Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Maria Gaspari, Merlin Alvarado-Morales, Panagiotis Tsapekos, Irini Angelidaki, Panagiotis Kougias
Summary: The application of mathematical models as tools and early warning indicators can optimize the anaerobic digestion process in biogas reactors. The Bioconversion Model (BioModel) was evaluated in this study for simulating common perturbation cases caused by fatty acids and ammonia inhibition. The simulations showed good agreement with experimental data on methane productivity and pH, but discrepancies were observed in the prediction of volatile fatty acids' concentrations. Adjustments to the model's kinetic parameters were necessary to improve the prediction accuracy. Overall, the BioModel demonstrated effectiveness in simulating different co-digestion strategies with fatty acid or ammonia presence.
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maaike E. Straat, Lucas Jurado-Fasoli, Zhixiong Ying, Kimberly J. Nahon, Laura G. M. Janssen, Mariette R. Boon, Gernot F. Grabner, Sander Kooijman, Robert Zimmermann, Martin Giera, Patrick C. N. Rensen, Borja Martinez-Telleza
Summary: The application of cold exposure has shown to enhance lipid catabolism in the human body. However, the effect of cold exposure on the lipidome varies depending on the intensity and duration of exposure. Through sequential lipidomic profiling, this study found that cold exposure gradually increased circulating free fatty acids in humans, while temporarily decreasing total triacylglycerols (TAGs) at 30 minutes. Different TAG species showed varying responses, with the initial decrease in unsaturated and polyunsaturated TAG species with <= 5 double bonds, followed by a significant increase in polyunsaturated TAG species with >= 6 double bonds after 120 minutes. A mechanistic study in mice revealed that the increase in polyunsaturated TAGs induced by cold exposure was largely prevented by blocking adipose triglyceride lipase. These findings suggest that cold exposure promotes the utilization of TAG-derived fatty acids for thermogenesis, resulting in a decrease in circulating TAG species and an increased production of polyunsaturated TAG species by the liver.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Silvia Greses, Elia Tomas-Pejo, Cristina Gonzalez-Fernandez
Summary: This study assessed a strategy for valorizing food waste into multiple products using two anaerobic processes. By applying open mixed cultures, the food waste was first subjected to anaerobic fermentation to generate valuable bioproducts, and then the solid fraction was further converted into biogas via conventional anaerobic digestion. The strategy allowed for the production of three bioproducts and provided a foundation for clean and sustainable production of added-value compounds.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fang Li, Zhuoran Kang, Xiaojuan Wu, Wei Wu
Summary: Dietary protein plays a crucial role in body growth and shaping the gut microbiota. This study found that oxidation of rice bran protein (RBP) altered the composition of the gut microbiota, improved intestinal barrier function, but had limited effects on short-chain fatty acid production.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jerusa Brignardello, Sofia Fountana, Joram Matthias Posma, Edward S. Chambers, Jeremy K. Nicholson, Julien Wist, Gary Frost, Isabel Garcia-Perez, Elaine Holmes
Summary: This study investigated the temporal changes in SCFA concentrations in response to two contrasting diets using a novel GC-MS method. The results showed that the unhealthy diet was associated with lower concentrations of certain SCFAs and higher concentrations of lactic acid. The study highlighted the importance of standardizing the timing of SCFA measurements in dietary studies.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zhi-tao Li, Li Zhu, Guo-ao Hu, Zheng-long Sun, Xiao-bei Zhan, Min-jie Gao
Summary: This study successfully conducted in vitro fermentation culture of Akkermansia muciniphila using a novel bionic large intestine dynamic digestion model, resulting in increased biomass and metabolite production. Fructo-oligosaccharide promoted butyric acid generation, while blackberry concentrate powder and metformin had no significant impact on biomass growth.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ling-Jun Li, Ruochen Du, Marion Ouidir, Ruijin Lu, Zhen Chen, Natalie L. Weir, Michael Y. Tsai, Paul S. Albert, Cuilin Zhang
Summary: Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) during pregnancy have an impact on metabolic programming and fetal growth. In this study, plasma phospholipid SFAs were measured in early pregnancy and fetal growth was monitored. It was found that even-chain and very long even-chain SFAs were negatively associated, while odd-chain SFAs were positively associated with fetal weight and size. Pentadecanoic acid (15:0) in the highest tertile showed a greater fetal weight and size compared to the lowest tertile. These findings suggest the potential use of an alternative high-fat diet rich in odd-chain SFAs for optimal fetal growth.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kristin J. Skaarud, Johannes R. Hov, Simen H. Hansen, Martin Kummen, Jorgen Valeur, Ingebjorg Seljeflot, Asta Bye, Vemund Paulsen, Knut E. A. Lundin, Marius Troseid, Geir E. Tjonnfjord, Per Ole Iversen
