Poly(hydroxyalkanoate) in cyanobacteria: an overview

Natural Cyanobacteria Removers Obtained from Bio-Waste Date-Palm Leaf Stalks and Black Alder Cone-Like Flowers

The impact of urbanization and modern agricultural practice has led to accelerated eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems, which has resulted in the massive development of cyanobacteria. Very often, in response to various environmental influences, cyanobacteria produce potentially carcinogenic cyanotoxins. Long-term human exposure to cyanotoxins, through drinking water as well as recreational water (i.e., rivers or lakes), can cause serious health consequences. In order to overcome this problem, this paper presents the synthesis of completely new activated carbons and their potential application in contaminated water treatment. The synthesis and characterization of new active carbon materials obtained from waste biomass, date-palm leaf stalks (P_AC) and black alder cone-like flowers (A_AC) of reliable physical and chemical characteristics were presented in this article. The commercial activated carbon (C_AC) was also examined for the purpose of comparisons with the obtained materials. The detailed characterization of materials was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), low-temperature N2 physisorption, and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Preliminary analyzes of the adsorption capacities of all activated carbon materials were conducted on water samples from Aleksandrovac Lake (Southern part of Serbia), as a eutrophic lake, in order to remove Cyanobacteria from water. The results after 24 h showed removal efficiencies for P_AC, A_AC, and C_AC of 99.99%, 99.99% and 89.79%, respectively.

Current strategies on algae-based biopolymer production and scale-up

The craving for an alternative to the existing plastic products gives rise to the concept of algae-based bioplastic production, which appears to be excellently biodegradable and cost-effective. The significant assortment of algal biopolymers draws great attention to stop the surge of plastic waste and to mitigate the burning problems of environmental pollution. The polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are naturally-occurring biopolymers found in the form of esters accumulated within a number of microbes, which provides the pillar for several biomolecules. This review summarizes the global scenario as well as the precise technique of algae-based PHA extraction and bioplastic production. In addition, different techniques for valorisation of PHA production, its biodegradability and its commercial applications are also taken into consideration.

Sustainable production of polyhydroxybutyrate from autotrophs using CO2 as feedstock: Challenges and opportunities

Due to industrialization and rapid increase in world population, the global energy consumption has increased dramatically. As a consequence, there is increased consumption of fossil fuels, leading to a rapid increase in CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere. This accumulated CO₂ can be efficiently used by autotrophs as a carbon source to produce chemicals and biopolymers. There has been increasing attention on the production of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biopolymer, with focus on reducing the production cost. For this, cheaper renewable feedstocks, molecular tools, including metabolic and genetic engineering have been explored to improve microbial strains along with process engineering aspects for scale-up of PHB production. This review discusses the recent advents on the utilization of CO₂ as feedstock especially by engineered autotrophs, for sustainable production of PHB. The review also discusses the innovations in cultivation technology and process monitoring while understanding the underlying mechanisms for CO₂ to biopolymer conversion.

Production of polyhydroxybutyrate by the cyanobacterium cf. Anabaena sp

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production by the cyanobacterium cf. Anabaena sp. was here studied by varying the medium composition and the carbon source used to induce mixotrophic growth conditions. The highest PHB productivity (0.06 g_PHB g_biomass^-1 d^-1) was observed when cultivating cf. Anabaena sp. in phosphorus-free medium and in the presence of sodium acetate (5.0 g L^-1 concentration), after an incubation period of 7 days. A content of 40% of PHB on biomass, a dry weight of 0.1 g L^-1, and a photosynthetic efficiency equal to the control were obtained. The cyanobacterium was then grown on a larger scale (10 L) to evaluate the characteristics of the produced PHB in relation to the main composition of the biomass (the content of proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids): after an incubation period of 7 days, a content of 6% of lipids (52% of which as unsaturated fatty acids with 18 carbon atoms), 12% of polysaccharides, 28% of proteins, and 46% of PHB was reached. The extracted PHB had a molecular weight of 3 MDa and a PDI of 1.7. These promising results demonstrated that cf. Anabaena sp. can be included among the Cyanobacteria species able to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) either in photoautotrophic or mixotrophic conditions, especially when it is grown under phosphorus-free conditions.

Waste to bioplastics: How close are we to sustainable polyhydroxyalkanoates production?

