1
|
Ravichandran M, Kumar TTA, Dineshkumar R. Carbon dioxide capture, sequestration, and utilization models for carbon management and transformation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-34861-y. [PMID: 39256334 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34861-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
The elevated level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has become a pressing concern for environmental health due to its contribution to climate change and global warming. Simultaneously, the energy crisis is a significant issue for both developed and developing nations. In response to these challenges, carbon capture, sequestration, and utilization (CCSU) have emerged as promising solutions within the carbon-neutral bioenergy sector. Numerous technologies are available for CCSU including physical, chemical, and biological routes. The aim of this study is to explore the potential of CCSU technologies, specifically focusing on the use of microorganisms based on their well-established metabolic part. By investigating these biological pathways, we aim to develop sustainable strategies for climate management and biofuel production. One of the key novelties of this study lies in the utilization of microorganisms for CO2 fixation and conversion, offering a renewable and efficient method for addressing carbon emissions. Algae, with its high growth rate and lipid contents, exhibits CO2 fixation capabilities during photosynthesis. Similarly, methanogens have shown efficiency in converting CO2 to methane by methanogenesis, offering a viable pathway for carbon sequestration and energy production. In conclusion, our study highlights the importance of exploring biological pathways, which significantly reduce carbon emissions and move towards a more environmentally friendly future. The output of this review highlights the significant potential of CCSU models for future sustainability. Furthermore, this review has been intensified in the current agenda for reduction of CO2 at considerable extends with biofuel upgrading by the microbial-shift reaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mythili Ravichandran
- Department of Microbiology, Vivekanandha Arts and Science College for Women, Sankagiri Salem, 637 303, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Ramar Dineshkumar
- Department of Microbiology, Vivekanandha Arts and Science College for Women, Sankagiri Salem, 637 303, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital , Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Thandalam, Chennai, 602105, Tamil Nadu, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mock MP, Ochi R, Bieringer M, Bieringer T, Brotsack R, Leyer S. Comparison of Various Reducing Agents for Methane Production by Methanothermobacter marburgensis. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2533. [PMID: 37894191 PMCID: PMC10608875 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102533] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological methanation is driven by anaerobic methanogenic archaea, cultivated in different media, which consist of multiple macro and micro nutrients. In addition, a reducing agent is needed to lower the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and enable the growth of oxygen-sensitive organisms. Until now, sodium sulfide (Na2S) has been used mainly for this purpose based on earlier published articles at the beginning of anaerobic microbiology research. In a continuation of earlier investigations, in this study, the usage of alternative reducing agents like sodium dithionite (Na2S2O4) and L-Cysteine-HCl shows that similar results can be obtained with fewer environmental and hazardous impacts. Therefore, a newly developed comparison method was used for the cultivation of Methanothermobacter marburgensis. The median methane evolution rate (MER) for the alternatives was similar compared to Na2S at different concentrations (0.5, 0.25 and 0.1 g/L). However, the use of 0.25 g/L Na2S2O4 or 0.1 g/L L-Cys-HCl led to stable MER values over consecutive batches compared to Na2S. It was also shown that a lower concentration of reducing agent leads to a higher MER. In conclusion, Na2S2O4 or L-Cys-HCl can be used as a non-corrosive and non-toxic reducing agent for ex situ biological methanation. Economically, Na2S2O4 is cheaper, which is particularly interesting for scale-up purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Peter Mock
- Technology Centre Energy, University of Applied Sciences Landshut, Wiesenweg 1, 94099 Ruhstorf an der Rott, Germany; (M.P.M.)
- Department of Engineering, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 1359 Luxembourg, Luxembourg;
| | - Rayen Ochi
- Technology Centre Energy, University of Applied Sciences Landshut, Wiesenweg 1, 94099 Ruhstorf an der Rott, Germany; (M.P.M.)
- European Campus Rottal-Inn, Deggendorf Institut of Technology, Max-Breiherr-Straße 32, 84347 Pfarrkirchen, Germany
| | - Maria Bieringer
- Technology Centre Energy, University of Applied Sciences Landshut, Wiesenweg 1, 94099 Ruhstorf an der Rott, Germany; (M.P.M.)
| | - Tim Bieringer
- Technology Centre Energy, University of Applied Sciences Landshut, Wiesenweg 1, 94099 Ruhstorf an der Rott, Germany; (M.P.M.)
| | - Raimund Brotsack
- Technology Centre Energy, University of Applied Sciences Landshut, Wiesenweg 1, 94099 Ruhstorf an der Rott, Germany; (M.P.M.)
