Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amber Dance
Summary: By pushing fluorescent proteins further into the red end of the spectrum, bioengineers are expanding the color options and depth of penetration for biological imaging.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuval Elani
Summary: The construction of artificial cells is a major challenge today, with potential applications in clinical and industrial settings. Artificial cells currently cannot match the complexity of biological cells, leading researchers to explore hybrid living/synthetic systems that combine the advantages of both.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ruben Mateos Fernandez, Marko Petek, Iryna Gerasymenko, Mojca Jutersek, Spela Baebler, Kalyani Kallam, Elena Moreno Gimenez, Janine Gondolf, Alfred Nordmann, Kristina Gruden, Diego Orzaez, Nicola J. Patron
Summary: Arthropod crop pests account for 20% of global annual crop losses, a figure expected to rise with climate change. Humans have historically used chemical formulations to control pests, but concerns about biodiversity impacts are growing. Biotechnology is providing new options for pest control, including engineering resistant crops and insect populations.
PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jaeyoung K. Jung, Blake J. Rasor, Grant A. Rybnicky, Adam D. Silverman, Janet Standeven, Robert Kuhn, Teresa Granito, Holly M. Ekas, Brenda M. Wang, Ashty S. Karim, Julius B. Lucks, Michael C. Jewett
Summary: As the field of synthetic biology expands, the need to grow and train STEM practitioners is essential. However, the lack of access to hands-on demonstrations has led to inequalities of opportunity and practice. To address this, shelf-stable cell-free biosensing educational modules were developed, allowing students to create their own bioengineered systems by adding water and DNA to freeze-dried crude extracts of non-pathogenic Escherichia coli. This work promises to increase access to interactive synthetic biology education opportunities.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hehe He, Qianqian Yu, Zhongyang Ding, Liang Zhang, Guiyang Shi, Youran Li
Summary: Bacillus licheniformis, a Gram-positive bacterium, has important biologic applications in the food industry, such as biosynthesis of high value-added bioproducts, probiotic functions, and biological treatment of food production wastes. This review summarizes recent advances and presents synthetic biology strategies for the wider and more efficient application of this strain. It also discusses current challenges and provides a unique perspective on future research directions. Overall, this review provides an illuminating and comprehensive perspective on B. licheniformis, promoting its effective development in the food industry.
SYNTHETIC AND SYSTEMS BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Franz Opel, Nina A. Siebert, Sabine Klatt, Adrian Tuellinghoff, Janis G. Hantke, Joerg Toepel, Bruno Buehler, Dennis J. Nuernberg, Stephan Klaehn
Summary: Cyanobacteria have attracted great interest in biotechnology for their potential in sustainable, photosynthesis-driven production of fuels and value-added chemicals. However, compared to heterotrophic microorganisms, cyanobacterial model strains still lag behind in terms of molecular tools for engineering their metabolism. Researchers have developed a new tool called the pSOMA shuttle vector series for comprehensive genetic engineering of cyanobacteria and demonstrated its potential in gene expression and transfer.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Xueying Zhu, Zhaoyang Zhang, Bin Jia, Yingjin Yuan
Summary: Synthetic biotechnology has been widely applied in biochemistry, bioenergy, and therapy, but the uncontrolled spread of GMOs poses unpredictable biosafety risks. Effective biocontainment methods have been developed to address these challenges. This article summarizes recent advances in biocontainment strategies in DNA replication, transcriptional regulation, and protein translation, and introduces the efforts in the biocontainment convention, such as the Tianjin Biosecurity Guidelines.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lyon Bruinsma, Sebastian Wenk, Nico J. Claassens, Vitor A. P. Martins dos Santos
Summary: In this study, the carbon metabolism of the industrially important bacterium Pseudomonas putida was engineered to utilize one-carbon compounds such as methanol, formate, and CO2 as sustainable microbial feedstocks for the production of chemicals and fuels. The functionality of the C1-assimilation module was demonstrated and successfully extended to include methanol and CO2. This research lays the foundation for further engineering P. putida as a sustainable and versatile cell factory that can utilize formate, methanol, and CO2 as sole feedstocks.
METABOLIC ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Stephen B. Rigoulot, Tayler M. Schimel, Jun Hyung Lee, Robert G. Sears, Holly Brabazon, Jessica S. Layton, Li Li, Kerry A. Meier, Magen R. Poindexter, Manuel J. Schmid, Erin M. Seaberry, Jared W. Brabazon, Jonathan A. Madajian, Michael J. Finander, John DiBenedetto, Alessandro Occhialini, Scott C. Lenaghan, C. Neal Stewart
Summary: Reverse genetics approaches have revolutionized plant biology and agriculture, the prospects of bridging plant phenotypes with genes are provided by phenomics, and genetically encoded fluorescent proteins have transformed plant biology paradigms. Despite the availability of a wide range of fluorescent proteins, modern phenomics has largely overlooked fluorescence as a transgene expression tool. The new platform, FILP, allows for stand-off imaging of plant canopies expressing a variety of FP genes, enabling rapid synthetic promoter screening and analysis of fluorescence signals in plant canopies.
PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Justice T. Walker
Summary: Despite limited knowledge of synthetic biology, middle school students have well-formed attitudes towards the field, indicating potential for further learning and engagement. The perspectives among this group are still developing and flexible, presenting opportunities for support and education in this emerging field.
