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Li Y, Cao M, Gupta VK, Wang Y. Metabolic engineering strategies to enable microbial electrosynthesis utilization of CO 2: recent progress and challenges. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024; 44:352-372. [PMID: 36775662 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2023.2167065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is a promising technology that mainly utilizes microbial cells to convert CO2 into value-added chemicals using electrons provided by the cathode. However, the low electron transfer rate is a solid bottleneck hindering the further application of MES. Thus, as an effective strategy, genetic tools play a key role in MES for enhancing the electron transfer rate and diversity of production. We describe a set of genetic strategies based on fundamental characteristics and current successes and discuss their functional mechanisms in driving microbial electrocatalytic reactions to fully comprehend the roles and uses of genetic tools in MES. This paper also analyzes the process of nanomaterial application in extracellular electron transfer (EET). It provides a technique that combines nanomaterials and genetic tools to increase MES efficiency, because nanoparticles have a role in the production of functional genes in EET although genetic tools can subvert MES, it still has issues with difficult transformation and low expression levels. Genetic tools remain one of the most promising future strategies for advancing the MES process despite these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Li
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Mingfeng Cao
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen, China
| | - Vijai Kumar Gupta
- Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, SRUC, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Yuanpeng Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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2
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Salar-García MJ, Ortiz-Martínez VM, Sánchez-Segado S, Valero Sánchez R, Sáez López A, Lozano Blanco LJ, Godínez-Seoane C. Sustainable Production of Biofuels and Biochemicals via Electro-Fermentation Technology. Molecules 2024; 29:834. [PMID: 38398584 PMCID: PMC10891623 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29040834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The energy crisis and climate change are two of the most concerning issues for human beings nowadays. For that reason, the scientific community is focused on the search for alternative biofuels to conventional fossil fuels as well as the development of sustainable processes to develop a circular economy. Bioelectrochemical processes have been demonstrated to be useful for producing bioenergy and value-added products from several types of waste. Electro-fermentation has gained great attention in the last few years due to its potential contribution to biofuel and biochemical production, e.g., hydrogen, methane, biopolymers, etc. Conventional fermentation processes pose several limitations in terms of their practical and economic feasibility. The introduction of two electrodes in a bioreactor allows the regulation of redox instabilities that occur in conventional fermentation, boosting the overall process towards a high biomass yield and enhanced product formation. In this regard, key parameters such as the type of culture, the nature of the electrodes as well as the operating conditions are crucial in order to maximize the production of biofuels and biochemicals via electro-fermentation technology. This article comprises a critical overview of the benefits and limitations of this emerging bio-electrochemical technology and its contribution to the circular economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Salar-García
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT), Campus Alfonso XIII, Aulario C, 30203 Cartagena, Spain;
| | - Víctor Manuel Ortiz-Martínez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT), Campus Muralla del Mar, 30202 Cartagena, Spain; (S.S.-S.); (A.S.L.); (L.J.L.B.); (C.G.-S.)
| | - Sergio Sánchez-Segado
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT), Campus Muralla del Mar, 30202 Cartagena, Spain; (S.S.-S.); (A.S.L.); (L.J.L.B.); (C.G.-S.)
| | - Raúl Valero Sánchez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT), Campus Alfonso XIII, Aulario C, 30203 Cartagena, Spain;
| | - Antonia Sáez López
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT), Campus Muralla del Mar, 30202 Cartagena, Spain; (S.S.-S.); (A.S.L.); (L.J.L.B.); (C.G.-S.)
| | - Luis Javier Lozano Blanco
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT), Campus Muralla del Mar, 30202 Cartagena, Spain; (S.S.-S.); (A.S.L.); (L.J.L.B.); (C.G.-S.)
| | - Carlos Godínez-Seoane
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT), Campus Muralla del Mar, 30202 Cartagena, Spain; (S.S.-S.); (A.S.L.); (L.J.L.B.); (C.G.-S.)
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3
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Zhang J, Li F, Liu D, Liu Q, Song H. Engineering extracellular electron transfer pathways of electroactive microorganisms by synthetic biology for energy and chemicals production. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:1375-1446. [PMID: 38117181 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00537b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The excessive consumption of fossil fuels causes massive emission of CO2, leading to climate deterioration and environmental pollution. The development of substitutes and sustainable energy sources to replace fossil fuels has become a worldwide priority. Bio-electrochemical systems (BESs), employing redox reactions of electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) on electrodes to achieve a meritorious combination of biocatalysis and electrocatalysis, provide a green and sustainable alternative approach for bioremediation, CO2 fixation, and energy and chemicals production. EAMs, including exoelectrogens and electrotrophs, perform extracellular electron transfer (EET) (i.e., outward and inward EET), respectively, to exchange energy with the environment, whose rate determines the efficiency and performance of BESs. Therefore, we review the synthetic biology strategies developed in the last decade for engineering EAMs to enhance the EET rate in cell-electrode interfaces for facilitating the production of electricity energy and value-added chemicals, which include (1) progress in genetic manipulation and editing tools to achieve the efficient regulation of gene expression, knockout, and knockdown of EAMs; (2) synthetic biological engineering strategies to enhance the outward EET of exoelectrogens to anodes for electricity power production and anodic electro-fermentation (AEF) for chemicals production, including (i) broadening and strengthening substrate utilization, (ii) increasing the intracellular releasable reducing equivalents, (iii) optimizing c-type cytochrome (c-Cyts) expression and maturation, (iv) enhancing conductive nanowire biosynthesis and modification, (v) promoting electron shuttle biosynthesis, secretion, and immobilization, (vi) engineering global regulators to promote EET rate, (vii) facilitating biofilm formation, and (viii) constructing cell-material hybrids; (3) the mechanisms of inward EET, CO2 fixation pathway, and engineering strategies for improving the inward EET of electrotrophic cells for CO2 reduction and chemical production, including (i) programming metabolic pathways of electrotrophs, (ii) rewiring bioelectrical circuits for enhancing inward EET, and (iii) constructing microbial (photo)electrosynthesis by cell-material hybridization; (4) perspectives on future challenges and opportunities for engineering EET to develop highly efficient BESs for sustainable energy and chemical production. We expect that this review will provide a theoretical basis for the future development of BESs in energy harvesting, CO2 fixation, and chemical synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqi Zhang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Feng Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Dingyuan Liu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Qijing Liu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Hao Song
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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4
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Cialek CA. On the path to generate electricity from wastewater through genetic engineering of Escherichia coli. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2024; 9:ysae002. [PMID: 38292444 PMCID: PMC10825504 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysae002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
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Wang C, Chang D, Zhang Q, Yu Z. Enhanced bioethanol production by evolved Escherichia coli LGE2-H in a microbial electrolysis cell system. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2024; 11:4. [PMID: 38647898 PMCID: PMC10992536 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-023-00717-5] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Lignocellulose pretreated using pyrolysis can yield clean energy (such as bioethanol) via microbial fermentation, which can significantly contribute to waste recycling, environmental protection, and energy security. However, the acids, aldehydes, and phenols present in bio-oil with inhibitory effects on microorganisms compromise the downstream utilization and conversion of lignocellulosic pyrolysates. In this study, we constructed a microbial electrolysis cell system for bio-oil detoxification and efficient ethanol production using evolved Escherichia coli to overcome the bioethanol production and utilization challenges highlighted in previous studies. In electrically treated bio-oil media, the E. coli-H strain exhibited significantly higher levoglucosan consumption and ethanol production capacities compared with the control. In undetoxified bio-oil media containing 1.0% (w/v) levoglucosan, E. coli-H produced 0.54 g ethanol/g levoglucosan, reaching 94% of the theoretical yield. Our findings will contribute to developing a practical method for bioethanol production from lignocellulosic substrates, and provide a scientific basis and technical demonstration for its industrialized application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
- RCEES-IMCAS-UCAS Joint-Lab of Microbial Technology for Environmental Science, Beijing, 100085, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongdong Chang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
- RCEES-IMCAS-UCAS Joint-Lab of Microbial Technology for Environmental Science, Beijing, 100085, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
- RCEES-IMCAS-UCAS Joint-Lab of Microbial Technology for Environmental Science, Beijing, 100085, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhisheng Yu
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China.