Summary: After allo-HSCT, gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids were significantly reduced, with no significant differences between the intervention group and controls in investigated parameters. Patients with low microbial diversity at 3 weeks post-HSCT had significantly higher mortality rates, while those with higher abundance of Blautia genus were more likely to survive.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Lisa F. M. Lee Nen That, Baojun Xu, Jessica Pandohee
Summary: The maturation of omics technologies and bioinformatics tools has greatly advanced prebiotics research. Prebiotics are no longer limited to oligosaccharides, but include various compounds that have been proven to have prebiotic characteristics. The discovery of novel prebiotics requires further understanding of their roles in the microbiota and the host. The relationship between the gut microbiota and the host is crucial for health, and dysbiosis can result in severe illnesses.
CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Danni Chang, Zhen Ma, Xiaoping Li, Xinzhong Hu
Summary: Different drying treatments impact the structural features and microbiological responses of pea starch during in vitro human gut fermentation. The study demonstrates that the differences in structural and morphological features of dried starch samples originate from different evaporation patterns of water molecules. Specific dried starch samples promote the growth of different gut bacteria, indicating the potential for tailored drying methods to produce starch samples with desired properties.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Qian Xu, Rongrong Ma, Jinling Zhan, Xiaoxue Lu, Chang Liu, Yaoqi Tian
Summary: This study investigated the changes in structural properties of acylated starches before and after digestion, and their in vitro fermentation characteristics. It was found that acylated starches could effectively release short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and promote their concentrations during fermentation. This research contributes to understanding the mechanism of functional resistant starch and enriching its applications in functional foods.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Azemina Bajramova, Peter Spegel
Summary: This study compares the nutritional value of the fatty acid profiles of superfruits (goji berry, white mulberry, and cranberry) and common fruits (banana, apple, and strawberry). The findings suggest that cranberries and apples have the most beneficial lipid profiles, while superfruits do not show a common and beneficial lipid profile.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Chunying Huang, Yan Li, Ketao Wang, Jianwei Xi, Yifan Xu, Xiaolin Si, Dong Pei, Shiheng Lyu, Guohua Xia, Jianhua Wang, Peipei Li, Hongyu Ye, Yulin Xing, Yige Wang, Jianqin Huang
Summary: Hickory nuts are rich in lipids with high nutritional value and health benefits, with a lipid composition mainly consisting of glycerolipids and glycerophospholipids. The dynamic changes in lipids during embryonic development, particularly the role of diacylglycerols, play a significant role in accumulation of glycerolipids and glycerophospholipids, containing unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid mainly at sn-2 lipid position.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
A. F. Bekebrede, L. Noorman, J. Keijer, V. C. J. de Boer, W. J. J. Gerrits
Summary: The intestine is a highly metabolic organ that relies on energy production within the intestinal cells to sustain its functions. Protein fermentation metabolites are known to negatively impact intestinal metabolic function, while fibre fermentation metabolites are generally thought beneficial. This study aimed to investigate the impact of proteins with different digestibility and fiber levels on colonocyte energy metabolism. The results showed that feeding poorly digestible protein collagen increased nitrogen flow into the colon, while feeding high fermentable fiber increased colonic fluxes of both fiber-derived and protein-derived metabolites. Furthermore, high fermentable fiber intake was found to lower colonocyte mitochondrial and glycolytic metabolism. Evaluation of intestinal cell metabolic capacity may be a valuable tool for future research.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Karolina Szacherska, Krzysztof Moraczewski, Sylwester Czaplicki, Piotr Oleskowicz-Popiel, Justyna Mozejko-Ciesielska
