Here, we newly isolated a bacterial strain identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa PS1 with high efficiency of DBP degradation. The degradation ratios of DBP at 100-1000 mg/L by this strain reached 80-99 % within 72 h without a lag phase. A rare DBP-degradation pathway containing two monobutyl phthalate-catabolism steps was proposed based on intermediates identified by HPLC-TOF-MS/MS. In combination with genomic and transcriptomic analyses, we identified 66 key genes involved in DBP biodegradation and revealed the genetic basis for a new complete catabolic pathway from DBP to Succinyl-CoA or Acetyl-CoA in the genus Pseudomonas for the first time. Notably, we found that a series of homologous genes in Pht and Pca clusters were simultaneously activated under DBP exposure and some key intermediate degradation related gene clusters including Pht, Pca, Xyl, Ben, and Cat exhibited a favorable coexisting pattern, which contributed the high-efficient DBP degradation ability and strong adaptability to this strain. Overall, these results broaden the knowledge of the catabolic diversity of DBP in microorganisms and enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying DBP biodegradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Du
- Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, No. 66 Huacheng Avenue, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510623, China; Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Center for Statistical Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ji-Liang Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Yong Li
- Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, No. 66 Huacheng Avenue, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Huai-Ning Zhong
- Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, No. 66 Huacheng Avenue, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Shuang Wei
- Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, No. 66 Huacheng Avenue, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Yu-Juan Gu
- Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, No. 66 Huacheng Avenue, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Can-Can Yao
- Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, No. 66 Huacheng Avenue, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Miaoyue Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Quan-Ying Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Hai-Ming Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Ce-Hui Mo
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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4
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Armijo-Galdames B, Sadler JC. One-Pot Biosynthesis of Acetone from Waste Poly(hydroxybutyrate). ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2024; 12:7748-7756. [PMID: 38783840 PMCID: PMC11110063 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c00357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The plastic waste crisis is catalyzing change across the plastics life cycle. Central to this is increased production and application of bioplastics and biodegradable plastics. In particular, poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a biodegradable bioplastic that can be produced from various renewable and waste feedstocks and is a promising alternative to some petrochemical-derived and non-biodegradable plastics. Despite its advantages, PHB biodegradation depends on environmental conditions, and the effects of degradation into microplastics, oligomers, and the 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB) monomer on soil microbiomes are unknown. We hypothesized that the ease of PHB biodegradation renders this next-generation plastic an ideal feedstock for microbial recycling into platform chemicals currently produced from fossil fuels. To demonstrate this, we report the one-pot degradation and recycling of PHB into acetone using a single strain of engineered Escherichia coli. Following strain development and initial bioprocess optimization, we report maximum titers of 123 mM acetone (7 g/L) from commercial PHB granules after 24 h fermentation at 30 °C. We further report biorecycling of an authentic sample of post-consumer PHB waste at a preparative scale. This is the first demonstration of biological recycling of PHB into a second-generation chemical, and it demonstrates next-generation plastic waste as a novel feedstock for the circular bioeconomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamín
O. Armijo-Galdames
- Institute of Quantitative
Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Roger Land Building, Alexander Crum
Brown Road, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, U.K.
| | - Joanna C. Sadler
- Institute of Quantitative
Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Roger Land Building, Alexander Crum
Brown Road, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, U.K.
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5
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Manoli MT, Gargantilla-Becerra Á, Del Cerro Sánchez C, Rivero-Buceta V, Prieto MA, Nogales J. A model-driven approach to upcycling recalcitrant feedstocks in Pseudomonas putida by decoupling PHA production from nutrient limitation. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113979. [PMID: 38517887 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have emerged as promising eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based plastics since they are synthesized from renewable resources and offer exceptional properties. However, their production is limited to the stationary growth phase under nutrient-limited conditions, requiring customized strategies and costly two-phase bioprocesses. In this study, we tackle these challenges by employing a model-driven approach to reroute carbon flux and remove regulatory constraints using synthetic biology. We construct a collection of Pseudomonas putida-overproducing strains at the expense of plastics and lignin-related compounds using growth-coupling approaches. PHA production was successfully achieved during growth phase, resulting in the production of up to 46% PHA/cell dry weight while maintaining a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Our strains are additionally validated under an upcycling scenario using enzymatically hydrolyzed polyethylene terephthalate as a feedstock. These findings have the potential to revolutionize PHA production and address the global plastic crisis by overcoming the complexities of traditional PHA production bioprocesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Tsampika Manoli
- Polymer Biotechnology Group, Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy-Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Gargantilla-Becerra
- Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy-Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain; 3Systems Biotechnology Group, Department of Systems Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Carlos Del Cerro Sánchez
- Polymer Biotechnology Group, Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy-Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Virginia Rivero-Buceta
- Polymer Biotechnology Group, Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy-Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - M Auxiliadora Prieto
- Polymer Biotechnology Group, Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy-Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan Nogales
- Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy-Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain; 3Systems Biotechnology Group, Department of Systems Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC, Madrid 28049, Spain; CNB DNA Biofoundry (CNBio), CSIC, Madrid, Spain.