- European Campus Rottal-Inn, Deggendorf Institut of Technology, Max-Breiherr-Straße 32, 84347 Pfarrkirchen, Germany
| | - Stephan Leyer
- Department of Engineering, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 1359 Luxembourg, Luxembourg;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Feickert Fenske C, Kirzeder F, Strübing D, Koch K. Biogas upgrading in a pilot-scale trickle bed reactor - Long-term biological methanation under real application conditions. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 376:128868. [PMID: 36907226 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128868] [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: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The biological methanation of H2 and CO2 in trickle bed reactors is one promising energy conversion technology for energy storage, but experiences at pilot-scale under real application conditions are still rare. Therefore, a trickle bed reactor with a reaction volume of 0.8 m3 was constructed and installed in a wastewater treatment plant to upgrade raw biogas from the local digester. The biogas H2S concentration of about200 ppm was reduced by half, but an artificial sulfur source was required to completely satisfy the sulfur demand of the methanogens. Increasing the ammonium concentration to > 400 mg/L was the most successful pH control strategy, enabling stable long-term biogas upgrading at a CH4 production of 6.1 m3/(m3RV·d) with synthetic natural gas quality (CH4 > 98%). The results of this study with a reactor operation period of nearly 450 days, including two shutdowns, represents an important step towards the necessary full-scale integration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Feickert Fenske
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 3, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Franz Kirzeder
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 3, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Dietmar Strübing
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 3, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Konrad Koch
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 3, 85748 Garching, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lipidomics and Comparative Metabolite Excretion Analysis of Methanogenic Archaea Reveal Organism-Specific Adaptations to Varying Temperatures and Substrate Concentrations. mSystems 2023; 8:e0115922. [PMID: 36880756 PMCID: PMC10134847 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01159-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Methanogenic archaea possess diverse metabolic characteristics and are an ecologically and biotechnologically important group of anaerobic microorganisms. Although the scientific and biotechnological value of methanogens is evident with regard to their methane-producing physiology, little is known about their amino acid excretion, and virtually nothing is known about the lipidome at different substrate concentrations and temperatures on a quantitative comparative basis. Here, we present the lipidome and a comprehensive quantitative analysis of proteinogenic amino acid excretion as well as methane, water, and biomass production of the three autotrophic, hydrogenotrophic methanogens Methanothermobacter marburgensis, Methanothermococcus okinawensis, and Methanocaldococcus villosus under varying temperatures and nutrient supplies. The patterns and rates of production of excreted amino acids and the lipidome are unique for each tested methanogen and can be modulated by varying the incubation temperature and substrate concentration, respectively. Furthermore, the temperature had a significant influence on the lipidomes of the different archaea. The water production rate was much higher, as anticipated from the rate of methane production for all studied methanogens. Our results demonstrate the need for quantitative comparative physiological studies connecting intracellular and extracellular constraints of organisms to holistically investigate microbial responses to environmental conditions. IMPORTANCE Biological methane production by methanogenic archaea has been well studied for biotechnological purposes. This study reveals that methanogenic archaea actively modulate their lipid inventory and proteinogenic amino acid excretion pattern in response to environmental changes and the possible utilization of methanogenic archaea as microbial cell factories for the targeted production of lipids and amino acids.
