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Liu K, Qiao Y, Zhang S, Guo F, Ma J, Xin F, Zhang W, Jiang M. [Advances in biotransformation of methanol into chemicals]. Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao 2023; 39:2430-2448. [PMID: 37401602 DOI: 10.13345/j.cjb.221010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Methanol has become an attractive substrate for the biomanufacturing industry due to its abundant supply and low cost. The biotransformation of methanol to value-added chemicals using microbial cell factories has the advantages of green process, mild conditions and diversified products. These advantages may expand the product chain based on methanol and alleviate the current problem of biomanufacturing, which is competing with people for food. Elucidating the pathways involving methanol oxidation, formaldehyde assimilation and dissimilation in different natural methylotrophs is essential for subsequent genetic engineering modification, and is more conducive to the construction of novel non-natural methylotrophs. This review discusses the current status of research on methanol metabolic pathways in methylotrophs, and presents recent advances and challenges in natural and synthetic methylotrophs and their applications in methanol bioconversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yangyi Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shangjie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiangfeng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
- The Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fengxue Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
- The Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
- The Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
- The Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
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Kim GB, Choi SY, Cho IJ, Ahn DH, Lee SY. Metabolic engineering for sustainability and health. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:425-451. [PMID: 36635195 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Bio-based production of chemicals and materials has attracted much attention due to the urgent need to establish sustainability and enhance human health. Metabolic engineering (ME) allows purposeful modification of cellular metabolic, regulatory, and signaling networks to achieve enhanced production of desired chemicals and degradation of environmentally harmful chemicals. ME has significantly progressed over the past 30 years through further integration of the strategies of synthetic biology, systems biology, evolutionary engineering, and data science aided by artificial intelligence. Here we review the field of ME from its emergence to the current state-of-the-art, highlighting its contribution to sustainable production of chemicals, health, and the environment through representative examples. Future challenges of ME and perspectives are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gi Bae Kim
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - So Young Choi
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - In Jin Cho
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; BioProcess Engineering Research Center and BioInformatics Research Center, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Hee Ahn
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Yup Lee
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; BioProcess Engineering Research Center and BioInformatics Research Center, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
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Qiu Y, Feng Y, Lindsay AC, Zeng X, Sperry J. Synthesis of bio-based 2-thiothiophenes. Philos Trans A Math Phys Eng Sci 2021; 379:20200350. [PMID: 34510923 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2020.0350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
While the synthesis of bio-based compounds containing carbon, oxygen and (to a lesser extent) nitrogen is well studied, the production of organosulfur compounds from biomass has received virtually no attention, despite their widespread application throughout the chemical industry. Herein, we demonstrate that a range of bio-based 2-thiothiophenes are available from the biopolymer cellulose, proving that functionally diverse small-molecule organosulfurs can be prepared independent of fossil carbon. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bio-derived and bioinspired sustainable advanced materials for emerging technologies (part 2)'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Qiu
- Centre for Green Chemical Science, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
- College of Energy, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, People's Republic of China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Clean and High-valued Utilization for Biomass, Xiamen 361102, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunchao Feng
- College of Energy, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, People's Republic of China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Clean and High-valued Utilization for Biomass, Xiamen 361102, People's Republic of China
| | - Ashley C Lindsay
- Centre for Green Chemical Science, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Xianhai Zeng
- College of Energy, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, People's Republic of China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Clean and High-valued Utilization for Biomass, Xiamen 361102, People's Republic of China
| | - Jonathan Sperry
- Centre for Green Chemical Science, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
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Cavalca LB, Lahive CW, Gijsbers F, Pavan FR, Scheffers DJ, Deuss PJ. Benzenetriol-Derived Compounds against Citrus Canker. Molecules 2021; 26:1436. [PMID: 33800893 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to replace the huge amounts of copper salts used in citrus orchards, alternatives have been sought in the form of organic compounds of natural origin with activity against the causative agent of citrus canker, the phytopathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. Citri. We synthesized a series of 4-alkoxy-1,2-benzene diols (alkyl-BDOs) using 1,2,4-benzenetriol (BTO) as a starting material through a three-step synthesis route and evaluated their suitability as antibacterial compounds. Our results show that alkyl ethers derived from 1,2,4-benzenetriol have bactericidal activity against X. citri, disrupting the bacterial cell membrane within 15 min. Alkyl-BDOs were also shown to remain active against the bacteria while in solution, and presented low toxicity to (human) MRC-5 cells. Therefore, we have demonstrated that 1,2,4-benzenetriol—a molecule that can be obtained from agricultural residues—is an adequate precursor for the synthesis of new compounds with activity against X. citri.
