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Chandrasekhar T, Reddy PCO, Swapna B, Veeranjaneya Reddy L, Anuprasanna V, Dakshayani L, Ramachandra Reddy P, Reddy MC. Algae: the game-changers in biohydrogen sector. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024:1-21. [PMID: 39142834 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2024.2387176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Biohydrogen (H2) is an efficient form of renewable energy generated from various biological organisms. Specifically, primitive plants such as algae which are photosynthetic organisms can produce several commercial products, including biofuels due to their simple form, short life span, efficient photosynthetic capacity, and ability to grow in non-potable water sources. But these algae are often neglected and considered waste. Several studies have revealed the importance and role of algal species in generating biofuels, especially biohydrogen. Considerable research has been conducted in order to understand hydrogen production from algal sources. This review emphasizes the photolysis of water-based hydrogen production in algae apart from the metabolites fermentation process. The influence of physico-chemical factors, including oxygen scavengers, nanoparticles, and hydrogenases, was highlighted in this review to enhance H2 production from algal species. Also, several algal species used for hydrogen production are summarized in detail. Overall, this review intends to summarize the developments in hydrogen production from algal species keeping in view of excellent prospects. This knowledge certainly would provide a good opportunity for the industrial production of hydrogen using algal species, which is one of the most concerned areas in the energy sector.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Battana Swapna
- Department of Botany, Vikrama Simhapuri University College, Kavali, India
| | | | | | - Lomada Dakshayani
- Department of Genetics & Genomics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, India
| | | | - Madhava C Reddy
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, India
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2
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Beraldo C, Traverso E, Boschin M, Cendron L, Morosinotto T, Alboresi A. Physcomitrium patens flavodiiron proteins form heterotetrametric complexes. J Biol Chem 2024:107643. [PMID: 39122005 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Flavodiiron proteins (FLVs) catalyze the reduction of oxygen to water by using electrons from Photosystem I (PSI). In several photosynthetic organisms such as cyanobacteria, green algae, mosses and gymnosperms, FLV-dependent electron flow protects PSI from over-reduction and consequent damage especially under fluctuating light conditions. In this work we investigated biochemical and structural properties of FLVA and FLVB from the model moss Physcomitrium patens. The two proteins, expressed and purified from Escherichia coli, bind both iron and flavin cofactors and show NAD(P)H oxidase activity as well as oxygen reductase capacities. Moreover, the co-expression of both FLVA and FLVB, coupled to a tandem affinity purification procedure with two different affinity tags, enabled the isolation of the stable and catalytically active FLVA/B hetero tetrameric protein complex with cooperative nature. The multimeric organization was shown to be stabilized by inter-subunit disulfide bonds. This investigation provides valuable new information on the biochemical properties of FLVs, with new insights into their in vivo activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Beraldo
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58B, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Eleonora Traverso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58B, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Marco Boschin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58B, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Laura Cendron
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58B, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Tomas Morosinotto
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58B, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Alessandro Alboresi
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58B, Padova 35121, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Italy.
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3
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Li W, Yao Y, Qin H, Fan X, Zhang X, Liu M, Ma W. Synergistic enhancement of pulsed light-induced H 2 photoproduction in Chlamydomonas cells by optimal sulfite concentration and light waveform. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2024; 257:112962. [PMID: 38917720 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2024.112962] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Pulsed light illumination stands out as a noteworthy technique for photosynthetic H2 production, playing a crucial role in eliminating O2 and activating hydrogenase enzymes. However, further improvements are essential to make H2 photoproduction suitable for future commercial applications. In our study, we observed a distinct enhancement in pulsed light-induced H2 photoproduction in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii when treated with the optimal concentration of the mild O2 scavenger Na2SO3. This improvement was a result of reduced O2 content, increased hydrogenase enzyme activity, and suppressed H2-uptake activity. Furthermore, our findings indicate that exposing Na2SO3-treated C. reinhardtii to optimal light waveform continues to significantly boost pulsed light-induced H2 photoproduction, attributed to the alleviation of impaired photosystem II activity. Altogether, the combined application of optimal sulfite concentration and light waveform effectively enhances pulsed light-induced photosynthetic H2 production in the green alga C. reinhardtii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Li
- Institute of Future Lighting, Academy for Engineering and Technology, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, China; Zhongshan Fudan Joint Innovation Center, Zhongshan Industrial Technology Research Institute, 6 Xiangxing Road, Zhongshan 528403, China
| | - Ye Yao
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Haokuan Qin
- Institute of Future Lighting, Academy for Engineering and Technology, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, China; Zhongshan Fudan Joint Innovation Center, Zhongshan Industrial Technology Research Institute, 6 Xiangxing Road, Zhongshan 528403, China
| | - Xuewei Fan
- Institute of Future Lighting, Academy for Engineering and Technology, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, China; Zhongshan Fudan Joint Innovation Center, Zhongshan Industrial Technology Research Institute, 6 Xiangxing Road, Zhongshan 528403, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhang
- Zhongshan Fudan Joint Innovation Center, Zhongshan Industrial Technology Research Institute, 6 Xiangxing Road, Zhongshan 528403, China; Institute for Electric Light Sources, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Muqing Liu
- Institute of Future Lighting, Academy for Engineering and Technology, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, China; Zhongshan Fudan Joint Innovation Center, Zhongshan Industrial Technology Research Institute, 6 Xiangxing Road, Zhongshan 528403, China; Institute for Electric Light Sources, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Weimin Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200234, China.