Increased awareness of environmental sustainability with associated strict environmental regulations has incentivized the pursuit of novel materials to replace conventional petroleum-derived plastics. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are appealing intracellular biopolymers and have drawn significant attention as a viable alternative to petrochemical based plastics not only due to their comparable physiochemical properties but also, their outstanding characteristics such as biodegradability and biocompatibility. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent developments on the involved PHA producer microorganisms, production process from different waste streams by both pure and mixed microbial cultures (MMCs). Bio-based PHA production, particularly using cheap carbon sources with MMCs, is getting more attention. The main bottlenecks are the low production yield and the inconsistency of the biopolymers. Bioaugmentation and metabolic engineering together with cost effective downstream processing are promising approaches to overcome the hurdles of commercial PHA production from waste streams.

Poly-β-Hydroxybutyrate Production by the Cyanobacterium Scytonema geitleri Bharadwaja under Varying Environmental Conditions

The production of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) under varying environmental conditions (pH, temperature and carbon sources) was examined in the cyanobacterium Scytonema geitleri Bharadwaja isolated from the roof-top of a building. The S. geitleri produced PHB and the production of PHB was linear with the growth of cyanobacterium. The maximum PHB production (7.12% of dry cell weight) was recorded when the cells of S. geitleri were at their stationary growth phase. The production of PHB was optimum at pH 8.5 and 30 °C, and acetate (30 mM) was the preferred carbon source.

Selection of cyanobacteria over green algae in a photo-sequencing batch bioreactor fed with wastewater

In this work, a strategy based on photo-sequencing batch operation was used to select cyanobacteria over unsettled green algae in a wastewater treatment system, evaluating for the first time the effect of hydraulic regimes on nutritional dynamics and microorganisms' competition. During 30 days of operation, an initial microalgae mixed consortia dominated by the green microalgae Scenedesmus sp. was cultivated in two different photo-sequencing batch reactors operated at hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 6 days (PSBR₆) and 4 days (PSBR₄) at a theoretical solids retention time (SRT) of 10 d. Both reactors were compared with a semi-continuous reactor (SC₁₀) operated at 10 d of HRT and 10 days of SRT (used as a control). The results indicated that PSBR₆ and PSBR₄ decreased Scenedesmus sp. population by 88% and 48%, respectively. However, only PSBR₆ provided suitable conditions to select cyanobacteria from an initial green algae dominated culture. These conditions included volumetric loads of 11.72 mg TN L^-1 d^-1, 2.04 mg TP L^-1 d^-1 and 53.31 mg TOC L^-1 d^-1. The remaining nutrients in the culture led also to a phosphorus limiting N:P ratio (34:1) that improved the increase of cyanobacteria from an initial 2% until 70% of the total population. In addition, PSBR₆ reached a biomass production of 0.12 g L^-1 d^-1, while removing TN, TP and TOC by 58%, 83% and 85%, respectively. Conversely, the application of higher nutrients loads caused by lower HRT (PSBR₄) led to an increase of only 13% of cyanobacteria while SC₁₀ remained with the same biomass composition during all the experimental time. Thus, this study showed that the dominance of cyanobacteria in microalgal-based wastewater treatment systems can be controlled by the operational and nutritional conditions. This knowledge could contribute to control microalgae contamination from up-scaling cyanobacterial biomass production in wastewater treatment systems.

Disruption of Polyhydroxybutyrate Synthesis Redirects Carbon Flow towards Glycogen Synthesis in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 Overexpressing glgC/glgA

The photoautotrophic Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (hereafter Synechocystis) is known for its α-polyglucan (glycogen) synthesis to serve as a carbon storage compound. In this study, the glgC- and glgA-overexpressing Synechocystis strain with the disruption of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) synthesis (▴GCAX-ΔBK) showed an increased glycogen production. This engineered strain had a high glycogen content of 38.3% (g g-1 dry cell weight) as compared with 27.4% in the phaA knockout strain (ΔBK) and 34.8% in the glgC/glgA-overexpressing strain (▴GCAX) after 20 d growth. Under nitrogen-deprived growth conditions for 3 d, the ▴GCAX-ΔBK strain showed a further increase in glycogen content from 27.0% to 36.0%. Furthermore, the engineered strains grown under ionic, osmotic or oxidative stress conditions had an increase of glycogen accumulation, whereas no increase was observed in the wild type. The maximum glycogen content was 54.0% in the ▴GCAX-ΔBK strain treated with 3 mM H2O2. The overall results indicated that in the absence of PHB synthesis, Synechocystis cells redirected the carbon flow towards the synthesis of glycogen as an alternative physiological responsive compound especially under stress conditions.