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Bai J, Lin X, Yin Z. [Status quo of global bioindustry and its policy implications]. Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao 2020; 36:1528-1535. [PMID: 32924351 DOI: 10.13345/j.cjb.200260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The advent of the bioeconomy era is triggers a new wave of technology and industrial revolution. Bioeconomy has become the commanding heights that major developed countries and emerging economies try to seize. This paper analyzes the spatiotemporal characteristics of global bioindustry development from four perspectives: biomedical industry, genetically modified crop planting industry, bioenergy industry, and bio-based chemical industry. Then it summarizes the main characteristics of the development of the global bioindustry, and further put forward policy recommendations for the bottleneck problems in the development of China's bioindustry, which can guide the future development of China's bioeconomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Bai
- Innovation Driven Development Center, National Development and Reform Commission, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Xiaofeng Lin
- Innovation Driven Development Center, National Development and Reform Commission, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Zhengqing Yin
- College of Information and Electrical Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
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Schilling C, Weiss S. A Roadmap for Industry to Harness Biotechnology for a More Circular Economy. N Biotechnol 2020; 60:9-11. [PMID: 32853760 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Biotechnology methods and applications have the potential to accelerate a transition to a more circular economy. This article identifies five distinct points within a typical product lifecycle as areas where biotechnology can be impactful, starting with so-called 'beginning-of-life', with the ability to make many widely-used chemicals and materials using renewable feedstocks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This extends into a discussion of novel materials; a holistic approach to designing for improved lifecycle outcomes; compostability; and the potential for reuse and up-cycling at end-of-life, to enable a circular flow of materials. We propose specific steps that can be taken by chemical and materials manufacturers, designers and brands.
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Peyrot C, Mention MM, Brunissen F, Allais F. Sinapic Acid Esters: Octinoxate Substitutes Combining Suitable UV Protection and Antioxidant Activity. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9090782. [PMID: 32847133 PMCID: PMC7554726 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9090782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2021, Hawaii will permanently ban the use and sale of octinoxate-based sunscreens as studies have shown serious impacts of such UV filters on the coral reef. This ban, which could be generalized to other countries, highlights the extreme need to offer alternative UV filters that are not only effective in terms of sun protection, but also healthy with regards to human health and the environment. In this context, a wide library of p-hydroxycinnamic esters deriving from naturally occurring sinapic acid has been synthesized using a Knoevenagel–Doebner condensation. The UV filtering activities as well as the antioxidant properties of these sinapic acid esters were then investigated. The results showed promising UVB protection and antioxidant efficacy. A Structure–Activity Relationship (SAR) study on the sinapic acid esters highlighted the need of a free phenol to, as expected, observe antioxidant activity, but also to obtain a higher intensity of protection. Moreover, the nature of the ester moiety also proved to be a key structural feature for the UV absorbance, as higher steric hindrance on the ester moiety leads to more active compounds. The judicious structural design of sinapic esters thus provides promising compounds combining UV protection and antioxidant activity.
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Peyrot C, Mention MM, Brunissen F, Balaguer P, Allais F. Innovative Bio-Based Organic UV-A and Blue Light Filters from Meldrum's Acid. Molecules 2020; 25:E2178. [PMID: 32384797 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25092178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Faced with the ban of some organic UV filters such as octinoxate or avobenzone, especially in Hawaii, it became essential to offer new alternatives that are both renewable and safe for humans and the environment. In this context, a class of bio-based molecules displaying interesting UV filter properties and great (photo)stability has been developed from Meldrum's acid and bio-based and synthetic p-hydroxycinnamic acids, furans and pyrroles. Moreover, p-hydroxycinnamic acid-based Meldrum's derivatives possess valuable secondary activities sought by the cosmetic industry such as antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase properties. The evaluation of the properties of mixture of judiciously chosen Meldrum's acid derivatives highlighted the possibility to modulate secondary activity while maintaining excellent UV protection. Meldrum's acid derivatives are not only competitive when benchmarked against organic filters currently on the market (i.e., avobenzone), but they also do not exhibit any endocrine disruption activity.