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4
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Milrad Y, Mosebach L, Buchert F. Regulation of Microalgal Photosynthetic Electron Transfer. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:2103. [PMID: 39124221 PMCID: PMC11314055 DOI: 10.3390/plants13152103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
The global ecosystem relies on the metabolism of photosynthetic organisms, featuring the ability to harness light as an energy source. The most successful type of photosynthesis utilizes a virtually inexhaustible electron pool from water, but the driver of this oxidation, sunlight, varies on time and intensity scales of several orders of magnitude. Such rapid and steep changes in energy availability are potentially devastating for biological systems. To enable a safe and efficient light-harnessing process, photosynthetic organisms tune their light capturing, the redox connections between core complexes and auxiliary electron mediators, ion passages across the membrane, and functional coupling of energy transducing organelles. Here, microalgal species are the most diverse group, featuring both unique environmental adjustment strategies and ubiquitous protective mechanisms. In this review, we explore a selection of regulatory processes of the microalgal photosynthetic apparatus supporting smooth electron flow in variable environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Milrad
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Laura Mosebach
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Felix Buchert
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
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5
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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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6
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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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7
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Milrad Y, Nagy V, Elman T, Fadeeva M, Tóth SZ, Yacoby I. A PSII photosynthetic control is activated in anoxic cultures of green algae following illumination. Commun Biol 2023; 6:514. [PMID: 37173420 PMCID: PMC10182038 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04890-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Photosynthetic hydrogen production from microalgae is considered to have potential as a renewable energy source. Yet, the process has two main limitations holding it back from scaling up; (i) electron loss to competing processes, mainly carbon fixation and (ii) sensitivity to O2 which diminishes the expression and the activity of the hydrogenase enzyme catalyzing H2 production. Here we report a third, hitherto unknown challenge: We found that under anoxia, a slow-down switch is activated in photosystem II (PSII), diminishing the maximal photosynthetic productivity by three-fold. Using purified PSII and applying in vivo spectroscopic and mass spectrometric techniques on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cultures, we show that this switch is activated under anoxia, within 10 s of illumination. Furthermore, we show that the recovery to the initial rate takes place following 15 min of dark anoxia, and propose a mechanism in which, modulation in electron transfer at the acceptor site of PSII diminishes its output. Such insights into the mechanism broaden our understanding of anoxic photosynthesis and its regulation in green algae and inspire new strategies to improve bio-energy yields.