Collapse
|
5
|
Melcher M, Hodgskiss LH, Mardini MA, Schleper C, Rittmann SKMR. Analysis of biomass productivity and physiology of Nitrososphaera viennensis grown in continuous culture. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1076342. [PMID: 36876066 PMCID: PMC9978112 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1076342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial ammonia oxidation is the first and usually rate limiting step in nitrification and is therefore an important step in the global nitrogen cycle. Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) play an important role in nitrification. Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of biomass productivity and the physiological response of Nitrososphaera viennensis to different ammonium and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations aiming to understand the interplay between ammonia oxidation and CO2 fixation of N. viennensis. The experiments were performed in closed batch in serum bottles as well as in batch, fed-batch, and continuous culture in bioreactors. A reduced specific growth rate (μ) of N. viennensis was observed in batch systems in bioreactors. By increasing CO2 gassing μ could be increased to rates comparable to that of closed batch systems. Furthermore, at a high dilution rate (D) in continuous culture (≥ 0.7 of μmax) the biomass to ammonium yield (Y(X/NH3)) increased up to 81.7% compared to batch cultures. In continuous culture, biofilm formation at higher D prevented the determination of D crit. Due to changes in Y(X/NH3) and due to biofilm, nitrite concentration becomes an unreliable proxy for the cell number in continuous cultures at D towards μmax. Furthermore, the obscure nature of the archaeal ammonia oxidation prevents an interpretation in the context of Monod kinetics and thus the determination of K S. Our findings indicate that the physiological response of N. viennensis might be regulated with different enzymatic make-ups, according to the ammonium catalysis rate. We reveal novel insights into the physiology of N. viennensis that are important for biomass production and the biomass yield of AOA. Moreover, our study has implications to the field of archaea biology and microbial ecology by showing that bioprocess technology and quantitative analysis can be applied to decipher environmental factors affecting the physiology and productivity of AOA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Melcher
- Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Logan H Hodgskiss
- Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mohammad Anas Mardini
- Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christa Schleper
- Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon K-M R Rittmann
- Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Arkeon GmbH, Tulln a.d. Donau, Austria.,Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Palabikyan H, Ruddyard A, Pomper L, Novak D, Reischl B, Rittmann SKMR. Scale-up of biomass production by Methanococcus maripaludis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1031131. [PMID: 36504798 PMCID: PMC9727139 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1031131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of a sustainable energy economy is one of the great challenges in the current times of climate crisis and growing energy demands. Industrial production of the fifth-generation biofuel methane by microorganisms has the potential to become a crucial biotechnological milestone of the post fossil fuel era. Therefore, reproducible cultivation and scale-up of methanogenic archaea (methanogens) is essential for enabling biomass generation for fundamental studies and for defining peak performance conditions for bioprocess development. This study provides a comprehensive revision of established and optimization of novel methods for the cultivation of the model organism Methanococcus maripaludis S0001. In closed batch mode, 0.05 L serum bottles cultures were gradually replaced by 0.4 L Schott bottle cultures for regular biomass generation, and the time for reaching peak optical density (OD578) values was reduced in half. In 1.5 L reactor cultures, various agitation, harvesting and transfer methods were compared resulting in a specific growth rate of 0.16 h-1 and the highest recorded OD578 of 3.4. Finally, a 300-fold scale-up from serum bottles was achieved by growing M. maripaludis for the first time in a 22 L stainless steel bioreactor with 15 L working volume. Altogether, the experimental approaches described in this study contribute to establishing methanogens as essential organisms in large-scale biotechnology applications, a crucial stage of an urgently needed industrial evolution toward sustainable biosynthesis of energy and high value products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hayk Palabikyan
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aquilla Ruddyard
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria,Arkeon GmbH, Tulln a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Lara Pomper
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Novak
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Barbara Reischl
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria,Arkeon GmbH, Tulln a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Simon K.-M. R. Rittmann
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria,Arkeon GmbH, Tulln a.d. Donau, Austria,*Correspondence: Simon K.-M. R. Rittmann,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Baumann LMF, Taubner RS, Oláh K, Rohrweber AC, Schuster B, Birgel D, Rittmann SKMR. Quantitative Analysis of Core Lipid Production in Methanothermobacter marburgensis at Different Scales. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:169. [PMID: 35447729 PMCID: PMC9027985 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9040169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Archaeal lipids have a high biotechnological potential, caused by their high resistance to oxidative stress, extreme pH values and temperatures, as well as their ability to withstand phospholipases. Further, methanogens, a specific group of archaea, are already well-established in the field of biotechnology because of their ability to use carbon dioxide and molecular hydrogen or organic substrates. In this study, we show the potential of the model organism Methanothermobacter marburgensis to act both as a carbon dioxide based biological methane producer and as a potential supplier of archaeal lipids. Different cultivation settings were tested to gain an insight into the optimal conditions to produce specific core lipids. The study shows that up-scaling at a constant particle number (n/n = const.) seems to be a promising approach. Further optimizations regarding the length and number of the incubation periods and the ratio of the interaction area to the total liquid volume are necessary for scaling these settings for industrial purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lydia M. F. Baumann
- Institute for Geology, Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability, Universität Hamburg, Bundesstraße 55, 20146 Hamburg, Germany; (L.M.F.B.); (A.-C.R.); (D.B.)
| | - Ruth-Sophie Taubner
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Wien, Austria;
- Institute for Synthetic Bioarchitectures, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (K.O.); (B.S.)
- Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Altenbergerstraße 69, 4040 Linz, Austria
| | - Kinga Oláh
- Institute for Synthetic Bioarchitectures, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (K.O.); (B.S.)
| | - Ann-Cathrin Rohrweber
- Institute for Geology, Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability, Universität Hamburg, Bundesstraße 55, 20146 Hamburg, Germany; (L.M.F.B.); (A.-C.R.); (D.B.)
| | - Bernhard Schuster
- Institute for Synthetic Bioarchitectures, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (K.O.); (B.S.)
| | - Daniel Birgel
- Institute for Geology, Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability, Universität Hamburg, Bundesstraße 55, 20146 Hamburg, Germany; (L.M.F.B.); (A.-C.R.); (D.B.)
| | - Simon K.-M. R. Rittmann
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Wien, Austria;
- Arkeon GmbH, Technopark 1, 3430 Tulln an der Donau, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hanišáková N, Vítězová M, Rittmann SKMR. The Historical Development of Cultivation Techniques for Methanogens and Other Strict Anaerobes and Their Application in Modern Microbiology. Microorganisms 2022; 10:412. [PMID: 35208865 PMCID: PMC8879435 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The cultivation and investigation of strictly anaerobic microorganisms belong to the fields of anaerobic microbial physiology, microbiology, and biotechnology. Anaerobic cultivation methods differ from classic microbiological techniques in several aspects. The requirement for special instruments, which are designed to prevent the contact of the specimen with air/molecular oxygen by different means of manipulation, makes this field more challenging for general research compared to working with aerobic microorganisms. Anaerobic microbiological methods are required for many purposes, such as for the isolation and characterization of new species and their physiological examination, as well as for anaerobic biotechnological applications or medical indications. This review presents the historical development of methods for the cultivation of strictly anaerobic microorganisms focusing on methanogenic archaea, anaerobic cultivation methods that are still widely used today, novel methods for anaerobic cultivation, and almost forgotten, but still relevant, techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Hanišáková
- Laboratory of Anaerobic Microorganisms, Section of Microbiology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Monika Vítězová
- Laboratory of Anaerobic Microorganisms, Section of Microbiology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Simon K. -M. R. Rittmann
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, 1030 Wien, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Climate neutral and sustainable energy sources will play a key role in future energy production. Biomethanation by gas to gas conversion of flue gases is one option with regard to renewable energy production. Here, we performed the conversion of synthetic carbon monoxide (CO)-containing flue gases to methane (CH4) by artificial hyperthermophilic archaeal co-cultures, consisting of Thermococcus onnurineus and Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, Methanocaldococcus vulcanius, or Methanocaldococcus villosus. Experiments using both chemically defined and complex media were performed in closed batch setups. Up to 10 mol% CH4 was produced by converting pure CO or synthetic CO-containing industrial waste gases at a high rate using a co-culture of T. onnurineus and M. villosus. These findings are a proof of principle and advance the fields of Archaea Biotechnology, artificial microbial ecosystem design and engineering, industrial waste-gas recycling, and biomethanation.
Collapse
|
10
|
Pende N, Sogues A, Megrian D, Sartori-Rupp A, England P, Palabikyan H, Rittmann SKMR, Graña M, Wehenkel AM, Alzari PM, Gribaldo S. SepF is the FtsZ anchor in archaea, with features of an ancestral cell division system. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3214. [PMID: 34088904 PMCID: PMC8178401 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Most archaea divide by binary fission using an FtsZ-based system similar to that of bacteria, but they lack many of the divisome components described in model bacterial organisms. Notably, among the multiple factors that tether FtsZ to the membrane during bacterial cell constriction, archaea only possess SepF-like homologs. Here, we combine structural, cellular, and evolutionary analyses to demonstrate that SepF is the FtsZ anchor in the human-associated archaeon Methanobrevibacter smithii. 3D super-resolution microscopy and quantitative analysis of immunolabeled cells show that SepF transiently co-localizes with FtsZ at the septum and possibly primes the future division plane. M. smithii SepF binds to membranes and to FtsZ, inducing filament bundling. High-resolution crystal structures of archaeal SepF alone and in complex with the FtsZ C-terminal domain (FtsZCTD) reveal that SepF forms a dimer with a homodimerization interface driving a binding mode that is different from that previously reported in bacteria. Phylogenetic analyses of SepF and FtsZ from bacteria and archaea indicate that the two proteins may date back to the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA), and we speculate that the archaeal mode of SepF/FtsZ interaction might reflect an ancestral feature. Our results provide insights into the mechanisms of archaeal cell division and pave the way for a better understanding of the processes underlying the divide between the two prokaryotic domains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nika Pende