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Gandomkar S, Dennig A, Dordic A, Hammerer L, Pickl M, Haas T, Hall M, Faber K. Biocatalytic Oxidative Cascade for the Conversion of Fatty Acids into α-Ketoacids via Internal H 2 O 2 Recycling. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018; 57:427-430. [PMID: 29125663 PMCID: PMC5768024 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201710227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The functionalization of bio-based chemicals is essential to allow valorization of natural carbon sources. An atom-efficient biocatalytic oxidative cascade was developed for the conversion of saturated fatty acids to α-ketoacids. Employment of P450 monooxygenase in the peroxygenase mode for regioselective α-hydroxylation of fatty acids combined with enantioselective oxidation by α-hydroxyacid oxidase(s) resulted in internal recycling of the oxidant H2 O2 , thus minimizing degradation of ketoacid product and maximizing biocatalyst lifetime. The O2 -dependent cascade relies on catalytic amounts of H2 O2 and releases water as sole by-product. Octanoic acid was converted under mild conditions in aqueous buffer to 2-oxooctanoic acid in a simultaneous one-pot two-step cascade in up to >99 % conversion without accumulation of hydroxyacid intermediate. Scale-up allowed isolation of final product in 91 % yield and the cascade was applied to fatty acids of various chain lengths (C6:0 to C10:0).
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayyeh Gandomkar
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of GrazHeinrichstrasse 288010GrazAustria
| | - Alexander Dennig
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of GrazHeinrichstrasse 288010GrazAustria
| | - Andela Dordic
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of GrazHeinrichstrasse 288010GrazAustria
- Austrian Center of Industrial Biotechnology c/oDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of GrazHeinrichstrasse 288010GrazAustria
| | - Lucas Hammerer
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of GrazHeinrichstrasse 288010GrazAustria
- Austrian Center of Industrial Biotechnology c/oDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of GrazHeinrichstrasse 288010GrazAustria
| | - Mathias Pickl
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of GrazHeinrichstrasse 288010GrazAustria
| | - Thomas Haas
- CreavisEvonik Industries, Bau 1420Paul Baumann Strasse 145772MarlGermany
| | - Mélanie Hall
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of GrazHeinrichstrasse 288010GrazAustria
| | - Kurt Faber
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of GrazHeinrichstrasse 288010GrazAustria
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Webb JP, Arnold SA, Baxter S, Hall SJ, Eastham G, Stephens G. Efficient bio-production of citramalate using an engineered Escherichia coli strain. Microbiology (Reading) 2017; 164:133-141. [PMID: 29231156 PMCID: PMC5882075 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Citramalic acid is a central intermediate in a combined biocatalytic and chemocatalytic route to produce bio-based methylmethacrylate, the monomer used to manufacture Perspex and other high performance materials. We developed an engineered E. coli strain and a fed-batch bioprocess to produce citramalate at concentrations in excess of 80 g l−1 in only 65 h. This exceptional efficiency was achieved by designing the production strain and the fermentation system to operate synergistically. Thus, a single gene encoding a mesophilic variant of citramalate synthase from Methanococcus jannaschii, CimA3.7, was expressed in E. coli to convert acetyl-CoA and pyruvate to citramalate, and the ldhA and pflB genes were deleted. By using a bioprocess with a continuous, growth-limiting feed of glucose, these simple interventions diverted substrate flux directly from central metabolism towards formation of citramalate, without problematic accumulation of acetate. Furthermore, the nutritional requirements of the production strain could be satisfied through the use of a mineral salts medium supplemented only with glucose (172 g l−1 in total) and 1.4 g l−1 yeast extract. Using this system, citramalate accumulated to 82±1.5 g l−1, with a productivity of 1.85 g l−1 h−1 and a conversion efficiency of 0.48 gcitramalate g−1glucose. The new bioprocess forms a practical first step for integrated bio- and chemocatalytic production of methylmethacrylate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Webb
- Present address: Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - S Alison Arnold
- Ingenza Limited, Wallace Building, Roslin Biocentre, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Scott Baxter
- Ingenza Limited, Wallace Building, Roslin Biocentre, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Stephen J Hall
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Gill Stephens
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Jiang L, Zhou J, Wang X, Sun Y, Xiu Z. [Progress in chemicals production by microbial consortia]. Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao 2016; 32:1496-1506. [PMID: 29034620 DOI: 10.13345/j.cjb.160113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Using cheap biomass resources is a hotspot of research on industrial biotechnology. It is difficult for traditional fermentations with single strain to treat so complex components and more impurities, which becomes the key problem in industrialization. In this review, some existing industrial bioprocesses involving microbial consortia were described. Comparison of 1,3-propanediol production by microbial consortia and pure cultures were then introduced and the relationship between cells in microbial consortia were summarized. Finally, the perspective was also addressed to design and apply microbial consortia in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Jiang
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, Liaoning, China
| | - Jinjie Zhou
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, Liaoning, China
| | - Xudong Wang
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, Liaoning, China
| | - Yaqin Sun
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhilong Xiu
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, Liaoning, China
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Herrgård M, Sukumara S, Campodonico M, Zhuang K. A multi-scale, multi-disciplinary approach for assessing the technological, economic and environmental performance of bio-based chemicals. Biochem Soc Trans 2015; 43:1151-6. [PMID: 26614653 DOI: 10.1042/BST20150144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, bio-based chemicals have gained interest as a renewable alternative to petrochemicals. However, there is a significant need to assess the technological, biological, economic and environmental feasibility of bio-based chemicals, particularly during the early research phase. Recently, the Multi-scale framework for Sustainable Industrial Chemicals (MuSIC) was introduced to address this issue by integrating modelling approaches at different scales ranging from cellular to ecological scales. This framework can be further extended by incorporating modelling of the petrochemical value chain and the de novo prediction of metabolic pathways connecting existing host metabolism to desirable chemical products. This multi-scale, multi-disciplinary framework for quantitative assessment of bio-based chemicals will play a vital role in supporting engineering, strategy and policy decisions as we progress towards a sustainable chemical industry.
