Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Catharine Elizabeth Bosman, Robert William McClelland Pott, Steven Martin Bradshaw
Summary: This study evaluates the use of a thermosiphon photobioreactor (TPBR) for photofermentative hydrogen production. The results show that biomass concentration has a significant impact on hydrogen production and biomass suspension. The optimal operating conditions were determined using response surface methodology, and maximum specific hydrogen production rates and biomass suspension rates were predicted.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Brandon Sean Ross, Robert W. M. Pott
Summary: Biohydrogen production via photofermentation has low environmental impact and can be integrated into wastewater treatment systems. However, current production rates are low compared to industrial processes, requiring improvement. One strategy for enhancing productivity is the development of improved photobioreactor systems. This study compared hydrogen productivity of Rhodopseudomonas palustris under different cell conditions, with the fluidized bed PBR achieving the highest specific hydrogen production rate and substrate conversion efficiency.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Katja E. Luxem, Aaron J. Nguyen, Xinning Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the factors affecting nitrogen reduction and hydrogen production rates in Rhodopseudomonas palustris. The results suggest that the hydrogen production rate is primarily controlled by the growth rate and secondarily by the nitrogenase enzymology. The iron-only nitrogenase exhibits the highest H-2:N-2 stoichiometry.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Zainab Syed, Monika Sogani, Gopesh Sharma, Kumar Sonu, Jayana Rajvanshi, Nishan Sen Gupta
Summary: This study provides insights into improving hydrogen output and degrading emerging contaminants using Rhodopseudomonas palustris. The growth rate of microorganisms and the metabolic routes of hydrogen production are affected by different substrate inputs. The combination of glutamate and glycerol ratios and the presence of estrogen affect electron flux directed towards biosynthesis and biohydrogen generation. Optimized substrate ratios and complete suppression of nitrogen can significantly enhance hydrogen production and estrogen degradation.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jan-Pierre du Toit, Robert W. M. Pott
Summary: This study evaluated the growth and hydrogen productivity of two strains of R. palustris acclimated to higher temperatures, showing significantly increased optimisation effects at 35°C and 40°C. The results highlight the importance of pre-acclimation for verifying temperature optima and expand the feasible temperature range for high-rate biohydrogen production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guoxin Fang, Ying Hou, Tao Qiu, Yuke Chen, Wanqiang Yu, Xiaoyan Liu, Zhen Liu, Jianquan Shen, Hong Liu, Weijia Zhou
Summary: This article introduces the research progress of inorganic-biohybrid systems, focusing on the efficiency enhancement of hydrogen production by the assembly of sulfur-doped carbon nanoparticles with Clostridium butyricum cells. The experimental results show that the hydrogen production efficiency of this biohybrid system is 12.5 times higher than that of bare bacteria, and the degradation efficiency of methyl orange can reach over 90% in 12 hours. The mechanism of enhancing electron transfer efficiency by sulfur-doped carbon nanoparticles is also investigated, providing a simple and effective method for building a powerful biohybrid system.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Chaoyang Lu, Guangtao Wang, Quanguo Zhang, Xudong Yang, Jicai Yu, Tao Liu, Francesco Petracchini, Zhiping Zhang, Yong Sun, Danping Jiang, Xiaoyu Liang, Yameng Li, Yang Zhang, Tian Zhang, Huan Zhang
Summary: Biorefinery technology contributes to the realization of the Paris Agreement, China's carbon peak and carbon neutralization. This study investigated the gas, liquid, and kinetic characteristics of four biorefinery methods using corn stover as the raw material. The results provide insights into the efficient utilization of biomass resources and a comprehensive evaluation of biorefinery technology.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Shalini Narayanan Arisht, Rozieffa Roslan, Goh Ann Gie, Safa Senan Mahmod, Mohd Shaiful Sajab, Chyi-How Lay, Shu-Yii Wu, Gong-Tao Ding, Nur Syakina Jamali, Jamaliah Md Jahim, Peer Mohamed Abdul
Summary: This study utilized oil palm fronds juice as a substrate for biohydrogen production and optimized the initial pH, total carbohydrate concentration, and addition of nZVI nanoparticles to enhance hydrogen yield and production rate. The optimal parameters resulted in a significant increase in hydrogen productivity compared to the control group. nZVI nanoparticles effectively shortened lag time, facilitated hydrolysis, and utilization of oil palm fronds.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jianlong Wang, Yanan Yin