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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
| | - Valéria Nagy
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - 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
| | - Maria Fadeeva
- Department of Biochemistry, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Szilvia Z Tóth
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre, 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, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
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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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9
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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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Javed MU, Mukhtar H, Hayat MT, Rashid U, Mumtaz MW, Ngamcharussrivichai C. Sustainable processing of algal biomass for a comprehensive biorefinery. J Biotechnol 2022; 352:47-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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11
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Nikkanen L, Solymosi D, Jokel M, Allahverdiyeva Y. Regulatory electron transport pathways of photosynthesis in cyanobacteria and microalgae: Recent advances and biotechnological prospects. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2021; 173:514-525. [PMID: 33764547 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria and microalgae perform oxygenic photosynthesis where light energy is harnessed to split water into oxygen and protons. This process releases electrons that are used by the photosynthetic electron transport chain to form reducing equivalents that provide energy for the cell metabolism. Constant changes in environmental conditions, such as light availability, temperature, and access to nutrients, create the need to balance the photochemical reactions and the metabolic demands of the cell. Thus, cyanobacteria and microalgae evolved several auxiliary electron transport (AET) pathways to disperse the potentially harmful over-supply of absorbed energy. AET pathways are comprised of electron sinks, e.g. flavodiiron proteins (FDPs) or other terminal oxidases, and pathways that recycle electrons around photosystem I, like NADPH-dehydrogenase-like complexes (NDH) or the ferredoxin-plastoquinone reductase (FQR). Under controlled conditions the need for these AET pathways is decreased and AET can even be energetically wasteful. Therefore, redirecting photosynthetic reducing equivalents to biotechnologically useful reactions, catalyzed by i.e. innate hydrogenases or heterologous enzymes, offers novel possibilities to apply photosynthesis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauri Nikkanen
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Daniel Solymosi
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Martina Jokel
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Yagut Allahverdiyeva
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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12
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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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13
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Allahverdiyeva Y, Aro EM, van Bavel B, Escudero C, Funk C, Heinonen J, Herfindal L, Lindblad P, Mäkinen S, Penttilä M, Sivonen K, Skogen Chauton M, Skomedal H, Skjermo J. NordAqua, a Nordic Center of Excellence to develop an algae-based photosynthetic production platform. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2021; 173:507-513. [PMID: 33709388 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
NordAqua is a multidisciplinary Nordic Center of Excellence funded by NordForsk Bioeconomy program (2017-2022). The research center promotes Blue Bioeconomy and endeavours to reform the use of natural resources in a environmentally sustainable way. In this short communication, we summarize particular outcomes of the consortium. The key research progress of NordAqua includes (1) improving of photosynthetisis, (2) developing novel photosynthetic cell factories that function in a "solar-driven direct CO2 capture to target bioproducts" mode, (3) promoting the diversity of Nordic cyanobacteria and algae as an abundant and resilient alternative for less sustainable forest biomass and for innovative production of biochemicals, and (4) improving the bio-based wastewater purification and nutrient recycling technologies to provide new tools for integrative circular economy platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagut Allahverdiyeva
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eva-Mari Aro
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Bert van Bavel
- Section of Environmental Pollutants, Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Carlos Escudero
- Section of Environmental Pollutants, Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Jarna Heinonen
- Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, School of Economics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Lars Herfindal
- Centre for Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sari Mäkinen
- Department of Production Systems, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Jokioinen, Finland
| | - Merja Penttilä
- Devision of Industrial Biotechnology and Food Solutions, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Espoo, Finland
| | - Kaarina Sivonen
- Department of Microbiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Hanne Skomedal
- Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health, NIBIO, Ås, Norway
| | - Jorunn Skjermo
- Department of Fisheries and New Biomarine Industry, SINTEF Ocean, Trondheim, Norway
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14
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Improved photosynthetic capacity and photosystem I oxidation via heterologous metabolism engineering in cyanobacteria. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2021523118. [PMID: 33836593 PMCID: PMC7980454 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2021523118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria have been increasingly explored as a biotechnological platform, although their economic feasibility relies in part on the capacity to maximize their photosynthetic, solar-to-biomass energy conversion efficiency. Here we show that cyanobacterial photosynthetic capacity can be increased by diverting cellular resources toward heterologous, energy-storing metabolic pathways and by reducing electron flow to photoprotective, but energy-dissipating, oxygen reduction reactions. We further show that these heterologous sinks can partially contribute to photosystem I (PSI) oxidation, suggesting an engineering strategy to improve both energy storage capacity and robustness by selective diversion of excess photosynthetic capacity to productive processes. Cyanobacteria must prevent imbalances between absorbed light energy (source) and the metabolic capacity (sink) to utilize it to protect their photosynthetic apparatus against damage. A number of photoprotective mechanisms assist in dissipating excess absorbed energy, including respiratory terminal oxidases and flavodiiron proteins, but inherently reduce photosynthetic efficiency. Recently, it has been hypothesized that some engineered metabolic pathways may improve photosynthetic performance by correcting source/sink imbalances. In the context of this subject, we explored the interconnectivity between endogenous electron valves, and the activation of one or more heterologous metabolic sinks. We coexpressed two heterologous metabolic pathways that have been previously shown to positively impact photosynthetic activity in cyanobacteria, a sucrose production pathway (consuming ATP and reductant) and a reductant-only consuming cytochrome P450. Sucrose export was associated with improved quantum yield of phtotosystem II (PSII) and enhanced electron transport chain flux, especially at lower illumination levels, while cytochrome P450 activity led to photosynthetic enhancements primarily observed under high light. Moreover, coexpression of these two heterologous sinks showed additive impacts on photosynthesis, indicating that neither sink alone was capable of utilizing the full “overcapacity” of the electron transport chain. We find that heterologous sinks may partially compensate for the loss of photosystem I (PSI) oxidizing mechanisms even under rapid illumination changes, although this compensation is incomplete. Our results provide support for the theory that heterologous metabolism can act as a photosynthetic sink and exhibit some overlapping functionality with photoprotective mechanisms, while potentially conserving energy within useful metabolic products that might otherwise be “lost.”
