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Shomar H, Bokinsky G. Harnessing iron‑sulfur enzymes for synthetic biology. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119718. [PMID: 38574823 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Reactions catalysed by iron-sulfur (Fe-S) enzymes appear in a variety of biosynthetic pathways that produce valuable natural products. Harnessing these biosynthetic pathways by expression in microbial cell factories grown on an industrial scale would yield enormous economic and environmental benefits. However, Fe-S enzymes often become bottlenecks that limits the productivity of engineered pathways. As a consequence, achieving the production metrics required for industrial application remains a distant goal for Fe-S enzyme-dependent pathways. Here, we identify and review three core challenges in harnessing Fe-S enzyme activity, which all stem from the properties of Fe-S clusters: 1) limited Fe-S cluster supply within the host cell, 2) Fe-S cluster instability, and 3) lack of specialized reducing cofactor proteins often required for Fe-S enzyme activity, such as enzyme-specific flavodoxins and ferredoxins. We highlight successful methods developed for a variety of Fe-S enzymes and electron carriers for overcoming these difficulties. We use heterologous nitrogenase expression as a grand case study demonstrating how each of these challenges can be addressed. We predict that recent breakthroughs in protein structure prediction and design will prove well-suited to addressing each of these challenges. A reliable toolkit for harnessing Fe-S enzymes in engineered metabolic pathways will accelerate the development of industry-ready Fe-S enzyme-dependent biosynthesis pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Shomar
- Institut Pasteur, université Paris Cité, Inserm U1284, Diversité moléculaire des microbes (Molecular Diversity of Microbes lab), 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gregory Bokinsky
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands.
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2
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Rady HA, Ali SS, El-Sheekh MM. Strategies to enhance biohydrogen production from microalgae: A comprehensive review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 356:120611. [PMID: 38508014 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Microalgae represent a promising renewable feedstock for the sustainable production of biohydrogen. Their high growth rates and ability to fix carbon utilizing just sunlight, water, and nutrients make them well-suited for this application. Recent advancements have focused on improving microalgal hydrogen yields and cultivation methods. This review aims to summarize recent developments in microalgal cultivation techniques and genetic engineering strategies for enhanced biohydrogen production. Specific areas of focus include novel microalgal species selection, immobilization methods, integrated hybrid systems, and metabolic engineering. Studies related to microalgal strain selection, cultivation methods, metabolic engineering, and genetic manipulations were compiled and analyzed. Promising microalgal species with high hydrogen production capabilities such as Synechocystis sp., Anabaena variabilis, and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii have been identified. Immobilization techniques like encapsulation in alginate and integration with dark fermentation have led to improved hydrogen yields. Metabolic engineering through modulation of hydrogenase activity and photosynthetic pathways shows potential for enhanced biohydrogen productivity. Considerable progress has been made in developing microalgal systems for biohydrogen. However, challenges around process optimization and scale-up remain. Future work involving metabolic modeling, photobioreactor design, and genetic engineering of electron transfer pathways could help realize the full potential of this renewable technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeer A Rady
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Sameh S Ali
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Mostafa M El-Sheekh
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt.
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3
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Jiao H, Tsigkou K, Elsamahy T, Pispas K, Sun J, Manthos G, Schagerl M, Sventzouri E, Al-Tohamy R, Kornaros M, Ali SS. Recent advances in sustainable hydrogen production from microalgae: Mechanisms, challenges, and future perspectives. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 270:115908. [PMID: 38171102 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The depletion of fossil fuel reserves has resulted from their application in the industrial and energy sectors. As a result, substantial efforts have been dedicated to fostering the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources via technological advancements in industrial processes. Microalgae can be used to produce biofuels such as biodiesel, hydrogen, and bioethanol. Microalgae are particularly suitable for hydrogen production due to their rapid growth rate, ability to thrive in diverse habitats, ability to resolve conflicts between fuel and food production, and capacity to capture and utilize atmospheric carbon dioxide. Therefore, microalgae-based biohydrogen production has attracted significant attention as a clean and sustainable fuel to achieve carbon neutrality and sustainability in nature. To this end, the review paper emphasizes recent information related to microalgae-based biohydrogen production, mechanisms of sustainable hydrogen production, factors affecting biohydrogen production by microalgae, bioreactor design and hydrogen production, advanced strategies to improve efficiency of biohydrogen production by microalgae, along with bottlenecks and perspectives to overcome the challenges. This review aims to collate advances and new knowledge emerged in recent years for microalgae-based biohydrogen production and promote the adoption of biohydrogen as an alternative to conventional hydrocarbon biofuels, thereby expediting the carbon neutrality target that is most advantageous to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixin Jiao
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Konstantina Tsigkou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 1 Karatheodori str, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Tamer Elsamahy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Konstantinos Pispas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 1 Karatheodori str, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| | - Georgios Manthos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 1 Karatheodori str, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Michael Schagerl
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, Vienna A-1030, Austria.
| | - Eirini Sventzouri
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 1 Karatheodori str, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Rania Al-Tohamy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| | - Michael Kornaros
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 1 Karatheodori str, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Sameh S Ali
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt.
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4
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Zhang J, Xue D, Wang C, Fang D, Cao L, Gong C. Genetic engineering for biohydrogen production from microalgae. iScience 2023; 26:107255. [PMID: 37520694 PMCID: PMC10384274 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of biohydrogen as an alternative energy source has had great economic and environmental benefits. Hydrogen production from microalgae is considered a clean and sustainable energy production method that can both alleviate fuel shortages and recycle waste. Although algal hydrogen production has low energy consumption and requires only simple pretreatment, it has not been commercialized because of low product yields. To increase microalgal biohydrogen production several technologies have been developed, although they struggle with the oxygen sensitivity of the hydrogenases responsible for hydrogen production and the complexity of the metabolic network. In this review, several genetic and metabolic engineering studies on enhancing microalgal biohydrogen production are discussed, and the economic feasibility and future direction of microalgal biohydrogen commercialization are also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zhang
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P.R.China
| | - Dongsheng Xue
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P.R.China
| | - Chongju Wang
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P.R.China
| | - Donglai Fang
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P.R.China
| | - Liping Cao
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P.R.China
| | - Chunjie Gong
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P.R.China
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5
