1
|
Patel SKS, Singh D, Pant D, Gupta RK, Busi S, Singh RV, Lee JK. Polyhydroxyalkanoate Production by Methanotrophs: Recent Updates and Perspectives. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:2570. [PMID: 39339034 PMCID: PMC11435153 DOI: 10.3390/polym16182570] [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: 08/09/2024] [Revised: 09/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Methanotrophs are bacteria that consume methane (CH4) as their sole carbon and energy source. These microorganisms play a crucial role in the carbon cycle by metabolizing CH4 (the greenhouse gas), into cellular biomass and carbon dioxide (CO2). Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biopolymers produced by various microorganisms, including methanotrophs. PHA production using methanotrophs is a promising strategy to address growing concerns regarding plastic pollution and the need for sustainable, biodegradable materials. Various factors, including nutrient availability, environmental conditions, and metabolic engineering strategies, influence methanotrophic production. Nutrient limitations, particularly those of nitrogen or phosphorus, enhance PHA production by methanotrophs. Metabolic engineering approaches, such as the overexpression of key enzymes involved in PHA biosynthesis or the disruption of competing pathways, can also enhance PHA yields by methanotrophs. Overall, PHA production by methanotrophs represents a sustainable and versatile approach for developing biomedical materials with numerous potential applications. Additionally, alternative feedstocks, such as industrial waste streams or byproducts can be explored to improve the economic feasibility of PHA production. This review briefly describes the potential of methanotrophs to produce PHAs, with recent updates and perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay K S Patel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar 246174, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Deepshikha Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar 246174, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Diksha Pant
- Department of Biotechnology, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar 246174, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Rahul K Gupta
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Siddhardha Busi
- Department of Microbiology, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry 605014, Kalapet, India
| | - Rahul V Singh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Kul Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Eam H, Ko D, Lee C, Myung J. Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b bioaugmentation unleashes polyhydroxybutyrate-accumulating potential in waste-activated sludge. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:160. [PMID: 38822346 PMCID: PMC11140957 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02442-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wastewater treatment plants contribute approximately 6% of anthropogenic methane emissions. Methanotrophs, capable of converting methane into polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), offer a promising solution for utilizing methane as a carbon source, using activated sludge as a seed culture for PHB production. However, maintaining and enriching PHB-accumulating methanotrophic communities poses challenges. RESULTS This study investigated the potential of Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b to bioaugment PHB-accumulating methanotrophic consortium within activated sludge to enhance PHB production. Waste-activated sludges with varying ratios of M. trichosporium OB3b (1:0, 1:1, 1:4, and 0:1) were cultivated. The results revealed substantial growth and methane consumption in waste-activated sludge with M. trichosporium OB3b-amended cultures, particularly in a 1:1 ratio. Enhanced PHB accumulation, reaching 37.1% in the same ratio culture, indicates the dominance of Type II methanotrophs. Quantification of methanotrophs by digital polymerase chain reaction showed gradual increases in Type II methanotrophs, correlating with increased PHB production. However, while initial bioaugmentation of M. trichosporium OB3b was observed, its presence decreased in subsequent cycles, indicating the dominance of other Type II methanotrophs. Microbial community analysis highlighted the successful enrichment of Type II methanotrophs-dominated cultures due to the addition of M. trichosporium OB3b, outcompeting Type I methanotrophs. Methylocystis and Methylophilus spp. were the most abundant in M. trichosporium OB3b-amended cultures. CONCLUSIONS Bioaugmentation strategies, leveraging M. trichosporium OB3b could significantly enhance PHB production and foster the enrichment of PHB-accumulating methanotrophs in activated sludge. These findings contribute to integrating PHB production in wastewater treatment plants, providing a sustainable solution for resource recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyerim Eam
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Dayoung Ko
- Department of Civil, Urban, Earth, and Environmental Engineering, UNIST, Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsoo Lee
- Department of Civil, Urban, Earth, and Environmental Engineering, UNIST, Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewook Myung
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ma R, Li J, Tyagi RD, Zhang X. Carbon dioxide and methane as carbon source for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates and concomitant carbon fixation. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 391:129977. [PMID: 37925086 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129977] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
The currently used plastics are non-biodegradable, and cause greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission as they are petroleum-based. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biopolymers with excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility, which can be used to replace petroleum-based plastics. A variety of microorganisms have been found to synthesize PHAs by using typical GHGs: carbon dioxide and methane as carbon sources. Converting carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) to PHAs is an attractive option for carbon capture and biodegradable plastic production. In this review, the microorganisms capable of using CO2 and CH4 to produce PHAs were summarized. The metabolic mechanism, PHAs production process, and the factors influencing the production process are illustrated. The currently used optimization techniques to improve the yield of PHAs are discussed. The challenges and future prospects for developing economically viable PHAs production using GHGs as carbon source are identified. This work provides an insight for achieving carbon sequestration and bioplastics based circular economy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Water Resource Application and Environmental Pollution Control, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen Guangdong 518055, PR China
| | - Ji Li
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Water Resource Application and Environmental Pollution Control, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen Guangdong 518055, PR China
| | - R D Tyagi
- Chief Scientific Officer, BOSK-Bioproducts, Quebec, Canada
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Water Resource Application and Environmental Pollution Control, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen Guangdong 518055, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang Y, Baral NR, Yang M, Scown CD. Co-Processing Agricultural Residues and Wet Organic Waste Can Produce Lower-Cost Carbon-Negative Fuels and Bioplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:2958-2969. [PMID: 36747467 PMCID: PMC9948286 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Scalable, low-cost biofuel and biochemical production can accelerate progress on the path to a more circular carbon economy and reduced dependence on crude oil. Rather than producing a single fuel product, lignocellulosic biorefineries have the potential to serve as hubs for the production of fuels, production of petrochemical replacements, and treatment of high-moisture organic waste. A detailed techno-economic analysis and life-cycle greenhouse gas assessment are developed to explore the cost and emission impacts of integrated corn stover-to-ethanol biorefineries that incorporate both codigestion of organic wastes and different strategies for utilizing biogas, including onsite energy generation, upgrading to bio-compressed natural gas (bioCNG), conversion to poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) bioplastic, and conversion to single-cell protein (SCP). We find that codigesting manure or a combination of manure and food waste alongside process wastewater can reduce the biorefinery's total costs per metric ton of CO2 equivalent mitigated by half or more. Upgrading biogas to bioCNG is the most cost-effective climate mitigation strategy, while upgrading biogas to PHB or SCP is competitive with combusting biogas onsite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Energy
& Biosciences Institute, University
of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Life-Cycle,