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6
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Weiland F, Kohlstedt M, Wittmann C. Biobased de novo synthesis, upcycling, and recycling - the heartbeat toward a green and sustainable polyethylene terephthalate industry. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 86:103079. [PMID: 38422776 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has revolutionized the industrial sector because of its versatility, with its predominant uses in the textiles and packaging materials industries. Despite the various advantages of this polymer, its synthesis is, unfavorably, tightly intertwined with nonrenewable fossil resources. Additionally, given its widespread use, accumulating PET waste poses a significant environmental challenge. As a result, current research in the areas of biological recycling, upcycling, and de novo synthesis is intensifying. Biological recycling involves the use of micro-organisms or enzymes to breakdown PET into monomers, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional recycling. Upcycling transforms PET waste into value-added products, expanding its potential application range and promoting a circular economy. Moreover, studies of cascading biological and chemical processes driven by microbial cell factories have explored generating PET using renewable, biobased feedstocks such as lignin. These avenues of research promise to mitigate the environmental footprint of PET, underlining the importance of sustainable innovations in the industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabia Weiland
- Institute of Systems Biotechnology, Saarland University, Germany
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7
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Choi J, Kim H, Ahn YR, Kim M, Yu S, Kim N, Lim SY, Park JA, Ha SJ, Lim KS, Kim HO. Recent advances in microbial and enzymatic engineering for the biodegradation of micro- and nanoplastics. RSC Adv 2024; 14:9943-9966. [PMID: 38528920 PMCID: PMC10961967 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra00844h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This review examines the escalating issue of plastic pollution, specifically highlighting the detrimental effects on the environment and human health caused by microplastics and nanoplastics. The extensive use of synthetic polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS) has raised significant environmental concerns because of their long-lasting and non-degradable characteristics. This review delves into the role of enzymatic and microbial strategies in breaking down these polymers, showcasing recent advancements in the field. The intricacies of enzymatic degradation are thoroughly examined, including the effectiveness of enzymes such as PETase and MHETase, as well as the contribution of microbial pathways in breaking down resilient polymers into more benign substances. The paper also discusses the impact of chemical composition on plastic degradation kinetics and emphasizes the need for an approach to managing the environmental impact of synthetic polymers. The review highlights the significance of comprehending the physical characteristics and long-term impacts of micro- and nanoplastics in different ecosystems. Furthermore, it points out the environmental and health consequences of these contaminants, such as their ability to cause cancer and interfere with the endocrine system. The paper emphasizes the need for advanced analytical methods and effective strategies for enzymatic degradation, as well as continued research and development in this area. This review highlights the crucial role of enzymatic and microbial strategies in addressing plastic pollution and proposes methods to create effective and environmentally friendly solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewon Choi
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Hongbin Kim
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Yu-Rim Ahn
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Minse Kim
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Seona Yu
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Nanhyeon Kim
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Su Yeon Lim
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Jeong-Ann Park
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon 24341 Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Jin Ha
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Kwang Suk Lim
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
| | - Hyun-Ouk Kim
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art, Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
- Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University Chuncheon Korea
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Zhao H, Sun S, Cui Y, Ullah MW, Alabbosh KF, Elboughdiri N, Zhou J. Sustainable production of bacterial flocculants by nylon-6,6 microplastics hydrolysate utilizing Brucella intermedia ZL-06. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133435. [PMID: 38224639 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Nylon-6,6 microplastics (NMPs) in aquatic systems have emerged as potential contaminants to the global environment and have garnered immense consideration over the years. Unfortunately, there is currently no efficient method available to eliminate NMPs from sewage. This study aims to address this issue by isolating Brucella intermedia ZL-06, a bacterium capable of producing a bacterial polysaccharide-based flocculant (PBF). The PBF generated from this bacterium shows promising efficacy in effectively flocculating NMPs. Subsequently, the precipitated flocs (NMPs + PBF) were utilized as sustainable feedstock for synthesizing PBF. The study yielded 6.91 g/L PBF under optimum conditions. Genome sequencing analysis was conducted to study the mechanisms of PBF synthesis and nylon-6,6 degradation. The PBF exhibited impressive flocculating capacity of 90.1 mg/g of PBF when applied to 0.01 mm NMPs, aided by the presence of Ca2+. FTIR and XPS analysis showed the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amine groups in PBF. The flocculation performance of PBF conformed to Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-first-order adsorption kinetics model. These findings present a promising approach for reducing the production costs of PBF by utilizing NMPs as sustainable nutrient sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijuan Zhao
- National Local Joint Laboratory for Advanced Textile Processing and Clean Production, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430073, China; School of Mathematics and Statistics, Hubei University of Education, Wuhan 430205, China
| | - Su Sun
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yongming Cui
- National Local Joint Laboratory for Advanced Textile Processing and Clean Production, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430073, China.
| | - Muhammad Wajid Ullah
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | | | - Noureddine Elboughdiri
- Chemical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, University of Ha'il, P.O. Box 2440, Ha'il 81441, Saudi Arabia; Chemical Engineering Process Department, National School of Engineers Gabes, University of Gabes, Gabes 6029, Tunisia
| | - Jiangang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China.