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Schumann C, Fernández Méndez J, Berggren G, Lindblad P. Novel concepts and engineering strategies for heterologous expression of efficient hydrogenases in photosynthetic microorganisms. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1179607. [PMID: 37502399 PMCID: PMC10369191 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1179607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen is considered one of the key enablers of the transition towards a sustainable and net-zero carbon economy. When produced from renewable sources, hydrogen can be used as a clean and carbon-free energy carrier, as well as improve the sustainability of a wide range of industrial processes. Photobiological hydrogen production is considered one of the most promising technologies, avoiding the need for renewable electricity and rare earth metal elements, the demands for which are greatly increasing due to the current simultaneous electrification and decarbonization goals. Photobiological hydrogen production employs photosynthetic microorganisms to harvest solar energy and split water into molecular oxygen and hydrogen gas, unlocking the long-pursued target of solar energy storage. However, photobiological hydrogen production has to-date been constrained by several limitations. This review aims to discuss the current state-of-the art regarding hydrogenase-driven photobiological hydrogen production. Emphasis is placed on engineering strategies for the expression of improved, non-native, hydrogenases or photosynthesis re-engineering, as well as their combination as one of the most promising pathways to develop viable large-scale hydrogen green cell factories. Herein we provide an overview of the current knowledge and technological gaps curbing the development of photobiological hydrogenase-driven hydrogen production, as well as summarizing the recent advances and future prospects regarding the expression of non-native hydrogenases in cyanobacteria and green algae with an emphasis on [FeFe] hydrogenases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conrad Schumann
- Molecular Biomimetics, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jorge Fernández Méndez
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gustav Berggren
- Molecular Biomimetics, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Suresh G, Kumari P, Venkata Mohan S. Light-dependent biohydrogen production: Progress and perspectives. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 380:129007. [PMID: 37061171 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The fourth industrial revolution anticipates energy to be sustainable, renewable and green. Hydrogen (H2) is one of the green forms of energy and is deemed a possible solution to climate change. Light-dependent H2 production is a promising method derived from nature's most copious resources: solar energy, water and biomass. Reduced environmental impacts, absorption of carbon dioxide, relative efficiency, and cost economics made it an eye-catching approach. However, low light conversion efficiency, limited ability to utilize complex carbohydrates, and the O2 sensitivity of enzymes result in low yield. Isolation of efficient H2 producers, development of microbial consortia having a synergistic impact, genetically improved strains, regulating bidirectional hydrogenase activity, physiological parameters, immobilization, novel photobioreactors, and additive strategies are summarized for their possibilities to augment the processes of bio-photolysis and photo-fermentation. The challenges and future perspectives have been addressed to explore a sustainable way forward in a bio-refinery approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Suresh
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500 007, India
| | - Poonam Kumari
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500 007, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - S Venkata Mohan
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500 007, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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Wang C, Wang H, Yan Q, Chen C, Bao X, Pan M, Qian Y. Enhanced nitrogen removal from low C/N municipal wastewater employing algal biochar supported nano zero-valent iron (ABC-nZVI) using A/A/O-MBR: Duration and rehabilitation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 860:160396. [PMID: 36435251 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To bridge the organic-dependent barrier on nitrogen from low carbon/nitrogen (C/N) municipal wastewater, employing algal biochar supported nano zero-valent iron (ABC-nZVI) was investigated using A/A/O-MBR. Firstly, it can be seen that adequate carbon source is indispensable for the removal, since total nitrogen (TN) removal reached 77.89 % with the influent C/N of 7.8. Secondly, conducted in batch experiments with different doses of ABC-nZVI with/without active sludge, removal efficiency of total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) and the effective time achieved 84.94 % and 24 h with an ABC-nZVI dose of 300 mg/L, respectively. Thirdly, it was found that the duration of high-efficiency denitrification reached 9 h with the addition of 250 mg/L of ABC-nZVI to the anoxic tank of A/A/O-MBR, and the effluent ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) also meet the national discharge standard. Besides, biodiversity of both anoxic and aerobic sludge was apparently promoted with the addition of ABC-nZVI, while the lab-scale A/A/O-MBR could also be fully rehabilitated within 12 h. Finally, predicted through PICRUSt2, relevant abundance of functional genes involved in nitrogen metabolism could be enriched by nZVI addition. As an alternative supporting electron donor and mediator, ABC-nZVI can also be participated in the enhanced nitrogen removal in A/A/O-MBR at low C/N.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyun Wang
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Han Wang
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Qun Yan
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou 215011, China.
| | - Chongjun Chen
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou 215011, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Xiangming Bao
- Jiangsu Taiyuan Environmental Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Wuxi 214200, China
| | - Meijuan Pan
- Jiangsu Taiyuan Environmental Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Wuxi 214200, China
| | - Yunfei Qian
- Jiangsu Taiyuan Environmental Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Wuxi 214200, China
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8
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Xie Y, Khoo KS, Chew KW, Devadas VV, Phang SJ, Lim HR, Rajendran S, Show PL. Advancement of renewable energy technologies via artificial and microalgae photosynthesis. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 363:127830. [PMID: 36029982 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
There has been an urgent need to tackle global climate change and replace conventional fuels with alternatives from sustainable sources. This has led to the emergence of bioenergy sources like biofuels and biohydrogen extracted from microalgae biomass. Microalgae takes up carbon dioxide and absorbs sunlight, as part of its photosynthesis process, for growth and producing useful compounds for renewable energy. While, the developments in artificial photosynthesis to a chemical process that biomimics the natural photosynthesis process to fix CO2 in the air. However, the artificial photosynthesis technology is still being investigated for its implementation in large scale production. Microalgae photosynthesis can provide the same advantages as artificial photosynthesis, along with the prospect of having final microalgae products suitable for various application. There are significant potential to adapt either microalgae photosynthesis or artificial photosynthesis to reduce the CO2 in the climate and contribute to a cleaner and green cultivation method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youping Xie
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Kuan Shiong Khoo
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kit Wayne Chew
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia, Jalan Sunsuria, Bandar Sunsuria, 43900 Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Vishno Vardhan Devadas
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Sue Jiun Phang
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, Jalan Venna P5/2, Precinct 5, 62200 Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Hooi Ren Lim
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Saravanan Rajendran
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tarapacá, Avda. General Velasquez, 1775 Arica, Chile
| | - Pau Loke Show
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Subtropical Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Department of Sustainable Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai 602105, India.
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Redding KE, Appel J, Boehm M, Schuhmann W, Nowaczyk MM, Yacoby I, Gutekunst K. Advances and challenges in photosynthetic hydrogen production. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 40:1313-1325. [PMID: 35581021 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The vision to replace coal with hydrogen goes back to Jules Verne in 1874. However, sustainable hydrogen production remains challenging. The most elegant approach is to utilize photosynthesis for water splitting and to subsequently save solar energy as hydrogen. Cyanobacteria and green algae are unicellular photosynthetic organisms that contain hydrogenases and thereby possess the enzymatic equipment for photosynthetic hydrogen production. These features of cyanobacteria and algae have inspired artificial and semi-artificial in vitro techniques, that connect photoexcited materials or enzymes with hydrogenases or mimics of these for hydrogen production. These in vitro methods have on their part been models for the fusion of cyanobacterial and algal hydrogenases to photosynthetic photosystem I (PSI) in vivo, which recently succeeded as proofs of principle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin E Redding
- School of Molecular Sciences and Center for Bioenergy & Photosynthesis, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Jens Appel
- Molecular Plant Physiology, Bioenergetics in Photoautotrophs, University Kassel, 34132 Kassel, Germany
| | - Marko Boehm
- Molecular Plant Physiology, Bioenergetics in Photoautotrophs, University Kassel, 34132 Kassel, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schuhmann
- Analytical Chemistry - Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstrasse 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Marc M Nowaczyk
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstrasse 150, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Iftach Yacoby
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Kirstin Gutekunst
- Molecular Plant Physiology, Bioenergetics in Photoautotrophs, University Kassel, 34132 Kassel, Germany.