- RCEES-IMCAS-UCAS Joint-Lab of Microbial Technology for Environmental Science, Beijing, 100085, People's Republic of China.
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Yu J, Shin WR, Kim JH, Lee SY, Cho BK, Kim YH, Min J. Increase CO 2 recycling of Escherichia coli containing CBB genes by enhancing solubility of multiple expressed proteins from an operon through temperature reduction. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0256023. [PMID: 37819141 PMCID: PMC10715213 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02560-23] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE In a previous study, we successfully engineered Escherichia coli capable of endogenous CO2 recycling through the heterologous expression of the Calvin-Benson Bassham genes. Establishing an efficient gene expression environment for recombinant strains is crucial, on par with the importance of metabolic engineering design. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to further mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by investigating the effects of culture temperature on the formation of inclusion bodies (IB) and CO2 fixation activity in the engineered bacterial strain. The findings demonstrate that lowering the culture temperature effectively suppresses IB formation, enhances CO2 recycling, and concurrently increases the accumulation of organic acids. This temperature control approach, without adding or modifying compounds, is both convenient and efficient for enhancing CO2 recycling. As such, additional optimization of various environmental parameters holds promise for further enhancing the performance of recombinant strains efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeyoung Yu
- Graduate School of Semiconductor and Chemical Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju-si, South Korea
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Woo-Ri Shin
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Ji Hun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Soo Youn Lee
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Centre, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Byung-Kwan Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Yang-Hoon Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Jiho Min
- Graduate School of Semiconductor and Chemical Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju-si, South Korea
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7
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Boucher DG, Carroll E, Nguyen ZA, Jadhav RG, Simoska O, Beaver K, Minteer SD. Bioelectrocatalytic Synthesis: Concepts and Applications. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202307780. [PMID: 37428529 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202307780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectrocatalytic synthesis is the conversion of electrical energy into value-added products using biocatalysts. These methods merge the specificity and selectivity of biocatalysis and energy-related electrocatalysis to address challenges in the sustainable synthesis of pharmaceuticals, commodity chemicals, fuels, feedstocks and fertilizers. However, the specialized experimental setups and domain knowledge for bioelectrocatalysis pose a significant barrier to adoption. This review introduces key concepts of bioelectrosynthetic systems. We provide a tutorial on the methods of biocatalyst utilization, the setup of bioelectrosynthetic cells, and the analytical methods for assessing bioelectrocatalysts. Key applications of bioelectrosynthesis in ammonia production and small-molecule synthesis are outlined for both enzymatic and microbial systems. This review serves as a necessary introduction and resource for the non-specialist interested in bioelectrosynthetic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan G Boucher
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Emily Carroll
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Zachary A Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Rohit G Jadhav
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Olja Simoska
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Kevin Beaver
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Shelley D Minteer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Ye X, Zheng T, Zhang W, Dong W, Wu H, Ma J, Jiang M. Membrane engineering of Escherichia coli based on "Building bridges" and "Digging tunnels" to improve electro-fermentation of succinate. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 152:108455. [PMID: 37163911 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Succinate is the end product of anaerobic metabolism of Escherichia coli, and its over-production needs abundant reducing force. Electro-fermentation (EF) is a novel biotechnology to steer and control fermentative processes by supplying extra electrons. However, E.coli is a non-electroactive strain which needs the support of electron shuttle in EF. Here, membrane engineering strategies of "Building bridges" via screening direct electron transport pathway and "Digging tunnels" via screening membrane porins were developed to improve the transmembrane transport of electron during the cathodic electro-fermentation (CEF). As a result, the total electron quantity during electro-fermentation was increased from 1.21 mmol to 7.90 mmol, and succinate yield was increased by 23.3% when these strategies simultaneously were applied to the succinate candidate E. coli Suc260. Hence, this study provides a reference mode for designing and constructing non-electroactive bacteria for electro-fermentation of reductive metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Tianwen Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Wenming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Weiliang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Hao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China.
| | - Jiangfeng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China.
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
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9
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You Z, Li J, Wang Y, Wu D, Li F, Song H. Advances in mechanisms and engineering of electroactive biofilms. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 66:108170. [PMID: 37148984 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Electroactive biofilms (EABs) are electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) encased in conductive polymers that are secreted by EAMs and formed by the accumulation and cross-linking of extracellular polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and other components. EABs are present in the form of multicellular aggregates and play a crucial role in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) for diverse applications, including biosensors, microbial fuel cells for renewable bioelectricity production and remediation of wastewaters, and microbial electrosynthesis of valuable chemicals. However, naturally occurred EABs are severely limited owing to their low electrical conductivity that seriously restrict the electron transfer efficiency and practical applications. In the recent decade, synthetic biology strategies have been adopted to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of EABs, and to enhance the formation and electrical conductivity of EABs. Based on the formation of EABs and extracellular electron transfer (EET) mechanisms, the synthetic biology-based engineering strategies of EABs are summarized and reviewed as follows: (i) Engineering the structural components of EABs, including strengthening the synthesis and secretion of structural elements such as polysaccharides, eDNA, and structural proteins, to improve the formation of biofilms; (ii) Enhancing the electron transfer efficiency of EAMs, including optimizing the distribution of c-type cytochromes and conducting nanowire assembly to promote contact-based EET, and enhancing electron shuttles' biosynthesis and secretion to promote shuttle-mediated EET; (iii) Incorporating intracellular signaling molecules in EAMs, including quorum sensing systems, secondary messenger systems, and global regulatory systems, to increase the electron transfer flux in EABs. This review lays a foundation for the design and construction of EABs for diverse BES applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan You
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jianxun Li
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Yuxuan Wang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Deguang Wu
- Department of Brewing Engineering, Moutai Institute, Luban Ave, Renhuai 564507, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Feng Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Hao Song
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
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10
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Luan L, Ji X, Guo B, Cai J, Dong W, Huang Y, Zhang S. Bioelectrocatalysis for CO 2 reduction: recent advances and challenges to develop a sustainable system for CO 2 utilization. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 63:108098. [PMID: 36649797 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Activation and turning CO2 into value added products is a promising orientation to address environmental issues caused by CO2 emission. Currently, electrocatalysis has a potent well-established role for CO2 reduction with fast electron transfer rate; but it is challenged by the poor selectivity and low faradic efficiency. On the other side, biocatalysis, including enzymes and microbes, has been also employed for CO2 conversion to target Cn products with remarkably high selectivity; however, low solubility of CO2 in the liquid reaction phase seriously affects the catalytic efficiency. Therefore, a new synergistic role in bioelectrocatalysis for CO2 reduction is emerging thanks to its outstanding selectivity, high faradic efficiency, and desirable valuable Cn products under mild condition that are surveyed in this review. Herein, we comprehensively discuss the results already obtained for the integration craft of enzymatic-electrocatalysis and microbial-electrocatalysis technologies. In addition, the intrinsic nature of the combination is highly dependent on the electron transfer. Thus, both direct electron transfer and mediated electron transfer routes are modeled and concluded. We also explore the biocompatibility and synergistic effects of electrode materials, which emerge in combination with tuned enzymes and microbes to improve catalytic performance. The system by integrating solar energy driven photo-electrochemical technics with bio-catalysis is further discussed. We finally highlight the significant findings and perspectives that have provided strong foundations for the remarkable development of green and sustainable bioelectrocatalysis for CO2 reduction, and that offer a blueprint for Cn valuable products originate from CO2 under efficient and mild conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Likun Luan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Xiuling Ji