Summary: Clostridium species play a significant role in dark fermentative hydrogen production, with high hydrogen yield and wide substrate range, although efforts are still needed to ensure efficient and stable operation of the system and economic applicability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jan-Pierre du Toit, David J. Lea-Smith, Anna Git, John R. D. Hervey, Christopher J. Howe, Robert W. M. Pott
Summary: The study presents optimized tools for generating chromosomal insertions and deletions using electroporation as a transformation method, successfully applied in the overexpression of nitrogenase isozymes. Transcript quantification and increased hydrogen productivity were achieved through overexpression of nitrogenase, demonstrating the potential for energy-intensive biosyntheses in Rhodopseudomonas palustris.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Dongle Cheng, Huu Hao Ngo, Wenshan Guo, Soon Woong Chang, Dinh Duc Nguyen, Xuan Thanh Bui, Wei Wei, Bingjie Ni, Sunita Varjani, Ngoc Bich Hoang
Summary: This review discusses advanced technologies that have shown positive outcomes in improving photo-fermentative biohydrogen production, including genetic engineering, immobilization technology, nanotechnology, and integration of dark and photo fermentation technology.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Duu-Hwa Lee
Summary: This study evaluates biohydrogen yield efficiency using 26 new DEA models with 55 experiments categorized into DF, PF, and DF-PF technologies, finding that DF-PF has the highest efficiency. Statistical tests show that all biohydrogen inputs and outputs significantly influence yield efficiency. India and Japan are the top two economies benefitting from improved biohydrogen yield efficiency, which can contribute to macroeconomic growth and renewable hydrogen development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Quanguo Zhang, Shengnan Zhu, Zhiping Zhang, Huan Zhang, Chenxi Xia
Summary: Biohydrogen production by photo fermentation is an attractive clean energy production approach that has been receiving more attention in recent years. Various measures, including substrate pretreatment, bacterial modification and immobilization, additive addition, and reactor design optimization, have been used to enhance the performance of biohydrogen production. The optimal conditions for each strategy depend on factors such as substrate type, strain, and process parameters.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Faiqa Nadeem, Huan Zhang, Nadeem Tahir, Zhiping Zhang, Reeta Rani Singhania, Muhammad Shahzaib, Hina Ramzan, Muhammad Usman, Muneeb Ur Rahman, Quanguo Zhang
Summary: Photo nanocatalyst play a promising role in various fields, especially in biohydrogen production, where their catalytic efficiency depends on size, surface-to-volume ratio, and number of surface atoms. They can utilize solar light to generate electron-hole pairs, which is crucial for their catalytic efficiency and requires appropriate excitation wavelength, band energy, and crystal imperfections. This review discusses the role of photo nanocatalysts in catalyzing biohydrogen production. It highlights the large bandgap and high defect concentration of photo nanocatalysts, allowing customization of their characteristics. The mechanism of photo nanocatalysts in catalyzing biohydrogen production is explored, and limiting factors are addressed, along with recommendations to enhance the utilization of these photo nanocatalysts in photo-fermentative biohydrogen production from biomass wastes.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yonghao Cui, Kun-Lin Yang, Kang Zhou
Summary: Co-culture has emerged as a popular strategy to overcome limitations in Clostridium fermentations, allowing for the use of cheaper substrates, maintaining growth without anaerobic treatment, and improving product yields and spectrum. Challenges in the development of Clostridium co-cultures need to be addressed for future research and applications.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Wei-Hao Huang, Rome-Ming Wu, Jo-Shu Chang, Shiang-Ying Juang, Duu-Jong Lee
Summary: Biochars derived from agricultural wastes were modified by manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) co-precipitation and used as adsorbents for the removal of Cu(II) ions from water. The MnFe2O4-biochars exhibited rapid adsorption kinetics and significantly enhanced adsorption capacities. Complexation reactions involving carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in pristine biochars, as well as Mn-O and Fe-O groups in MnFe2O4-biochars, were identified as the principal adsorption mechanisms. The regenerated MnFe2O4-biochars could be reused for three cycles with a decline in maximum adsorption capacities.