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15
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Nagy C, Thiel K, Mulaku E, Mustila H, Tamagnini P, Aro EM, Pacheco CC, Kallio P. Comparison of alternative integration sites in the chromosome and the native plasmids of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 in respect to expression efficiency and copy number. Microb Cell Fact 2021; 20:130. [PMID: 34246263 PMCID: PMC8272380 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-021-01622-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 provides a well-established reference point to cyanobacterial metabolic engineering as part of basic photosynthesis research, as well as in the development of next-generation biotechnological production systems. This study focused on expanding the current knowledge on genomic integration of expression constructs in Synechocystis, targeting a range of novel sites in the chromosome and in the native plasmids, together with established loci used in literature. The key objective was to obtain quantitative information on site-specific expression in reference to replicon copy numbers, which has been speculated but never compared side by side in this host. Results An optimized sYFP2 expression cassette was successfully integrated in two novel sites in Synechocystis chromosome (slr0944; sll0058) and in all four endogenous megaplasmids (pSYSM/slr5037-slr5038; pSYSX/slr6037; pSYSA/slr7023; pSYSG/slr8030) that have not been previously evaluated for the purpose. Fluorescent analysis of the segregated strains revealed that the expression levels between the megaplasmids and chromosomal constructs were very similar, and reinforced the view that highest expression in Synechocystis can be obtained using RSF1010-derived replicative vectors or the native small plasmid pCA2.4 evaluated in comparison. Parallel replicon copy number analysis by RT-qPCR showed that the expression from the alternative loci is largely determined by the gene dosage in Synechocystis, thereby confirming the dependence formerly proposed based on literature. Conclusions This study brings together nine different integrative loci in the genome of Synechocystis to demonstrate quantitative differences between target sites in the chromosome, the native plasmids, and a RSF1010-based replicative expression vector. To date, this is the most comprehensive comparison of alternative integrative sites in Synechocystis, and provides the first direct reference between expression efficiency and replicon gene dosage in the context. In the light of existing literature, the findings support the view that the small native plasmids can be notably more difficult to target than the chromosome or the megaplasmids, and that the RSF1010-derived vectors may be surprisingly well maintained under non-selective culture conditions in this cyanobacterial host. Altogether, the work broadens our views on genomic integration and the rational use of different integrative loci versus replicative plasmids, when aiming at expressing heterologous genes in Synechocystis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-021-01622-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Nagy
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4 C, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Kati Thiel
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4 C, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Edita Mulaku
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4 C, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Henna Mustila
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4 C, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Paula Tamagnini
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, Edifício FC4, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eva-Mari Aro
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4 C, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Catarina C Pacheco
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pauli Kallio
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4 C, 20520, Turku, Finland.