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Pal U, Bachmann D, Pelzer C, Christiansen J, Blank LM, Tiso T. A genetic toolbox to empower Paracoccus pantotrophus DSM 2944 as a metabolically versatile SynBio chassis. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:53. [PMID: 38360576 PMCID: PMC10870620 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02325-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To contribute to the discovery of new microbial strains with metabolic and physiological robustness and develop them into successful chasses, Paracoccus pantotrophus DSM 2944, a Gram-negative bacterium from the phylum Alphaproteobacteria and the family Rhodobacteraceae, was chosen. The strain possesses an innate ability to tolerate high salt concentrations. It utilizes diverse substrates, including cheap and renewable feedstocks, such as C1 and C2 compounds. Also, it can consume short-chain alkanes, predominately found in hydrocarbon-rich environments, making it a potential bioremediation agent. The demonstrated metabolic versatility, coupled with the synthesis of the biodegradable polymer polyhydroxyalkanoate, positions this microbial strain as a noteworthy candidate for advancing the principles of a circular bioeconomy. RESULTS The study aims to follow the chassis roadmap, as depicted by Calero and Nikel, and de Lorenzo, to transform wild-type P. pantotrophus DSM 2944 into a proficient SynBio (Synthetic Biology) chassis. The initial findings highlight the antibiotic resistance profile of this prospective SynBio chassis. Subsequently, the best origin of replication (ori) was identified as RK2. In contrast, the non-replicative ori R6K was selected for the development of a suicide plasmid necessary for genome integration or gene deletion. Moreover, when assessing the most effective method for gene transfer, it was observed that conjugation had superior efficiency compared to electroporation, while transformation by heat shock was ineffective. Robust host fitness was demonstrated by stable plasmid maintenance, while standardized gene expression using an array of synthetic promoters could be shown. pEMG-based scarless gene deletion was successfully adapted, allowing gene deletion and integration. The successful integration of a gene cassette for terephthalic acid degradation is showcased. The resulting strain can grow on both monomers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with an increased growth rate achieved through adaptive laboratory evolution. CONCLUSION The chassis roadmap for the development of P. pantotrophus DSM 2944 into a proficient SynBio chassis was implemented. The presented genetic toolkit allows genome editing and therewith the possibility to exploit Paracoccus for a myriad of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upasana Pal
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Denise Bachmann
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Chiara Pelzer
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Christiansen
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Chair of Microbiology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Lars M Blank
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Till Tiso
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
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10
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Herrera DAG, Mojicevic M, Pantelic B, Joshi A, Collins C, Batista M, Torres C, Freitas F, Murray P, Nikodinovic-Runic J, Brennan Fournet M. Exploring Microorganisms from Plastic-Polluted Sites: Unveiling Plastic Degradation and PHA Production Potential. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2914. [PMID: 38138058 PMCID: PMC10745504 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The exposure of microorganisms to conventional plastics is a relatively recent occurrence, affording limited time for evolutionary adaptation. As part of the EU-funded project BioICEP, this study delves into the plastic degradation potential of microorganisms isolated from sites with prolonged plastic pollution, such as plastic-polluted forests, biopolymer-contaminated soil, oil-contaminated soil, municipal landfill, but also a distinctive soil sample with plastic pieces buried three decades ago. Additionally, samples from Arthropoda species were investigated. In total, 150 strains were isolated and screened for the ability to use plastic-related substrates (Impranil dispersions, polyethylene terephthalate, terephthalic acid, and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate). Twenty isolates selected based on their ability to grow on various substrates were identified as Streptomyces, Bacillus, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas spp. Morphological features were recorded, and the 16S rRNA sequence was employed to construct a phylogenetic tree. Subsequent assessments unveiled that 5 out of the 20 strains displayed the capability to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates, utilizing pre-treated post-consumer PET samples. With Priestia sp. DG69 and Neobacillus sp. DG40 emerging as the most successful producers (4.14% and 3.34% of PHA, respectively), these strains are poised for further utilization in upcycling purposes, laying the foundation for the development of sustainable strategies for plastic waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana A. Garza Herrera
- PRISM Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, N37HD68 Athlone, Ireland; (D.A.G.H.); (M.B.F.)
| | - Marija Mojicevic
- PRISM Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, N37HD68 Athlone, Ireland; (D.A.G.H.); (M.B.F.)
| | - Brana Pantelic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.P.); (J.N.-R.)
| | - Akanksha Joshi
- Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Midwest Campus, Technological University of the Shannon, V94EC5T Limerick, Ireland; (A.J.); (C.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Catherine Collins
- Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Midwest Campus, Technological University of the Shannon, V94EC5T Limerick, Ireland; (A.J.); (C.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Maria Batista
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.B.); (C.T.); (F.F.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristiana Torres
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.B.); (C.T.); (F.F.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filomena Freitas
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.B.); (C.T.); (F.F.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patrick Murray
- Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Midwest Campus, Technological University of the Shannon, V94EC5T Limerick, Ireland; (A.J.); (C.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.P.); (J.N.-R.)
| | - Margaret Brennan Fournet
- PRISM Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, N37HD68 Athlone, Ireland; (D.A.G.H.); (M.B.F.)
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11
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Liu P, Zheng Y, Yuan Y, Han Y, Su T, Qi Q. Upcycling of PET oligomers from chemical recycling processes to PHA by microbial co-cultivation. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 172:51-59. [PMID: 37714010 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most widely consumed polyester plastic and can be recycled by many chemical processes, of which glycolysis is most cost-effective and commercially viable. However, PET glycolysis produces oligomers due to incomplete depolymerization, which are undesirable by-products and require proper disposal. In this study, the PET oligomers from chemical recycling processes were completely bio-depolymerized into monomers and then used for the biosynthesis of biodegradable plastics polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) by co-cultivation of two engineered microorganisms Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3)-LCCICCG and Pseudomonas putida KT2440-ΔRDt-ΔZP46C-M. E. coli BL21 (DE3)-LCCICCG was used to secrete the PET hydrolase LCCICCG into the medium to directly depolymerize PET oligomers. P. putida KT2440-ΔRDt-ΔZP46C-M that mastered the metabolism of aromatic compounds was engineered to accelerate the hydrolysis of intermediate products mono-2-(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET) by expressing IsMHETase, and biosynthesize PHA using ultimate products terephthalate and ethylene glycol depolymerized from the PET oligomers. The population ratios of the two microorganisms during the co-cultivation were characterized by fluorescent reporter system, and revealed the collaboration of the two microorganisms to bio-depolymerize and bioconversion of PET oligomers in a single process. This study provides a biological strategy for the upcycling of PET oligomers and promotes the plastic circular economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yingbo Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yuanfei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Tianyuan Su