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Heshan Zheng, Yunfei Zhang, Shuo Li, Xiaochi Feng, Qinglian Wu, Yoong Kit Leong, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: This study analyzed the ecotoxicity and induction capacity of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in sulfadiazine degradation intermediates resulting from persulfate activation oxidation enhanced by ultraviolet, ultrasound, and microwave. The five degradation pathways and variations in the ecotoxicity of different degradation products were analyzed. Microcosm experiment revealed significant changes in the microbial community in actual water with sulfadiazine and degradation intermediates, and certain ARGs were induced more strongly by the intermediates than by sulfadiazine itself. Network analysis showed potential hosts for sulfonamide ARGs. These findings contribute to a better understanding of antibiotics degradation mechanism and controlling the spread of ARGs.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chun-Yen Chen, Jhih-Ci Lu, Yu-Han Chang, Jih-Heng Chen, Dillirani Nagarajan, Duu-Jong Lee, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: Microalgae, specifically Chlorella sorokiniana SU-9, can be cultivated heterotrophically to produce high-quality proteins comparable to fishmeal and soybean meal. Optimal culture parameters were determined, and under these conditions, SU-9 exhibited high biomass content, protein content, and productivity. The production cost of SU-9 can be significantly reduced, making it a potential protein substitute in aquafeed.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Hongliang Guo, Ying Zhao, Jo-Shu Chang, Duu-Jong Lee
Summary: Enzymatic hydrolysis is crucial for efficient biorefinery of lignocellulosic biomass. Understanding the properties of key enzymes and their interactions with biomass is essential for improving the process efficiency. This article provides an update on the research of key enzymes in lignocellulose biorefinery, including their properties, interactions with biomass, adsorption, and hydrolysis. The advanced analytical techniques for investigating these interactions and future research prospects are discussed.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Alvin B. Culaba, Andres Philip Mayol, Argel A. Bandala, Ronnie S. Concepcion Ii, Melchizedek Alipio, Wei-Hsin Chen, Pau Loke Show, Jo-Shu Chang, Jayne Lois G. San Juan, Aristotle T. Ubando
Summary: The increase in worldwide demand for energy is driven by population growth and economic development, leading to depletion of fossil fuel supplies and high greenhouse gas levels. Biorefineries, as a popular and carbon-neutral alternative, play a key role in the circular economy model. This paper critically reviews the challenges and future direction of biorefineries as an alternative carbon-neutral energy source.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ajeet Singh Chauhan, Anil Kumar Patel, Chiu-Wen Chen, Jo-Shu Chang, Philippe Michaud, Cheng-Di Dong, Reeta Rani Singhania
Summary: Considering the increasing health concerns, urban population tends to adopt a healthy lifestyle and incorporate nutritional food supplements to mitigate common health risks. The consumption of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs is on the rise, thus alternative commercial production methods are being developed. Microbial sources are emerging platforms to meet the global demand for omega PUFAs. Marine oleaginous protist Aurantiochytrium sp. has been identified as a potential source for substantial production of DHA and SFA. The objective of this research was to enhance PUFA yield by optimizing glucose concentration and nitrogen ratio. The maximum lipid and DHA yield and content were achieved at 30 g/L glucose, while the relative PUFA content was highest at 10 g/L glucose, with remaining SFA potentially usable for biodiesel.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chihe Sun, Xianzhi Meng, Fubao Sun, Junhua Zhang, Maobing Tu, Jo-Shu Chang, Alissara Reungsang, Ao Xia, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: Enzymatic hydrolysis is a critical process in lignocellulosic biorefinery. However, there are limitations in high-solid conditions, leading to lower hydrolysis yields. This review summarizes the factors related to water, biomass components, and cellulase enzymes, and presents strategies to improve the hydrolysis reaction.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuo Li, Yanan Wu, Heshan Zheng, Hongbin Li, Yongjie Zheng, Jun Nan, Jun Ma, Dillirani Nagarajan, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: Antibiotic contamination poses serious risks of ecotoxicity and resistance gene induction. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have demonstrated effectiveness in the degradation of antibiotics. However, the production of degradation intermediates in the oxidation process raises concerns about potential ecological risks. In-depth investigations on the ecotoxicity and resistance genes induction of antibiotic degradation products are important for addressing the environmental problems of antibiotics.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ngai Hei Ernest Ho, Sefli Sri Wahyu Effendi, Wan-Wen Ting, Ying-Chen Yi, Jie-Yao Yu, Jo-Shu Chang, I-Son Ng
Summary: This study investigates the evolution of PETase from IsPETase and identifies Aquabacterium parvum lipase (ApLip) as an evolutionary intermediate. ApLip-Ec exhibits high catalytic efficiency when expressed in Escherichia coli. In vitro testing reveals successful PET degradation with the synergism effect of ApLip-Ec and MHETase.