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10
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Abstract
H2 production from green-microalgae, for energy purposes, is the ultimate goal of large-scale production. Here, we present a two-phase protocol for hydrogen production assay under ambient conditions using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which eliminates steps used previously, including centrifugation and resuspension with sulfur-deprived media. We detail steps for Chlamydomonas reinhardtii culture, acetate supply replenishment, anaerobic induction, and H2 quantification. This protocol enables large-scale experiments in an easy and cost-effective method while maintaining cells vital, crucial factors for transition to industrial scales. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Elman et al. (2022). 2-step protocol for ambient hydrogen production in green algae Detailed culture steps of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Acetate supply via addition of glacial acetic acid as a carbon source H2 production assay without centrifugation or sulfur-deprivation requirements
Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Elman
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Iftach Yacoby
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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11
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Kim S, Koo J. Recent advances in utilization of ferredoxins for biosynthesis of valuable compounds. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 38:178. [PMID: 35941298 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03371-9] [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: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ferredoxin (Fd) is a small metalloprotein holding one or two Fe-S clusters in its inner shell. Like many other metalloproteins, Fd is redox active and involved in electron transfer during cellular metabolism. The electrons from reduced Fd are mostly used to regenerate NADPH under physiological conditions. Increasing number of attempts have been reported, however, where Fd delivers electrons to enable biosynthesis of valuable compounds. Various compounds ranging from H2 to vitamin D3 have been synthesized successfully using electrons mediated by Fd molecules. In this review, we provide an overview of the engineering studies utilizing Fd for biosynthesis of targeted molecules. The emphasis is on the role and activity of Fd as well as the methods used to improve the rate of electron transfer. Both microbial and electrochemical biosynthesis technologies are described and compared with respect to productivity and the compound being produced. In addition to the ferredoxins from the microbial organisms, artificially designed de novo types are described, highlighting the potential of the emerging computational methods used in metabolic and protein engineering. We believe that the recent advances in utilization of Fd for biosynthesis can result in breakthrough innovation across the biotechnology industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongwon Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Jamin Koo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul, 04066, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Ho TTH, Schwier C, Elman T, Fleuter V, Zinzius K, Scholz M, Yacoby I, Buchert F, Hippler M. Photosystem I light-harvesting proteins regulate photosynthetic electron transfer and hydrogen production. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 189:329-343. [PMID: 35157085 PMCID: PMC9070821 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Linear electron flow (LEF) and cyclic electron flow (CEF) compete for light-driven electrons transferred from the acceptor side of photosystem I (PSI). Under anoxic conditions, such highly reducing electrons also could be used for hydrogen (H2) production via electron transfer between ferredoxin and hydrogenase in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Partitioning between LEF and CEF is regulated through PROTON-GRADIENT REGULATION5 (PGR5). There is evidence that partitioning of electrons also could be mediated via PSI remodeling processes. This plasticity is linked to the dynamics of PSI-associated light-harvesting proteins (LHCAs) LHCA2 and LHCA9. These two unique light-harvesting proteins are distinct from all other LHCAs because they are loosely bound at the PSAL pole. Here, we investigated photosynthetic electron transfer and H2 production in single, double, and triple mutants deficient in PGR5, LHCA2, and LHCA9. Our data indicate that lhca2 and lhca9 mutants are efficient in photosynthetic electron transfer, that LHCA2 impacts the pgr5 phenotype, and that pgr5/lhca2 is a potent H2 photo-producer. In addition, pgr5/lhca2 and pgr5/lhca9 mutants displayed substantially different H2 photo-production kinetics. This indicates that the absence of LHCA2 or LHCA9 impacts H2 photo-production independently, despite both being attached at the PSAL pole, pointing to distinct regulatory capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Thu Hoai Ho
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Münster 48143, Germany
- Faculty of Fisheries, University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, Hue 530000, Vietnam
| | - Chris Schwier
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Münster 48143, Germany
| | - Tamar Elman
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Vera Fleuter
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Münster 48143, Germany
| | - Karen Zinzius
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Münster 48143, Germany
| | - Martin Scholz
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Münster 48143, Germany
| | - Iftach Yacoby
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Felix Buchert
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Münster 48143, Germany
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13
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Wu H, Cui M, Yang X, Liu Y, Wang J, Zhang L, Zhan G, Zhao Y. Visual signal sensor coupling to nitrification for sustainable monitoring of trichloroacetaldehyde and the response mechanisms. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 146:108142. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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14
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King SJ, Jerkovic A, Brown LJ, Petroll K, Willows RD. Synthetic biology for improved hydrogen production in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 15:1946-1965. [PMID: 35338590 PMCID: PMC9249334 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen is a clean alternative to fossil fuels. It has applications for electricity generation and transportation and is used for the manufacturing of ammonia and steel. However, today, H2 is almost exclusively produced from coal and natural gas. As such, methods to produce H2 that do not use fossil fuels need to be developed and adopted. The biological manufacturing of H2 may be one promising solution as this process is clean and renewable. Hydrogen is produced biologically via enzymes called hydrogenases. There are three classes of hydrogenases namely [FeFe], [NiFe] and [Fe] hydrogenases. The [FeFe] hydrogenase HydA1 from the model unicellular algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been studied extensively and belongs to the A1 subclass of [FeFe] hydrogenases that have the highest turnover frequencies amongst hydrogenases (21,000 ± 12,000 H2 s−1 for CaHydA from Clostridium acetobutyliticum). Yet to date, limitations in C. reinhardtii H2 production pathways have hampered commercial scale implementation, in part due to O2 sensitivity of hydrogenases and competing metabolic pathways, resulting in low H2 production efficiency. Here, we describe key processes in the biogenesis of HydA1 and H2 production pathways in C. reinhardtii. We also summarize recent advancements of algal H2 production using synthetic biology and describe valuable tools such as high‐throughput screening (HTS) assays to accelerate the process of engineering algae for commercial biological H2 production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J King
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ante Jerkovic
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Louise J Brown
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kerstin Petroll
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert D Willows
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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15
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Li S, Li F, Zhu X, Liao Q, Chang JS, Ho SH. Biohydrogen production from microalgae for environmental sustainability. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:132717. [PMID: 34757051 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen as a clean energy that is conducive to energy and environmental sustainability, playing a significant role in the alleviation of global climate change and energy crisis. Biohydrogen generation from microalgae has been reported as a highly attractive approach that can produce a benign clean energy carrier to achieve carbon neutrality and bioenergy sustainability. Thus, this review explored the mechanism of biohydrogen production from microalgae containing direct biophotolysis, indirect biophotolysis, photo fermentation, and dark fermentation. In general, dark fermentation of microalgae for biohydrogen production is relatively better than photo fermentation, biophotolysis, and microbial electrolysis, because it is able to consecutively generate hydrogen and is not reliant on energy supplied by natural sunlight. Besides, this review summarized potential algal strains for hydrogen production focusing on green microalgae and cyanobacteria. Moreover, a thorough review process was conducted to present hydrogen-producing enzymes targeting biosynthesis and localization of enzymes in microalgae. Notably, the most powerful hydrogen-producing enzymes are [Fe-Fe]-hydrogenases, which have an activity nearly 10-100 times better than [Ni-Fe]-hydrogenases and 1000 times better than nitrogenases. In addition, this work highlighted the major factors affecting low energy conversion efficiency and oxygen sensitivity of hydrogen-producing enzymes. Noting that the most practical pathway of biohydrogen generation was sulfur-deprivation compared with phosphorus, nitrogen, and magnesium deficiency. Further discussions in this work summarized the recent advancement in biohydrogen production from microalgae such as genetic engineering, microalgae-bacteria consortium, electro-bio-hydrogenation, and nanomaterials for developing enzyme stability and hydrolytic efficiency. More importantly, this review provided a summary of current limitations and future perspectives on the sustainable production of biohydrogen from microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150090, China
| | - Fanghua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150090, China.
| | - Xun Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qiang Liao
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Jo-Shu Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City 701, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, Tunghai University, Taichung 407, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shih-Hsin Ho
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150090, China.
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16
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Abstract
It is well known that over the last 60 years the trend of long-lived greenhouse gas emissions have shown a strong acceleration. There is an increasing concern and a mounting opposition by public opinion to continue with the use of fossil energy. Western countries are presently involved in a so-called energy transition with the objective of abandoning fossil energy for renewable sources. In this connection, hydrogen can play a central role. One of the sustainable ways to produce hydrogen is the use of microalgae which possess two important natural catalysts: photosystem II and hydrogenase, used to split water and to combine protons and electrons to generate gaseous hydrogen, respectively. For about 20 years of study on photobiological hydrogen production, our scientific hopes were based on the application of the sulfur protocol, which indisputably represented a very important advancement in the field of hydrogen production biotechnology. However, as reported in this review, there is increasing evidence that this strategy is not economically viable. Therefore, a change of paradigm for the photobiological production of hydrogen based on microalgae seems mandatory. This review points out that an increasing number of microalgal strains other than Chlamydomonas reinhardtii are being tested and are able to produce sustainable amount of hydrogen without nutrient starvation and to fulfill this goal including the application of co-cultures.