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Boxia Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Jinde Cai
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Wanrong Dong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yuhong Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Suojiang Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
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11
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Son J, Sohn YJ, Baritugo KA, Jo SY, Song HM, Park SJ. Recent advances in microbial production of diamines, aminocarboxylic acids, and diacids as potential platform chemicals and bio-based polyamides monomers. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 62:108070. [PMID: 36462631 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Recently, bio-based manufacturing processes of value-added platform chemicals and polymers in biorefineries using renewable resources have extensively been developed for sustainable and carbon dioxide (CO2) neutral-based industry. Among them, bio-based diamines, aminocarboxylic acids, and diacids have been used as monomers for the synthesis of polyamides having different carbon numbers and ubiquitous and versatile industrial polymers and also as precursors for further chemical and biological processes to afford valuable chemicals. Until now, these platform bio-chemicals have successfully been produced by biorefinery processes employing enzymes and/or microbial host strains as main catalysts. In this review, we discuss recent advances in bio-based production of diamines, aminocarboxylic acids, and diacids, which has been developed and improved by systems metabolic engineering strategies of microbial consortia and optimization of microbial conversion processes including whole cell bioconversion and direct fermentative production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jina Son
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jung Sohn
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Kei-Anne Baritugo
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Young Jo
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Min Song
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Jae Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Myers B, Hill P, Rawson F, Kovács K. Enhancing Microbial Electron Transfer Through Synthetic Biology and Biohybrid Approaches: Part II : Combining approaches for clean energy. JOHNSON MATTHEY TECHNOLOGY REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.1595/205651322x16621070592195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
It is imperative to develop novel processes that rely on cheap, sustainable and abundant resources whilst providing carbon circularity. Microbial electrochemical technologies (MET) offer unique opportunities to facilitate the conversion of chemicals to electrical energy or vice versa
by harnessing the metabolic processes of bacteria to valorise a range of waste products including greenhouse gases (GHGs). Part I (1) introduced the EET pathways, their limitations and applications. Here in Part II, we outline the strategies researchers have used to modulate microbial electron
transfer, through synthetic biology and biohybrid approaches and present the conclusions and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Myers
- Bioelectronics Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies Division, School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham University Park, Clifton Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
| | - Phil Hill
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD UK
| | - Frankie Rawson
- Bioelectronics Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies Division, School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham University Park, Clifton Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
| | - Katalin Kovács
- School of Pharmacy, Boots Science Building, University of Nottingham, University Park Clifton Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
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13
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Narisetty V, Okibe MC, Amulya K, Jokodola EO, Coulon F, Tyagi VK, Lens PNL, Parameswaran B, Kumar V. Technological advancements in valorization of second generation (2G) feedstocks for bio-based succinic acid production. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 360:127513. [PMID: 35772717 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Succinic acid (SA) is used as a commodity chemical and as a precursor in chemical industry to produce other derivatives such as 1,4-butaneidol, tetrahydrofuran, fumaric acid, and bio-polyesters. The production of bio-based SA from renewable feedstocks has always been in the limelight owing to the advantages of renewability, abundance and reducing climate change by CO2 capture. Considering this, the current review focuses on various 2G feedstocks such as lignocellulosic biomass, crude glycerol, and food waste for cost-effective SA production. It also highlights the importance of producing SA via separate enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation, simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, and consolidated bioprocessing. Furthermore, recent advances in genetic engineering, and downstream SA processing are thoroughly discussed. It also elaborates on the techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA) studies carried out to understand the economics and environmental effects of bio-based SA synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Narisetty
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
| | | | - K Amulya
- National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Frederic Coulon
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Vinay Kumar Tyagi
- Environmental Hydrology Division, National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Piet N L Lens
- National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Binod Parameswaran
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR - National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala 695019, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK.
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14
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Sriram S, Wong JWC, Pradhan N. Recent advances in electro-fermentation technology: A novel approach towards balanced fermentation. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 360:127637. [PMID: 35853590 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Biotransformation of organic substrates via acidogenic fermentation (AF) to high-value products such as C1-C6 carboxylic acids and alcohol serves as platform chemicals for various industrial applications. However, the AF technology suffers from low product titers due to thermodynamic constraints. Recent studies suggest that augmenting AF redox potential can regulate the metabolic pathway and provide seamless electron flow by lowering the activation energy barrier, thus positively influencing the substrate utilization rate, product yield, and speciation. Hence, the augmented AF system with an exogenous electricity supply is termed as electro-fermentation (EF), which has enormous potential to strengthen the fermentation technology domain. Therefore, this critical review systematically discusses the current understanding of EF with a special focus on the extracellular electron transfer mechanism of electroactive bacteria and provides perspectives and research gaps to further improve the technology for green chemical synthesis, sustainable waste management, and circular bio-economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saranya Sriram
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR
| | - Jonathan W C Wong
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR; Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR.
| | - Nirakar Pradhan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR; Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR.
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15
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Guo L, Sun L, Huo YX. Toward bioproduction of oxo chemicals from C1 feedstocks using isobutyraldehyde as an example. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2022; 15:80. [PMID: 35945564 PMCID: PMC9361566 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-022-02178-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
AbstractOxo chemicals are valuable chemicals for synthesizing a wide array of industrial and consumer products. However, producing of oxo chemicals is predominately through the chemical process called hydroformylation, which requires petroleum-sourced materials and generates abundant greenhouse gas. Current concerns on global climate change have renewed the interest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and recycling the plentiful greenhouse gas. A carbon–neutral manner in this regard is producing oxo chemicals biotechnologically using greenhouse gas as C1 feedstocks. Exemplifying isobutyraldehyde, this review demonstrates the significance of using greenhouse gas for oxo chemicals production. We highlight the current state and the potential of isobutyraldehyde synthesis with a special focus on the in vivo and in vitro scheme of C1-based biomanufacturing. Specifically, perspectives and scenarios toward carbon– and nitrogen–neutral isobutyraldehyde production are proposed. In addition, key challenges and promising approaches for enhancing isobutyraldehyde bioproduction are thoroughly discussed. This study will serve as a reference case in exploring the biotechnological potential and advancing oxo chemicals production derived from C1 feedstocks.