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yue Wang, Rongrong Lin, Yushuang Cao, Shuangfei Li, Rong Cui, Wanqian Guo, Shih-Hsin Ho, Yoong Kit Leong, Duu-Jong Lee, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: This study explores the simultaneous removal of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by a microbial consortium dominated by Clostridium sensu stricto. The process involved anaerobic co-metabolism, resulting in the production of butyric acid, valeric acid, succinic acid, and caproic acid. Continuous cultivation achieved high SMX degradation rates and reduced the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant genes, providing a promising approach for efficient antibiotic elimination while generating valuable products (SCFAs).
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Shuo Li, Yingnan Liu, Heshan Zheng, Junfeng Niu, Yoong Kit Leong, Duu-Jong Lee, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: A composite of corn straw and sludge-derived biochar loaded with CoFe2O4 was prepared to activate peracetic acid for efficient degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride. The degradation pathway is primarily driven by singlet oxygen and involves the electron-rich groups on the biochar surface. The study provides new insights into metal-loaded biochar catalysis for efficient non-free radical degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yi-Ling Chang, Dillirani Nagarajan, Jih-Heng Chen, Chun Yen Chen, Yi-Ju Wu, Liang-Ming Whang, Duu-Jong Lee, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: The objective of this study was to develop a functional microalgae-bacteria consortium for the treatment of dairy manure wastewater. By selecting appropriate strains and optimizing culture conditions, the treatment efficiency of the wastewater was improved. Analysis of the bacterial community revealed a significant shift after microalgal inoculation, and the designed microalgae-bacteria consortium achieved optimal microalgal biomass production and maximum nutrient removal efficiencies.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Wei-Hsin Chen, Partha Pratim Biswas, Eilhann E. Kwon, Young-Kwon Park, Saravanan Rajendran, Lalitha Gnanasekaran, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: Catalytic pyrolysis of plastics to produce oil is a promising and cost-effective solution with renewable and sustainable characteristics. This research compares the efficiency of statistical optimization techniques for catalytic plastic pyrolysis reactions and identifies key factors influencing oil production, such as the catalyst-to-plastic ratio and types of acidic catalysts. The results show that the optimal values of pyrolysis parameters, including reaction temperature and residence time, significantly impact the oil yield.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuo Li, Yalun Yang, Shanshan Yang, Heshan Zheng, Yongjie Zheng, M. Jun, Dillirani Nagarajan, Sunita Varjani, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: Plastics have become an essential part of life, but when they enter the environment, they break down into smaller fragments called microplastics (MPs) which are detrimental to the environment and human health. Bioremediation is considered the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for MP degradation, but there is limited knowledge about it. This review explores the sources and migration behavior of MPs, discusses biodegradation potential and mechanisms, analyzes the factors influencing biodegradation, and discusses the prospects and challenges of biodegradation technologies for MPs.
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Yoong Kit Leong, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive analysis of microalgae-based biochar, including production techniques, applications, and chemical modifications, aiming to bridge the existing knowledge gap in this field.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)