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17
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Kosourov S, Böhm M, Senger M, Berggren G, Stensjö K, Mamedov F, Lindblad P, Allahverdiyeva Y. Photosynthetic hydrogen production: Novel protocols, promising engineering approaches and application of semi-synthetic hydrogenases. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2021; 173:555-567. [PMID: 33860946 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthetic production of molecular hydrogen (H2 ) by cyanobacteria and green algae is a potential source of renewable energy. These organisms are capable of water biophotolysis by taking advantage of photosynthetic apparatus that links water oxidation at Photosystem II and reduction of protons to H2 downstream of Photosystem I. Although the process has a theoretical potential to displace fossil fuels, photosynthetic H2 production in its current state is not yet efficient enough for industrial applications due to a number of physiological, biochemical, and engineering barriers. This article presents a short overview of the metabolic pathways and enzymes involved in H2 photoproduction in cyanobacteria and green algae and our present understanding of the mechanisms of this process. We also summarize recent advances in engineering photosynthetic cell factories capable of overcoming the major barriers to efficient and sustainable H2 production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Kosourov
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Maximilian Böhm
- Molecular Biomimetics, Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Moritz Senger
- Molecular Biomimetics, Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gustav Berggren
- Molecular Biomimetics, Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Stensjö
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fikret Mamedov
- Molecular Biomimetics, Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Yagut Allahverdiyeva
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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18
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Xiong D, Happe T, Hankamer B, Ross IL. Inducible high level expression of a variant ΔD19A,D58A-ferredoxin-hydrogenase fusion increases photohydrogen production efficiency in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. ALGAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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19
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Nagarajan D, Dong CD, Chen CY, Lee DJ, Chang JS. Biohydrogen production from microalgae-Major bottlenecks and future research perspectives. Biotechnol J 2021; 16:e2000124. [PMID: 33249754 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202000124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The imprudent use of fossil fuels has resulted in high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, leading to climate change and global warming. Reduction in GHG emissions and energy insecurity imposed by the depleting fossil fuel reserves led to the search for alternative sustainable fuels. Hydrogen is a potential alternative energy carrier and is of particular interest because hydrogen combustion releases only water. Hydrogen is also an important industrial feedstock. As an alternative energy carrier, hydrogen can be used in fuel cells for power generation. Current hydrogen production mainly relies on fossil fuels and is usually energy and CO2 -emission intensive, thus the use of fossil fuel-derived hydrogen as a carbon-free fuel source is fallacious. Biohydrogen production can be achieved via microbial methods, and the use of microalgae for hydrogen production is outstanding due to the carbon mitigating effects and the utilization of solar energy as an energy source by microalgae. This review provides comprehensive information on the mechanisms of hydrogen production by microalgae and the enzymes involved. The major challenges in the commercialization of microalgae-based photobiological hydrogen production are critically analyzed and future research perspectives are discussed. Life cycle analysis and economic assessment of hydrogen production by microalgae are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillirani Nagarajan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Di Dong
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Nanzih District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yen Chen
- Center for Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Duu-Jong Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Shu Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Research Center for Smart Sustainable Circular Economy, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
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20
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Koo J, Cha Y. Investigation of the Ferredoxin's Influence on the Anaerobic and Aerobic, Enzymatic H 2 Production. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:641305. [PMID: 33718343 PMCID: PMC7952640 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.641305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferredoxins are metalloproteins that deliver electrons to several redox partners, including [FeFe] hydrogenases that are potentially a component of biological H2 production technologies. Reduced ferredoxins can also lose electrons to molecular oxygen, which may lower the availability of electrons for cellular or synthetic reactions. Ferredoxins thus play a key role in diverse kinds of redox biochemistry, especially the enzymatic H2 production catalyzed by [FeFe] hydrogenases. We investigated how the yield of anaerobic and aerobic H2 production vary among the four different types of ferredoxins that are used to deliver electrons extracted from NADPH within the synthetic, fermentative pathway. We also assessed the electron loss due to O2 reduction by reduced ferredoxins within the pathway, for which the difference was as high as five-fold. Our findings provide valuable insights for further improving biological H2 production technologies and can also facilitate elucidation of mechanisms governing interactions between Fe–S cluster(s) and molecular oxygen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamin Koo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yeeun Cha
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul, South Korea
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21
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Abstract
The need to safeguard our planet by reducing carbon dioxide emissions has led to a significant development of research in the field of alternative energy sources. Hydrogen has proved to be the most promising molecule, as a fuel, due to its low environmental impact. Even if various methods already exist for producing hydrogen, most of them are not sustainable. Thus, research focuses on the biological sector, studying microalgae, and other microorganisms’ ability to produce this precious molecule in a natural way. In this review, we provide a description of the biochemical and molecular processes for the production of biohydrogen and give a general overview of one of the most interesting technologies in which hydrogen finds application for electricity production: fuel cells.
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22
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Chen J, Li Q, Wang L, Fan C, Liu H. Advances in Whole‐Cell Photobiological Hydrogen Production. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202000051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering Shanghai Research Institute for Intelligent Autonomous Systems Key Laboratory of Advanced Civil Engineering Materials of Ministry of Education Tongji University Shanghai 200092 China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Bioimaging Center Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility Zhangjiang Laboratory, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201210 China
| | - Chunhai Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Huajie Liu
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering Shanghai Research Institute for Intelligent Autonomous Systems Key Laboratory of Advanced Civil Engineering Materials of Ministry of Education Tongji University Shanghai 200092 China
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23
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Burlacot A, Burlacot F, Li-Beisson Y, Peltier G. Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry: A Powerful Tool for Algal Research. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:1302. [PMID: 33013952 PMCID: PMC7500362 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.01302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Since the first great oxygenation event, photosynthetic microorganisms have continuously shaped the Earth's atmosphere. Studying biological mechanisms involved in the interaction between microalgae and cyanobacteria with the Earth's atmosphere requires the monitoring of gas exchange. Membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) has been developed in the early 1960s to study gas exchange mechanisms of photosynthetic cells. It has since played an important role in investigating various cellular processes that involve gaseous compounds (O2, CO2, NO, or H2) and in characterizing enzymatic activities in vitro or in vivo. With the development of affordable mass spectrometers, MIMS is gaining wide popularity and is now used by an increasing number of laboratories. However, it still requires an important theory and practical considerations to be used. Here, we provide a practical guide describing the current technical basis of a MIMS setup and the general principles of data processing. We further review how MIMS can be used to study various aspects of algal research and discuss how MIMS will be useful in addressing future scientific challenges.
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24
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Abstract
The biological process of photosynthesis was critical in catalyzing the oxygenation of Earth’s atmosphere 2.5 billion years ago, changing the course of development of life on Earth. Recently, the fields of applied and synthetic photosynthesis have utilized the light-driven protein–pigment supercomplexes central to photosynthesis for the photocatalytic production of fuel and other various valuable products. The reaction center Photosystem I is of particular interest in applied photosynthesis due to its high stability post-purification, non-geopolitical limitation, and its ability to generate the greatest reducing power found in nature. These remarkable properties have been harnessed for the photocatalytic production of a number of valuable products in the applied photosynthesis research field. These primarily include photocurrents and molecular hydrogen as fuels. The use of artificial reaction centers to generate substrates and reducing equivalents to drive non-photoactive enzymes for valuable product generation has been a long-standing area of interest in the synthetic photosynthesis research field. In this review, we cover advances in these areas and further speculate synthetic and applied photosynthesis as photocatalysts for the generation of valuable products.
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25
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Diament A, Weiner I, Shahar N, Landman S, Feldman Y, Atar S, Avitan M, Schweitzer S, Yacoby I, Tuller T. ChimeraUGEM: unsupervised gene expression modeling in any given organism. Bioinformatics 2020; 35:3365-3371. [PMID: 30715207 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btz080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Regulation of the amount of protein that is synthesized from genes has proved to be a serious challenge in terms of analysis and prediction, and in terms of engineering and optimization, due to the large diversity in expression machinery across species. RESULTS To address this challenge, we developed a methodology and a software tool (ChimeraUGEM) for predicting gene expression as well as adapting the coding sequence of a target gene to any host organism. We demonstrate these methods by predicting protein levels in seven organisms, in seven human tissues, and by increasing in vivo the expression of a synthetic gene up to 26-fold in the single-cell green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The underlying model is designed to capture sequence patterns and regulatory signals with minimal prior knowledge on the host organism and can be applied to a multitude of species and applications. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION Source code (MATLAB, C) and binaries are freely available for download for non-commercial use at http://www.cs.tau.ac.il/~tamirtul/ChimeraUGEM/, and supported on macOS, Linux and Windows. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alon Diament
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Iddo Weiner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv, Israel.,School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noam Shahar
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shira Landman
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Feldman
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shimshi Atar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Meital Avitan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv, Israel.,School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shira Schweitzer
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Iftach Yacoby
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tamir Tuller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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26
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Kannchen D, Zabret J, Oworah-Nkruma R, Dyczmons-Nowaczyk N, Wiegand K, Löbbert P, Frank A, Nowaczyk MM, Rexroth S, Rögner M. Remodeling of photosynthetic electron transport in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 for future hydrogen production from water. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2020; 1861:148208. [PMID: 32339488 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2020.148208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthetic microorganisms such as the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (Synechocystis) can be exploited for the light-driven synthesis of valuable compounds. Thermodynamically, it is most beneficial to branch-off photosynthetic electrons at ferredoxin (Fd), which provides electrons for a variety of fundamental metabolic pathways in the cell, with the ferredoxin-NADP+ Oxido-Reductase (FNR, PetH) being the main target. In order to re-direct electrons from Fd to another consumer, the high electron transport rate between Fd and FNR has to be reduced. Based on our previous in vitro experiments, corresponding FNR-mutants at position FNR_K190 (Wiegand, K., et al.: "Rational redesign of the ferredoxin-NADP-oxido-reductase/ferredoxin-interaction for photosynthesis-dependent H2-production". Biochim Biophys Acta, 2018) have been generated in Synechocystis cells to study their impact on the cellular metabolism and their potential for a future hydrogen-producing design cell. Out of two promising candidates, mutation FNR_K190D proved to be lethal due to oxidative stress, while FNR_K190A was successfully generated and characterized: The light induced NADPH formation is clearly impaired in this mutant and it shows also major metabolic adaptations like a higher glucose metabolism as evidenced by quantitative mass spectrometric analysis. These results indicate a high potential for the future use of photosynthetic electrons in engineered design cells - for instance for hydrogen production. They also show substantial differences of interacting proteins in an in vitro environment vs. physiological conditions in whole cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Kannchen
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Jure Zabret
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Regina Oworah-Nkruma
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Nina Dyczmons-Nowaczyk
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Katrin Wiegand
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Pia Löbbert
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Anna Frank
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Marc Michael Nowaczyk
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Sascha Rexroth
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Matthias Rögner
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany.