Economics, and Agronomy Division, Joint
BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Nawa R. Baral
- Life-Cycle,
Economics, and Agronomy Division, Joint
BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Minliang Yang
- Life-Cycle,
Economics, and Agronomy Division, Joint
BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Corinne D. Scown
- Energy
& Biosciences Institute, University
of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Life-Cycle,
Economics, and Agronomy Division, Joint
BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
- Biological
Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Energy
Analysis and Environmental Impacts Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ray S, Jin JO, Choi I, Kim M. Recent trends of biotechnological production of polyhydroxyalkanoates from C1 carbon sources. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 10:907500. [PMID: 36686222 PMCID: PMC9852868 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.907500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing concerns over the use of limited fossil fuels and their negative impacts on the ecological niches have facilitated the exploration of alternative routes. The use of conventional plastic material also negatively impacts the environment. One such green alternative is polyhydroxyalkanoates, which are biodegradable, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly. Recently, researchers have focused on the utilization of waste gases particularly those belonging to C1 sources derived directly from industries and anthropogenic activities, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and methanol as the substrate for polyhydroxyalkanoates production. Consequently, several microorganisms have been exploited to utilize waste gases for their growth and biopolymer accumulation. Methylotrophs such as Methylobacterium organophilum produced highest amount of PHA up to 88% using CH4 as the sole carbon source and 52-56% with CH3OH. On the other hand Cupriavidus necator, produced 71-81% of PHA by utilizing CO and CO2 as a substrate. The present review shows the potential of waste gas valorization as a promising solution for the sustainable production of polyhydroxyalkanoates. Key bottlenecks towards the usage of gaseous substrates obstructing their realization on a large scale and the possible technological solutions were also highlighted. Several strategies for PHA production using C1 gases through fermentation and metabolic engineering approaches are discussed. Microbes such as autotrophs, acetogens, and methanotrophs can produce PHA from CO2, CO, and CH4. Therefore, this article presents a vision of C1 gas into bioplastics are prospective strategies with promising potential application, and aspects related to the sustainability of the system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subhasree Ray
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea,Department of Life Science, School of Basic Science and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India,*Correspondence: Myunghee Kim, ; Subhasree Ray,
| | - Jun-O Jin
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea,Department of Food Science and Technology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Inho Choi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea,Department of Food Science and Technology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Myunghee Kim
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea,Department of Food Science and Technology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea,*Correspondence: Myunghee Kim, ; Subhasree Ray,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yoon J, Oh MK. Strategies for Biosynthesis of C1 Gas-derived Polyhydroxyalkanoates: A review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 344:126307. [PMID: 34767907 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from C1 gases is highly desirable in solving problems such as climate change and microplastic pollution. PHAs are biopolymers synthesized in microbial cells and can be used as alternatives to petroleum-based plastics because of their biodegradability. Because 50% of the cost of PHA production is due to organic carbon sources and salts, the utilization of costless C1 gases as carbon sources is expected to be a promising approach for PHA production. In this review, strategies for PHA production using C1 gases through fermentation and metabolic engineering are discussed. In particular, autotrophs, acetogens, and methanotrophs are strains that can produce PHA from CO2, CO, and CH4. In addition, integrated bioprocesses for the efficient utilization of C1 gases are introduced. Biorefinery processes from C1 gas into bioplastics are prospective strategies with promising potential and feasibility to alleviate environmental issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihee Yoon
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Kyu Oh
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Systems Metabolic Engineering of Methanotrophic Bacteria for Biological Conversion of Methane to Value-Added Compounds. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 180:91-126. [DOI: 10.1007/10_2021_184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
8
|
McGregor C, Minton NP, Kovács K. Biosynthesis of Poly(3HB- co-3HP) with Variable Monomer Composition in Recombinant Cupriavidus necator H16. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:3343-3352. [PMID: 34762808 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoates are attractive alternatives to traditional plastics. However, although polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is produced in large quantities by Cupriavidus necator H16, its properties are far from ideal for the manufacture of plastic products. These properties may be improved through its coproduction with 3-hydroxypropionate (3HP), which leads to the formation of the copolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxypropionate) (poly(3HB-co-3HP). To achieve this, a pathway was designed to enable C. necator H16 to convert β-alanine to 3HP. The initial low levels of incorporation of 3HP into the copolymer were overcome by the overproduction of the native propionyl-CoA transferase together with PHA synthase from Chromobacterium sp. USM2. Following optimization of 3HP incorporation into the copolymer, the molar fraction of 3HP could be controlled by cultivation in medium containing different concentrations of β-alanine. Between 0 and 80 mol % 3HP could be achieved. Further supplementation with 2 mM cysteine increased the maximum 3HP molar fraction to 89%. Additionally, the effect of deletions of the phaA and phaB1 genes of the phaCAB operon on 3HP molar fraction were investigated. A phaAB1 double knockout resulted in a copolymer containing 91 mol % 3HP without the need for cysteine supplementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Callum McGregor
- BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Nigel P. Minton
- BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Katalin Kovács
- BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang S, Liu Q, Li J, Wang Z. Methane in wastewater treatment plants: status, characteristics, and bioconversion feasibility by methane oxidizing bacteria for high value-added chemicals production and wastewater treatment. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 198:117122. [PMID: 33865027 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117122] [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: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Methane is a type of renewable fuel that can generate many types of high value-added chemicals, however, besides heat and power production, there is little methane utilization in most of the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) all round the world currently. In this review, the status of methane production performance from WWTPs was firstly investigated. Subsequently, based on the identification and classification of methane oxidizing bacteria (MOB), the key enzymes and metabolic pathway of MOB were presented in depth. Then the production, extraction and purification process of high value-added chemicals, including methanol, ectoine, biofuel, bioplastic, methane protein and extracellular polysaccharides, were introduced in detail, which was conducive to understand the bioconversion process of methane. Finally, the use of methane in wastewater treatment process, including nitrogen removal, emerging contaminants removal as well as resource recovery was extensively explored. These findings could provide guidance in the development of sustainable economy and environment, and facilitate biological methane conversion by using MOB in further attempts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Biomass Energy and Carbon Reduction Technology, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu College of Water Treatment Technology and Material Collaborative Innovation Center, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Qixin Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Ji Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Biomass Energy and Carbon Reduction Technology, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu College of Water Treatment Technology and Material Collaborative Innovation Center, Suzhou 215009, China.