- Evolutionary Biology of the Microbial Cell Unit, CNRS UMR2001, Department of Microbiology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Adrià Sogues
- Structural Microbiology Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3528, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Daniela Megrian
- Evolutionary Biology of the Microbial Cell Unit, CNRS UMR2001, Department of Microbiology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- École Doctorale Complexité du vivant, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | | | - Patrick England
- Plate-forme de biophysique moléculaire, C2RT-Institut Pasteur, CNRS, UMR 3528, Paris, France
| | - Hayk Palabikyan
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Simon K-M R Rittmann
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Martín Graña
- Bioinformatics Unit, Institut Pasteur of Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Anne Marie Wehenkel
- Structural Microbiology Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3528, Université de Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Pedro M Alzari
- Structural Microbiology Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3528, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Simonetta Gribaldo
- Evolutionary Biology of the Microbial Cell Unit, CNRS UMR2001, Department of Microbiology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mauerhofer LM, Zwirtmayr S, Pappenreiter P, Bernacchi S, Seifert AH, Reischl B, Schmider T, Taubner RS, Paulik C, Rittmann SKMR. Hyperthermophilic methanogenic archaea act as high-pressure CH 4 cell factories. Commun Biol 2021; 4:289. [PMID: 33674723 PMCID: PMC7935968 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01828-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioprocesses converting carbon dioxide with molecular hydrogen to methane (CH4) are currently being developed to enable a transition to a renewable energy production system. In this study, we present a comprehensive physiological and biotechnological examination of 80 methanogenic archaea (methanogens) quantifying growth and CH4 production kinetics at hyperbaric pressures up to 50 bar with regard to media, macro-, and micro-nutrient supply, specific genomic features, and cell envelope architecture. Our analysis aimed to systematically prioritize high-pressure and high-performance methanogens. We found that the hyperthermophilic methanococci Methanotorris igneus and Methanocaldococcoccus jannaschii are high-pressure CH4 cell factories. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that high-performance methanogens are covered with an S-layer, and that they harbour the amino acid motif Tyrα444 Glyα445 Tyrα446 in the alpha subunit of the methyl-coenzyme M reductase. Thus, high-pressure biological CH4 production in pure culture could provide a purposeful route for the transition to a carbon-neutral bioenergy sector.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Maria Mauerhofer
- grid.10420.370000 0001 2286 1424Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
| | - Sara Zwirtmayr
- grid.9970.70000 0001 1941 5140Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Patricia Pappenreiter
- grid.9970.70000 0001 1941 5140Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Linz, Austria
| | | | | | - Barbara Reischl
- grid.10420.370000 0001 2286 1424Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Wien, Austria ,Krajete GmbH, Linz, Austria
| | - Tilman Schmider
- grid.10420.370000 0001 2286 1424Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
| | - Ruth-Sophie Taubner
- grid.10420.370000 0001 2286 1424Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Wien, Austria ,grid.9970.70000 0001 1941 5140Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Christian Paulik
- grid.9970.70000 0001 1941 5140Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Simon K.-M. R. Rittmann
- grid.10420.370000 0001 2286 1424Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Taubner RS, Baumann LMF, Bauersachs T, Clifford EL, Mähnert B, Reischl B, Seifert R, Peckmann J, Rittmann SKMR, Birgel D. Membrane Lipid Composition and Amino Acid Excretion Patterns of Methanothermococcus okinawensis Grown in the Presence of Inhibitors Detected in the Enceladian Plume. Life (Basel) 2019; 9:E85. [PMID: 31739502 PMCID: PMC6958431 DOI: 10.3390/life9040085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipids and amino acids are regarded as important biomarkers for the search for extraterrestrial life in the Solar System. Such biomarkers may be used to trace methanogenic life on other planets or moons in the Solar System, such as Saturn's icy moon Enceladus. However, little is known about the environmental conditions shaping the synthesis of lipids and amino acids. Here, we present the lipid production and amino acid excretion patterns of the methanogenic archaeon Methanothermococcus okinawensis after exposing it to different multivariate concentrations of the inhibitors ammonium, formaldehyde, and methanol present in the Enceladian plume. M. okinawensis shows different patterns of lipid and amino acids excretion, depending on the amount of these inhibitors in the growth medium. While methanol did not show a significant impact on growth, lipid or amino acid production rates, ammonium and formaldehyde strongly affected these parameters. These findings are important for understanding the eco-physiology of methanogens on Earth and have implications for the use of biomarkers as possible signs of extraterrestrial life for future space missions in the Solar System.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth-Sophie Taubner
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (R.-S.T.); (B.R.); (S.K.-M.R.R.)