Start-up of a microalgae-based treatment system within the biorefinery concept: from wastewater to bioproducts

Within the European project INCOVER, an experimental microalgae-based treatment system has been built for wastewater reuse and added-value products generation. This article describes this new experimental plant and the start-up stage, starting from the new design of three semi-closed horizontal photobioreactors with low energy requirements for microalgae cultivation (30 m³ total), using agricultural runoff and urban wastewater as feedstock. The inflow nutrients concentration is adjusted to select cyanobacteria, microalgae able to accumulate polyhydroxybutyrates, which can be used for bioplastics production. Part of the harvested biomass is used as substrate for anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) with secondary sludge to obtain biogas. This biogas is then cleaned in an absorption column to reach methane concentration up to 99%. The digestate from the AcoD is further processed in sludge wetlands for stabilization and biofertilizer production. On the other hand, treated water undergoes ultrafiltration and disinfection through a solar-driven process, then it is pumped through absorption materials to recover nutrients, and eventually applied in an agricultural field to grow energy crops by means of a smart irrigation system. This plant presents a sustainable approach for wastewater management, which can be seen as a resource recovery process more than a waste treatment.

Production of polyhydroxybutyrates and carbohydrates in a mixed cyanobacterial culture: Effect of nutrients limitation and photoperiods

In the present study, different photoperiods and nutritional conditions were applied to a mixed wastewater-borne cyanobacterial culture in order to enhance the intracellular accumulation of polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs) and carbohydrates. Two different experimental set-ups were used. In the first, the culture was permanently exposed to illumination, while in the second it was submitted to light/dark alternation (12 h cycles). In both cases, two different nutritional regimes were also evaluated, N-limitation and P-limitation. Results showed that the highest PHB concentration (104 mg L^-1) was achieved under P limited conditions and permanent illumination, whereas the highest carbohydrate concentration (838 mg L^-1) was obtained under N limited condition and light/dark alternation. With regard to bioplastics and biofuel generation, this study demonstrates that the accumulation of PHBs (bioplastics) and carbohydrates (potential biofuel substrate) is favored in wastewater-borne cyanobacteria under conditions where nutrients are limited.

Cultivation and selection of cyanobacteria in a closed photobioreactor used for secondary effluent and digestate treatment

The main objective of this study was to select and grow wastewater-borne cyanobacteria in a closed photobioreactor (PBR) inoculated with a mixed consortium of microalgae. The 30L PBR was fed with a mixture of urban secondary effluent and digestate, and operated in semi-continuous mode. Based on the nutrients variation of the influent, three different periods were distinguished during one year of operation. Results showed that total inorganic nitrogen (TIN), inorganic phosphorus concentration (PO₄^3-), phosphorus volumetric load (L_V-P) and carbon limited/non-limited conditions leaded to different species composition, nutrients removal and biomass production in the culture. High TIN/PO₄^3- concentrations in the influent (36mg N L^-1/3mg P L^-1), carbon limitation and an average L_V-P of 0.35mg P L^-1d^-1 were negatively related to cyanobacteria dominance and nutrients removal. On the contrary, cyanobacteria predominance over green algae and the highest microbial biomass production (averaging 0.084g Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS) L^-1d^-1) were reached under TIN/PO₄^3- concentrations of 21mg N L^-1/2mg P L^-1, no carbon limitation and an average L_V-P of 0.23mg P-PO₄^3- L^-1d^-1. However, although cyanobacteria predominance was also favored with a L_V-P 0.15mg L^-1d^-1, biomass production was negatively affected due to a P limitation in the culture, resulting in a biomass production of 0.0.39g VSS L^-1d^-1. This study shows that the dominance of cyanobacteria in a microalgal cyanobacterial community in an agitated PBR using wastewater as nutrient source can be obtained and maintained for 234days. These data can also be applied in future biotechnology applications to optimize and enhance the production of added value products by cyanobacteria in wastewater treatment systems.

Cyanobacterial PHA Production-Review of Recent Advances and a Summary of Three Years' Working Experience Running a Pilot Plant

Cyanobacteria, as photoautotrophic organisms, provide the opportunity to convert CO2 to biomass with light as the sole energy source. Like many other prokaryotes, especially under nutrient deprivation, most cyanobacteria are able to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as intracellular energy and carbon storage compounds. In contrast to heterotrophic PHA producers, photoautotrophic cyanobacteria do not consume sugars and, therefore, do not depend on agricultural crops, which makes them a green alternative production system. This review summarizes the recent advances in cyanobacterial PHA production. Furthermore, this study reports the working experience with different strains and cultivating conditions in a 200 L pilot plant. The tubular photobioreactor was built at the coal power plant in Dürnrohr, Austria in 2013 for direct utilization of flue gases. The main challenges were the selection of robust production strains, process optimization, and automation, as well as the CO2 availability.