| | - Zhiwu Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Manassas, VA 20110, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Guerrero-Cruz S, Vaksmaa A, Horn MA, Niemann H, Pijuan M, Ho A. Methanotrophs: Discoveries, Environmental Relevance, and a Perspective on Current and Future Applications. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:678057. [PMID: 34054786 PMCID: PMC8163242 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.678057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Methane is the final product of the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter. The conversion of organic matter to methane (methanogenesis) as a mechanism for energy conservation is exclusively attributed to the archaeal domain. Methane is oxidized by methanotrophic microorganisms using oxygen or alternative terminal electron acceptors. Aerobic methanotrophic bacteria belong to the phyla Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia, while anaerobic methane oxidation is also mediated by more recently discovered anaerobic methanotrophs with representatives in both the bacteria and the archaea domains. The anaerobic oxidation of methane is coupled to the reduction of nitrate, nitrite, iron, manganese, sulfate, and organic electron acceptors (e.g., humic substances) as terminal electron acceptors. This review highlights the relevance of methanotrophy in natural and anthropogenically influenced ecosystems, emphasizing the environmental conditions, distribution, function, co-existence, interactions, and the availability of electron acceptors that likely play a key role in regulating their function. A systematic overview of key aspects of ecology, physiology, metabolism, and genomics is crucial to understand the contribution of methanotrophs in the mitigation of methane efflux to the atmosphere. We give significance to the processes under microaerophilic and anaerobic conditions for both aerobic and anaerobic methane oxidizers. In the context of anthropogenically influenced ecosystems, we emphasize the current and potential future applications of methanotrophs from two different angles, namely methane mitigation in wastewater treatment through the application of anaerobic methanotrophs, and the biotechnological applications of aerobic methanotrophs in resource recovery from methane waste streams. Finally, we identify knowledge gaps that may lead to opportunities to harness further the biotechnological benefits of methanotrophs in methane mitigation and for the production of valuable bioproducts enabling a bio-based and circular economy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Guerrero-Cruz
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Girona, Spain
- Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Annika Vaksmaa
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, ’t Horntje, Netherlands
| | - Marcus A. Horn
- Institute of Microbiology, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helge Niemann
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, ’t Horntje, Netherlands
- Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Centre for Arctic Gas Hydrate, Environment and Climate, Department of Geosciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Maite Pijuan
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Girona, Spain
- Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Adrian Ho
- Institute of Microbiology, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nguyen DTN, Lee OK, Nguyen TT, Lee EY. Type II methanotrophs: A promising microbial cell-factory platform for bioconversion of methane to chemicals. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 47:107700. [PMID: 33548453 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Methane, the predominant element in natural gas and biogas, represents a promising alternative to carbon feedstocks in the biotechnological industry due to its low cost and high abundance. The bioconversion of methane to value-added products can enhance the value of gas and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Methanotrophs, methane-utilizing bacteria, can make a significant contribution to the production of various valuable biofuels and chemicals from methane. Type II methanotrophs in comparison with Type I methanotrophs have distinct advantages, including high acetyl-CoA flux and the co-incorporation of two important greenhouse gases (methane and CO2), making it a potential microbial cell-factory platform for methane-derived biomanufacturing. Herein, we review the most recent advances in Type II methanotrophs related to multi-omics studies and metabolic engineering. Representative examples and prospects of metabolic engineering strategies for the production of suitable products are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diep Thi Ngoc Nguyen
- Department of Chemical Engineering (Integrated Engineering), Kyung Hee University, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Ok Kyung Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering (Integrated Engineering), Kyung Hee University, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Thu Thi Nguyen
- Department of Chemical Engineering (Integrated Engineering), Kyung Hee University, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Yeol Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering (Integrated Engineering), Kyung Hee University, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Geinitz B, Hüser A, Mann M, Büchs J. Gas Fermentation Expands the Scope of a Process Network for Material Conversion. CHEM-ING-TECH 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/cite.202000086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bertram Geinitz
- RWTH Aachen University, AVT – Biochemical Engineering Forckenbeckstraße 51 52074 Aachen Germany
| | - Aline Hüser
- RWTH Aachen University, AVT – Biochemical Engineering Forckenbeckstraße 51 52074 Aachen Germany
| | - Marcel Mann
- RWTH Aachen University, AVT – Biochemical Engineering Forckenbeckstraße 51 52074 Aachen Germany
| | - Jochen Büchs
- RWTH Aachen University, AVT – Biochemical Engineering Forckenbeckstraße 51 52074 Aachen Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Liu LY, Xie GJ, Xing DF, Liu BF, Ding J, Ren NQ. Biological conversion of methane to polyhydroxyalkanoates: Current advances, challenges, and perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 2:100029. [PMID: 36160923 PMCID: PMC9487992 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2020.100029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Methane emissions and plastic pollution are critical global challenges. The biological conversion of methane to poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) not only mitigates methane emissions but also provides biodegradable polymer substitutes for petroleum-based materials used in plastics production. This work provides an early overview of the methane-based PHB advances and discusses challenges and related strategies. Recent advances of PHB, including PHB biosynthetic pathways, methanotrophs, bioreactors, and the performances of PHB materials are introduced. Major challenges of methane-based PHB production are discussed in detail; these include low efficiency of methanotrophs, low gas-liquid mass transfer efficiency, and poor material properties. To overcome these limitations, various approaches are also explored, such as feast-famine regimes, engineered microorganisms, gas-permeable membrane bioreactors, two-phase partitioning bioreactors, poly-β-hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate synthesis, and molecular weight manipulation.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang S, An Z, Wang ZW. Bioconversion of methane to chemicals and fuels by methane-oxidizing bacteria. ADVANCES IN BIOENERGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aibe.2020.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
15
|
Luangthongkam P, Strong PJ, Syed Mahamud SN, Evans P, Jensen P, Tyson G, Laycock B, Lant PA, Pratt S. The effect of methane and odd-chain fatty acids on 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) synthesis by a Methylosinus-dominated mixed culture. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2019. [DOI: 10.1186/s40643-019-0285-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractA methanotrophic community was enriched in a semi-continuous reactor under non-aseptic conditions with methane and ammonia as carbon and nitrogen source. After a year of operation, Methylosinus sp., accounted for 80% relative abundance of the total sequences identified from potential polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) producers, dominated the methane-fed enrichment. Prior to induction of PHA accumulation, cells harvested from the parent reactor contained low level of PHA at 4.0 ± 0.3 wt%. The cells were later incubated in the absence of ammonia with various combinations of methane, propionic acid, and valeric acid to induce biosynthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). Previous studies reported that methanotrophic utilization of odd-chain fatty acids for the production of PHAs requires reducing power from methane oxidation. However, our findings demonstrated that the PHB-containing methanotrophic enrichment does not require methane availability to generate 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV)—when odd-chain fatty acids are presented. The enrichment yielded up to 14 wt% PHA with various mole fractions of 3HV monomer depending on the availability of methane and odd-fatty acids. Overall, the addition of valeric acid resulted in a higher PHA content and a higher 3HV fraction. The highest 3HV fraction (up to 65 mol%) was obtained from the methane–valeric acid experiment, which is higher than those previously reported for PHA-producing methanotrophic mixed microbial cultures.