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16
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Feng J, Feng J, Li C, Xu S, Wang X, Chen K. Proteomics Reveal the Effect of Exogenous Electrons on Electroactive Escherichia coli. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:815366. [PMID: 35464959 PMCID: PMC9019752 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.815366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial cells utilizing electricity to produce high-value fuels and chemicals are the foundation of the biocathodic bioelectrochemical system. However, molecular mechanisms of electron transfer and utilization have not been elucidated. In this work, Escherichia coli engineered by introducing the Mtr pathway from Shewanella oneidensis exhibited stronger electrochemical activity than control and could utilize exogenous electrons to stimulate metabolite profiles and boost succinate production in the bioelectrochemical system. Proteomic analysis and real-time PCR were performed to investigate the effect of exogenous electrons on electroactive E. coli. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that the proteins of molecular function associated with oxidoreductase activity, 4 iron, 4 sulfur([4Fe-4S]) cluster binding, iron-sulfur cluster binding, and metal cluster binding were positively affected by exogenous electrons. Moreover, mapping to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway database showed that the up-regulated proteins were mainly involved in metabolic pathways of tricarboxylic acid cycle, pyruvate metabolism, and nitrogen metabolism pathway, providing support for the metabolic balance of microbial cells shifting toward reduced end-products due to electron utilization. Using a biochemical method, the ompF-overexpressed strain was employed to investigate the function of the channel protein. These findings provided a theoretical basis for further improving electron transfer and utilization efficiency, and contributed to the potential applications of the bioelectrochemical system.
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17
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Kuchenbuch A, Frank R, Ramos JV, Jahnke HG, Harnisch F. Electrochemical Microwell Plate to Study Electroactive Microorganisms in Parallel and Real-Time. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:821734. [PMID: 35242754 PMCID: PMC8887713 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.821734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial resource mining of electroactive microorganism (EAM) is currently methodically hampered due to unavailable electrochemical screening tools. Here, we introduce an electrochemical microwell plate (ec-MP) composed of a 96 electrochemical deepwell plate and a recently developed 96-channel multipotentiostat. Using the ec-MP we investigated the electrochemical and metabolic properties of the EAM models Shewanella oneidensis and Geobacter sulfurreducens with acetate and lactate as electron donor combined with an individual genetic analysis of each well. Electrochemical cultivation of pure cultures achieved maximum current densities (jmax) and coulombic efficiencies (CE) that were well in line with literature data. The co-cultivation of S. oneidensis and G. sulfurreducens led to an increased current density of jmax of 88.57 ± 14.04 µA cm−2 (lactate) and jmax of 99.36 ± 19.12 µA cm−2 (lactate and acetate). Further, a decreased time period of reaching jmax and biphasic current production was revealed and the microbial electrochemical performance could be linked to the shift in the relative abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kuchenbuch
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, UFZ—Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research GmbH, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ronny Frank
- Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Molecular Biological-Biochemical Processing Technology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - José Vazquez Ramos
- Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Molecular Biological-Biochemical Processing Technology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heinz-Georg Jahnke
- Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Molecular Biological-Biochemical Processing Technology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Falk Harnisch
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, UFZ—Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research GmbH, Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Falk Harnisch,
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18
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Modulation of Antioxidant Activity Enhances Photoautotrophic Cell Growth of Rhodobacter sphaeroides in Microbial Electrosynthesis. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15030935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Global warming is currently accelerating due to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions by industrialization. Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) using electroactive autotrophic microorganisms has recently been reported as a method to reduce carbon dioxide, the main culprit of greenhouse gas. However, there are still few cases of application of MES, and the molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. To investigate the growth characteristics in MES, we carried out growth tests according to reducing power sources in Rhodobacter sphaeroides. The growth rate was significantly lower when electrons were directly supplied to cells, compared to when hydrogen was supplied. Through a transcriptome analysis, we found that the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related genes was meaningfully higher in MES than in normal photoautotrophic conditions. Similarly, endogenous contents of H2O2 were higher and peroxidase activities were lower in MES. The exogenous application of ascorbic acid, a representative biological antioxidant, promotes cell growth by decreasing ROS levels, confirming the inhibitory effects of ROS on MES. Taken together, our observations suggest that reduction of ROS by increasing antioxidant activities is important for enhancing the cell growth and production of CO2-converting substances such as carotenoids in MES in R. sphaeroides
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19
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Yamada S, Takamatsu Y, Ikeda S, Kouzuma A, Watanabe K. Towards Application of Electro-Fermentation for the Production of Value-Added Chemicals From Biomass Feedstocks. Front Chem 2022; 9:805597. [PMID: 35127650 PMCID: PMC8807546 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.805597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
According to recent social demands for sustainable developments, the value of biomass as feedstocks for chemical industry is increasing. With the aid of metabolic engineering and genome editing, microbial fermentation has been developed for producing value-added chemicals from biomass feedstocks, while further improvements are desired for producing more diverse chemicals and increasing the production efficiency. The major intrinsic limitation in conventional fermentation technologies is associated with the need for balancing the net redox equivalents between substrates and products, resulting in limited repertories of fermentation products. One solution for this limitation would be “electro-fermentation (EF)” that utilizes bioelectrochemical systems for modifying the intracellular redox state of electrochemically active bacteria, thereby overcoming the redox constraint of fermentation. Recent studies have attempted the production of chemicals based on the concept of EF, while its utility has not been sufficiently demonstrated in terms of low production efficiencies. Here we discuss EF in terms of its concept, current status and future directions, which help us develop its practical applications to sustainable chemical industries.
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20
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Finkelstein J, Swartz J, Koffas M. Bioelectrosynthesis systems. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 74:211-219. [PMID: 34979469 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bioelectrosynthesis (BES) systems exploit extracellular electron transport pathways to augment cellular metabolism. This strategy can be used to improve the economic viability of bio-based syntheses versus conventional methods, most notably petrochemical-based syntheses. It also has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of biomanufacturing processes. Efficient channeling of cathode-derived electrons towards biosynthesis requires a better understanding of the biological mechanisms of electron transport as well as detailed evaluation of all aspects of process performance. More advanced solutions may deploy cell free systems that use ex situ generated reducing equivalents to improve economic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Finkelstein
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - James Swartz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Mattheos Koffas
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
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21
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Valorisation of CO2 into Value-Added Products via Microbial Electrosynthesis (MES) and Electro-Fermentation Technology. FERMENTATION-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/fermentation7040291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Microbial electrocatalysis reckons on microbes as catalysts for reactions occurring at electrodes. Microbial fuel cells and microbial electrolysis cells are well-known in this context; both prefer the oxidation of organic and inorganic matter for producing electricity. Notably, the synthesis of high energy-density chemicals (fuels) or their precursors by microorganisms using bio-cathode to yield electrical energy is called Microbial Electrosynthesis (MES), giving an exceptionally appealing novel way for producing beneficial products from electricity and wastewater. This review accentuates the concept, importance and opportunities of MES, as an emerging discipline at the nexus of microbiology and electrochemistry. Production of organic compounds from MES is considered as an effective technique for the generation of various beneficial reduced end-products (like acetate and butyrate) as well as in reducing the load of CO2 from the atmosphere to mitigate the harmful effect of greenhouse gases in global warming. Although MES is still an emerging technology, this method is not thoroughly known. The authors have focused on MES, as it is the next transformative, viable alternative technology to decrease the repercussions of surplus carbon dioxide in the environment along with conserving energy.