Cyanobacterial Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB): Screening, Optimization and Characterization

In modern life petroleum-based plastic has become indispensable due to its frequent use as an easily available and a low cost packaging and moulding material. However, its rapidly growing use is causing aquatic and terrestrial pollution. Under these circumstances, research and development for biodegradable plastic (bioplastics) is inevitable. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a type of microbial polyester that accumulates as a carbon/energy storage material in various microorganisms can be a good alternative. In this study, 23 cyanobacterial strains (15 heterocystous and 8 non-heterocystous) were screened for PHB production. The highest PHB (6.44% w/w of dry cells) was detected in Nostoc muscorum NCCU- 442 and the lowest in Spirulina platensis NCCU-S5 (0.51% w/w of dry cells), whereas no PHB was found in Cylindrospermum sp., Oscillatoria sp. and Plectonema sp. Presence of PHB granules in Nostoc muscorum NCCU- 442 was confirmed microscopically with Sudan black B and Nile red A staining. Pretreatment of biomass with methanol: acetone: water: dimethylformamide [40: 40: 18: 2 (MAD-I)] with 2 h magnetic bar stirring followed by 30 h continuous chloroform soxhlet extraction acted as optimal extraction conditions. Optimized physicochemical conditions viz. 7.5 pH, 30°C temperature, 10:14 h light:dark periods with 0.4% glucose (as additional carbon source), 1.0 gl^-1 sodium chloride and phosphorus deficiency yielded 26.37% PHB on 7^th day instead of 21^st day. Using FTIR, ¹H NMR and GC-MS, extracted polymer was identified as PHB. Thermal properties (melting temperature, decomposition temperatures etc.) of the extracted polymer were determined by TGA and DSC. Further, the polymer showed good tensile strength and young’s modulus with a low extension to break ratio comparable to petrochemical plastic. Biodegradability potential tested as weight loss percentage showed efficient degradation (24.58%) of PHB within 60 days by mixed microbial culture in comparison to petrochemical plastic.

The Multiple Functions of Common Microbial Carbon Polymers, Glycogen and PHB, during Stress Responses in the Non-Diazotrophic Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

Classical microbial carbon polymers such as glycogen and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) have a crucial impact as both a sink and a reserve under macronutrient stress conditions. Most microbial species exclusively synthesize and degrade either glycogen or PHB. A few bacteria such as the phototrophic model organism Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 surprisingly produce both physico-chemically different polymers under conditions of high C to N ratios. For the first time, the function and interrelation of both carbon polymers in non-diazotrophic cyanobacteria are analyzed in a comparative physiological study of single- and double-knockout mutants (ΔglgC; ΔphaC; ΔglgC/ΔphaC), respectively. Most of the observed phenotypes are explicitly related to the knockout of glycogen synthesis, highlighting the metabolic, energetic, and structural impact of this process whenever cells switch from an active, photosynthetic 'protein status' to a dormant 'glycogen status'. The carbon flux regulation into glycogen granules is apparently crucial for both phycobilisome degradation and thylakoid layer disassembly in the presence of light. In contrast, PHB synthesis is definitely not involved in this primary acclimation response. Moreover, the very weak interrelations between the two carbon-polymer syntheses indicate that the regulation and role of PHB synthesis in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is different from glycogen synthesis.

Cyanobacterial biofuels: new insights and strain design strategies revealed by computational modeling

Background

Cyanobacteria are increasingly recognized as promising cell factories for the production of renewable biofuels and chemical feedstocks from sunlight, CO2, and water. However, most biotechnological applications of these organisms are still characterized by low yields. Increasing the production performance of cyanobacteria remains therefore a crucial step.

Results

In this work we use a stoichiometric network model of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 in combination with CASOP and minimal cut set analysis to systematically identify and characterize suitable strain design strategies for biofuel synthesis, specifically for ethanol and isobutanol. As a key result, improving upon other works, we demonstrate that higher-order knockout strategies exist in the model that lead to coupling of growth with high-yield biofuel synthesis under phototrophic conditions. Enumerating all potential knockout strategies (cut sets) reveals a unifying principle behind the identified strain designs, namely to reduce the ratio of ATP to NADPH produced by the photosynthetic electron transport chain. Accordingly, suitable knockout strategies seek to block cyclic and other alternate electron flows, such that ATP and NADPH are exclusively synthesized via the linear electron flow whose ATP/NADPH ratio is below that required for biomass synthesis. The products of interest are then utilized by the cell as sinks for reduction equivalents in excess. Importantly, the calculated intervention strategies do not rely on the assumption of optimal growth and they ensure that maintenance metabolism in the absence of light remains feasible. Our analyses furthermore suggest that a moderately increased ATP turnover, realized, for example, by ATP futile cycles or other ATP wasting mechanisms, represents a promising target to achieve increased biofuel yields.