Collapse
|
16
|
Singh R, Ryu J, Kim SW. Microbial consortia including methanotrophs: some benefits of living together. J Microbiol 2019; 57:939-952. [PMID: 31659683 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-019-9328-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
With the progress of biotechnological research and improvements made in bioprocessing with pure cultures, microbial consortia have gained recognition for accomplishing biological processes with improved effectiveness. Microbes are indispensable tool in developing bioprocesses for the production of bioenergy and biochemicals while utilizing renewable resources due to technical, economic and environmental advantages. They communicate with specific cohorts in close proximity to promote metabolic cooperation. Use of positive microbial associations has been recognized widely, especially in food industries and bioremediation of toxic compounds and waste materials. Role of microbial associations in developing sustainable energy sources and substitutes for conventional fuels is highly promising with many commercial prospects. Detoxification of chemical contaminants sourced from domestic, agricultural and industrial wastes has also been achieved through microbial catalysis in pure and co-culture systems. Methanotrophs, the sole biological sink of greenhouse gas methane, catalyze the methane monooxygenasemediated oxidation of methane to methanol, a high energy density liquid and key platform chemical to produce commodity chemical compounds and their derivatives. Constructed microbial consortia have positive effects, such as improved biomass, biocatalytic potential, stability etc. In a methanotroph-heterotroph consortium, non-methanotrophs provide key nutrient factors and alleviate the toxicity from the culture. Non-methanotrophic organisms biologically stimulate the growth and activity of methanotrophs via production of growth stimulators. However, methanotrophs in association with co-cultured microorganisms are in need of further exploration and thorough investigation to study their interaction mode and application with improved effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Singh
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewon Ryu
- Department of Energy Convergence, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Wouk Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Energy Convergence, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Foong CP, Higuchi-Takeuchi M, Numata K. Optimal iron concentrations for growth-associated polyhydroxyalkanoate biosynthesis in the marine photosynthetic purple bacterium Rhodovulum sulfidophilum under photoheterotrophic condition. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212654. [PMID: 31034524 PMCID: PMC6488045 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a group of natural biopolyesters that resemble petroleum-derived plastics in terms of physical properties but are less harmful biologically to the environment and humans. Most of the current PHA producers are heterotrophs, which require expensive feeding materials and thus contribute to the high price of PHAs. Marine photosynthetic bacteria are promising alternative microbial cell factories for cost-effective, carbon neutral and sustainable production of PHAs. In this study, Rhodovulum sulfidophilum, a marine photosynthetic purple nonsulfur bacterium with a high metabolic versatility, was evaluated for cell growth and PHA production under the influence of various media components found in previous studies. We evaluated iron, using ferric citrate, as another essential factor for cell growth and efficient PHA production and confirmed that PHA production in R. sulfidophilum was growth-associated under microaerobic and photoheterotrophic conditions. In fact, a subtle amount of iron (1 to 2 μM) was sufficient to promote rapid cell growth and biomass accumulation, as well as a high PHA volumetric productivity during the logarithmic phase. However, an excess amount of iron did not enhance the growth rate or PHA productivity. Thus, we successfully confirmed that an optimum concentration of iron, an essential nutrient, promotes cell growth in R. sulfidophilum and also enhances PHA utilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Choon Pin Foong
- Biomacromolecules Research Team, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Mieko Higuchi-Takeuchi
- Biomacromolecules Research Team, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Keiji Numata
- Biomacromolecules Research Team, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bio-conversion of methane into high profit margin compounds: an innovative, environmentally friendly and cost-effective platform for methane abatement. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 35:16. [PMID: 30617555 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-018-2587-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite the environmental relevance of CH4 and forthcoming stricter regulations, the development of cost-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies for CH4 abatement is still limited. To date, one of the most promising solutions for the mitigation of this important GHG consists of the bioconversion of CH4 into bioproducts with a high profit margin. In this context, methanotrophs have been already proven as cell-factories of some of the most expensive products synthesized by microorganisms. In the case of ectoine (1000 $ kg-1), already described methanotrophic genera such as Methylomicrobium can accumulate up to 20% (ectoine wt-1) using methane as the only carbon source. Moreover, α-methanotrophs, such as Methylosynus and Methylocystis, are able to store bioplastic concentrations up to 50-60% of their total cell content. More than that, methanotrophs are one of the greatest potential producers of methanol and exopolysaccharides. Although this methanotrophic factory could be enhanced throughout metabolic engineering, the valorization of CH4 into valuable metabolites has been already consistently demonstrated under continuous and discontinuous mode, producing more than one compound in the same bioprocess, and using both, single strains and specific consortia. This review states the state-of-the-art of this innovative biotechnological platform by assessing its potential and current limitations.
Collapse
|
19
|
Debuissy T, Pollet E, Avérous L. Biotic and Abiotic Synthesis of Renewable Aliphatic Polyesters from Short Building Blocks Obtained from Biotechnology. CHEMSUSCHEM 2018; 11:3836-3870. [PMID: 30203918 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201801700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Biobased polymers have seen their attractiveness increase in recent decades thanks to the significant development of biorefineries to allow access to a wide variety of biobased building blocks. Polyesters are one of the best examples of the development of biobased polymers because most of them now have their monomers produced from renewable resources and are biodegradable. Currently, these polyesters are mainly produced by using traditional chemical catalysts and harsh conditions, but recently greener pathways with nontoxic enzymes as biocatalysts and mild conditions have shown great potential. Bacterial polyesters, such as poly(hydroxyalkanoate)s (PHA), are the best example of the biotic production of high molar mass polymers. PHAs display a wide variety of macromolecular architectures, which allow a large range of applications. The present contribution aims to provide an overview of recent progress in studies on biobased polyesters, especially those made from short building blocks, synthesized through step-growth polymerization. In addition, some important technical aspects of their syntheses through biotic or abiotic pathways have been detailed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thibaud Debuissy
- BioTeam/ICPEES-ECPM, UMR CNRS 7515, Université de Strasbourg, 25 rue Becquerel, 67087, Strasbourg Cedex 2, France
| | - Eric Pollet
- BioTeam/ICPEES-ECPM, UMR CNRS 7515, Université de Strasbourg, 25 rue Becquerel, 67087, Strasbourg Cedex 2, France
| | - Luc Avérous
- BioTeam/ICPEES-ECPM, UMR CNRS 7515, Université de Strasbourg, 25 rue Becquerel, 67087, Strasbourg Cedex 2, France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
AlSayed A, Fergala A, Eldyasti A. Influence of biomass density and food to microorganisms ratio on the mixed culture type I methanotrophs enriched from activated sludge. J Environ Sci (China) 2018; 70:87-96. [PMID: 30037414 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Methanotrophic based process can be the remedy to offset the wastewater treatment facilities increasing energy requirements due to methanotroph's unique ability to integrate methane assimilation with multiple biotechnological applications like biological nitrogen removal and methanol production. Regardless of the methanotrophic process end product, the challenge to maintain stable microbial growth in the methanotrophs cultivation bioreactor at higher cell densities is one of the major obstacles facing the process upscaling. Therefore, a series of consecutive batch tests were performed to attentively investigate the biomass density influence on type I methanotrophs bacterial growth. In addition, food to microorganisms (F/M), carbon to nitrogen (C/N) and nitrogen to microorganisms (N/M) ratio effect on the microbial activity was studied for the first time. It was clarified that the F/M ratio is the most influencing factor on the microbial growth at higher biomass densities rather than the biomass density increase, whereas C/N and N/M ratio change, while using nitrate as the nitrogen source, does not influence methanotrophs microbial growth. These study results would facilitate the scaling up of methanotrophic based biotechnology by identifying that F/M ratio as the key parameter that influences methanotrophs cultivation at high biomass densities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed AlSayed