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22
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Bird LJ, Kundu BB, Tschirhart T, Corts AD, Su L, Gralnick JA, Ajo-Franklin CM, Glaven SM. Engineering Wired Life: Synthetic Biology for Electroactive Bacteria. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:2808-2823. [PMID: 34637280 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Electroactive bacteria produce or consume electrical current by moving electrons to and from extracellular acceptors and donors. This specialized process, known as extracellular electron transfer, relies on pathways composed of redox active proteins and biomolecules and has enabled technologies ranging from harvesting energy on the sea floor, to chemical sensing, to carbon capture. Harnessing and controlling extracellular electron transfer pathways using bioengineering and synthetic biology promises to heighten the limits of established technologies and open doors to new possibilities. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advancements in genetic tools for manipulating native electroactive bacteria to control extracellular electron transfer. After reviewing electron transfer pathways in natively electroactive organisms, we examine lessons learned from the introduction of extracellular electron transfer pathways into Escherichia coli. We conclude by presenting challenges to future efforts and give examples of opportunities to bioengineer microbes for electrochemical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina J. Bird
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - Biki B. Kundu
- PhD Program in Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Tanya Tschirhart
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - Anna D. Corts
- Joyn Bio, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, United States
| | - Lin Su
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing 210018, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Jeffrey A. Gralnick
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
| | | | - Sarah M. Glaven
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
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23
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Baruch M, Tejedor-Sanz S, Su L, Ajo-Franklin CM. Electronic control of redox reactions inside Escherichia coli using a genetic module. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258380. [PMID: 34793478 PMCID: PMC8601525 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms regulate the redox state of different biomolecules to precisely control biological processes. These processes can be modulated by electrochemically coupling intracellular biomolecules to an external electrode, but current approaches afford only limited control and specificity. Here we describe specific electrochemical control of the reduction of intracellular biomolecules in Escherichia coli through introduction of a heterologous electron transfer pathway. E. coli expressing cymAmtrCAB from Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 consumed electrons directly from a cathode when fumarate or nitrate, both intracellular electron acceptors, were present. The fumarate-triggered current consumption occurred only when fumarate reductase was present, indicating all the electrons passed through this enzyme. Moreover, CymAMtrCAB-expressing E. coli used current to stoichiometrically reduce nitrate. Thus, our work introduces a modular genetic tool to reduce a specific intracellular redox molecule with an electrode, opening the possibility of electronically controlling biological processes such as biosynthesis and growth in any microorganism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Baruch
- The Molecular Foundry, Biological Nanostructures Facility, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Sara Tejedor-Sanz
- The Molecular Foundry, Biological Nanostructures Facility, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lin Su
- The Molecular Foundry, Biological Nanostructures Facility, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Caroline M. Ajo-Franklin
- The Molecular Foundry, Biological Nanostructures Facility, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Biosciences and Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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24
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Dong F, Lee YS, Gaffney EM, Liou W, Minteer SD. Engineering Cyanobacterium with Transmembrane Electron Transfer Ability for Bioelectrochemical Nitrogen Fixation. ACS Catal 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.1c03038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Dong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Yoo Seok Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Erin M. Gaffney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Willisa Liou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Shelley D. Minteer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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25
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Rhodes Z, Simoska O, Dantanarayana A, Stevenson KJ, Minteer SD. Using structure-function relationships to understand the mechanism of phenazine-mediated extracellular electron transfer in Escherichia coli. iScience 2021; 24:103033. [PMID: 34522869 PMCID: PMC8426270 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenazines are redox-active nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds that can be produced by either bacteria or synthetic approaches. As an electron shuttles (mediators), phenazines are involved in several biological processes facilitating extracellular electron transfer (EET). Therefore, it is of great importance to understand the structural and electronic properties of phenazines that promote EET in microbial electrochemical systems. Our previous study experimentally investigated a phenazine-based library as an exogenous mediator system to facilitate EET in Escherichia coli. Herein, we combine our experimental data with density functional theory (DFT) calculations and multivariate linear regression modeling to understand the structure-function relationships in phenazine-based mediated EET. These calculations demonstrate that the computed redox properties of phenazines in lipophilic environments (e.g., cell membrane) correlate to experimental mediated current densities. Additional DFT-derived molecular properties were considered to develop a predictive model, which could be used in metabolic engineering approaches to introduce phenazines as endogenous mediators into bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zayn Rhodes
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Olja Simoska
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | | | - Keith J Stevenson
- Center for Energy Science and Technology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoi Boulevard 30 Bld. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Shelley D Minteer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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26
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Empower C1: Combination of Electrochemistry and Biology to Convert C1 Compounds. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 180:213-241. [PMID: 34518909 DOI: 10.1007/10_2021_171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The idea to somehow combine electrical current and biological systems is not new. It was subject of research as well as of science fiction literature for decades. Nowadays, in times of limited resources and the need to capture greenhouse gases like CO2, this combination gains increasing interest, since it might allow to use C1 compounds and highly oxidized compounds as substrate for microbial production by "activating" them with additional electrons. In this chapter, different possibilities to combine electrochemistry and biology to convert C1 compounds into useful products will be discussed. The chapter first shows electrochemical conversion of C1 compounds, allowing the use of the product as substrate for a subsequent biosynthesis in uncoupled systems, further leads to coupled systems of biology and electrochemical conversion, and finally reaches the discipline of bioelectrosynthesis, where electrical current and C1 compounds are directly converted by microorganisms or enzymes. This overview will give an idea about the potentials and challenges of combining electrochemistry and biology to convert C1 molecules.
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27
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Zhang S, Jiang J, Wang H, Li F, Hua T, Wang W. A review of microbial electrosynthesis applied to carbon dioxide capture and conversion: The basic principles, electrode materials, and bioproducts. J CO2 UTIL 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2021.101640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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28
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Xu B, Li Z, Jiang Y, Chen M, Chen B, Xin F, Dong W, Jiang M. Recent advances in the improvement of bi-directional electron transfer between abiotic/biotic interfaces in electron-assisted biosynthesis system. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 54:107810. [PMID: 34333092 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As an important biosynthesis technology, electron-assisted biosynthesis (EABS) system can utilize exogenous electrons to regulate the metabolic network of microorganisms, realizing the biosynthesis of high value-added chemicals and CO2 fixation. Electrons play crucial roles as the energy carriers in the EABS process. In fact, efficient interfacial electron transfer (ET) is the decisive factor to realize the rapid energy exchange, thus stimulating the biosynthesis of target metabolic products. However, due to the interfacial resistance of ET between the abiotic solid electrode and biotic microbial cells, the low efficiency of interfacial ET has become a major bottleneck, further limiting the practical application of EABS system. As the cell membrane is insulated, even the cell membrane embedded electron conduit (no matter cytochromes or channel protein for shuttle transferring) to increase the cell membrane conductivity, the ET between membrane electron conduit and electrode surface is kinetically restricted. In this review, the pathway of bi-directional interfacial ET in EABS system was summarized. Furthermore, we reviewed representative milestones and advances in both the anode outward interfacial ET (from organism to electrode) and cathode inward interfacial ET (from electrode to organism). Here, new insights from the perspectives of material science and synthetic biology were also proposed, which were expected to provide some innovative opinions and ideas for the following in-depth studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Zhe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Yujia Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Minjiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Boryann Chen
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National I-Lan University, I-Lan 26047, Taiwan
| | - Fengxue Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, PR China
| | - Weiliang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, PR China.
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, PR China.