Conclusion

Our study reveals key principles of rational metabolic engineering strategies in cyanobacteria towards biofuel production. The results clearly show that achieving obligatory coupling of growth and product synthesis in photosynthetic bacteria requires fundamentally different intervention strategies compared to heterotrophic organisms.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12934-014-0128-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

RNA-Seq analysis provides insights for understanding photoautotrophic polyhydroxyalkanoate production in recombinant Synechocystis Sp

The photosynthetic cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. strain 6803, is a potential platform for the production of various chemicals and biofuels. In this study, direct photosynthetic production of a biopolymer, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), in genetically engineered Synechocystis sp. achieved as high as 14 wt%. This is the highest production reported in Synechocystis sp. under photoautotrophic cultivation conditions without the addition of a carbon source. The addition of acetate increased PHA accumulation to 41 wt%, and this value is comparable to the highest production obtained with cyanobacteria. Transcriptome analysis by RNA-seq coupled with real-time PCR was performed to understand the global changes in transcript levels of cells subjected to conditions suitable for photoautotrophic PHA biosynthesis. There was lower expression of most PHA synthesis-related genes in recombinant Synechocystis sp. with higher PHA accumulation suggesting that the concentration of these enzymes is not the limiting factor to achieving high PHA accumulation. In order to cope with the higher PHA production, cells may utilize enhanced photosynthesis to drive the product formation. Results from this study suggest that the total flux of carbon is the possible driving force for the biosynthesis of PHA and the polymerizing enzyme, PHA synthase, is not the only critical factor affecting PHA-synthesis. Knowledge of the regulation or control points of the biopolymer production pathways will facilitate the further use of cyanobacteria for biotechnological applications.

Polyhydroxybutyrate particles in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803: facts and fiction

Transmission electron microscopy has been used to identify poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) granules in cyanobacteria for over 40 years. Spherical inclusions inside the cell that are electron-transparent and/or slightly electron-dense and that are found in transmission electron micrographs of cyanobacteria are generally assumed to be PHB granules. The aim of this study was to test this assumption in different strains of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Inclusions that resemble PHB granules were present in strains lacking a pair of genes essential for PHB synthesis and in wild-type cells under conditions that no PHB granules could be detected by fluorescence staining of PHB. Indeed, in these cells PHB could not be demonstrated chemically by GC/MS either. Based on the results gathered, it is concluded that not all the slightly electron-dense spherical inclusions are PHB granules in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. This result is potentially applicable to other cyanobacteria. Alternate assignments for these inclusions are discussed.

Wastewater utilization for poly-β-hydroxybutyrate production by the cyanobacterium Aulosira fertilissima in a recirculatory aquaculture system

Intensive aquaculture releases large quantities of nutrients into aquatic bodies, which can lead to eutrophication. The objective of this study was the development of a biological recirculatory wastewater treatment system with a diazotrophic cyanobacterium, Aulosira fertilissima, and simultaneous production of valuable product in the form of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB). To investigate this possible synergy, batch scale tests were conducted under a recirculatory aquaculture system in fiber-reinforced plastic tanks enhanced by several manageable parameters (e.g., sedimentation, inoculum size, depth, turbulence, and light intensity), an adequate combination of which showed better productivity. The dissolved-oxygen level increased in the range of 3.2 to 6.9 mg liter⁻¹ during the culture period. Nutrients such as ammonia, nitrite, and phosphate decreased to as low as zero within 15 days of incubation, indicating the system's bioremediation capability while yielding valuable cyanobacterial biomass for PHB production. Maximum PHB accumulation in A. fertilissima was found in sedimented fish pond discharge at 20-cm culture depth with stirring and an initial inoculum size of 80 mg dry cell weight (dcw) liter⁻¹. Under optimized conditions, the PHB yield was boosted to 92, 89, and 80 g m⁻², respectively for the summer, rainy, and winter seasons. Extrapolation of the result showed that a hectare of A. fertilissima cultivation in fish pond discharge would give an annual harvest of ∼17 tons dry biomass, consisting of 14 tons of PHB with material properties comparable to those of the bacterial polymer, with simultaneous treatment of 32,640 m³ water discharge.