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27
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Kim J, Lee S, Baek K, Jin E. Site-Specific Gene Knock-Out and On-Site Heterologous Gene Overexpression in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii via a CRISPR-Cas9-Mediated Knock-in Method. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:306. [PMID: 32265959 PMCID: PMC7099044 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is being transformed from a model organism to an industrial organism for the production of pigments, fatty acids, and pharmaceuticals. Genetic modification has been used to increase the economic value of C. reinhardtii. However, low gene-editing efficiency and position-effects hinder the genetic improvement of this microorganism. Recently, site-specific double-stranded DNA cleavage using CRISPR-Cas9 system has been applied to regulate a metabolic pathway in C. reinhardtii. In this study, we proved that site-specific gene expression can be induced by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated double-strand cleavage and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) mechanism. The CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knock-in method was adopted to improve gene-editing efficiency and express the reporter gene on the intended site. Knock-in was performed using a combination of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex and DNA fragment (antibiotics resistance gene). Gene-editing efficiency was improved via optimization of a component of RNP complex. We found that when the gene CrFTSY was targeted, the efficiency of obtaining the desired mutant by the knock-in method combined with antibiotic resistance was nearly 37%; 2.5 times higher than the previous reports. Additionally, insertion of a long DNA fragment (3.2 and 6.4 kb) and site-specific gene expression were analyzed. We demonstrated the knock-out phenotype of CrFTSY and on-site inserted gene expression of luciferase and mVenus at the same time. This result showed that CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knock-in can be used to express the gene of interest avoiding position-effects in C. reinhardtii. This report could provide a new perspective to the use of gene-editing. Furthermore, the technical improvements in genetic modification may accelerate the commercialization of C. reinhardtii.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - EonSeon Jin
- Department of Life Science, Research Institute for Natural Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
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28
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Shahar N, Landman S, Weiner I, Elman T, Dafni E, Feldman Y, Tuller T, Yacoby I. The Integration of Multiple Nuclear-Encoded Transgenes in the Green Alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Results in Higher Transcription Levels. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 10:1784. [PMID: 32117346 PMCID: PMC7033495 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The integration of genes into the nuclear genome of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is mediated by Non-Homologous-End-Joining, thus resulting in unpredicted insertion locations. This phenomenon defines 'the position-effect', which is used to explain the variation of expression levels between different clones transformed with the same DNA fragment. Likewise, nuclear transgenes often undergo epigenetic silencing that reduces their expression; hence, nuclear transformations require high-throughput screening methods to isolate clones that express the foreign gene at a desirable level. Here, we show that the number of integration sites of heterologous genes results in higher mRNA levels. By transforming both a synthetic ferredoxin-hydrogenase fusion enzyme and a Gaussia-Luciferase reporter protein, we were able to obtain 33 positive clones that exhibit a wide range of synthetic expression. We then performed a droplet-digital polymerase-chain-reaction for these lines to measure their transgene DNA copy-number and mRNA levels. Surprisingly, most clones contain two integration sites of the synthetic gene (45.5%), whilst 33.3% contain one, 18.1% include three and 3.1% encompass four. Remarkably, we observed a positive correlation between the raw DNA copy-number values to the mRNA levels, suggesting a general effect of which transcription of transgenes is partially modulated by their number of copies in the genome. However, our data indicate that only clones harboring at least three copies of the target amplicon show a significant increment in mRNA levels of the reporter transgene. Lastly, we measured protein activity for each of the reporter genes to elucidate the effect of copy-number variation on heterologous expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noam Shahar
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shira Landman
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Iddo Weiner
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tamar Elman
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eyal Dafni
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Feldman
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tamir Tuller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Iftach Yacoby
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Ben-Zvi O, Dafni E, Feldman Y, Yacoby I. Re-routing photosynthetic energy for continuous hydrogen production in vivo. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2019; 12:266. [PMID: 31737095 PMCID: PMC6844042 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-019-1608-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydrogen is considered a promising energy vector that can be produced from sustainable resources such as sunlight and water. In green algae, such as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, photoproduction of hydrogen is catalyzed by the enzyme [FeFe]-hydrogenase (HydA). Although highly efficient, this process is transitory and thought to serve as a release valve for excess reducing power. Up to date, prolonged production of hydrogen was achieved by the deprivation of either nutrients or light, thus, hindering the full potential of photosynthetic hydrogen production. Previously we showed that the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) can enhance HydA activity in vitro, specifically when tied together to a fusion protein. RESULTS In this work, we explored the in vivo hydrogen production phenotype of HydA-SOD fusion. We found a sustained hydrogen production, which is dependent on linear electron flow, although other pathways feed it as well. In addition, other characteristics such as slower growth and oxygen production were also observed in Hyd-SOD-expressing algae. CONCLUSIONS The Hyd-SOD fusion manages to outcompete the Calvin-Benson cycle, allowing sustained hydrogen production for up to 14 days in non-limiting conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oren Ben-Zvi
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 69978 Israel
| | - Eyal Dafni
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 69978 Israel
| | - Yael Feldman
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 69978 Israel
| | - Iftach Yacoby
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 69978 Israel
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30
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Li Y, Hu J, Qu C, Chen L, Guo X, Fu H, Wang J. Engineered Thermoanaerobacterium aotearoense with nfnAB knockout for improved hydrogen production from lignocellulose hydrolysates. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2019; 12:214. [PMID: 31528202 PMCID: PMC6737674 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-019-1559-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a renewable and clean energy carrier, the production of biohydrogen from low-value feedstock such as lignocellulose has increasingly garnered interest. The NADH-dependent reduced ferredoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase (NfnAB) complex catalyzes electron transfer between reduced ferredoxin and NAD(P)+, which is critical for production of NAD(P)H-dependent products such as hydrogen and ethanol. In this study, the effects on end-product formation of deletion of nfnAB from Thermoanaerobacterium aotearoense SCUT27 were investigated. RESULTS Compared with the parental strain, the NADH/NAD+ ratio in the ∆nfnAB mutant was increased. The concentration of hydrogen and ethanol produced increased by (41.1 ± 2.37)% (p < 0.01) and (13.24 ± 1.12)% (p < 0.01), respectively, while the lactic acid concentration decreased by (11.88 ± 0.96)% (p < 0.01) when the ∆nfnAB mutant used glucose as sole carbon source. No obvious inhibition effect was observed for either SCUT27 or SCUT27/∆nfnAB when six types of lignocellulose hydrolysate pretreated with dilute acid were used for hydrogen production. Notably, the SCUT27/∆nfnAB mutant produced 190.63-209.31 mmol/L hydrogen, with a yield of 1.66-1.77 mol/mol and productivity of 12.71-13.95 mmol/L h from nonsterilized rice straw and corn cob hydrolysates pretreated with dilute acid. CONCLUSIONS The T. aotearoense SCUT27/∆nfnAB mutant showed higher hydrogen yield and productivity compared with those of the parental strain. Hence, we demonstrate that deletion of nfnAB from T. aotearoense SCUT27 is an effective approach to improve hydrogen production by redirecting the electron flux, and SCUT27/∆nfnAB is a promising candidate strain for efficient biohydrogen production from lignocellulosic hydrolysates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Jialei Hu
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Chunyun Qu
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Lili Chen
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Xiaolong Guo
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Hongxin Fu
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Jufang Wang
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006 China
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640 China
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31
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Mellor SB, Vinde MH, Nielsen AZ, Hanke GT, Abdiaziz K, Roessler MM, Burow M, Motawia MS, Møller BL, Jensen PE. Defining optimal electron transfer partners for light-driven cytochrome P450 reactions. Metab Eng 2019; 55:33-43. [PMID: 31091467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Plants and cyanobacteria are promising heterologous hosts for metabolic engineering, and particularly suited for expression of cytochrome P450 (P450s), enzymes that catalyse key steps in biosynthetic pathways leading to valuable natural products such as alkaloids, terpenoids and phenylpropanoids. P450s are often difficult to express and require a membrane-bound NADPH-dependent reductase, complicating their use in metabolic engineering and bio-production. We previously demonstrated targeting of heterologous P450s to thylakoid membranes both in N. benthamiana chloroplasts and cyanobacteria, and functional substitution of their native reductases with the photosynthetic apparatus via the endogenous soluble electron carrier ferredoxin. However, because ferredoxin acts as a sorting hub for photosynthetic reducing power, there is fierce competition for reducing equivalents, which limits photosynthesis-driven P450 output. This study compares the ability of four electron carriers to increase photosynthesis-driven P450 activity. These carriers, three plant ferredoxins and a flavodoxin-like engineered protein derived from cytochrome P450 reductase, show only modest differences in their electron transfer to our model P450, CYP79A1 in vitro. However, only the flavodoxin-like carrier supplies appreciable reducing power in the presence of competition for reduced ferredoxin, because it possesses a redox potential that renders delivery of reducing equivalents to endogenous processes inefficient. We further investigate the efficacy of these electron carrier proteins in vivo by expressing them transiently in N. benthamiana fused to CYP79A1. All but one of the fusion enzymes show improved sequestration of photosynthetic reducing power. Fusion with the flavodoxin-like carrier offers the greatest improvement in this comparison - nearly 25-fold on a per protein basis. Thus, this study demonstrates that synthetic electron transfer pathways with optimal redox potentials can alleviate the problem of endogenous competition for reduced ferredoxin and sets out a new metabolic engineering strategy useful for producing valuable natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silas Busck Mellor