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16
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Milrad Y, Schweitzer S, Feldman Y, Yacoby I. Bi-directional electron transfer between H2 and NADPH mitigates light fluctuation responses in green algae. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 186:168-179. [PMID: 33793951 PMCID: PMC8154092 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The metabolism of green algae has been the focus of much research over the last century. These photosynthetic organisms can thrive under various conditions and adapt quickly to changing environments by concomitant usage of several metabolic apparatuses. The main electron coordinator in their chloroplasts, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), participates in many enzymatic activities and is also responsible for inter-organellar communication. Under anaerobic conditions, green algae also accumulate molecular hydrogen (H2), a promising alternative for fossil fuels. However, to scale-up its accumulation, a firm understanding of its integration in the photosynthetic apparatus is still required. While it is generally accepted that NADPH metabolism correlates to H2 accumulation, the mechanism of this collaboration is still vague and relies on indirect measurements. Here, we investigated this connection in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using simultaneous measurements of both dissolved gases concentration, NADPH fluorescence and electrochromic shifts at 520-546 nm. Our results indicate that energy transfer between H2 and NADPH is bi-directional and crucial for the maintenance of redox balance under light fluctuations. At light onset, NADPH consumption initially eventuates in H2 evolution, which initiates the photosynthetic electron flow. Later on, as illumination continues the majority of NADPH is diverted to the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle. Dark onset triggers re-assimilation of H2, which produces NADPH and so, enables initiation of dark fermentative metabolism.
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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
- Author for communication: (I.Y.)
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17
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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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18
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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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19
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Water oxidation by photosystem II is the primary source of electrons for sustained H 2 photoproduction in nutrient-replete green algae. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:29629-29636. [PMID: 33168746 PMCID: PMC7703569 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2009210117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Photosynthetic H2 production in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is catalyzed by O2-sensitive [FeFe]-hydrogenases, which accept electrons from photosynthetically reduced ferredoxin and reduce protons to H2. Since the process occurs downstream of photosystem I, the contribution of photosystem II (PSII) in H2 photoproduction has long been a subject of debate. Indeed, water oxidation by PSII results in O2 accumulation in chloroplasts, which inhibits H2 evolution. Therefore, clear evidence for direct water biophotolysis resulting in simultaneous H2 and O2 releases in algae has never been presented. This paper demonstrates that sustained H2 photoproduction in C. reinhardtii is directly linked to PSII-dependent water oxidation and brings insights into regulation of PSII activity and H2 production by CO2/HCO3– under microoxic conditions. The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is capable of photosynthetic H2 production. H2 evolution occurs under anaerobic conditions and is difficult to sustain due to 1) competition between [FeFe]-hydrogenase (H2ase), the key enzyme responsible for H2 metabolism in algae, and the Calvin–Benson–Bassham (CBB) cycle for photosynthetic reductants and 2) inactivation of H2ase by O2 coevolved in photosynthesis. Recently, we achieved sustainable H2 photoproduction by shifting algae from continuous illumination to a train of short (1 s) light pulses, interrupted by longer (9 s) dark periods. This illumination regime prevents activation of the CBB cycle and redirects photosynthetic electrons to H2ase. Employing membrane-inlet mass spectrometry and H218O, we now present clear evidence that efficient H2 photoproduction in pulse-illuminated algae depends primarily on direct water biophotolysis, where water oxidation at the donor side of photosystem II (PSII) provides electrons for the reduction of protons by H2ase downstream of photosystem I. This occurs exclusively in the absence of CO2 fixation, while with the activation of the CBB cycle by longer (8 s) light pulses the H2 photoproduction ceases and instead a slow overall H2 uptake is observed. We also demonstrate that the loss of PSII activity in DCMU-treated algae or in PSII-deficient mutant cells can be partly compensated for by the indirect (PSII-independent) H2 photoproduction pathway, but only for a short (<1 h) period. Thus, PSII activity is indispensable for a sustained process, where it is responsible for more than 92% of the final H2 yield.
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20
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Assil-Companioni L, Büchsenschütz HC, Solymosi D, Dyczmons-Nowaczyk NG, Bauer KKF, Wallner S, Macheroux P, Allahverdiyeva Y, Nowaczyk MM, Kourist R. Engineering of NADPH Supply Boosts Photosynthesis-Driven Biotransformations. ACS Catal 2020; 10:11864-11877. [PMID: 33101760 PMCID: PMC7574619 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.0c02601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Light-driven biocatalysis
in recombinant cyanobacteria provides
highly atom-efficient cofactor regeneration via photosynthesis,
thereby remediating constraints associated with sacrificial cosubstrates.
However, despite the remarkable specific activities of photobiocatalysts,
self-shading at moderate-high cell densities limits efficient space-time-yields
of heterologous enzymatic reactions. Moreover, efficient integration
of an artificial electron sink into the tightly regulated network
of cyanobacterial electron pathways can be highly challenging. Here,
we used C=C bond reduction of 2-methylmaleimide by the NADPH-dependent
ene-reductase YqjM as a model reaction for light-dependent biotransformations.