Formation of polyhydroxyalkanoate in aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria and its relationship to carbon source and light availability

Aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria (AAPB) are unique players in carbon cycling in the ocean. Cellular carbon storage is an important mechanism regulating the nutrition status of AAPB but is not yet well understood. In this paper, six AAPB species (Dinoroseobacter sp. JL1447, Roseobacter denitrificans OCh 114, Roseobacter litoralis OCh 149, Dinoroseobacter shibae DFL 12(T), Labrenzia alexandrii DFL 11(T), and Erythrobacter longus DSMZ 6997) were examined, and all of them demonstrated the ability to form the carbon polymer polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in the cell. The PHA in Dinoroseobacter sp. JL1447 was identified as poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) according to evidence from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy examinations. Carbon sources turned out to be critical for PHA production in AAPB. Among the eight media tested with Dinoroseobacter sp. JL1447, sodium acetate, giving a PHA production rate of 72%, was the most productive carbon source, followed by glucose, with a 68% PHA production rate. Such PHA production rates are among the highest recorded for all bacteria. The C/N ratio of substrates was verified by the experiments as another key factor in PHA production. In the case of R. denitrificans OCh 114, PHA was not detected when the organism was cultured at C/N ratios of <2 but became apparent at C/N ratios of >3. Light is also important for the formation of PHA in AAPB. In the case of Dinoroseobacter sp. JL1447, up to a one-quarter increase in PHB production was observed when the culture underwent growth in a light-dark cycle compared to growth completely in the dark.

Biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate by Gamma proteobacterium WD-3 from volatile fatty acids

The production of copolymers of poly-β-hydroxyalkanoates (PHA) is generally a high cost process. To reduce the production costs, inexpensive carbon sources such as volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from acidified wastewater can be used. Therefore, isolation of bacterial strains that can produce PHA copolymers using VFAs as a sole carbon source would be a beneficial alternative. In this study, a strain of PHA accumulating bacterium was isolated from the wastewater treatment plant of a soybean processing facility in Harbin. The strain was identified as γ-proteobacterium according to its 16S rDNA information and was originally named as strain WD-3. The strain accumulated a mass of PHA up to 45% of its dry cell weight when it was cultured under the optimum fermentation condition in this study when butyrate was used as the carbon source. In addition, WD-3 could synthesize PHA copolymers of poly-hydroxybutyrate and poly-hydroxyvalerate (PHV) either from C-even substrates or from C-odd substrates, and one-third of the copolymer was PHV. Results from this study demonstrated that small molecule organic acids can be used by the strain of WD-3 as the carbon source for growth and PHA production. The maximum PHA yield in the study was 0.45 g g(-1) dry cell.

Cofactor regeneration in phototrophic cyanobacteria applied for asymmetric reduction of ketones

The obligate photoautotrophic cyanobacterium Synechococcus PCC7942 and the photoheterotrophic heterocystous cyanobacterium Noctoc muscorum are able to reduce prochiral ketones asymmetrically to optical pure chiral alcohols without light. An example is the synthesis of S-pentafluoro(phenyl-)ethanol with an enantiomeric excess >99% if 2'-3'-4'-5'-6'-pentafluoroacetophenone is used as substrate. If no light is available for regeneration of the cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (reduced form) (NADPH), glucose is used as cosubstrate. Membrane disintegration during asymmetric reduction promotes cytosolic energy generating metabolic pathways. Observed regulatory effects depicted by an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (oxidized form) (NADP(+)) ratio of 3:1 for efficient cofactor recycling indicate a metabolization via glycolisis. The stoichiometric formation of the by-product acetate (1 mol acetate/1 mol chiral alcohol) indicates homoacetic acid fermentation for cofactor regeneration including the obligate photoautotrophic cyanobacterium Synechococcus PCC7942.

Enhanced poly-?-hydroxybutyrate accumulation in a unicellular cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

AIM

To stimulate poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) accumulation in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 by manipulating culture conditions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Stationary phase cultures of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 were subjected to N- and P-deficiency, chemoheterotrophy and limitations of gas-exchange. Enhanced PHB accumulation was observed under all the above conditions. However, interaction of P-deficiency with gas-exchange limitation (GEL) in the presence of exogenous carbon boosted PHB accumulation maximally.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined effects of P-deficiency and GEL boosted PHB accumulation up to 38% (w/w) of dry cell weight (dcw) in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 in the presence of fructose and acetate. This value is about eightfold higher as compared with the accumulation under photoautotrophic growth condition.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY

These results showed a good potential of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 in accumulating poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate, an appropriate raw material for biodegradable and biocompatible plastic. Poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate could be an important material for plastic and pharmaceutical industries.