- Department of Civil Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Ahmed Fergala
- Department of Civil Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Ahmed Eldyasti
- Department of Civil Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chidambarampadmavathy K, Karthikeyan OP, Huerlimann R, Maes GE, Heimann K. Responses of mixed methanotrophic consortia to variable Cu 2+/Fe 2+ ratios. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 197:159-166. [PMID: 28365562 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.03.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Methane mitigation in landfill top cover soils is mediated by methanotrophs whose optimal methane (CH4) oxidation capacity is governed by environmental and complex microbial community interactions. Optimization of CH4 remediating bio-filters need to take microbial responses into account. Divalent copper (Cu2+) and iron (Fe2+) are present in landfills at variable ratios and play a vital role in methane oxidation capacity and growth of methanotrophs. This study, as a first of its kind, therefore quantified effects of variable Cu2+ and Fe2+ (5:5, 5:25 and 5:50 μM) ratios on mixed methanotrophic communities enriched from landfill top cover (LB) and compost soils (CB). CH4 oxidation capacity, CH4 removal efficiencies, fatty acids content/profiles and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB; a biopolymer) contents were also analysed to quantify performance and potential co-product development. Mixed methanotroph cultures were raised in 10 L continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs, Bioflo® & Celligen® 310 Fermentor/Bioreactor; John Morris Scientific, Chatswood, NSW, Australia). Community structure was determined by amplifying the V3-V4 region of 16s rRNA gene. Community structure and, consequently, fatty acid-profiles changed significantly with increasing Cu2+/Fe2+ ratios, and responses were different for LB and CB. Effects on methane oxidation capacities and PHB content were similar in the LB- and CB-CSTR, decreasing with increasing Cu2+/Fe2+ ratios, while biomass growth was unaffected. In general, high Fe2+ concentration favored growth of the type -II methanotroph Methylosinus in the CB-CSTR, but methanotroph abundances decreased in the LB-CSTR. Increase in Cu2+/Fe2+ ratio increased the growth of Sphingopyxis in both systems, while Azospirllum was co-dominant in the LB- but absent in the CB-CSTR. After 13 days, methane oxidation capacities and PHB content decreased by ∼50% and more in response to increasing Fe2+ concentrations. Although methanotroph abundance was ∼2% in the LB- (compared to >50% in CB-CSTR), methane oxidation capacities were comparable in the two systems, suggesting that methane oxidation capacity was maintained by the dominant Azospirllum and Sphingopyxis in the LB-CSTR. Despite similar methanotroph inoculum community composition and controlled environmental variables, increasing Cu2+/Fe2+ ratios resulted in significantly different microbial community structures in the LB- and CB-CSTR, indicative of complex microbial interactions. In summary, our results suggest that a detailed understanding of allelopathic interactions in mixed methanotrophic consortia is vital for constructing robust bio-filters for CH4 emission abatement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karthigeyan Chidambarampadmavathy
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia
| | - Obulisamy Parthiba Karthikeyan
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Comparative Genomics Centre, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment (ARCPE), Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Roger Huerlimann
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Comparative Genomics Centre, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gregory E Maes
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Comparative Genomics Centre, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kirsten Heimann
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Comparative Genomics Centre, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Bio-discovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Puyol D, Batstone DJ, Hülsen T, Astals S, Peces M, Krömer JO. Resource Recovery from Wastewater by Biological Technologies: Opportunities, Challenges, and Prospects. Front Microbiol 2017; 7:2106. [PMID: 28111567 PMCID: PMC5216025 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.02106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Limits in resource availability are driving a change in current societal production systems, changing the focus from residues treatment, such as wastewater treatment, toward resource recovery. Biotechnological processes offer an economic and versatile way to concentrate and transform resources from waste/wastewater into valuable products, which is a prerequisite for the technological development of a cradle-to-cradle bio-based economy. This review identifies emerging technologies that enable resource recovery across the wastewater treatment cycle. As such, bioenergy in the form of biohydrogen (by photo and dark fermentation processes) and biogas (during anaerobic digestion processes) have been classic targets, whereby, direct transformation of lipidic biomass into biodiesel also gained attention. This concept is similar to previous biofuel concepts, but more sustainable, as third generation biofuels and other resources can be produced from waste biomass. The production of high value biopolymers (e.g., for bioplastics manufacturing) from organic acids, hydrogen, and methane is another option for carbon recovery. The recovery of carbon and nutrients can be achieved by organic fertilizer production, or single cell protein generation (depending on the source) which may be utilized as feed, feed additives, next generation fertilizers, or even as probiotics. Additionlly, chemical oxidation-reduction and bioelectrochemical systems can recover inorganics or synthesize organic products beyond the natural microbial metabolism. Anticipating the next generation of wastewater treatment plants driven by biological recovery technologies, this review is focused on the generation and re-synthesis of energetic resources and key resources to be recycled as raw materials in a cradle-to-cradle economy concept.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Puyol
- Group of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Experimental Sciences and Technology, King Juan Carlos UniversityMostoles, Spain
| | - Damien J. Batstone
- Advanced Water Management Centre, University of Queensland, BrisbaneQLD, Australia
- CRC for Water Sensitive Cities, ClaytonVIC, Australia
| | - Tim Hülsen
- Advanced Water Management Centre, University of Queensland, BrisbaneQLD, Australia
- CRC for Water Sensitive Cities, ClaytonVIC, Australia
| | - Sergi Astals
- Advanced Water Management Centre, University of Queensland, BrisbaneQLD, Australia
| | - Miriam Peces
- Centre for Solid Waste Bioprocessing, School of Civil Engineering, University of Queensland, BrisbaneQLD, Australia
| | - Jens O. Krömer
- Advanced Water Management Centre, University of Queensland, BrisbaneQLD, Australia
- Centre for Microbial Electrochemical Systems, University of Queensland, BrisbaneQLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Strong PJ, Kalyuzhnaya M, Silverman J, Clarke WP. A methanotroph-based biorefinery: Potential scenarios for generating multiple products from a single fermentation. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2016; 215:314-323. [PMID: 27146469 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.04.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Methane, a carbon source for methanotrophic bacteria, is the principal component of natural gas and is produced during anaerobic digestion of organic matter (biogas). Methanotrophs are a viable source of single cell protein (feed supplement) and can produce various products, since they accumulate osmolytes (e.g. ectoine, sucrose), phospholipids (potential biofuels) and biopolymers (polyhydroxybutyrate, glycogen), among others. Other cell components, such as surface layers, metal chelating proteins (methanobactin), enzymes (methane monooxygenase) or heterologous proteins hold promise as future products. Here, scenarios are presented where ectoine, polyhydroxybutyrate or protein G are synthesised as the primary product, in conjunction with a variety of ancillary products that could enhance process viability. Single or dual-stage processes and volumetric requirements for bioreactors are discussed, in terms of an annual biomass output of 1000 tonnesyear(-1). Product yields are discussed in relation to methane and oxygen consumption and organic waste generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P J Strong
- Centre for Solid Waste Bioprocessing, School of Civil Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia.