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Qingsheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
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12
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Cerrone F, Zhou B, Mouren A, Avérous L, Conroy S, Simpson JC, O'Connor KE, Narancic T. Pseudomonas umsongensis GO16 as a platform for the in vivo synthesis of short and medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoate blends. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 387:129668. [PMID: 37572888 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biological polyesters, viewed as a replacement for petrochemical plastic. However, they suffer from suboptimal physical and mechanical properties. Here, it was shown that a metabolically versatile Pseudomonas umsongensis GO16 can synthesise a blend of short chain length (scl) and medium chain length (mcl)-PHA. A defined mix of butyric (BA) and octanoic acid (OA) in different ratios was used. The PHA monomer composition varied depending on the feeding strategy. When OA and BA were fed at 80:20 ratio it showed 14, 8, 77 and 1 mol% of (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate, (R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate, (R)-3-hydroxyoctanoate and (R)-3-hydroxydecanoate respectively. The polymer characterisation clearly shows that polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and mcl-PHA are produced individually. The two polymers are blended on the PHA granule level, as demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy and yeast two-hybrid assay. The resulting blend has a specific viscoelasticity compared to PHB and PHO. Mcl-PHA acts as a plasticiser and reduces PHB brittleness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Cerrone
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; BiOrbic - Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Binbin Zhou
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; BiOrbic - Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Agathe Mouren
- BioTeam/ICPEES-ECPM, UMR CNRS 7515, Strasbourg University, 25 rue Becquerel, F-67087, Strasbourg Cedex 2, France
| | - Luc Avérous
- BioTeam/ICPEES-ECPM, UMR CNRS 7515, Strasbourg University, 25 rue Becquerel, F-67087, Strasbourg Cedex 2, France
| | - Stephen Conroy
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; BiOrbic - Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Jeremy C Simpson
- Cell Screening Laboratory, School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Science Centre West, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Kevin E O'Connor
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; BiOrbic - Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Tanja Narancic
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; BiOrbic - Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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13
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Tseng WS, Lee MJ, Wu JA, Kuo SL, Chang SL, Huang SJ, Liu CT. Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) biodegradation by Purpureocillium lilacinum strain BA1S. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:6057-6070. [PMID: 37526695 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12704-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), a promising biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic copolyester material, can be applied as an alternative material to reduce the adverse effects of conventional plastics. However, the degradation of PBAT plastics in soil is time-consuming, and effective PBAT-degrading microorganisms have rarely been reported. In this study, the biodegradation properties of PBAT by an elite fungal strain and related mechanisms were elucidated. Four PBAT-degrading fungal strains were isolated from farmland soils, and Purpureocillium lilacinum strain BA1S showed a prominent degradation rate. It decomposed approximately 15 wt.% of the PBAT films 30 days after inoculation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‒MS) were conducted to analyze the physicochemical properties and composition of the byproducts after biodegradation. In the presence of PBAT, the lipolytic enzyme activities of BA1S were remarkably induced, and its cutinase gene was also significantly upregulated. Of note, the utilization of PBAT in BA1S cells was closely correlated with intracellular cytochrome P450 (CYP) monooxygenase. Furthermore, CreA-mediated carbon catabolite repression was confirmed to be involved in regulating PBAT-degrading hydrolases and affected the degradation efficiency. This study provides new insight into the degradation of PBAT by elite fungal strains and increases knowledge on the mechanism, which can be applied to control the biodegradability of PBAT films in the future. KEY POINTS: • Purpureocillium lilacinum strain BA1S was isolated from farmland soils and degraded PBAT plastic films at a prominent rate. • The lipolytic enzyme activities of strain BA1S were induced during coculture with PBAT, and the cutinase gene was significantly upregulated during PBAT degradation. • CreA-mediated carbon catabolite repression of BA1S plays an essential role in regulating the expression of PBAT-degrading hydrolases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Sung Tseng
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, R412, No. 81, Chang-Xing St, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Min-Jia Lee
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, R412, No. 81, Chang-Xing St, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Jin-An Wu
- Material and Chemical Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, 321 Kuang Fu Rd., Section 2, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Liang Kuo
- Material and Chemical Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, 321 Kuang Fu Rd., Section 2, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Lung Chang
- Material and Chemical Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, 321 Kuang Fu Rd., Section 2, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Jiuan Huang
- Material and Chemical Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, 321 Kuang Fu Rd., Section 2, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Te Liu
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, R412, No. 81, Chang-Xing St, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University No, 1, Sec. Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, No.128, Sec.2, Academia Rd., Nankang, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
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14
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Schada von Borzyskowski L, Schulz-Mirbach H, Troncoso Castellanos M, Severi F, Gómez-Coronado PA, Paczia N, Glatter T, Bar-Even A, Lindner SN, Erb TJ. Implementation of the β-hydroxyaspartate cycle increases growth performance of Pseudomonas putida on the PET monomer ethylene glycol. Metab Eng 2023; 76:97-109. [PMID: 36731627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Ethylene glycol (EG) is a promising next generation feedstock for bioprocesses. It is a key component of the ubiquitous plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and other polyester fibers and plastics, used in antifreeze formulations, and can also be generated by electrochemical conversion of syngas, which makes EG a key compound in a circular bioeconomy. The majority of biotechnologically relevant bacteria assimilate EG via the glycerate pathway, a wasteful metabolic route that releases CO2 and requires reducing equivalents as well as ATP. In contrast, the recently characterized β-hydroxyaspartate cycle (BHAC) provides a more efficient, carbon-conserving route for C2 assimilation. Here we aimed at overcoming the natural limitations of EG metabolism in the industrially relevant strain Pseudomonas putida KT2440 by replacing the native glycerate pathway with the BHAC. We first prototyped the core reaction sequence of the BHAC in Escherichia coli before establishing the complete four-enzyme BHAC in Pseudomonas putida. Directed evolution on EG resulted in an improved strain that exhibits 35% faster growth and 20% increased biomass yield compared to a recently reported P. putida strain that was evolved to grow on EG via the glycerate pathway. Genome sequencing and proteomics highlight plastic adaptations of the genetic and metabolic networks in response to the introduction of the BHAC into P. putida and identify key mutations for its further integration during evolution. Taken together, our study shows that the BHAC can be utilized as 'plug-and-play' module for the metabolic engineering of two important microbial platform organisms, paving the way for multiple applications for a more efficient and carbon-conserving upcycling of EG in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Schada von Borzyskowski