Studies on poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate synthase activity of Nostoc muscorum

This study compares the PHB synthase activity of Nostoc muscorum, a N(2)-fixing cyanobacterium under control (grown in usual BG-11 medium), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deprivation and chemoheterotrophic conditions. Specific activity of PHB synthase did not depict significant variations in the latter three types of cultures, except for the control one, where a significantly lower activity was recorded. PHB synthase activity was detected only in the soluble fractions of both the control as well as cells incubated under chemoheterotrophic conditions. A K(m) of 80.2 microM DL-beta-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and V(max) of 197.5 nmol thiobenzoate (TNB) mg protein(-1)min(-1) were observed for the enzyme. PHB synthase remained insensitive to acetyl-CoA, ATP, NADP, NADPH supplementation under in vitro condition. Addition of acetyl phosphate was found to activate the enzyme and the level of activation was dependent on the concentration of acetyl phosphate supplementation. Inhibition of PHB synthase in 2,3-butanedione supplemented cultures and reactivation following acetyl phosphate addition proved the post-translational control of acetyl phosphate over PHB synthase.

Optimization of cultural and nutritional conditions for accumulation of poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

Poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) accumulation in the unicellular cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, was studied under various cultural and nutritional conditions. Under controlled condition, cells harvested at the stationary phase of growth depicted maximum accumulation of PHB, i.e., 4.5% (w/w of dry cells) as compared to lag (1.8%) or logarithmic (2.9%) phases of cultures. A temperature range of 28-32 degrees C and pH between 7.5 and 8.5 were preferred for PHB accumulation. Cells cultivated under regular light-dark cycles accumulated more PHB (4.5%) than those grown under continuous illumination (2.4%). Nitrogen and phosphorus starvation stimulated PHB accumulation up to the tune of 9.5 and 11% (w/w of dry cells), respectively. Synechocystis cells pre-grown in glucose (0.1%)-supplemented BG-11 medium when subjected to P-deficiency in presence of acetate (0.4%), PHB accumulation was boosted up to 29% (w/w of dry cells), the value almost 6-fold higher with respect to photoautotrophic condition. Fishpond discharges were found as suitable media for PHB accumulation in the test cyanobacterium.

Biosynthesis and mobilization of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] by Spirulina platensis

Three strains of Spirulina platensis isolated from different locations showed capability of synthesizing poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] under nitrogen-starved conditions with a maximum accumulation of up to 10 wt.% of the cell dry weight (CDW) under mixotrophic culture conditions. Intracellular degradation (mobilization) of P(3HB) granules by S. platensis was initiated by the restoration of nitrogen source. This mobilization process was affected by both illumination and culture pH. The mobilization of P(3HB) was better under illumination (80% degradation) than in dark conditions (40% degradation) over a period of 4 days. Alkaline conditions (pH 10-11) were optimal for both biosynthesis and mobilization of P(3HB) at which 90% of the accumulated P(3HB) was mobilized. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the mobilization of P(3HB) involved changes in granule quantity and morphology. The P(3HB) granules became irregular in shape and the boundary region was less defined. In contrast to bacteria, in S. platensis the intracellular mobilization of P(3HB) seems to be faster than the biosynthesis process. This is because in cyanobacteria chlorosis delays the P(3HB) accumulation process.

Accumulation of poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate in Nostoc muscorum: regulation by pH, light-dark cycles, N and P status and carbon sources

Accumulation of poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) in Nostoc muscorum was studied. Cells harvested at stationary phase of growth depicted maximum accumulation i.e. 8.6% (w/w) of dry cells as compared to lag (4.1%) or logarithmic (6.1%) phases of cultures. In contrast to alkaline pH, acidic pH, continuous illumination and cells grown in presence of combined nitrogen sources, such as NH(4)Cl and KNO(3), were found to affect PHB accumulation negatively. However, P-deficiency and addition of exogenous carbon sources (acetate, glucose, maltose, fructose and ethanol) were found stimulatory for PHB accumulation. In this report PHB accumulation in N. muscorum was boosted up to 35% (w/w) of dry cells when cells supplemented with 0.2% acetate were subjected to dark incubation for 7 days. Further studies are needed at metabolic engineering level or to apply genetic engineering techniques to improve the expression level of PHB photoproduction in cyanobacteria.

Effect of increased PHA synthase activity on polyhydroxyalkanoates biosynthesis in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase activity in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 was increased two-fold by introducing the PHA biosynthetic genes of Ralstonia eutropha. The resulting recombinant Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 strain was subjected to conditions that favor PHA accumulation and the effects of various carbon sources were studied. In addition, the fine structure of both wild-type and recombinant Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 was examined using freeze-fracture electron microscopy technique. The PHA granules in the recombinant Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 were localised near the thylakoid membranes. Maximum amount of PHA accumulation was obtained in the presence of acetate, where the number of granules in the recombinant cells ranged from 4 to 6 and their sizes were in the range of 70-240 nm. In comparison to wild-type Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, recombinant cells with increased PHA synthase activity showed only a marginal increase in PHA content suggesting that PHA synthase is not the rate limiting enzyme of PHA biosynthesis in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803.