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Marcos Hamborg Vinde
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Agnieszka Zygadlo Nielsen
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Guy Thomas Hanke
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Kaltum Abdiaziz
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Maxie M Roessler
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Meike Burow
- DyNaMo Center of Excellence, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Mohammed Saddik Motawia
- Villum Research Center for Plant Plasticity, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Birger Lindberg Møller
- Villum Research Center for Plant Plasticity, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Poul Erik Jensen
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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32
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Lu Y, Koo J. O 2 sensitivity and H 2 production activity of hydrogenases-A review. Biotechnol Bioeng 2019; 116:3124-3135. [PMID: 31403182 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogenases are metalloproteins capable of catalyzing the interconversion between molecular hydrogen and protons and electrons. The iron-sulfur clusters within the enzyme enable rapid relay of electrons which are either consumed or generated at the active site. Their unparalleled catalytic efficiency has attracted attention, especially for potential use in H2 production and/or fuel cell technologies. However, there are limitations to using hydrogenases, especially due to their high O2 sensitivity. The subclass, called [FeFe] hydrogenases, are particularly more vulnerable to O2 but proficient in H2 production. In this review, we provide an overview of mechanistic and protein engineering studies focused on understanding and enhancing O2 tolerance of the enzyme. The emphasis is on ongoing studies that attempt to overcome O2 sensitivity of the enzyme while it catalyzes H2 production in an aerobic environment. We also discuss pioneering attempts to utilize the enzyme in biological H2 production and other industrial processes, as well as our own perspective on future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jamin Koo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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33
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Tóth SZ, Yacoby I. Paradigm Shift in Algal H 2 Production: Bypassing Competitive Processes. Trends Biotechnol 2019; 37:1159-1163. [PMID: 31174881 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier, but producing it sustainably remains a challenge. Green algae can produce hydrogen photosynthetically using their efficient but oxygen-sensitive hydrogenases. Recent strategies aiming to bypass competing processes provide a promising route for scaling up algal hydrogen production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szilvia Z Tóth
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Iftach Yacoby
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978, Israel.
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34
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Dafni E, Weiner I, Shahar N, Tuller T, Yacoby I. Image-Processing Software for High-Throughput Quantification of Colony Luminescence. mSphere 2019; 4:e00676-18. [PMID: 30602526 PMCID: PMC6315083 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00676-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many microbiological assays include colonies that produce a luminescent or fluorescent (here generalized as "luminescent") signal, often in the form of luminescent halos around the colonies. These signals are used as reporters for a trait of interest; therefore, exact measurements of the luminescence are often desired. However, there is currently a lack of high-throughput methods for analyzing these assays, as common automatic image analysis tools are unsuitable for identifying these halos in the presence of the inherent biological noise. In this work, we have developed CFQuant-automatic, high-throughput software for the analysis of images from colony luminescence assays. CFQuant overcomes the problems of automatic identification by relying on the luminescence halo's expected shape and provides measurements of several features of the colonies and halos. We examined the performance of CFQuant using one such colony luminescence assay, where we achieved a high correlation (R = 0.85) between the measurements of CFQuant and known protein expression levels. This demonstrates CFQuant's potential as a fast and reliable tool for analysis of colony luminescence assays.IMPORTANCE Luminescent markers are widely used as reporters for various biologically interesting traits. In colony luminescence assays, the levels of luminescence around each colony can be used to compare the levels of traits of interest for different strains, treatments, etc., using quantitative measurements of the luminescence. However, automatic methods of obtaining this data are underdeveloped, making this a laborious manual process, especially in analyzing large numbers of colonies. The significance of this work is in developing an automatic, high-throughput tool for quantitative analysis of colony luminescence assays, which will allow fast collection of qualitative data from these assays and thus increase their overall usability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyal Dafni
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Iddo Weiner
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noam Shahar
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tamir Tuller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Iftach Yacoby
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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35
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Atkinson JT, Campbell IJ, Thomas EE, Bonitatibus SC, Elliott SJ, Bennett GN, Silberg JJ. Metalloprotein switches that display chemical-dependent electron transfer in cells. Nat Chem Biol 2018; 15:189-195. [PMID: 30559426 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-018-0192-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Biological electron transfer is challenging to directly regulate using environmental conditions. To enable dynamic, protein-level control over energy flow in metabolic systems for synthetic biology and bioelectronics, we created ferredoxin logic gates that utilize transcriptional and post-translational inputs to control energy flow through a synthetic electron transfer pathway that is required for bacterial growth. These logic gates were created by subjecting a thermostable, plant-type ferredoxin to backbone fission and fusing the resulting fragments to a pair of proteins that self-associate, a pair of proteins whose association is stabilized by a small molecule, and to the termini of a ligand-binding domain. We show that the latter domain insertion design strategy yields an allosteric ferredoxin switch that acquires an oxygen-tolerant [2Fe-2S] cluster and can use different chemicals, including a therapeutic drug and an environmental pollutant, to control the production of a reduced metabolite in Escherichia coli and cell lysates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T Atkinson
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Graduate Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ian J Campbell
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology Graduate Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Emily E Thomas
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology Graduate Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Sean J Elliott
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George N Bennett
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan J Silberg
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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36
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Nikolova D, Heilmann C, Hawat S, Gäbelein P, Hippler M. Absolute quantification of selected photosynthetic electron transfer proteins in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in the presence and absence of oxygen. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2018; 137:281-293. [PMID: 29594952 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-018-0502-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The absolute amount of plastocyanin (PC), ferredoxin-NADP+-oxidoreductase (FNR), hydrogenase (HYDA1), and ferredoxin 5 (FDX5) were quantified in aerobic and anaerobic Chlamydomonas reinhardtii whole cells using purified (recombinant) proteins as internal standards in a mass spectrometric approach. Quantified protein amounts were related to the estimated amount of PSI. The ratios of PC to FNR to HYDA1 to FDX5 in aerobic cells were determined to be 1.4:1.2:0.003:0. In anaerobic cells, the ratios changed to 1.1:1.3:0.019:0.027 (PC:FNR:HYDA1:FDX5). Employing sodium dithionite and methyl viologen as electron donors, the specific activity of hydrogenase in whole cells was calculated to be 382 ± 96.5 μmolH2 min-1 mg-1. Importantly, these data reveal an about 70-fold lower abundance of HYDA1 compared to FNR. Despite this great disproportion between both proteins, which might further enhance the competition for electrons, the alga is capable of hydrogen production under anaerobic conditions, thus pointing to an efficient channeling mechanism of electrons from FDX1 to the HYDA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denitsa Nikolova
- Institut für Biologie und Biotechnologie der Pflanzen, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Schlossplatz 8, 48143, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Heilmann
- Institut für Biologie und Biotechnologie der Pflanzen, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Schlossplatz 8, 48143, Münster, Germany
| | - Susan Hawat
- Institut für Biologie und Biotechnologie der Pflanzen, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Schlossplatz 8, 48143, Münster, Germany
| | - Philipp Gäbelein
- Institut für Biologie und Biotechnologie der Pflanzen, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Schlossplatz 8, 48143, Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Hippler
- Institut für Biologie und Biotechnologie der Pflanzen, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Schlossplatz 8, 48143, Münster, Germany.