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany; Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Helena Schulz-Mirbach
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany; Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Mauricio Troncoso Castellanos
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Francesca Severi
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Paul A Gómez-Coronado
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany; Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Nicole Paczia
- Facility for Metabolomics and Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Timo Glatter
- Facility for Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Arren Bar-Even
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Steffen N Lindner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany; Department of Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Tobias J Erb
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany; LOEWE-Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-University Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
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15
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Kolitha BS, Jayasekara SK, Tannenbaum R, Jasiuk IM, Jayakody LN. Repurposing of waste PET by microbial biotransformation to functionalized materials for additive manufacturing. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 50:kuad010. [PMID: 37248049 PMCID: PMC10549213 DOI: 10.1093/jimb/kuad010] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste is an outstanding environmental thread. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is one of the most abundantly produced single-use plastics worldwide, but its recycling rates are low. In parallel, additive manufacturing is a rapidly evolving technology with wide-ranging applications. Thus, there is a need for a broad spectrum of polymers to meet the demands of this growing industry and address post-use waste materials. This perspective article highlights the potential of designing microbial cell factories to upcycle PET into functionalized chemical building blocks for additive manufacturing. We present the leveraging of PET hydrolyzing enzymes and rewiring the bacterial C2 and aromatic catabolic pathways to obtain high-value chemicals and polymers. Since PET mechanical recycling back to original materials is cost-prohibitive, the biochemical technology is a viable alternative to upcycle PET into novel 3D printing materials, such as replacements for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The presented hybrid chemo-bio approaches potentially enable the manufacturing of environmentally friendly degradable or higher-value high-performance polymers and composites and their reuse for a circular economy. ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY Biotransformation of waste PET to high-value platform chemicals for additive manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhagya S Kolitha
- School of Biological Science, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Sandhya K Jayasekara
- School of Biological Science, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Rina Tannenbaum
- Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, the Stony Brook University Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Iwona M Jasiuk
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Lahiru N Jayakody
- School of Biological Science, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
- Fermentation Science Institute, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
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16
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Diao J, Hu Y, Tian Y, Carr R, Moon TS. Upcycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) to produce high-value bio-products. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111908. [PMID: 36640302 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 70 million tons of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) are manufactured worldwide every year. The accumulation of PET waste has become a global pollution concern, motivating the urgent development of technologies to valorize post-consumer PET. The development of chemocatalytic and enzymatic approaches for depolymerizing PET to its corresponding monomers opens up new opportunities for PET upcycling through biological transformation. Here, we identify Rhodococcus jostii strain PET (RPET) that can directly use PET hydrolysate as a sole carbon source. We also investigate the potential of RPET to upcycle PET into value-added chemicals, using lycopene as a proof-of-concept product. Through rational metabolic engineering, we improve lycopene production by more than 500-fold over that of the wild type. In addition, we demonstrate the production of approximately 1,300 μg/L lycopene from PET by cascading this strain with PET alkaline hydrolysis. This work highlights the great potential of biological conversion as a means of achieving PET upcycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjin Diao
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1180, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Yifeng Hu
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1180, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Yuxin Tian
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1180, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Rhiannon Carr
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1180, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Tae Seok Moon
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1180, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA; Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1180, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
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17
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de Witt J, Ernst P, Gätgens J, Noack S, Hiller D, Wynands B, Wierckx N. Characterization and engineering of branched short-chain dicarboxylate metabolism in Pseudomonas reveals resistance to fungal 2-hydroxyparaconate. Metab Eng 2023; 75:205-216. [PMID: 36581064 PMCID: PMC9875883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In recent years branched short-chain dicarboxylates (BSCD) such as itaconic acid gained increasing interest in both medicine and biotechnology. Their use as building blocks for plastics urges for developing microbial upcycling strategies to provide sustainable end-of-life solutions. Furthermore, many BSCD exhibit anti-bacterial properties or exert immunomodulatory effects in macrophages, indicating a medical relevance for this group of molecules. For both of these applications, a detailed understanding of the microbial metabolism of these compounds is essential. In this study, the metabolic pathway of BSCD degradation from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 was studied in detail by heterologously transferring it to Pseudomonas putida. Heterologous expression of the PA0878-0886 itaconate metabolism gene cluster enabled P. putida KT2440 to metabolize itaconate, (S)- and (R)-methylsuccinate, (S)-citramalate, and mesaconate. The functions of the so far uncharacterized genes PA0879 and PA0881 were revealed and proven to extend the substrate range of the core degradation pathway. Furthermore, the uncharacterized gene PA0880 was discovered to encode a 2-hydroxyparaconate (2-HP) lactonase that catalyzes the cleavage of the itaconate derivative 2-HP to itatartarate. Interestingly, 2-HP was found to inhibit growth of the engineered P. putida on itaconate. All in all, this study extends the substrate range of P. putida to include BSCD for bio-upcycling of high-performance polymers, and also identifies 2-HP as promising candidate for anti-microbial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan de Witt
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Philipp Ernst
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Jochem Gätgens
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Stephan Noack
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Davina Hiller
- Institut für Mikrobiologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Benedikt Wynands
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Nick Wierckx
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany,Corresponding author.