| | - Lydia M. F. Baumann
- Institute for Geology, Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability, Universität Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany; (L.M.F.B.); (R.S.); (J.P.)
| | - Thorsten Bauersachs
- Institute of Geosciences, Department of Organic Geochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-Universität, 24118 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Elisabeth L. Clifford
- Department of Limnology and Bio-Oceanography, Universität Wien, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (E.L.C.); (B.M.)
| | - Barbara Mähnert
- Department of Limnology and Bio-Oceanography, Universität Wien, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (E.L.C.); (B.M.)
| | - Barbara Reischl
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (R.-S.T.); (B.R.); (S.K.-M.R.R.)
| | - Richard Seifert
- Institute for Geology, Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability, Universität Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany; (L.M.F.B.); (R.S.); (J.P.)
| | - Jörn Peckmann
- Institute for Geology, Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability, Universität Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany; (L.M.F.B.); (R.S.); (J.P.)
| | - Simon K.-M. R. Rittmann
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (R.-S.T.); (B.R.); (S.K.-M.R.R.)
| | - Daniel Birgel
- Institute for Geology, Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability, Universität Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany; (L.M.F.B.); (R.S.); (J.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pappenreiter PA, Zwirtmayr S, Mauerhofer LM, Rittmann SKMR, Paulik C. Development of a simultaneous bioreactor system for characterization of gas production kinetics of methanogenic archaea at high pressure. Eng Life Sci 2019; 19:537-544. [PMID: 32625030 PMCID: PMC6999276 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201900035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cultivation of methanogens under high pressure offers a great opportunity in biotechnological processes, one of which is the improvement of the gas‐liquid transfer of substrate gases into the medium broth. This article describes a newly developed simultaneous bioreactor system consisting of four identical cultivation vessels suitable for investigation of microbial activity at pressures up to 50 bar and temperatures up to 145°C. Initial pressure studies at 10 and 50 bar of the autotrophic and hydrogenotrophic methanogens Methanothermobacter marburgensis, Methanobacterium palustre, and Methanobacterium thermaggregans were performed to evaluate the reproducibility of the system as well as to test the productivity of these strains. The strains were compared with respect to gas conversion (%), methane evolution rate (MER) (mmol L‐1 h−1), turnover rate (h−1), and maximum conversion rate (kmin) (bar h−1). A pressure drop that can be explained by the reaction stoichiometry showed that all tested strains were active under pressurized conditions. Our study sheds light on the production kinetics of methanogenic strains under high‐pressure conditions. In addition, the simultaneous bioreactor system is a suitable first step screening system for analyzing the substrate uptake and/or production kinetics of gas conversion and/or gas production processes for barophilic or barotolerant microbes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Zwirtmayr
- Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials Johannes Kepler University Linz Linz Austria
| | - Lisa-Maria Mauerhofer
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology Universität Wien Wien Austria
| | - Simon Karl-Maria Rasso Rittmann
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology Universität Wien Wien Austria
| | - Christian Paulik
- Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials Johannes Kepler University Linz Linz Austria
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mauerhofer LM, Pappenreiter P, Paulik C, Seifert AH, Bernacchi S, Rittmann SKMR. Methods for quantification of growth and productivity in anaerobic microbiology and biotechnology. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2019; 64:321-360. [PMID: 30446943 PMCID: PMC6529396 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-018-0658-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Anaerobic microorganisms (anaerobes) possess a fascinating metabolic versatility. This characteristic makes anaerobes interesting candidates for physiological studies and utilizable as microbial cell factories. To investigate the physiological characteristics of an anaerobic microbial population, yield, productivity, specific growth rate, biomass production, substrate uptake, and product formation are regarded as essential variables. The determination of those variables in distinct cultivation systems may be achieved by using different techniques for sampling, measuring of growth, substrate uptake, and product formation kinetics. In this review, a comprehensive overview of methods is presented, and the applicability is discussed in the frame of anaerobic microbiology and biotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Maria Mauerhofer
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Patricia Pappenreiter
- Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Christian Paulik
- Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | | | | | - Simon K-M R Rittmann
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Wien, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
The physiology and biotechnology of dark fermentative biohydrogen production. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:2165-2186. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
|
16
|