Summary: This study evaluated the use of short- and medium-chain fatty acids (SMCFAs) derived from acid whey fermentation for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production. Pseudomonas sp. GL06 showed the highest tolerance to SMCFAs and produced PHAs with the highest productivity. Further research revealed that PHA monomeric composition varied with bacterial strain and growth medium. The copolymer made of 3-hydroxybutyric, -hexanoic, -octanoic, -decanoic, and -dodecanoic exhibited promising properties.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rebecca Serna-Garcia, Panagiotis Tsapekos, Laura Treu, Alberto Bouzas, Aurora Seco, Stefano Campanaro, Irini Angelidaki
Summary: Three inhibitors, including sodium ionophore III (ETH2120), carbon monoxide (CO), and sodium 2bromoethanesulfonate (BES), were assessed for their impact on CO2 biomethanation in microorganisms from Archaea and Bacteria domains. The study demonstrates that ETH2120 and CO can promote methane production while BES does not, indicating the inactivation of archaea. Methylotrophic methanogenesis from methylamines was the main pathway for methane production, and a slight decrease in acetate production with an increase in CH4 production was observed with the addition of 20 kPa of CO. It should be noted that all compounds had effects on the microbial community composition, although the specific effects on CO2 biomethanation were challenging to observe due to the complexity of the environmental samples used as inoculum.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Silvia Greses, Nicola De Bernardini, Laura Treu, Stefano Campanaro, Cristina Gonzalez-Fernandez
Summary: This study investigated the effect of slight pH variations on the microbial dynamics and corresponding functions in anaerobic fermentation of food waste. It was found that a pH of 6.5 promoted the production of acetate, butyrate, and ethanol, while a slight decrease to 6.1 resulted in caproate and H2 production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Wageeporn Maneechote, Benjamas Cheirsilp, Irini Angelidaki, Wasana Suyotha, Piyarat Boonsawang
Summary: The oleaginous microalga Scenedesmus sp. SPP was rapidly immobilized in oleaginous fungal pellets by utilizing their opposite surface charges. The microalgae-fungal (MF) pellets showed higher efficiency in improving the bioremediation of non-sterile secondary effluent compared to mono-culture. By coating the MF pellets with 0.4% chitosan, the removal efficiencies of COD, TN, and TP were significantly enhanced, likely due to better cell retention and nutrient adsorption and assimilation.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hyunjin Kim, Byoung-In Sang, Panagiotis Tsapekos, Irini Angelidaki, Merlin Alvarado-Morales
Summary: This study presents a techno-economic analysis of succinic acid production using sugar-rich residual streams and biogas as raw materials. The results show that by establishing an integrated process, high SA production can be achieved while improving the quality of biogas. The process converts CO2 from biogas and carbohydrates from organic by-products into biomethane and succinic acid.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hyeona Park, Syed Salman Ali Shah, Gregory Korshin, Irini Angelidaki, Kwang-Ho Choo
Summary: This study investigates the impact of sunlight irradiation on membrane fouling, biopolymers, signal molecules, and microbial communities in MBRs. The results show that sunlight can degrade signal molecules that induce membrane biofouling. Sunlight exposure also leads to changes in microbial behavior and community composition in MBRs.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mengyuan Ji, Lurui Xiao, Muhammad Usman, Chao Liu, Wenjing Sang, Laura Treu, Stefano Campanaro, Gang Luo, Yalei Zhang
Summary: Microplastics are prevalent in farmland and pose a threat to soil ecology. This study investigated how different microplastics affect methane emission in paddy soil. Results showed that polyvinyl chloride microplastics at 1% concentration had the highest increase in methane production compared to polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics. Microplastics contributed to the accumulation of humus in the soil solution and enriched specific microbial taxa. The findings emphasize the threat of microplastics to greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural fields and suggest potential strategies to reduce methane emissions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Azra Naderi, Babak Kakavandi, Stefanos Giannakis, Irini Angelidaki, Roshanak Rezaei Kalantary