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18
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Nawaz MZ, Shang H, Sun J, Geng A, Ali SS, Zhu D. Genomic insights into the metabolic potential of a novel lignin-degrading and polyhydroxyalkanoates producing bacterium Pseudomonas sp. Hu109A. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 310:136754. [PMID: 36228733 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Lignin is the most abundant heterogeneous aromatic polymer present on planet Earth and is recalcitrant to degradation due to its complex structure, therefore, imposing a challenge to biorefinery procedures. Identifying new microbial strains with the potential to valorize lignin into useful compounds is indispensable to achieving green sustainable consumption. In this study, a novel Pseudomonas strain designated as Hu109A was isolated from the termite gut and the genome was sequenced and analyzed further. The genome contains a circular chromosome with the size of 5,131,917 bp having a GC content of 62.6% and 4698 genes. Genome annotation reveals that the strain possesses lignin-oxidizing enzymes such as DyP-type peroxidases, laccase, dioxygenase, and aromatic degradation gene clusters. The genome also contains O-methyltransferases which function in accelerating the lignin degradation by methylating the free hydroxyl phenolic compounds which in high concentration can inhibit the lignin peroxidase. Furthermore, the genome exhibits two gene clusters encoding the enzymes related to polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) synthesis. Pseudomonas strains are generally assumed to produce medium chain length PHAs (mcl-PHAs) only, however, strain Hu109A contains both Class II PHA synthase genes involved in mcl-PHAs and Class III PHA synthase gene involved in short-chain length PHAs (scl-PHAs). Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed that using 1 g/L lignin as the sole carbon source, the maximum production of PHA observed was 103.68 mg/L, which increased to 186 mg/L with an increase in lignin concentration to 3 g/L. However, PHA production while using glucose as the sole carbon source was significantly lower than the lignin source, and maximum production was 125.6 mg/L with 3 g/L glucose. The strain Hu109A can tolerate a broad range of solvents including methanol, isopropanol, dimethylformamide, and ethanol, revealing its potential for industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Zohaib Nawaz
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China; Department of Computer Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Huarong Shang
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Alei Geng
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Sameh S Ali
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China; Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Daochen Zhu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China.
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19
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Lomwongsopon P, Varrone C. Critical Review on the Progress of Plastic Bioupcycling Technology as a Potential Solution for Sustainable Plastic Waste Management. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14224996. [PMID: 36433123 PMCID: PMC9692586 DOI: 10.3390/polym14224996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastic production worldwide has doubled in the last two decades and is expected to reach a four-fold increase by 2050. The durability of plastic makes them a perfect material for many applications, but it is also a key limitation to their end-of-life management. The current plastic lifecycle is far from circular, with only 13% being collected for recycling and 9% being successfully recycled, indicating the failure of current recycling technology. The remaining plastic waste streams are thus incinerated, landfilled, or worse, mismanaged, leading to them leaking into the environment. To promote plastic circularity, keeping material in the loop is a priority and represents a more sustainable solution. This can be achieved through the reuse of plastic items, or by using plastic waste as a resource for new materials, instead of discarding them as waste. As the discovery of plastic-degrading/utilizing microorganisms and enzymes has been extensively reported recently, the possibility of developing biological plastic upcycling processes is opening up. An increasing amount of studies have investigated the use of plastic as a carbon source for biotechnological processes to produce high-value compounds such as bioplastics, biochemicals, and biosurfactants. In the current review, the advancements in fossil-based plastic bio- and thermochemical upcycling technologies are presented and critically discussed. In particular, we highlight the developed (bio)depolymerization coupled with bioconversion/fermentation processes to obtain industrially valuable products. This review is expected to contribute to the future development and scale-up of effective plastic bioupcycling processes that can act as a drive to increase waste removal from the environment and valorize post-consumer plastic streams, thus accelerating the implementation of a circular (plastic) economy.
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Díaz Rodríguez CA, Díaz-García L, Bunk B, Spröer C, Herrera K, Tarazona NA, Rodriguez-R LM, Overmann J, Jiménez DJ. Novel bacterial taxa in a minimal lignocellulolytic consortium and their potential for lignin and plastics transformation. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:89. [PMID: 37938754 PMCID: PMC9723784 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-022-00176-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The understanding and manipulation of microbial communities toward the conversion of lignocellulose and plastics are topics of interest in microbial ecology and biotechnology. In this study, the polymer-degrading capability of a minimal lignocellulolytic microbial consortium (MELMC) was explored by genome-resolved metagenomics. The MELMC was mostly composed (>90%) of three bacterial members (Pseudomonas protegens; Pristimantibacillus lignocellulolyticus gen. nov., sp. nov; and Ochrobactrum gambitense sp. nov) recognized by their high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). Functional annotation of these MAGs revealed that Pr. lignocellulolyticus could be involved in cellulose and xylan deconstruction, whereas Ps. protegens could catabolize lignin-derived chemical compounds. The capacity of the MELMC to transform synthetic plastics was assessed by two strategies: (i) annotation of MAGs against databases containing plastic-transforming enzymes; and (ii) predicting enzymatic activity based on chemical structural similarities between lignin- and plastics-derived chemical compounds, using Simplified Molecular-Input Line-Entry System and Tanimoto coefficients. Enzymes involved in the depolymerization of polyurethane and polybutylene adipate terephthalate were found to be encoded by Ps. protegens, which could catabolize phthalates and terephthalic acid. The axenic culture of Ps. protegens grew on polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) nanoparticles and might be a suitable species for the industrial production of PHAs in the context of lignin and plastic upcycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Andrés Díaz Rodríguez
- Microbiomes and Bioenergy Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Laura Díaz-García
- Microbiomes and Bioenergy Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Advanced Biomanufacturing Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Boyke Bunk
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Cathrin Spröer
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Katherine Herrera
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Luis M Rodriguez-R
- Department of Microbiology and Digital Science Center (DiSC), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jörg Overmann
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
- Braunschweig University of Technology, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Diego Javier Jiménez