| | - M Kalyuzhnaya
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-4614, United States
| | - J Silverman
- Calysta, 1140 O'Brien Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
| | - W P Clarke
- Centre for Solid Waste Bioprocessing, School of Civil Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Millán M, Segura D, Galindo E, Peña C. Molecular mass of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB) produced by Azotobacter vinelandii is determined by the ratio of synthesis and degradation under fixed dissolved oxygen tension. Process Biochem 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2016.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
25
|
Enrichment and characteristics of mixed methane-oxidizing bacteria from a Chinese coal mine. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 100:10331-10341. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7738-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
26
|
Flanagan JCA, Myung J, Criddle CS, Waymouth RM. Poly(hydroxyalkanoate)s from Waste Biomass: A Combined Chemical-Biological Approach. ChemistrySelect 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201600592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaewook Myung
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Craig S. Criddle
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Stanford University; Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Jiang H, Duan C, Jiang P, Liu M, Luo M, Xing XH. Characteristics of scale-up fermentation of mixed methane-oxidizing bacteria. Biochem Eng J 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
28
|
Cal AJ, Sikkema WD, Ponce MI, Franqui-Villanueva D, Riiff TJ, Orts WJ, Pieja AJ, Lee CC. Methanotrophic production of polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate with high hydroxyvalerate content. Int J Biol Macromol 2016; 87:302-7. [PMID: 26920242 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.02.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Type II methanotrophic bacteria are a promising production platform for PHA biopolymers. These bacteria are known to produce pure poly-3-hydroxybutyrate homopolymer (PHB). We isolated a strain, Methylocystis sp. WRRC1, that was capable of producing a wide range of polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate copolymers (PHB-co-HV) when co-fed methane and valerate or n-pentanol. The ratio of HB to HV monomer was directly related to the concentration of valeric acid in the PHA accumulation media. We observed increased incorporation of HV and total polymer under copper-free growth conditions. The PHB-co-HV copolymers produced had decreased melting temperatures and crystallinity compared with methanotroph-produced PHB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Cal
- USDA-ARS-WRRC, Bioproducts Research Unit, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, United States
| | - W Dirk Sikkema
- USDA-ARS-WRRC, Bioproducts Research Unit, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, United States
| | - Maria I Ponce
- USDA-ARS-WRRC, Bioproducts Research Unit, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, United States
| | | | - Timothy J Riiff
- USDA-ARS-WRRC, Bioproducts Research Unit, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, United States
| | - William J Orts
- USDA-ARS-WRRC, Bioproducts Research Unit, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, United States
| | - Allison J Pieja
- Mango Materials, 490 Lake Park Ave #16098, Oakland, CA 94610, United States
| | - Charles C Lee
- USDA-ARS-WRRC, Bioproducts Research Unit, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Strong PJ, Laycock B, Mahamud SNS, Jensen PD, Lant PA, Tyson G, Pratt S. The Opportunity for High-Performance Biomaterials from Methane. Microorganisms 2016; 4:E11. [PMID: 27681905 PMCID: PMC5029516 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms4010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers are widely recognised as outstanding candidates to replace conventional petroleum-derived polymers. Their mechanical properties are good and can be tailored through copolymer composition, they are biodegradable, and unlike many alternatives, they do not rely on oil-based feedstocks. Further, they are the only commodity polymer that can be synthesised intracellularly, ensuring stereoregularity and high molecular weight. However, despite offering enormous potential for many years, they are still not making a significant impact. This is broadly because commercial uptake has been limited by variable performance (inconsistent polymer properties) and high production costs of the raw polymer. Additionally, the main type of PHA produced naturally is poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), which has limited scope due to its brittle nature and low thermal stability, as well as its tendency to embrittle over time. Production cost is strongly impacted by the type of the feedstock used. In this article we consider: the production of PHAs from methanotrophs using methane as a cost-effective substrate; the use of mixed cultures, as opposed to pure strains; and strategies to generate a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) copolymer (PHBV), which has more desirable qualities such as toughness and elasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter James Strong
- Centre for Solid Waste Bioprocessing, School of Civil Engineering and School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Bronwyn Laycock
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | | | - Paul Douglas Jensen
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Paul Andrew Lant
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Gene Tyson
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Steven Pratt
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Karthikeyan OP, Chidambarampadmavathy K, Nadarajan S, Lee PKH, Heimann K. Effect of CH4/O2 ratio on fatty acid profile and polyhydroxybutyrate content in a heterotrophic-methanotrophic consortium. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 141:235-42. [PMID: 26247542 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/19/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the role of heterotrophic-methanotrophic (H-Meth) communities is important for improvement of methane (CH4) oxidation capacities (MOC) particularly in conjunction with bio-product development in industrial bio-filters. Initially, a H-Meth consortium was established and enriched from marine sediments and characterized by next generation sequencing of the 16s rDNA gene. The enriched consortium was subjected to 10-50% CH4 (i.e., 0.20-1.6 CH4/O2 ratios) to study the effects on MOCs, biomass growth, fatty acid profiles and biopolymer (e.g. polyhydroxybutyrate; PHB) content. Methylocystis, Methylophaga and Pseudoxanthomonas dominated the H-Meth consortium. Culture enrichment of the H-Meth consortium resulted in 15-20-folds higher MOC compared to seed sediments. Increasing CH4 concentration (and decreased O2 levels) yielded higher MOCs, but did not improve total fatty acid contents. PHB contents varied between 2.5% and 8.5% independently of CH4/O2 ratios. The results suggest that H-Meth consortia could potentially be used in industrial bio-filters for production of biopolymer/biofuel precursors from CH4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Obulisamy P Karthikeyan
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Comparative Genomics Centre, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia
| | - Karthigeyan Chidambarampadmavathy
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia
| | - Saravanan Nadarajan
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia
| | - Patrick K H Lee
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kirsten Heimann
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Comparative Genomics Centre, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Bio-discovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Queensland, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chidambarampadmavathy K, Karthikeyan OP, Heimann K. Biopolymers made from methane in bioreactors. Eng Life Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201400203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Karthigeyan Chidambarampadmavathy
- College of Marine and Environmental Science; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland Australia
- Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Obulisamy P. Karthikeyan
- College of Marine and Environmental Science; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland Australia
- Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Kirsten Heimann
- College of Marine and Environmental Science; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland Australia
- Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland Australia
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland Australia
- Comparative Genomics Centre; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland Australia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Optimization of Methanotrophic Growth and Production of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate) in a High-Throughput Microbioreactor System. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:4767-73. [PMID: 25956771 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00025-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) from methane has economic and environmental advantages over production by agricultural feedstock. Identification of high-productivity strains and optimal growth conditions is critical to efficient conversion of methane to polymer. Current culture conditions, including serum bottles, shake flasks, and agar plates, are labor-intensive and therefore insufficient for systematic screening and isolation. Gas chromatography, the standard method for analysis of P3HB content in bacterial biomass, is also incompatible with high-throughput screening. Growth in aerated microtiter plates coupled with a 96-well Nile red flow-cytometric assay creates an integrated microbioreactor system for high-throughput growth and analysis of P3HB-producing methanotrophic cultures, eliminating the need for individual manipulation of experimental replicates. This system was tested in practice to conduct medium optimization for P3HB production in pure cultures of Methylocystis parvus OBBP. Optimization gave insight into unexpected interactions: for example, low calcium concentrations significantly enhanced P3HB production under nitrogen-limited conditions. Optimization of calcium and copper concentrations in the growth medium increased final P3HB content from 18.1% to 49.4% and P3HB concentration from 0.69 g/liter to 3.43 g/liter while reducing doubling time from 10.6 h to 8.6 h. The ability to culture and analyze thousands of replicates with high mass transfer in completely mixed culture promises to streamline medium optimization and allow the detection and isolation of highly productive strains. Applications for this system are numerous, encompassing analysis of biofuels and other lipid inclusions, as well as analysis of heterotrophic and photosynthetic systems.