Summary: Wastewater treatment using bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) has diverse applications, including renewable energy production, environmental pollution reduction, biosensors, and bioelectrosynthesis. This review article critically discusses the challenges and advances in bio-electrochemical studies in the 21st century, focusing on the structure, performance, and application of BESs such as Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs), Microbial Electrolysis Cells (MECs), and Microbial Desalination Cells (MDCs). The review highlights the impact of various parameters on treatment processes and energy/fuel production, aiming to guide future studies and promote the practical application of BESs in achieving sustainable development.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ginevra Giangeri, Panagiotis Tsapekos, Maria Gaspari, Parisa Ghofrani-Isfahani, Marie Karen Tracy Hong Lin, Laura Treu, Panagiotis Kougias, Stefano Campanaro, Irini Angelidaki
Summary: The presence of sulfate in anaerobic digestion systems reduces methane yield, as sulfate-reducing bacteria compete with methanogens for substrates. This study demonstrates that the addition of magnetite can enhance methane production and reduce hydrogen sulfide levels. Furthermore, genomic analysis reveals both competitive and cooperative interactions between methanogens and sulfate-reducing bacteria, depending on the specific methanogenic group.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sonia Mohamadnia, Anders Thygesen, Parisa Ghofrani-Isfahani, Anna Pia Monachese, Borja Valverde-Perez, Irini Angelidaki
Summary: Wastewater from the potato processing industry, protamylasse, can be valorized through the cultivation of microalgae by mixotrophic metabolism. A new two-stage system was developed, where volatile fatty acids (VFA) were produced through anaerobic acidification (AA), and Chlorella sorokiniana was cultivated for valorization of nutrients and organics. This process resulted in high removal efficiencies of phosphorus, nitrate, and ammonia, and the production of microalgal biomass with high protein content.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Maria Gaspari, Laura Treu, Victor Borin Centurion, Thomas A. . Kotsopoulos, Stefano Campanaro, Panagiotis G. Kougias
Summary: The present study used genome-centric metagenomics to discover a microorganism called Nigerium sp. and revealed its functionalities within the biogas reactor. Additionally, Candidatus Hydrogenedentes sp. demonstrated the ability for β-oxidation. Transcriptional analysis showed that up-regulated genes were dominantly involved in lipid metabolism, as well as activation of genes encoding cell motility proteins.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zengshuai Zhang, Chunxing Li, Guan Wang, Xiaoyong Yang, Yanxiang Zhang, Ruming Wang, Irini Angelidaki, Hengfeng Miao
Summary: Anaerobic digestion of antibiotic manufacturing wastewater using Fe3O4-modified biochar can effectively detoxify erythromycin, increase methane yield, and reduce antibiotic resistant genes. The addition of Fe3O4-modified biochar stimulates the anaerobic digestion process, leading to higher methane production. Different levels of Fe3O4-modified biochar promote the growth of specific bacteria and archaea, further enhancing the efficiency of anaerobic digestion.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mengyuan Ji, Ginevra Giangeri, Fengbo Yu, Filippo Sessa, Chao Liu, Wenjing Sang, Paolo Canu, Fangbai Li, Laura Treu, Stefano Campanaro
Summary: The study found that magnetic biochar can enhance the degradation of microplastics through advanced oxidation processes, but the synergistic effects of microbes in this process are still uncertain. A long-term incubation experiment was conducted on paddy soil contaminated with polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics, followed by bioremediation with biochar or magnetic biochar. The results showed that the use of magnetic biochar significantly increased the total organic matter content in samples containing polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene, and resulted in the accumulation of UVA humic and protein/phenol-like substances. Genomic investigation revealed changes in the relative abundance of key genes involved in fatty acids degradation and dehalogenation in different treatments, with a Nocardioides species identified as cooperating with magnetic biochar in microplastic degradation.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sara Agostini, Francesco Moriconi, Mauro Zampirolli, Diego Padoan, Laura Treu, Stefano Campanaro, Lorenzo Favaro
Summary: This study investigated the microbial ecology in four full-scale biogas plants with different feedstocks and process parameters. The findings show that the microbiomes in agricultural plants sharing similar feedstocks' composition are shaped by their substrates. Conversely, the biogas plant treating organic waste displayed a different microbiome, which was influenced by COVID-19 restrictions. The study also demonstrated that the feedstock composition can differentially shape bacterial and archaeal strains in the anaerobic digestion process.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)