- Microbiomes and Bioenergy Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Chow J, Perez‐Garcia P, Dierkes R, Streit WR. Microbial enzymes will offer limited solutions to the global plastic pollution crisis. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 16:195-217. [PMID: 36099200 PMCID: PMC9871534 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Global economies depend on the use of fossil-fuel-based polymers with 360-400 million metric tons of synthetic polymers being produced per year. Unfortunately, an estimated 60% of the global production is disposed into the environment. Within this framework, microbiologists have tried to identify plastic-active enzymes over the past decade. Until now, this research has largely failed to deliver functional biocatalysts acting on the commodity polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), ether-based polyurethane (PUR), polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS) and synthetic rubber (SR). However, few enzymes are known to act on low-density and low-crystalline (amorphous) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and ester-based PUR. These above-mentioned polymers represent >95% of all synthetic plastics produced. Therefore, the main challenge microbiologists are currently facing is in finding polymer-active enzymes targeting the majority of fossil-fuel-based plastics. However, identifying plastic-active enzymes either to implement them in biotechnological processes or to understand their potential role in nature is an emerging research field. The application of these enzymes is still in its infancy. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on microbial plastic-active enzymes, their global distribution and potential impact on plastic degradation in industrial processes and nature. We further outline major challenges in finding novel plastic-active enzymes, optimizing known ones by synthetic approaches and problems arising through falsely annotated and unfiltered use of database entries. Finally, we highlight potential biotechnological applications and possible re- and upcycling concepts using microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Chow
- Department of Microbiology and BiotechnologyUniversity of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Pablo Perez‐Garcia
- Department of Microbiology and BiotechnologyUniversity of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Robert Dierkes
- Department of Microbiology and BiotechnologyUniversity of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Wolfgang R. Streit
- Department of Microbiology and BiotechnologyUniversity of HamburgHamburgGermany
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22
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Organic Farm Bedded Pack System Microbiomes: A Case Study with Comparisons to Similar and Different Bedded Packs. DAIRY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/dairy3030042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal housing and bedding materials influence cow and farm worker exposure to microbial pathogens, biocontrol agents, and/or allergens. This case study represents an effort to characterize the bacterial and fungal community of bedding systems using an amplicon sequencing approach supplemented with the ecological assessment of cultured Trichocomaceae isolates (focusing on Penicillium and Aspergillus species) and yeasts (Saccharomycetales). Bedding from five certified organic dairy farms in northern Vermont USA were sampled monthly between October 2015 and May 2016. Additional herd level samples from bulk tank milk and two bedding types were collected from two farms to collect fungal isolates for culturing and ecology. Most of the microorganisms in cattle bedding were microbial decomposers (saprophytes) or coprophiles, on account of the bedding being composed of dead plant matter, cattle feces, and urine. Composition of bacterial and fungal communities exhibited distinct patterns of ecological succession measured through time and by bedding depth. Community composition patterns were related to management practices and choice of bedding material. Aspergillus and Penicillium species exhibited niche differentiation expressed as differential substrate requirements; however, they generally exhibited traits of early colonizers of bedding substrates, typically rich in carbon and low in nitrogen. Pichia kudriavzevii was the most prevalent species cultured from milk and bedding. P. kudriavzevii produced protease and its abundance directly related to temperature. The choice of bedding and its management represent a potential opportunity to curate the microbial community of the housing environment.
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Abstract
In the Anthropocene, plastic pollution is a worldwide concern that must be tackled from different viewpoints, bringing together different areas of science. Microbial transformation of polymers is a broad-spectrum research topic that has become a keystone in the circular economy of fossil-based and biobased plastics. To have an open discussion about these themes, experts in the synthesis of polymers and biodegradation of lignocellulose and plastics convened within the framework of The Transnational Network for Research and Innovation in Microbial Biodiversity, Enzymes Technology and Polymer Science (MENZYPOL-NET), which was recently created by early-stage scientists from Colombia and Germany. In this context, the international workshop “Microbial Synthesis and Degradation of Polymers: Toward a Sustainable Bioeconomy” was held on 27 September 2021 via Zoom. The workshop was divided into two sections, and questions were raised for discussion with panelists and expert guests. Several key points and relevant perspectives were delivered, mainly related to (i) the microbial evolution driven by plastic pollution; (ii) the relevance of and interplay between polymer structure/composition, enzymatic mechanisms, and assessment methods in plastic biodegradation; (iii) the recycling and valorization of plastic waste; (iv) engineered plastic-degrading enzymes; (v) the impact of (micro)plastics on environmental microbiomes; (vi) the isolation of plastic-degrading (PD) microbes and design of PD microbial consortia; and (vii) the synthesis and applications of biobased plastics. Finally, research priorities from these key points were identified within the microbial, enzyme, and polymer sciences.
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24
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Brandenberg OF, Schubert OT, Kruglyak L. Towards synthetic PETtrophy: Engineering Pseudomonas putida for concurrent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) monomer metabolism and PET hydrolase expression. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:119. [PMID: 35717313 PMCID: PMC9206389 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01849-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biocatalysis offers a promising path for plastic waste management and valorization, especially for hydrolysable plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Microbial whole-cell biocatalysts for simultaneous PET degradation and growth on PET monomers would offer a one-step solution toward PET recycling or upcycling. We set out to engineer the industry-proven bacterium Pseudomonas putida for (i) metabolism of PET monomers as sole carbon sources, and (ii) efficient extracellular expression of PET hydrolases. We pursued this approach for both PET and the related polyester polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT), aiming to learn about the determinants and potential applications of bacterial polyester-degrading biocatalysts. RESULTS P. putida was engineered to metabolize the PET and PBAT monomer terephthalic acid (TA) through genomic integration of four tphII operon genes from Comamonas sp. E6. Efficient cellular TA uptake was enabled by a point mutation in the native P. putida membrane transporter MhpT. Metabolism of the PET and PBAT monomers ethylene glycol and 1,4-butanediol was achieved through adaptive laboratory evolution. We then used fast design-build-test-learn cycles to engineer extracellular PET hydrolase expression, including tests of (i) the three PET hydrolases LCC, HiC, and IsPETase; (ii) genomic versus plasmid-based expression, using expression plasmids with high, medium, and low cellular copy number; (iii) three different promoter systems; (iv) three membrane anchor proteins for PET hydrolase cell surface display; and (v) a 30-mer signal peptide library for PET hydrolase secretion. PET hydrolase surface display and secretion was successfully engineered but often resulted in host cell fitness costs, which could be mitigated by promoter choice and altering construct copy number. Plastic biodegradation assays with the best PET hydrolase expression constructs genomically integrated into our monomer-metabolizing P. putida strains resulted in various degrees of plastic depolymerization, although self-sustaining bacterial growth remained elusive. CONCLUSION Our results show that balancing extracellular PET hydrolase expression with cellular fitness under nutrient-limiting conditions is a challenge. The precise knowledge of such bottlenecks, together with the vast array of PET hydrolase expression tools generated and tested here, may serve as a baseline for future efforts to engineer P. putida or other bacterial hosts towards becoming efficient whole-cell polyester-degrading biocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver F Brandenberg
- Department of Human Genetics, Department of Biological Chemistry, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Olga T Schubert
- Department of Human Genetics, Department of Biological Chemistry, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA.,Department of Environmental Microbiology, EAWAG, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland.,Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Leonid Kruglyak
- Department of Human Genetics, Department of Biological Chemistry, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA.