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Forte A, Zucaro A, Basosi R, Fierro A. LCA of 1,4-Butanediol Produced via Direct Fermentation of Sugars from Wheat Straw Feedstock within a Territorial Biorefinery. Materials (Basel) 2016; 9:E563. [PMID: 28773687 DOI: 10.3390/ma9070563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The bio-based industrial sector has been recognized by the European Union as a priority area toward sustainability, however, the environmental profile of bio-based products needs to be further addressed. This study investigated, through the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, the environmental performance of bio-based 1,4-butanediol (BDO) produced via direct fermentation of sugars from wheat straw, within a hypothetical regional biorefinery (Campania Region, Southern Italy). The aim was: (i) to identify the hotspots along the production chain; and (ii) to assess the potential environmental benefits of this bio-based polymer versus the reference conventional product (fossil-based BDO). Results identified the prevailing contribution to the total environmental load of bio-based BDO in the feedstock production and in the heat requirement at the biorefinery plant. The modeled industrial bio-based BDO supply chain, showed a general reduction of the environmental impacts compared to the fossil-based BDO. The lowest benefits were gained in terms of acidification and eutrophication, due to the environmental load of the crop phase for feedstock cultivation.
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Abstract
In this series of articles, the board members of ChemSusChem discuss recent research articles that they consider of exceptional quality and importance for sustainability. This entry features Dr. Pieter Bruijnincx, who discusses bio-based approaches to new and existing chemicals for large-scale polymer applications, highlighting that the development of methodologies to obtain key monomers from biomass leads to new chemistry, aids the transition to a more sustainable chemical industry, and fosters new interdisciplinary approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter C A Bruijnincx
- Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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15
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Zeldes BM, Keller MW, Loder AJ, Straub CT, Adams MWW, Kelly RM. Extremely thermophilic microorganisms as metabolic engineering platforms for production of fuels and industrial chemicals. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1209. [PMID: 26594201 PMCID: PMC4633485 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Enzymes from extremely thermophilic microorganisms have been of technological interest for some time because of their ability to catalyze reactions of industrial significance at elevated temperatures. Thermophilic enzymes are now routinely produced in recombinant mesophilic hosts for use as discrete biocatalysts. Genome and metagenome sequence data for extreme thermophiles provide useful information for putative biocatalysts for a wide range of biotransformations, albeit involving at most a few enzymatic steps. However, in the past several years, unprecedented progress has been made in establishing molecular genetics tools for extreme thermophiles to the point that the use of these microorganisms as metabolic engineering platforms has become possible. While in its early days, complex metabolic pathways have been altered or engineered into recombinant extreme thermophiles, such that the production of fuels and chemicals at elevated temperatures has become possible. Not only does this expand the thermal range for industrial biotechnology, it also potentially provides biodiverse options for specific biotransformations unique to these microorganisms. The list of extreme thermophiles growing optimally between 70 and 100°C with genetic toolkits currently available includes archaea and bacteria, aerobes and anaerobes, coming from genera such as Caldicellulosiruptor, Sulfolobus, Thermotoga, Thermococcus, and Pyrococcus. These organisms exhibit unusual and potentially useful native metabolic capabilities, including cellulose degradation, metal solubilization, and RuBisCO-free carbon fixation. Those looking to design a thermal bioprocess now have a host of potential candidates to choose from, each with its own advantages and challenges that will influence its appropriateness for specific applications. Here, the issues and opportunities for extremely thermophilic metabolic engineering platforms are considered with an eye toward potential technological advantages for high temperature industrial biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Zeldes
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Matthew W Keller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia Athens, GA, USA
| | - Andrew J Loder
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Christopher T Straub
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Michael W W Adams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia Athens, GA, USA
| | - Robert M Kelly
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC, USA
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