Time-resolved NADPH fluorescence spectroscopy allowed direct monitoring
of in-cell YqjM activity and revealed differences in NADPH steady-state
levels and oxidation kinetics between different genetic constructs.
This effect correlates with specific activities of whole-cells, which
demonstrated conversions of >99%. Further channelling of electrons
toward heterologous YqjM by inactivation of the flavodiiron proteins
(Flv1/Flv3) led to a 2-fold improvement in specific activity at moderate
cell densities, thereby elucidating the possibility of accelerating
light-driven biotransformations by the removal of natural competing
electron sinks. In the best case, an initial product formation rate
of 18.3 mmol h–1 L–1 was reached,
allowing the complete conversion of a 60 mM substrate solution within
4 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Assil-Companioni
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria
- ACIB GmbH, Petersgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Hanna C. Büchsenschütz
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Dániel Solymosi
- Molecular Plant Biology unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Turku, Turku 20014, Finland
| | - Nina G. Dyczmons-Nowaczyk
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology & Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Kristin K. F. Bauer
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Silvia Wallner
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 10, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Peter Macheroux
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 10, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Yagut Allahverdiyeva
- Molecular Plant Biology unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Turku, Turku 20014, Finland
| | - Marc M. Nowaczyk
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology & Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Robert Kourist
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria
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21
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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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22
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Nikkanen L, Santana Sánchez A, Ermakova M, Rögner M, Cournac L, Allahverdiyeva Y. Functional redundancy between flavodiiron proteins and NDH-1 in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 103:1460-1476. [PMID: 32394539 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
In oxygenic photosynthetic organisms, excluding angiosperms, flavodiiron proteins (FDPs) catalyze light-dependent reduction of O2 to H2 O. This alleviates electron pressure on the photosynthetic apparatus and protects it from photodamage. In Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, four FDP isoforms function as hetero-oligomers of Flv1 and Flv3 and/or Flv2 and Flv4. An alternative electron transport pathway mediated by the NAD(P)H dehydrogenase-like complex (NDH-1) also contributes to redox hemostasis and the photoprotection of photosynthesis. Four NDH-1 types have been characterized in cyanobacteria: NDH-11 and NDH-12 , which function in respiration; and NDH-13 and NDH-14 , which function in CO2 uptake. All four types are involved in cyclic electron transport. Along with single FDP mutants (∆flv1 and Δflv3) and the double NDH-1 mutants (∆d1d2, which is deficient in NDH-11,2 and ∆d3d4, which is deficient in NDH-13,4 ), we studied triple mutants lacking one of Flv1 or Flv3, and NDH-11,2 or NDH-13,4 . We show that the presence of either Flv1/3 or NDH-11,2 , but not NDH-13,4 , is indispensable for survival during changes in growth conditions from high CO2 /moderate light to low CO2 /high light. Our results show functional redundancy between FDPs and NDH-11,2 under the studied conditions. We suggest that ferredoxin probably functions as a primary electron donor to both Flv1/3 and NDH-11,2 , allowing their functions to be dynamically coordinated for efficient oxidation of photosystem I and for photoprotection under variable CO2 and light availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauri Nikkanen
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Anita Santana Sánchez
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Maria Ermakova
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matthias Rögner
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology & Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Laurent Cournac
- Eco&Sols, University of Montpellier, IRD, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
| | - Yagut Allahverdiyeva
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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23
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Burlacot A, Li-Beisson Y, Peltier G. Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry at the Crossroads of Photosynthesis, Biofuel, and Climate Research. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 183:451-454. [PMID: 32317361 PMCID: PMC7271806 DOI: 10.1104/pp.20.00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Advances in algal biology have built on gas exchange measurements by MIMS in the fields of photosynthesis, biofuel production, and climate research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Burlacot
- Aix Marseille Univ, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biosciences et Biotechnologies Aix-Marseille, Saint Paul-Lez-Durance, France F-13108
| | - Yonghua Li-Beisson
- Aix Marseille Univ, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biosciences et Biotechnologies Aix-Marseille, Saint Paul-Lez-Durance, France F-13108
| | - Gilles Peltier
- Aix Marseille Univ, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biosciences et Biotechnologies Aix-Marseille, Saint Paul-Lez-Durance, France F-13108
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