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25
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Gao R, Pan H, Kai L, Han K, Lian J. Microbial degradation and valorization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) monomers. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 38:89. [PMID: 35426614 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03270-z] [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: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the major plastics with a huge annual production. Alongside with its mass production and wide applications, PET pollution is threatening and damaging the environment and human health. Although mechanical or chemical methods can deal with PET, the process suffers from high cost and the hydrolyzed monomers will cause secondary pollution. Discovery of plastic-degrading microbes and the corresponding enzymes emerges new hope to cope with this issue. Combined with synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, microbial cell factories not only provide a promising approach to degrade PET, but also enable the conversion of its monomers, ethylene glycol (EG) and terephthalic acid (TPA), into value-added compounds. In this way, PET wastes can be handled in environment-friendly and more potentially cost-effective processes. While PET hydrolases have been extensively reviewed, this review focuses on the microbes and metabolic pathways for the degradation of PET monomers. In addition, recent advances in the biotransformation of TPA and EG into value-added compounds are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Gao
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China.,Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haojie Pan
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lei Kai
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, 22116, Xuzhou, China.,Jiangsu Keybio Co. LTD, 22116, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kun Han
- Jiangsu Keybio Co. LTD, 22116, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jiazhang Lian
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China. .,Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China.
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26
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Biochemical and structural characterization of an aromatic ring-hydroxylating dioxygenase for terephthalic acid catabolism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2121426119. [PMID: 35312352 PMCID: PMC9060491 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2121426119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
SignificanceMore than 400 million tons of plastic waste is produced each year, the overwhelming majority of which ends up in landfills. Bioconversion strategies aimed at plastics have emerged as important components of enabling a circular economy for synthetic plastics, especially those that exhibit chemically similar linkages to those found in nature, such as polyesters. The enzyme system described in this work is essential for mineralization of the xenobiotic components of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) in the biosphere. Our description of its structure and substrate preferences lays the groundwork for in vivo or ex vivo engineering of this system for PET upcycling.
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27
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Abstract
Large-scale worldwide production of plastics requires the use of large quantities of fossil fuels, leading to a negative impact on the environment. If the production of plastic continues to increase at the current rate, the industry will account for one fifth of global oil use by 2050. Bioplastics currently represent less than one percent of total plastic produced, but they are expected to increase in the coming years, due to rising demand. The usage of bioplastics would allow the dependence on fossil fuels to be reduced and could represent an opportunity to add some interesting functionalities to the materials. Moreover, the plastics derived from bio-based resources are more carbon-neutral and their manufacture generates a lower amount of greenhouse gasses. The substitution of conventional plastic with renewable plastic will therefore promote a more sustainable economy, society, and environment. Consequently, more and more studies have been focusing on the production of interesting bio-based building blocks for bioplastics. However, a coherent review of the contribution of fermentation technology to a more sustainable plastic production is yet to be carried out. Here, we present the recent advancement in bioplastic production and describe the possible integration of bio-based monomers as renewable precursors. Representative examples of both published and commercial fermentation processes are discussed.
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28
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Petkevičius V, Vaitekūnas J, Gasparavičiūtė R, Tauraitė D, Meškys R. An efficient and regioselective biocatalytic synthesis of aromatic N-oxides by using a soluble di-iron monooxygenase PmlABCDEF produced in the Pseudomonas species. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:1771-1783. [PMID: 34115446 PMCID: PMC8313251 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we present an improved whole-cell biocatalysis system for the synthesis of heteroaromatic N-oxides based on the production of a soluble di-iron monooxygenase PmlABCDEF in Pseudomonas sp. MIL9 and Pseudomonas putida KT2440. The presented biocatalysis system performs under environmentally benign conditions, features a straightforward and inexpensive procedure and possesses a high substrate conversion and product yield. The capacity of gram-scale production was reached in the simple shake-flask cultivation. The template substrates (pyridine, pyrazine, 2-aminopyrimidine) have been converted into pyridine-1-oxide, pyrazine-1-oxide and 2-aminopyrimidine-1-oxide in product titres of 18.0, 19.1 and 18.3 g l-1 , respectively. To our knowledge, this is the highest reported productivity of aromatic N-oxides using biocatalysis methods. Moreover, comparing to the chemical method of aromatic N-oxides synthesis based on meta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid, the developed approach is applicable for a regioselective oxidation that is an additional advantageous option in the preparation of the anticipated N-oxides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vytautas Petkevičius
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and BiotechnologyInstitute of BiochemistryLife Sciences CenterVilnius UniversitySaulėtekio 7VilniusLT‐10257Lithuania
| | - Justas Vaitekūnas
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and BiotechnologyInstitute of BiochemistryLife Sciences CenterVilnius UniversitySaulėtekio 7VilniusLT‐10257Lithuania
| | - Renata Gasparavičiūtė
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and BiotechnologyInstitute of BiochemistryLife Sciences CenterVilnius UniversitySaulėtekio 7VilniusLT‐10257Lithuania
| | - Daiva Tauraitė
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and BiotechnologyInstitute of BiochemistryLife Sciences CenterVilnius UniversitySaulėtekio 7VilniusLT‐10257Lithuania
| | - Rolandas Meškys
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and BiotechnologyInstitute of BiochemistryLife Sciences CenterVilnius UniversitySaulėtekio 7VilniusLT‐10257Lithuania
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