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Ye J, Ren G, Wang C, Hu A, Li F, Zhou S, He Z. A facile and fast strategy for cathodic electroactive-biofilm assembly via magnetic nanoparticle bioconjugation. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 190:113464. [PMID: 34197998 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis is a promising electricity-driven technology for converting carbon dioxide into value-added compounds, but the formation of cathodic electroactive-biofilms (CEBs) is challenging. Herein, we have demonstrated an innovative strategy for CEBs assembly via magnetic nanoparticle bioconjugation, which lies in the synergistic interactions among a bonder (Streptavidin, SA), conductive nanomaterials (Fe3O4), and a methanogen (M. barkeri). The results showed that the bioconjugated M. barkeri-SA-Fe3O4 biohybrids significantly enhanced both methane yield (33.2-fold) and faradaic efficiency (5.6-fold), compared with that of bare M. barkeri. Such an enhancement was attributed to the improved viability of CEBs with a higher biomass density. Particularly, more live cells were presented in the inner biofilms and promoted the long-distance electron exchange between the live outer-layer biofilm and the cathode electrode. Meanwhile, the higher redox activity of CEBs with the M. barkeri-SA-Fe3O4 biohybrids resulted in an improved transient charge storage capability, which was beneficial for the biological CO2-to-CH4 conversion via acting as an additional electron donor. This work has provided a new approach to accelerate the formation of CEBs and subsequent electron transfer, which holds a great potential for accomplishing electrosynthesis and CO2 fixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ye
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Guoping Ren
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Andong Hu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Fengqi Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Shungui Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
| | - Zhen He
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
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Li L, Zhang B, He C, Zhang H. Hydrodynamics- and hydrochemistry-affected microbial selenate reduction in aquifer: Performance and mechanisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 768:145331. [PMID: 33736316 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Selenate [Se(VI)] with higher content in groundwater will be harmful for human beings. Hence, effective treatment for Se(VI) in aquifer should be conducted reasonably. Microbial reduction of Se(VI) to elemental selenium with weak movability and toxicity has attracted significant attention due to its high efficiency and no secondary contamination. However, hydrodynamic and hydrochemical influences with corresponding mechanisms during Se(VI) bioreduction are still not clear. In this study, influences of flow rate, initial Se(VI) and organic concentrations, coexisting nitrate were evaluated. Se(VI) removal efficiency and capacity reached 96.42 ± 6.82% and 41.28 ± 3.41 (g/m3·d) with flow rate of 0.56 mL/min, initial Se(VI) and chemical organic demand concentrations of 10 mg/L and 400 mg/L. Dechloromonas and Pseudomonas were presumably contributed to Se(VI) reduction, with upregulated serA and tatC genes. Solid Se0 was identified as the final product from Se(VI) reduction. These results will be beneficial for the further comprehending of Se(VI) remediation in aquifer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuliu Li
- School of Water Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution (China University of Geosciences Beijing), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Baogang Zhang
- School of Water Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution (China University of Geosciences Beijing), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Chao He
- School of Water Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution (China University of Geosciences Beijing), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Han Zhang
- School of Water Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution (China University of Geosciences Beijing), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China
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31
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Tahir K, Miran W, Jang J, Woo SH, Lee DS. Enhanced product selectivity in the microbial electrosynthesis of butyrate using a nickel ferrite-coated biocathode. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110907. [PMID: 33639146 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is a potential sustainable biotechnology for the efficient conversion of carbon dioxide/bicarbonate into useful chemical commodities. To date, acetate has been the main MES product; selective electrosynthesis to produce other multi-carbon molecules, which have a higher commercial value, remains a major challenge. In this study, the conventional carbon felt (CF) was modified with inexpensive nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4@CF) to realize enhanced butyrate production owing to the advantages of improved electrical conductivity, charge transfer efficiency, and microbial-electrode interactions with the selective microbial enrichment. Experimental results show that the modified electrode yielded 1.2 times the butyrate production and 2.7 times the cathodic current production of the CF cathode; product selectivity was greatly improved (from 37% to 95%) in comparison with CF. Microbial community analyses suggest that selective microbial enrichment was promoted as Proteobacteria and Thermotogae (butyrate-producing phyla) were dominant in the NiFe2O4@CF biofilm (~78%). These results demonstrate that electrode modification with NiFe2O4 can help realize greater selective carboxylate production with improved MES performance. Hence, this technology is expected to be greatly useful in future reactor designs for scaled-up technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khurram Tahir
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Waheed Miran
- International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
| | - Jiseon Jang
- R&D Institute of Radioactive Wastes, Korea Radioactive Waste Agency, 174 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34129, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Han Woo
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hanbat National University, 125 Dongseo-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34158, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Sung Lee
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
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Toward sustainable, cell-free biomanufacturing. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 69:136-144. [PMID: 33453438 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Industrial biotechnology is an attractive approach to address the need for low-cost fuels and products from sustainable resources. Unfortunately, cells impose inherent limitations on the effective synthesis and release of target products. One key constraint is that cellular survival objectives often work against the production objectives of biochemical engineers. Additionally, industrial strains release CO2 and struggle to utilize sustainable, potentially profitable feedstocks. Cell-free biotechnology, which uses biological machinery harvested from cells, can address these challenges with advantages including: (i) shorter development times, (ii) higher volumetric production rates, and (iii) tolerance to otherwise toxic molecules. In this review, we highlight recent advances in cell-free technologies toward the production of non-protein products beyond lab-scale demonstrations and describe guiding principles for designing cell-free systems. Specifically, we discuss carbon and energy sources, reaction homeostasis, and scale-up. Expanding the scope of cell-free biomanufacturing practice could enable innovative approaches for the industrial production of green chemicals.
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Extracellular Electrons Powered Microbial CO2 Upgrading: Microbial Electrosynthesis and Artificial Photosynthesis. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 180:243-271. [DOI: 10.1007/10_2021_179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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34
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Lee SY, Oh YK, Lee S, Fitriana HN, Moon M, Kim MS, Lee J, Min K, Park GW, Lee JP, Lee JS. Recent developments and key barriers to microbial CO 2 electrobiorefinery. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 320:124350. [PMID: 33186841 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.124350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The electrochemical conversion of CO2 can include renewable surplus electricity storage and CO2 utilisation. This review focuses on the microbial CO2 electrobiorefinery based on microbial electrosynthesis (MES) which merges electrochemical and microbial conversion to produce biofuels and higher-value chemicals. In this review, recent developments are discussed about bioelectrochemical conversion of CO2 into biofuels and chemicals in MES via microbial CO2-fixation and electricity utilisation reactions. In addition, this review examines technical approaches to overcome the current limitations of MES including the following: engineering of the biocathode, application of electron mediators, and reactor optimisation, among others. An in-depth discussion of strategies for the CO2 electrobiorefinery is presented, including the integration of the biocathode with inorganic catalysts, screening of novel electroactive microorganisms, and metabolic engineering to improve target productivity from CO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Youn Lee
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea
| | - You-Kwan Oh
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangmin Lee
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea
| | - Hana Nur Fitriana
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea; Renewable Energy Engineering Department, Korea Institute of Energy Research Campus, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, South Korea
| | - Myounghoon Moon
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Sik Kim
- Energy Resources Upcycling Research Laboratory, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Daejeon 34129, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiye Lee
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoungseon Min
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwon Woo Park
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Pyo Lee
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Suk Lee
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea.