Accumulation of poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate in cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803

Accumulation of poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) by photoautotrophic microorganisms makes it possible to reduce the production cost of PHB. The Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 cells grown in BG11 medium under balanced, nitrogen-starved or phosphorus-starved conditions were observed by transmission electron microscope. Many electron-transparent granules in the nitrogen-starved cells had a diameter up to 0.8 micron. In contrast, the number of granules in the normally cultured cells decreased obviously and only zero to three much smaller granules were in each cell. These granules were similar to those in bacteria capable of synthesizing PHB. They were proved to be PHB by gas chromatography after subjecting the cells to methanolysis. Effects of glucose as carbon source and light intensity on PHB accumulation in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 under nitrogen-starved cultivation were further studied. Glucose and illumination promoted cell growth but did not favor PHB synthesis. After 7 days of growth under nitrogen-starved photoautotrophic conditions, the intracellular level of PHB was up to 4.1% of cellular dry weight and the PHB concentration in the culture broth was 27 mg/l.

Characterization, seasonal occurrence, and diel fluctuation of poly(hydroxyalkanoate) in photosynthetic microbial mats

In situ poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA) levels and repeating-unit compositions were examined in stratified photosynthetic microbial mats from Great Sippewissett Salt Marsh, Mass., and Ebro Delta, Spain. Unlike what has been observed in pure cultures of phototrophic bacteria, the prevalence of hydroxyvalerate (HV) repeating units relative to hydroxybutyrate (HB) repeating units was striking. In the cyanobacteria-dominated green material of Sippewissett mats, the mole percent ratio of repeating units was generally 1HB:1HV. In the purple sulfur bacteria-dominated pink material the relationship was typically 1HB:2HV. In Sippewissett mats, PHA contributed about 0.5 to 1% of the organic carbon in the green layer and up to 6% in the pink layer. In Ebro Delta mats, PHA of approximately 1HB:2HV-repeating-unit distribution contributed about 2% of the organic carbon of the composite photosynthetic layers (the green and pink layers were not separated). Great Sippewissett Salt Marsh mats were utilized for more extensive investigation of seasonal, diel, and exogenous carbon effects. When the total PHA content was normalized to organic carbon, there was little seasonal variation in PHA levels. However, routine daily variation was evident at all sites and seasons. In every case, PHA levels increased during the night and decreased during the day. This phenomenon was conspicuous in the pink layer, where PHA levels doubled overnight. The daytime declines could be inhibited by artificial shading. Addition of exogenous acetate, lactate, and propionate induced two- to fivefold increases in the total PHA levels when applied in the daylight but had no effect when applied at night. The distinct diel pattern of in situ PHA accumulation at night appears to be related, in some phototrophs, to routine dark energy metabolism and is not influenced by the availability of organic nutrients.

Photosynthetic accumulation of poly-(hydroxybutyrate) by cyanobacteria--the metabolism and potential for CO2 recycling

Regulatory mechanism in PHB [poly-(hydroxybutyrate)] accumulation by cyanobacteria, especially by a thermophilic isolate, Synechococcus MA19 was reviewed in comparison with a genetically engineered strain. The strain, MA19 accumulates PHB under nitrogen starved and photoautotrophic conditions (MA19-N). Little PHB synthase activity was detected in crude extracts from the cells grown in nitrogen sufficient conditions (MA19 + N). The activity was detected exclusively in membrane fractions from MA19 + N. The change of the enzyme activity was insensitive to chloramphenicol, which suggests post-translational activation. In vitro, acetyl phosphate activated PHB synthase in membrane fractions from MA19 + N, and the extent of activation depended on the concentration of acetyl phosphate. Phosphotransacetylase which catalyzes the conversion of acetyl-CoA to acetyl phosphate was detected in crude extracts from MA19-N but not in those from MA19 + N. These results suggested that intracellular acetyl phosphate concentration could be controlled, depending on C-N balance and intracellular acetyl-CoA concentration. On the contrary, in genetically-engineered cyanobacterium (transformant with PHB synthesizing genes from Ralstonia eutropha), it did not seem to be PHB synthase but acetyl-CoA flux that limits PHB synthesis. The closer association of PHB granules with thylakoid membranes in MA19 is suggested than that in the genetically-engineered cyanobacterium, which may reflect the difference of distribution of PHB synthase. Transposon-mutagenesis was used to acquire mutants of its altered PHB regulatory mechanism. PHA production by cyanobacteria was considered from the aspects of photobioreactors.