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37
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Milrad Y, Schweitzer S, Feldman Y, Yacoby I. Green Algal Hydrogenase Activity Is Outcompeted by Carbon Fixation before Inactivation by Oxygen Takes Place. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 177:918-926. [PMID: 29784766 PMCID: PMC6053004 DOI: 10.1104/pp.18.00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Photoproduction of hydrogen by green algae is considered a transitory release valve of excess reducing power and a potential carbon-free source of sustainable energy. It is generally accepted that the transitory production of hydrogen is governed by fast inactivation of hydrogenase by oxygen. However, our data suggest that photosynthetic electron loss to competing processes, mainly carbon fixation, stops hydrogen production, supports hydrogen uptake, and precedes the inevitable inactivation by oxygen. Here, we show that when transitioning from dark anaerobiosis to light, hydrogen production ceases within 2 min, regardless of the presence of oxygen. Simultaneous monitoring of the active hydrogenase pool size shows that it remains entirely intact up to 4 min after illumination and is inactivated only later. Thus, our data reveal a window of 4 min in which the hydrogenase pool is not being degraded by oxygen. Furthermore, we show that electron loss, prominently to carbon fixation, outcompetes hydrogen production and leads to hydrogen uptake. Indeed, supplying additional reducing power to hydrogenase at the cessation point regenerates the accumulation of hydrogen. Our results imply the fast cessation of hydrogen production is governed by electron loss rather than oxygen inactivation, which takes place minutes later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Milrad
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Shira Schweitzer
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Yael Feldman
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Iftach Yacoby
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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38
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Weiner I, Shahar N, Feldman Y, Landman S, Milrad Y, Ben-Zvi O, Avitan M, Dafni E, Schweitzer S, Eilenberg H, Atar S, Diament A, Tuller T, Yacoby I. Overcoming the expression barrier of the ferredoxin‑hydrogenase chimera in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii supports a linear increment in photosynthetic hydrogen output. ALGAL RES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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39
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Weiner I, Atar S, Schweitzer S, Eilenberg H, Feldman Y, Avitan M, Blau M, Danon A, Tuller T, Yacoby I. Enhancing heterologous expression in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by transcript sequence optimization. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 94:22-31. [PMID: 29383789 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.13836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Various species of microalgae have recently emerged as promising host-organisms for use in biotechnology industries due to their unique properties. These include efficient conversion of sunlight into organic compounds, the ability to grow in extreme conditions and the occurrence of numerous post-translational modification pathways. However, the inability to obtain high levels of nuclear heterologous gene expression in microalgae hinders the development of the entire field. To overcome this limitation, we analyzed different sequence optimization algorithms while studying the effect of transcript sequence features on heterologous expression in the model microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, whose genome consists of rare features such as a high GC content. Based on the analysis of genomic data, we created eight unique sequences coding for a synthetic ferredoxin-hydrogenase enzyme, used here as a reporter gene. Following in silico design, these synthetic genes were transformed into the C. reinhardtii nucleus, after which gene expression levels were measured. The empirical data, measured in vivo show a discrepancy of up to 65-fold between the different constructs. In this work we demonstrate how the combination of computational methods and our empirical results enable us to learn about the way gene expression is encoded in the C. reinhardtii transcripts. We describe the deleterious effect on overall expression of codons encoding for splicing signals. Subsequently, our analysis shows that utilization of a frequent subset of preferred codons results in elevated transcript levels, and that mRNA folding energy in the vicinity of translation initiation significantly affects gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iddo Weiner
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Shimshi Atar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Shira Schweitzer
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Haviva Eilenberg
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Yael Feldman
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Meital Avitan
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Mor Blau
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Avihai Danon
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Tamir Tuller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Iftach Yacoby
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
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Rewiring of Cyanobacterial Metabolism for Hydrogen Production: Synthetic Biology Approaches and Challenges. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1080:171-213. [PMID: 30091096 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-0854-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
With the demand for renewable energy growing, hydrogen (H2) is becoming an attractive energy carrier. Developing H2 production technologies with near-net zero carbon emissions is a major challenge for the "H2 economy." Certain cyanobacteria inherently possess enzymes, nitrogenases, and bidirectional hydrogenases that are capable of H2 evolution using sunlight, making them ideal cell factories for photocatalytic conversion of water to H2. With the advances in synthetic biology, cyanobacteria are currently being developed as a "plug and play" chassis to produce H2. This chapter describes the metabolic pathways involved and the theoretical limits to cyanobacterial H2 production and summarizes the metabolic engineering technologies pursued.