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35
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Jung H, Han J, Oh M. Improved production of 2,3-butanediol and isobutanol by engineering electron transport chain in Escherichia coli. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:213-226. [PMID: 32954676 PMCID: PMC7888471 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The electron transport chain (ETC) is one of the major energy generation pathways in microorganisms under aerobic condition. Higher yield of ATP can be achieved through oxidative phosphorylation with consumption of NADH than with substrate level phosphorylation. However, most value-added metabolites are in an electrochemically reduced state, which requires reducing equivalent NADH as a cofactor. Therefore, optimal production of value-added metabolites should be balanced with ETC in terms of energy production. In this study, we attempted to reduce the activity of ETC to secure availability of NADH. The ETC mutants exhibited poor growth rate and production of fermentative metabolites compared to parental strain. Introduction of heterologous pathways for synthesis of 2,3-butanediol and isobutanol to ETC mutants resulted in increased titres and yields of the metabolites. ETC mutants yielded higher NADH/NAD+ ratio but similar ATP content than that by the parental strain. Furthermore, ETC mutants operated fermentative metabolism pathways independent of oxygen supply in large-scale fermenter, resulting in increased yield and titre of 2,3-butanediol. Thus, engineering of ETC is a useful metabolic engineering approach for production of reduced metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwi‐Min Jung
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringKorea University145 Anam‐ro, Seongbuk‐guSeoul02841Korea
| | - Jae‐Ho Han
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringKorea University145 Anam‐ro, Seongbuk‐guSeoul02841Korea
| | - Min‐Kyu Oh
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringKorea University145 Anam‐ro, Seongbuk‐guSeoul02841Korea
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36
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Zhao J, Li F, Cao Y, Zhang X, Chen T, Song H, Wang Z. Microbial extracellular electron transfer and strategies for engineering electroactive microorganisms. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 53:107682. [PMID: 33326817 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) are ubiquitous in nature and have attracted considerable attention as they can be used for energy recovery and environmental remediation via their extracellular electron transfer (EET) capabilities. Although the EET mechanisms of Shewanella and Geobacter have been rigorously investigated and are well characterized, much less is known about the EET mechanisms of other microorganisms. For EAMs, efficient EET is crucial for the sustainable economic development of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). Currently, the low efficiency of EET remains a key factor in limiting the development of BESs. In this review, we focus on the EET mechanisms of different microorganisms, (i.e., bacteria, fungi, and archaea). In addition, we describe in detail three engineering strategies for improving the EET ability of EAMs: (1) enhancing transmembrane electron transport via cytochrome protein channels; (2) accelerating electron transport via electron shuttle synthesis and transmission; and (3) promoting the microbe-electrode interface reaction via regulating biofilm formation. At the end of this review, we look to the future, with an emphasis on the cross-disciplinary integration of systems biology and synthetic biology to build high-performance EAM systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Zhao
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), SynBioResearch Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), SynBioResearch Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingxiu Cao
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), SynBioResearch Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinbo Zhang
- Joint Research Centre for Protective Infrastructure Technology and Environmental Green Bioprocess, Department of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Chen
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), SynBioResearch Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Song
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), SynBioResearch Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwen Wang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), SynBioResearch Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China.
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37
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Stewart KN, Domaille DW. Enhancing Biosynthesis and Manipulating Flux in Whole Cells with Abiotic Catalysis. Chembiochem 2020; 22:469-477. [PMID: 32851745 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic engineering uses genetic strategies to drive flux through desired pathways. Recent work with electrochemical, photochemical, and chemocatalytic setups has revealed that these systems can also expand metabolic pathways and manipulate flux in whole cells. Electrochemical systems add or remove electrons from metabolic pathways to direct flux to more- or less-reduced products. Photochemical systems act as synthetic light-harvesting complexes and yield artificial photosynthetic organisms. Biocompatible chemocatalysis increases product scope, streamlines syntheses, and yields single-flask processes to deliver products that would be challenging to synthesize through biosynthetic means alone. Here, we exclusively highlight systems that combine abiotic systems with living whole cells, taking particular note of strategies that enable the merger of these typically disparate systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey N Stewart
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois Street, Golden, CO 80403, USA
| | - Dylan W Domaille
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois Street, Golden, CO 80403, USA
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38
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Feng J, Lu Q, Li K, Xu S, Wang X, Chen K, Ouyang P. Construction of an Electron Transfer Mediator Pathway for Bioelectrosynthesis by Escherichia coli. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:590667. [PMID: 33178679 PMCID: PMC7594510 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.590667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) or electro-fermentation (EF) is a promising microbial electrochemical technology for the synthesis of valuable chemicals or high-value fuels with aid of microbial cells as catalysts. By introducing electrical energy (current), fermentation environments can be altered or controlled in which the microbial cells are affected. The key role for electrical energy is to supply electrons to microbial metabolism. To realize electricity utility, a process termed inward extracellular electron transfer (EET) is necessary, and its efficiency is crucial to bioelectrochemical systems. The use of electron mediators was one of the main ways to realize electron transfer and improve EET efficiency. To break through some limitation of exogenous electron mediators, we introduced the phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) pathway from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 into Escherichia coli. The engineered E. coli facilitated reduction of fumarate by using PCA as endogenous electron mediator driven by electricity. Furthermore, the heterologously expressed PCA pathway in E. coli led to better EET efficiency and a strong metabolic shift to greater production of reduced metabolites, but lower biomass in the system. Then, we found that synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), as the "energy currency" in metabolism, was also affected. The reduction of menaquinon was demonstrated as one of the key reactions in self-excreted PCA-mediated succinate electrosynthesis. This study demonstrates the feasibility of electron transfer between the electrode and E. coli cells using heterologous self-excreted PCA as an electron transfer mediator in a bioelectrochemical system and lays a foundation for subsequent optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuhao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kequan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pingkai Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
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39
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Chen H, Simoska O, Lim K, Grattieri M, Yuan M, Dong F, Lee YS, Beaver K, Weliwatte S, Gaffney EM, Minteer SD. Fundamentals, Applications, and Future Directions of Bioelectrocatalysis. Chem Rev 2020; 120:12903-12993. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Olja Simoska
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Koun Lim
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Matteo Grattieri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Mengwei Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Fangyuan Dong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Yoo Seok Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Kevin Beaver
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Samali Weliwatte
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Erin M. Gaffney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Shelley D. Minteer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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40
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Yates MD, Bird LJ, Eddie BJ, Onderko EL, Voigt CA, Glaven SM. Nanoliter scale electrochemistry of natural and engineered electroactive bacteria. Bioelectrochemistry 2020; 137:107644. [PMID: 32971484 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2020.107644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial extracellular electron transfer (EET) is envisioned for use in applied biotechnologies, necessitating electrochemical characterization of natural and engineered electroactive biofilms under conditions similar to the target application, including small-scale biosensing or biosynthesis platforms, which is often distinct from standard 100 mL-scale stirred-batch bioelectrochemical test platforms used in the laboratory. Here, we adapted an eight chamber, nanoliter volume (500 nL) electrochemical flow cell to grow biofilms of both natural (Biocathode MCL community, Marinobacter atlanticus, and Shewanella oneidensis MR1) or genetically modified (S. oneidensis ΔMtr and S. oneidensis ΔMtr + pLB2) electroactive bacteria on electrodes held at a constant potential. Maximum current density achieved by unmodified strains was similar between the nano- and milliliter-scale reactors. However, S. oneidensis biofilms engineered to activate EET upon exposure to 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) produced current at wild-type levels in the stirred-batch reactor, but not in the nanoliter flow cell. We hypothesize this was due to differences in mass transport of DAPG, naturally-produced soluble redox mediators, and oxygen between the two reactor types. Results presented here demonstrate, for the first time, nanoliter scale chronoamperometry and cyclic voltammetry of a range of electroactive bacteria in a three-electrode reactor system towards development of miniaturized, and potentially high throughput, bioelectrochemical platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Yates
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Lina J Bird
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Brian J Eddie
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Christopher A Voigt
- Department of Biological Engineering and the Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sarah M Glaven
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA.