Collapse
|
33
|
Strong PJ, Xie S, Clarke WP. Methane as a resource: can the methanotrophs add value? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:4001-18. [PMID: 25723373 DOI: 10.1021/es504242n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Methane is an abundant gas used in energy recovery systems, heating, and transport. Methanotrophs are bacteria capable of using methane as their sole carbon source. Although intensively researched, the myriad of potential biotechnological applications of methanotrophic bacteria has not been comprehensively discussed in a single review. Methanotrophs can generate single-cell protein, biopolymers, components for nanotechnology applications (surface layers), soluble metabolites (methanol, formaldehyde, organic acids, and ectoine), lipids (biodiesel and health supplements), growth media, and vitamin B12 using methane as their carbon source. They may be genetically engineered to produce new compounds such as carotenoids or farnesene. Some enzymes (dehydrogenases, oxidase, and catalase) are valuable products with high conversion efficiencies and can generate methanol or sequester CO2 as formic acid ex vivo. Live cultures can be used for bioremediation, chemical transformation (propene to propylene oxide), wastewater denitrification, as components of biosensors, or possibly for directly generating electricity. This review demonstrates the potential for methanotrophs and their consortia to generate value while using methane as a carbon source. While there are notable challenges using a low solubility gas as a carbon source, the massive methane resource, and the potential cost savings while sequestering a greenhouse gas, keeps interest piqued in these unique bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P J Strong
- Centre for Solid Waste Bioprocessing, School of Civil Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - S Xie
- Centre for Solid Waste Bioprocessing, School of Civil Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - W P Clarke
- Centre for Solid Waste Bioprocessing, School of Civil Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Chidambarampadmavathy K, Obulisamy P. K, Heimann K. Role of copper and iron in methane oxidation and bacterial biopolymer accumulation. Eng Life Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201400127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Karthigeyan Chidambarampadmavathy
- Collegeof Marine and Environmental ScienceJames Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
- Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and AquacultureJames Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Karthikeyan Obulisamy P.
- Collegeof Marine and Environmental ScienceJames Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
- Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and AquacultureJames Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Kirsten Heimann
- Collegeof Marine and Environmental ScienceJames Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
- Centre for Sustainable Fisheries and AquacultureJames Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of TherapeuticsJames Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
- Comparative Genomics CentreJames Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Peña C, Castillo T, García A, Millán M, Segura D. Biotechnological strategies to improve production of microbial poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate): a review of recent research work. Microb Biotechnol 2015; 7:278-93. [PMID: 24898500 PMCID: PMC4241722 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] is a polyester synthesized as a carbon and energy reserve material by a wide number of bacteria. This polymer is characterized by its thermo-plastic properties similar to plastics derived from petrochemical industry, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Furthermore, P(3HB) is an inert, biocompatible and biodegradable material which has been proposed for several uses in medical and biomedical areas. Currently, only few bacterial species such as Cupriavidus necator, Azohydromonas lata and recombinant Escherichia coli have been successfully used for P(3HB) production at industrial level. Nevertheless, in recent years, several fermentation strategies using other microbial models such as Azotobacter vinelandii, A. chroococcum, as well as some methane-utilizing species, have been developed in order to improve the P(3HB) production and also its mean molecular weight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Peña
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bioconversion of natural gas to liquid fuel: opportunities and challenges. Biotechnol Adv 2014; 32:596-614. [PMID: 24726715 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2014.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Revised: 03/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Natural gas is a mixture of low molecular weight hydrocarbon gases that can be generated from either fossil or anthropogenic resources. Although natural gas is used as a transportation fuel, constraints in storage, relatively low energy content (MJ/L), and delivery have limited widespread adoption. Advanced utilization of natural gas has been explored for biofuel production by microorganisms. In recent years, the aerobic bioconversion of natural gas (or primarily the methane content of natural gas) into liquid fuels (Bio-GTL) by biocatalysts (methanotrophs) has gained increasing attention as a promising alternative for drop-in biofuel production. Methanotrophic bacteria are capable of converting methane into microbial lipids, which can in turn be converted into renewable diesel via a hydrotreating process. In this paper, biodiversity, catalytic properties and key enzymes and pathways of these microbes are summarized. Bioprocess technologies are discussed based upon existing literature, including cultivation conditions, fermentation modes, bioreactor design, and lipid extraction and upgrading. This review also outlines the potential of Bio-GTL using methane as an alternative carbon source as well as the major challenges and future research needs of microbial lipid accumulation derived from methane, key performance index, and techno-economic analysis. An analysis of raw material costs suggests that methane-derived diesel fuel has the potential to be competitive with petroleum-derived diesel.