Mauerhofer LM, Reischl B, Schmider T, Schupp B, Nagy K, Pappenreiter P, Zwirtmayr S, Schuster B, Bernacchi S, Seifert AH, Paulik C, Rittmann SKMR. Physiology and methane productivity of Methanobacterium thermaggregans. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:7643-7656. [PMID: 29959465 PMCID: PMC6097776 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9183-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2), associated with global temperature rise, and drastically decreasing fossil fuels necessitate the development of improved renewable and sustainable energy production processes. A possible route for CO2 recycling is to employ autotrophic and hydrogenotrophic methanogens for CO2-based biological methane (CH4) production (CO2-BMP). In this study, the physiology and productivity of Methanobacterium thermaggregans was investigated in fed-batch cultivation mode. It is shown that M. thermaggregans can be reproducibly adapted to high agitation speeds for an improved CH4 productivity. Moreover, inoculum size, sulfide feeding, pH, and temperature were optimized. Optimization of growth and CH4 productivity revealed that M. thermaggregans is a slightly alkaliphilic and thermophilic methanogen. Hitherto, it was only possible to grow seven autotrophic, hydrogenotrophic methanogenic strains in fed-batch cultivation mode. Here, we show that after a series of optimization and growth improvement attempts another methanogen, M. thermaggregas could be adapted to be grown in fed-batch cultivation mode to cell densities of up to 1.56 g L-1. Moreover, the CH4 evolution rate (MER) of M. thermaggregans was compared to Methanothermobacter marburgensis, the CO2-BMP model organism. Under optimized cultivation conditions, a maximum MER of 96.1 ± 10.9 mmol L-1 h-1 was obtained with M. thermaggregans-97% of the maximum MER that was obtained utilizing M. marburgensis in a reference experiment. Therefore, M. thermaggregans can be regarded as a CH4 cell factory highly suited to be applicable for CO2-BMP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Maria Mauerhofer
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Barbara Reischl
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Wien, Austria
- Krajete GmbH, Linz, Austria
| | - Tilman Schmider
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Benjamin Schupp
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Kinga Nagy
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Wien, Austria
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Institute of Synthetic Bioarchitectures, Wien, Austria
| | - Patricia Pappenreiter
- Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials, Linz, Austria
| | - Sara Zwirtmayr
- Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials, Linz, Austria
| | - Bernhard Schuster
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Institute of Synthetic Bioarchitectures, Wien, Austria
| | | | | | - Christian Paulik
- Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials, Linz, Austria
| | - Simon K-M R Rittmann
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Wien, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Taubner RS, Pappenreiter P, Zwicker J, Smrzka D, Pruckner C, Kolar P, Bernacchi S, Seifert AH, Krajete A, Bach W, Peckmann J, Paulik C, Firneis MG, Schleper C, Rittmann SKMR. Biological methane production under putative Enceladus-like conditions. Nat Commun 2018; 9:748. [PMID: 29487311 PMCID: PMC5829080 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-02876-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection of silica-rich dust particles, as an indication for ongoing hydrothermal activity, and the presence of water and organic molecules in the plume of Enceladus, have made Saturn's icy moon a hot spot in the search for potential extraterrestrial life. Methanogenic archaea are among the organisms that could potentially thrive under the predicted conditions on Enceladus, considering that both molecular hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) have been detected in the plume. Here we show that a methanogenic archaeon, Methanothermococcus okinawensis, can produce CH4 under physicochemical conditions extrapolated for Enceladus. Up to 72% carbon dioxide to CH4 conversion is reached at 50 bar in the presence of potential inhibitors. Furthermore, kinetic and thermodynamic computations of low-temperature serpentinization indicate that there may be sufficient H2 gas production to serve as a substrate for CH4 production on Enceladus. We conclude that some of the CH4 detected in the plume of Enceladus might, in principle, be produced by methanogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth-Sophie Taubner
- Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Astrophysics, Universität Wien, 1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patricia Pappenreiter
- Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, 4040, Linz, Austria
| | - Jennifer Zwicker
- Department of Geodynamics and Sedimentology, Center for Earth Sciences, Universität Wien, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Smrzka
- Department of Geodynamics and Sedimentology, Center for Earth Sciences, Universität Wien, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Pruckner
- Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Kolar
- Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Wolfgang Bach
- Geoscience Department, Universität Bremen, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Jörn Peckmann
- Department of Geodynamics and Sedimentology, Center for Earth Sciences, Universität Wien, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Institute for Geology, Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability, Universität Hamburg, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Paulik
- Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, 4040, Linz, Austria
| | - Maria G Firneis
- Department of Astrophysics, Universität Wien, 1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christa Schleper
- Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon K-M R Rittmann
- Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abdel Azim A, Rittmann SKMR, Fino D, Bochmann G. The physiological effect of heavy metals and volatile fatty acids on Methanococcus maripaludis S2. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2018; 11:301. [PMID: 30410576 PMCID: PMC6214177 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-018-1302-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methanogenic archaea are of importance to the global C-cycle and to biological methane (CH4) production through anaerobic digestion and pure culture. Here, the individual and combined effects of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), acetate, and propionate on the metabolism of the autotrophic, hydrogenotrophic methanogen Methanococcus maripaludis S2 were investigated. Cu, Zn, acetate, and propionate may interfere directly and indirectly with the acetyl-CoA synthesis and biological CH4 production. Thus, these compounds can compromise or improve the performance of M. maripaludis, an organism which can be applied as biocatalyst in the carbon dioxide (CO2)-based biological CH4 production (CO2-BMP) process or of methanogenic organisms applied in anaerobic digestion. RESULTS Here, we show that Cu concentration of 1.9 µmol L-1 reduced growth of M. maripaludis, whereas 4.4 and 6.3 µmol L-1 of Cu even further retarded biomass production. However, 1.0 mmol L-1 of Zn enhanced growth, but at Zn concentrations > 2.4 mmol L-1 no growth could be observed. When both, Cu and Zn, were supplemented to the medium, growth and CH4 production could even be observed at the highest tested concentration of Cu (6.3 µmol L-1). Hence, it seems that the addition of 1 mmol L-1 of Zn enhanced the ability of M. maripaludis to counteract the toxic effect of Cu. The physiological effect to rising concentrations of acetate (12.2, 60.9, 121.9 mmol L-1) and/or propionate (10.3, 52.0, 104.1 mmol L-1) was also investigated. When instead of acetate 10.3 mmol L-1 propionate was provided in the growth medium, M. maripaludis could grow without reduction of the specific growth rate (µ) or the specific CH4 productivity (qCH4). A combination of inorganic and/or organic compounds resulted in an increase of µ and qCH4 for Zn/Cu and Zn/acetate beyond the values that were observed if only the individual concentrations of Zn, Cu, acetate were used. CONCLUSIONS Our study sheds light on the physiological effect of VFAs and heavy metals on M. maripaludis. Differently from µ and qCH4, MER was not influenced by the presence of these compounds. This indicated that each of these compounds directly interacted with the C-fixation machinery of M. maripaludis. Until now, the uptake of VFAs other than acetate was not considered to enhance growth and CH4 production of methanogens. The finding of propionate uptake by M. maripaludis is important for the interpretation of VFA cycling in anaerobic microenvironments. Due to the importance of methanogens in natural and artificial anaerobic environments, our results help to enhance the understanding the physiological and biotechnological importance with respect to anaerobic digestion, anaerobic wastewater treatment, and CO2-BMP. Finally, we propose a possible mechanism for acetate uptake into M. maripaludis supported by in silico analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Abdel Azim
- Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, IFA Department Tulln, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
- Center for Sustainable Future Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Turin, Italy
| | - Simon K.-M. R. Rittmann
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Debora Fino
- Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Günther Bochmann
- Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, IFA Department Tulln, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abdel Azim A, Pruckner C, Kolar P, Taubner RS, Fino D, Saracco G, Sousa FL, Rittmann SKMR. The physiology of trace elements in biological methane production. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2017. [PMID: 28628982 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.05.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Trace element (TE) requirements of Methanothermobacter okinawensis and Methanothermobacter marburgensis were examined in silico, and using closed batch and fed-batch cultivation experiments. In silico analysis revealed genomic differences among the transport systems and enzymes related to the archaeal Wood-Ljungdahl pathway of these two methanogens. M. okinawensis responded to rising concentrations of TE by increasing specific growth rate (µ) and volumetric productivity (MER) during closed batch cultivation, and can grow and produce methane (CH4) during fed-batch cultivation. M. marburgensis showed higher µ and MER during fed-batch cultivation and was therefore prioritized for subsequent optimization of CO2-based biological CH4 production. Multiple-parameter cultivation dependency on growth and productivity of M. marburgensis was finally examined using exponential fed-batch cultivation at different medium-, TE- and sulphide dilution rates, and different gas inflow rates. MER of 476mmolL-1h-1 and µ of 0.69h-1 were eventually obtained during exponential fed-batch cultivations employing M. marburgensis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Abdel Azim
- Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria; Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Christian Pruckner
- Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Kolar
- Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ruth-Sophie Taubner
- Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Astrophysics, Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Debora Fino
- Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Guido Saracco
- Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy; Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies (CSF@PoliTo), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Turin, Italy
| | - Filipa L Sousa
- Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon K-M R Rittmann
- Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|