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41
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Gong Z, Yu H, Zhang J, Li F, Song H. Microbial electro-fermentation for synthesis of chemicals and biofuels driven by bi-directional extracellular electron transfer. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2020; 5:304-313. [PMID: 32995586 PMCID: PMC7490822 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroactive bacteria could perform bi-directional extracellular electron transfer (EET) to exchange electrons and energy with extracellular environments, thus playing a central role in microbial electro-fermentation (EF) process. Unbalanced fermentation and microbial electrosynthesis are the main pathways to produce value-added chemicals and biofuels. However, the low efficiency of the bi-directional EET is a dominating bottleneck in these processes. In this review, we firstly demonstrate the main bi-directional EET mechanisms during EF, including the direct EET and the shuttle-mediated EET. Then, we review representative milestones and progresses in unbalanced fermentation via anode outward EET and microbial electrosynthesis via inward EET based on these two EET mechanisms in detail. Furthermore, we summarize the main synthetic biology strategies in improving the bi-directional EET and target products synthesis, thus to enhance the efficiencies in unbalanced fermentation and microbial electrosynthesis. Lastly, a perspective on the applications of microbial electro-fermentation is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Gong
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Huan Yu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Junqi Zhang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Feng Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Hao Song
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
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42
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Bu G, Parrish S, Gleason PR, Nielsen DR, Nannenga BL. Heterologous expression and purification of the bicarbonate transporter BicA from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Protein Expr Purif 2020; 175:105716. [PMID: 32738437 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2020.105716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The high-flux/low-affinity cyanobacterial bicarbonate transporter BicA is a member of sulfate permease/solute carrier 26 (SulP/SLC26) family and plays a major role in cyanobacterial inorganic carbon uptake. In order to study this important membrane protein, robust platforms for over-expression and protocols for purification are required. In this work we have optimized the expression and purification of BicA from strain Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (BicA6803) in Escherichia coli. It was determined that expression with C43 (DE3) Rosetta2 at 37 °C produced the highest levels of over-expressed BicA6803 relative to other strains screened, and membrane solubilization with n-dodecyl-β-d-maltopyranoside facilitated the purification of high levels of stable and homogenous BicA6803. Using these expression and purification strategies, the final yields of purified BicA were 6.5 ± 1.0 mg per liter of culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanhong Bu
- Chemical Engineering, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA; Center for Applied Structural Discovery, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Sydney Parrish
- Chemical Engineering, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Patrick R Gleason
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA; Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85278, USA
| | - David R Nielsen
- Chemical Engineering, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Brent L Nannenga
- Chemical Engineering, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA; Center for Applied Structural Discovery, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
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43
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Feng J, Jiang M, Li K, Lu Q, Xu S, Wang X, Chen K, Ouyang P. Direct electron uptake from a cathode using the inward Mtr pathway in Escherichia coli. Bioelectrochemistry 2020; 134:107498. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2020.107498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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44
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Grattieri M, Beaver K, Gaffney EM, Dong F, Minteer SD. Advancing the fundamental understanding and practical applications of photo-bioelectrocatalysis. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:8553-8568. [PMID: 32578607 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc02672g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Photo-bioelectrocatalysis combines the natural and highly sophisticated process of photosynthesis in biological entities with an abiotic electrode surface, to perform semi-artificial photosynthesis. However, challenges must be overcome, from the establishment and understanding of the photoexcited electron harvesting process at the electrode to the electrochemical characterization of these biotic/abiotic systems, and their subsequent tuning for enhancing energy generation (chemical and/or electrical). This Feature Article discusses the various approaches utilized to tackle these challenges, particularly focusing on powerful multi-disciplinary approaches for understanding and improving photo-bioelectrocatalysis. Among them is the combination of experimental evidence and quantum mechanical calculations, the use of bioinformatics to understand photo-bioelectrocatalysis at a metabolic level, or bioengineering to improve and facilitate photo-bioelectrocatalysis. Key aspects for the future development of photo-bioelectrocatalysis are presented alongside future research needs and promising applications of semi-artificial photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Grattieri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 S 1400 E Rm 2020, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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45
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Lipa P, Janczarek M. Phosphorylation systems in symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria and their role in bacterial adaptation to various environmental stresses. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8466. [PMID: 32095335 PMCID: PMC7020829 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Symbiotic bacteria, commonly called rhizobia, lead a saprophytic lifestyle in the soil and form nitrogen-fixing nodules on legume roots. During their lifecycle, rhizobia have to adapt to different conditions prevailing in the soils and within host plants. To survive under these conditions, rhizobia fine-tune the regulatory machinery to respond rapidly and adequately to environmental changes. Symbiotic bacteria play an essential role in the soil environment from both ecological and economical point of view, since these bacteria provide Fabaceae plants (legumes) with large amounts of accessible nitrogen as a result of symbiotic interactions (i.e., rhizobia present within the nodule reduce atmospheric dinitrogen (N2) to ammonia, which can be utilized by plants). Because of its restricted availability in the soil, nitrogen is one of the most limiting factors for plant growth. In spite of its high content in the atmosphere, plants are not able to assimilate it directly in the N2 form. During symbiosis, rhizobia infect host root and trigger the development of specific plant organ, the nodule. The aim of root nodule formation is to ensure a microaerobic environment, which is essential for proper activity of nitrogenase, i.e., a key enzyme facilitating N2 fixation. To adapt to various lifestyles and environmental stresses, rhizobia have developed several regulatory mechanisms, e.g., reversible phosphorylation. This key mechanism regulates many processes in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. In microorganisms, signal transduction includes two-component systems (TCSs), which involve membrane sensor histidine kinases (HKs) and cognate DNA-binding response regulators (RRs). Furthermore, regulatory mechanisms based on phosphoenolopyruvate-dependent phosphotranspherase systems (PTSs), as well as alternative regulatory pathways controlled by Hanks-type serine/threonine kinases (STKs) and serine/threonine phosphatases (STPs) play an important role in regulation of many cellular processes in both free-living bacteria and during symbiosis with the host plant (e.g., growth and cell division, envelope biogenesis, biofilm formation, response to stress conditions, and regulation of metabolism). In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of phosphorylation systems in symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and their role in the physiology of rhizobial cells and adaptation to various environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Lipa
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Janczarek
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Chu N, Liang Q, Jiang Y, Zeng RJ. Microbial electrochemical platform for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 150:111922. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.111922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Strategies for improving the electroactivity and specific metabolic functionality of microorganisms for various microbial electrochemical technologies. Biotechnol Adv 2019; 39:107468. [PMID: 31707076 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Electroactive microorganisms, which possess extracellular electron transfer (EET) capabilities, are the basis of microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) such as microbial fuel and electrolysis cells. These are considered for several applications ranging from the energy-efficient treatment of waste streams to the production of value-added chemicals and fuels, bioremediation, and biosensing. Various aspects related to the microorganisms, electrodes, separators, reactor design, and operational or process parameters influence the overall functioning of METs. The most fundamental and critical performance-determining factor is, however, the microorganism-electrode interactions. Modification of the electrode surfaces and microorganisms for optimizing their interactions has therefore been the major MET research focus area over the last decade. In the case of microorganisms, primarily their EET mechanisms and efficiencies along with the biofilm formation capabilities, collectively considered as microbial electroactivity, affect their interactions with the electrodes. In addition to electroactivity, the specific metabolic or biochemical functionality of microorganisms is equally crucial to the target MET application. In this article, we present the major strategies that are used to enhance the electroactivity and specific functionality of microorganisms pertaining to both anodic and cathodic processes of METs. These include simple physical methods based on the use of heat and magnetic field along with chemical, electrochemical, and growth media amendment approaches to the complex procedure-based microbial bioaugmentation, co-culture, and cell immobilization or entrapment, and advanced toolkit-based biofilm engineering, genetic modifications, and synthetic biology strategies. We further discuss the applicability and limitations of these strategies and possible future research directions for advancing the highly promising microbial electrochemistry-driven biotechnology.
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