Collapse
|
37
|
Laycock B, Halley P, Pratt S, Werker A, Lant P. The chemomechanical properties of microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates. Prog Polym Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2013.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
38
|
Muhr A, Rechberger EM, Salerno A, Reiterer A, Schiller M, Kwiecień M, Adamus G, Kowalczuk M, Strohmeier K, Schober S, Mittelbach M, Koller M. Biodegradable latexes from animal-derived waste: Biosynthesis and characterization of mcl-PHA accumulated by Ps. citronellolis. REACT FUNCT POLYM 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2012.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
39
|
Koller M, Niebelschütz H, Braunegg G. Strategies for recovery and purification of poly[(R)-3-hydroxyalkanoates] (PHA) biopolyesters from surrounding biomass. Eng Life Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201300021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Koller
- Institute of Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering; Graz University of Technology; Graz Austria
- ARENA Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Ressourcenschonende & Nachhaltige Technologien; Graz Austria
| | | | - Gerhart Braunegg
- ARENA Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Ressourcenschonende & Nachhaltige Technologien; Graz Austria
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Marshall CW, LaBelle EV, May HD. Production of fuels and chemicals from waste by microbiomes. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2013; 24:391-7. [PMID: 23587964 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2013.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Revised: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The demand for chemicals and fuels will continue to grow simultaneously with the costly requirement to treat solid waste, wastewater, and regarding climate change, carbon dioxide. A dual benefit is at hand if waste could be converted to valuable chemicals. The application of stable chemical producing microbiomes adapted to these waste streams may turn this challenge into an opportunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Marshall
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Marine Biomedicine & Environmental Science Center, Medical University of South Carolina, United States
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Laycock B, Halley P, Pratt S, Werker A, Lant P. The chemomechanical properties of microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates. Prog Polym Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2012.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
42
|
Microbial production of poly(hydroxybutyrate) from C₁ carbon sources. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2013; 97:1407-24. [PMID: 23306640 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-012-4649-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2012] [Revised: 12/08/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is an attractive substitute for petrochemical plastic due to its similar properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The cost of scaled-up PHB production inhibits its widespread usage. Intensive researches are growing to reduce costs and improve thermomechanical, physical, and processing properties of this green biopolymer. Among cheap substrates which are used for reducing total cost of PHB production, some C₁ carbon sources, e.g., methane, methanol, and CO₂ have received a great deal of attention due to their serious role in greenhouse problem. This article reviews the fundamentals of strategies for reducing PHA production and moves on to the applications of several cheap substrates with a special emphasis on methane, methanol, and CO₂. Also, some explanation for involved microorganisms including the hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria and methanotrophs, their history, culture condition, and nutritional requirements are given. After description of some important strains among the hydrogen-oxidizing and methanotrophic producers of PHB, the article is focused on limitations, threats, and opportunities for application and their future trends.
Collapse
|
43
|
Rostkowski KH, Criddle CS, Lepech MD. Cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment for a cradle-to-cradle cycle: biogas-to-bioplastic (and back). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:9822-9829. [PMID: 22775327 DOI: 10.1021/es204541w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
At present, most synthetic organic materials are produced from fossil carbon feedstock that is regenerated over time scales of millions of years. Biobased alternatives can be rapidly renewed in cradle-to-cradle cycles (1-10 years). Such materials extend landfill life and decrease undesirable impacts due to material persistence. This work develops a LCA for synthesis of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) from methane with subsequent biodegradation of PHB back to biogas (40-70% methane, 30-60% carbon dioxide). The parameters for this cradle-to-cradle cycle for PHB production are developed and used as the basis for a cradle-to-gate LCA. PHB production from biogas methane is shown to be preferable to its production from cultivated feedstock due to the energy and land required for the feedstock cultivation and fermentation. For the PHB-methane cycle, the major challenges are PHB recovery and demands for energy. Some or all of the energy requirements can be satisfied using renewable energy, such as a portion of the collected biogas methane. Oxidation of 18-26% of the methane in a biogas stream can meet the energy demands for aeration and agitation, and recovery of PHB synthesized from the remaining 74-82%. Effective coupling of waste-to-energy technologies could thus conceivably enable PHB production without imported carbon and energy.
Collapse
|
44
|
Pieja AJ, Rostkowski KH, Criddle CS. Distribution and selection of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate production capacity in methanotrophic proteobacteria. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2011; 62:564-573. [PMID: 21594594 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-011-9873-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/03/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Methanotrophs are known to produce poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), but there is conflicting evidence in the literature as to which genera produce the polymer. We screened type I and II proteobacterial methanotrophs that use the ribulose monophosphate and serine pathways for carbon assimilation, respectively, for both phaC, which encodes for PHB synthase, and the ability to produce PHB under nitrogen-limited conditions. Twelve strains from six different genera were evaluated. All type I strains tested negative for phaC and PHB production; all Type II strains tested positive for phaC and PHB production. In order to identify conditions that favor PHB production, we also evaluated a range of selection conditions using a diverse activated sludge inoculum. Use of medium typically recommended for methanotroph enrichment led to enrichments dominated by type I methanotrophs. Conditions that were selected for enrichments dominated by PHB-producing Type II methanotrophs were: (1) use of nitrogen gas as the sole nitrogen source in the absence of copper, (2) use of a dilute mineral salts media in the absence of copper, and (3) use of media prepared at pH values of 4-5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison J Pieja
- Environmental Engineering and Science, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Pieja AJ, Sundstrom ER, Criddle CS. Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate metabolism in the type II methanotroph Methylocystis parvus OBBP. Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 77:6012-9. [PMID: 21724874 PMCID: PMC3165381 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00509-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 06/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences in carbon assimilation pathways and reducing power requirements among organisms are likely to affect the role of the storage polymer poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB). Previous researchers have demonstrated that PHB functions as a sole growth substrate in aerobic cultures enriched on acetate during periods of carbon deficiency, but it is uncertain how C(1) metabolism affects the role of PHB. In the present study, the type II methanotroph Methylocystis parvus OBBP did not replicate using stored PHB in the absence of methane, even when all other nutrients were provided in excess. When PHB-rich cultures of M. parvus OBBP were deprived of carbon and nitrogen for 48 h, they did not utilize significant amounts of stored PHB, and neither cell concentrations nor concentrations of total suspended solids changed significantly. When methane and nitrogen both were present, PHB and methane were consumed simultaneously. Cells with PHB had significantly higher specific growth rates than cells lacking PHB. The addition of formate (a source of reducing power) to PHB-rich cells delayed PHB consumption, but the addition of glyoxylate (a source of C(2) units) did not. This and results from other researchers suggest that methanotrophic PHB metabolism is linked to the supply of reducing power as opposed to the supply of C(2) units for synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison J. Pieja
- Environmental Engineering and Science, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Eric R. Sundstrom
- Environmental Engineering and Science, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Craig S. Criddle
- Environmental Engineering and Science, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Fernandes Júnior PI, de Oliveira PJ, Rumjanek NG, Xavier GR. Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate and Exopolysaccharide Biosynthesis by Bacterial Isolates from Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] Root Nodules. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2010; 163:473-84. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-010-9055-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2010] [Accepted: 08/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
47
|
Wendlandt KD, Stottmeister U, Helm J, Soltmann B, Jechorek M, Beck M. The potential of methane-oxidizing bacteria for applications in environmental biotechnology. Eng Life Sci 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/elsc.200900093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
|
48
|
Koller M, Atlić A, Dias M, Reiterer A, Braunegg G. Microbial PHA Production from Waste Raw Materials. MICROBIOLOGY MONOGRAPHS 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-03287-5_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
|