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Wang Y, Zhuang X, Chen M, Zeng Z, Cai X, Li H, Hu Z. An endogenous microRNA (miRNA1166.1) can regulate photobio-H 2 production in eukaryotic green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2018; 11:126. [PMID: 29743954 PMCID: PMC5930490 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-018-1126-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydrogen photoproduction from green microalgae is regarded as a promising alternative solution for energy problems. However, the simultaneous oxygen evolution from microalgae can prevent continuous hydrogen production due to the hypersensitivity of hydrogenases to oxygen. Sulfur deprivation can extend the duration of algal hydrogen production, but it is uneconomical to alternately culture algal cells in sulfur-sufficient and sulfur-deprived media. RESULTS In this study, we developed a novel way to simulate sulfur-deprivation treatment while constantly maintaining microalgal cells in sulfur-sufficient culture medium by overexpressing an endogenous microRNA (miR1166.1). Based on our previous RNA-seq analysis in the model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, three endogenous miRNAs responsive to sulfur deprivation (cre-miR1166.1, cre-miR1150.3, and cre-miR1158) were selected. Heat-inducible expression vectors containing the selected miRNAs were constructed and transformed into C. reinhardtii. Comparison of H2 production following heat induction in the three transgenic strains and untransformed control group identified miR1166.1 as the best candidate for H2 production regulation. Moreover, enhanced photobio-H2 production was observed with repeated induction of miR1166.1 expression. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to identify a physiological function of endogenous miR1166.1 and to show that a natural miRNA can regulate hydrogen photoproduction in the unicellular model organism C. reinhardtii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Wang
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Epigenetic, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoshan Zhuang
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Epigenetic, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 People’s Republic of China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource & Eco-environmental Science, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 People’s Republic of China
| | - Meirong Chen
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Epigenetic, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 People’s Republic of China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource & Eco-environmental Science, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiyong Zeng
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Epigenetic, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 People’s Republic of China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource & Eco-environmental Science, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqi Cai
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Epigenetic, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 People’s Republic of China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource & Eco-environmental Science, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Li
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Epigenetic, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 People’s Republic of China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource & Eco-environmental Science, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhangli Hu
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Epigenetic, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 People’s Republic of China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource & Eco-environmental Science, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 People’s Republic of China
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Nagy V, Podmaniczki A, Vidal-Meireles A, Tengölics R, Kovács L, Rákhely G, Scoma A, Tóth SZ. Water-splitting-based, sustainable and efficient H 2 production in green algae as achieved by substrate limitation of the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2018; 11:69. [PMID: 29560024 PMCID: PMC5858145 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-018-1069-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Photobiological H2 production has the potential of becoming a carbon-free renewable energy source, because upon the combustion of H2, only water is produced. The [Fe-Fe]-type hydrogenases of green algae are highly active, although extremely O2-sensitive. Sulphur deprivation is a common way to induce H2 production, which, however, relies substantially on organic substrates and imposes a severe stress effect resulting in the degradation of the photosynthetic apparatus. RESULTS We report on the establishment of an alternative H2 production method by green algae that is based on a short anaerobic induction, keeping the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle inactive by substrate limitation and preserving hydrogenase activity by applying a simple catalyst to remove the evolved O2. Cultures remain photosynthetically active for several days, with the electrons feeding the hydrogenases mostly derived from water. The amount of H2 produced is higher as compared to the sulphur-deprivation procedure and the process is photoautotrophic. CONCLUSION Our protocol demonstrates that it is possible to sustainably use algal cells as whole-cell catalysts for H2 production, which enables industrial application of algal biohydrogen production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valéria Nagy
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anna Podmaniczki
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - André Vidal-Meireles
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Roland Tengölics
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Kovács
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Rákhely
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Alberto Scoma
- Center for Geomicrobiology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 116, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Szilvia Z. Tóth
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
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Sawyer A, Winkler M. Evolution of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii ferredoxins and their interactions with [FeFe]-hydrogenases. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2017; 134:307-316. [PMID: 28620699 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-017-0409-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Ferredoxins are soluble iron sulphur proteins which function as electron donors in a number of metabolic pathways in a broad range of organisms. In photosynthetic organisms, PETF, or ferredoxin 1 (FDX1), is the most studied ferredoxin due to its essential role in photosynthesis, where it transfers electrons from photosystem I to ferredoxin-NADP+ oxidoreductase. However, PETF can also transfer electrons to a large number of other proteins. One important PETF electron acceptor found in green microalgae is the biologically and biotechnologically important [FeFe]-hydrogenase HYDA, which catalyses the production of molecular hydrogen (H2) from protons and electrons. The interaction between PETF and HYDA is of considerable interest, as PETF is the primary electron donor to HYDA and electron supply is one of the main limiting factors for H2 production on a commercial scale. Although there is no three dimensional structure of the PETF-HYDA complex available, protein variants, nuclear magnetic resonance titration studies, molecular dynamics and modelling have provided considerable insight into the residues essential for forming and maintaining the interaction. In this review, we discuss the most recent findings with regard to ferredoxin-HYDA interactions and the evolution of the various Chlamydomonas reinhardtii ferredoxin isoforms. Finally, we provide an outlook on new PETF-based biotechnological approaches for improved H2 production efficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Sawyer
- Lehrstuhl für Biochemie der Pflanzen, AG Photobiotechnologie, Fakultät für Biologie und Biotechnologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Martin Winkler
- Lehrstuhl für Biochemie der Pflanzen, AG Photobiotechnologie, Fakultät für Biologie und Biotechnologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
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Mellor SB, Vavitsas K, Nielsen AZ, Jensen PE. Photosynthetic fuel for heterologous enzymes: the role of electron carrier proteins. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2017; 134:329-342. [PMID: 28285375 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-017-0364-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Plants, cyanobacteria, and algae generate a surplus of redox power through photosynthesis, which makes them attractive for biotechnological exploitations. While central metabolism consumes most of the energy, pathways introduced through metabolic engineering can also tap into this source of reducing power. Recent work on the metabolic engineering of photosynthetic organisms has shown that the electron carriers such as ferredoxin and flavodoxin can be used to couple heterologous enzymes to photosynthetic reducing power. Because these proteins have a plethora of interaction partners and rely on electrostatically steered complex formation, they form productive electron transfer complexes with non-native enzymes. A handful of examples demonstrate channeling of photosynthetic electrons to drive the activity of heterologous enzymes, and these focus mainly on hydrogenases and cytochrome P450s. However, competition from native pathways and inefficient electron transfer rates present major obstacles, which limit the productivity of heterologous reactions coupled to photosynthesis. We discuss specific approaches to address these bottlenecks and ensure high productivity of such enzymes in a photosynthetic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silas Busck Mellor
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Center for Synthetic Biology 'bioSYNergy', Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Konstantinos Vavitsas
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Center for Synthetic Biology 'bioSYNergy', Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Agnieszka Zygadlo Nielsen
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Center for Synthetic Biology 'bioSYNergy', Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Poul Erik Jensen
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Center for Synthetic Biology 'bioSYNergy', Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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Bayro-Kaiser V, Nelson N. Microalgal hydrogen production: prospects of an essential technology for a clean and sustainable energy economy. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2017; 133:49-62. [PMID: 28239761 PMCID: PMC5500669 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-017-0350-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Modern energy production is required to undergo a dramatic transformation. It will have to replace fossil fuel use by a sustainable and clean energy economy while meeting the growing world energy needs. This review analyzes the current energy sector, available energy sources, and energy conversion technologies. Solar energy is the only energy source with the potential to fully replace fossil fuels, and hydrogen is a crucial energy carrier for ensuring energy availability across the globe. The importance of photosynthetic hydrogen production for a solar-powered hydrogen economy is highlighted and the development and potential of this technology are discussed. Much successful research for improved photosynthetic hydrogen production under laboratory conditions has been reported, and attempts are underway to develop upscale systems. We suggest that a process of integrating these achievements into one system to strive for efficient sustainable energy conversion is already justified. Pursuing this goal may lead to a mature technology for industrial deployment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinzenz Bayro-Kaiser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Nathan Nelson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Lamont CM, Kelly CL, Pinske C, Buchanan G, Palmer T, Sargent F. Expanding the substrates for a bacterial hydrogenlyase reaction. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2017; 163:649-653. [PMID: 28488566 PMCID: PMC5817251 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia coli produces enzymes dedicated to hydrogen metabolism under anaerobic conditions. In particular, a formate hydrogenlyase (FHL) enzyme is responsible for the majority of hydrogen gas produced under fermentative conditions. FHL comprises a formate dehydrogenase (encoded by fdhF) linked directly to [NiFe]-hydrogenase-3 (Hyd-3), and formate is the only natural substrate known for proton reduction by this hydrogenase. In this work, the possibility of engineering an alternative electron donor for hydrogen production has been explored. Rational design and genetic engineering led to the construction of a fusion between Thermotoga maritima ferredoxin (Fd) and Hyd-3. The Fd-Hyd-3 fusion was found to evolve hydrogen when co-produced with T. maritima pyruvate :: ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR), which links pyruvate oxidation to the reduction of ferredoxin. Analysis of the key organic acids produced during fermentation suggested that the PFOR/Fd-Hyd-3 fusion system successfully diverted pyruvate onto a new pathway towards hydrogen production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciaran M Lamont
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK.,Present address: Oxford BioMedica, Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
| | - Ciarán L Kelly
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK.,Present address: Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Constanze Pinske
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK.,Present address: Institute of Biology/Microbiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Grant Buchanan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK
| | - Tracy Palmer
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK
| | - Frank Sargent
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK
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Rhodes CJ. Genetically modified algae produce hydrogen biofuel at five times their normal yield. Sci Prog 2016; 99:450-451. [PMID: 28742483 PMCID: PMC10365491 DOI: 10.3184/003685016x14773090197661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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