JOURNAL OF SCIENCE EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cong Xu, Alessandro Fracassi, Christopher P. P. Baryiames, Ahanjit Bhattacharya, Neal K. K. Devaraj, Carlos R. R. Baiz
Summary: Bottom-up design of biomimetic organelles has gained attention in understanding the transition between non-living matter and life. This study investigates the interfacial H-bond networks in sponge-phase droplets composed of glycolipid and nonionic detergents using ultrafast 2D IR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. The results suggest that surfactant configurations and microscopic phase separation play a role in determining membrane curvature and slow dynamics in the sponge phase. This provides a molecular-level description for controlling phase and morphology in the design of synthetic lipid organelles.
Article
Biology
Sanni M. A. Farkkila, E. Toby Kiers, Raivo Jaaniso, Uno Maeorg, Roger M. Leblanc, Kathleen K. Treseder, Zhenhui Kang, Leho Tedersoo
Summary: Fluorescent nanoparticles (FNPs) have been widely used in chemistry and medicine, but their recent application in biology, especially in biosensing and molecular tracking, has been facilitated by advancements in non-Cd-containing FNPs. Standardized protocols and interdisciplinary approaches are critical for establishing FNPs in the biologist's toolkit.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Samar A. El-Kholy, Emad K. Radwan, Mehrez E. El-Naggar, Shaimaa T. El-Wakeel, Ibrahim El-Tantawy El Sayed
Summary: The current study aimed to develop a multifunctional cryogel using zinc oxide nanoparticles, xanthan gum, and cationic chitosan. The cryogel exhibited high adsorption efficiency for the removal of reactive yellow 145 dye and copper ions. Additionally, it demonstrated antimicrobial properties against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results suggest that the composite cryogel has potential applications in wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Yanfeng Liu, Xiaomin Dong, Bin Wang, Rongzhen Tian, Jianghua Li, Long Liu, Guocheng Du, Jian Chen
Summary: Animal-derived protein production faces challenges in meeting global needs due to population growth and environmental pollution. Food synthetic biology offers solutions with the development of cell factories for protein synthesis. Examples like artificial bioengineered milk and eggs demonstrate the transition in food protein supply through synthetic biology.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Neha Tiwari, Rakesh Kumar Mishra, Sakshi Gupta, Rakesh Srivastava, Soumya Aggarwal, Pradipta Bandyopadhyay, Manoj Munde
Summary: The study focused on tuning synthesis variables to create a highly fluorescent and stable DNA copper nanocluster, with optimized concentrations leading to the formation of a <1.0 nm DNA-encapsulated CuNC in AT-DNA. The small size of the AT-DNACuNC enabled discrete electronic transitions and a remarkably strong negative circular dichroism band, correlating with strong fluorescence emission intensity, indicating potential applications in specific DNACuNC detection. Time-dependent fluorescence analysis suggested enhanced photostabilization of these DNACuNCs, with simulation studies highlighting AT-DNA's superiority over GC-DNA in nanocluster formation.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Harwoko Harwoko, Georgios Daletos, Fabian Stuhldreier, Jungho Lee, Sebastian Wesselborg, Michael Feldbruegge, Werner E. G. Mueller, Rainer Kalscheuer, Elena Ancheeva, Peter Proksch
Summary: The study isolated several compounds with potential antifungal, antibacterial, and cytotoxic properties from endophytic fungi associated with ginger and willow, among which Pretrichodermamide A showed good activity against plant pathogenic fungi and human pathogenic bacteria, while Epicorazine A exhibited cytotoxicity against various cell lines. Further mechanistic studies revealed that Epicorazine A induces apoptotic cell death.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Qiang Li, Ang Song, Hui Yang, Werner E. G. Mueller
Summary: The study highlights the importance of natural recovery in restoring and rehabilitating degraded ecosystems, and contributes to the evaluation of interactions among soil-plant ecological networks.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Werner E. G. Mueller, Meik Neufurth, Shunfeng Wang, Heinz C. Schroder, Xiaohong Wang
Summary: Bleomycin (BLM) is a medication used to treat cancer, but its side effects, such as pulmonary fibrosis, can be reduced by co-administration with inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), potentially through upregulating the gene for BLM hydrolase. This study may also have implications for using BLM in COVID-19 patients, as polyP prevents the binding of SARS-CoV-2 to host cells.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
L. A. R. Righesso, M. Terekhov, H. Goetz, M. Ackermann, T. Emrich, L. M. Schreiber, W. E. G. Mueller, J. Jung, J. P. Rojas, B. Al-Nawas
Summary: The study found that dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) can be used to monitor neovascularization, but does not predict bone regeneration. Blood perfusion showed potential value in evaluating the efficacy of osteoplastic materials in the experiment.
CLINICAL ORAL INVESTIGATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mostafa A. Abdelshafi, Salma M. Fathy, Tarek A. Elkhooly, Fikry M. Reicha, Manal F. Osman
Summary: By self-assembling hydroxyapatite on collagen fibers in different ratios, we can improve the micro-tensile bond strength and potentially enhance adhesion to the carious zone and its durability.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
S. A. Alkaabi, D. S. Natsir Kalla, G. A. Alsabri, A. Fauzi, A. Tajrin, W. E. G. Mueller, H. C. Schroeder, X. G. Wang, T. Forouzanfar, M. N. Helder, M. Ruslin
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and osteoinductivity of Ca-polyP MPs as a bone-inducing graft material in humans. A prospective non-blinded first-in-man clinical pilot study of 8 alveolar cleft patients aged 13 years or older will be conducted to assess the safety and feasibility of Ca-PolyP MPs as a bone-inducing graft material, with clinical evaluation after 6 months.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Reham M. Goda, Ahmed M. El-Baz, Eman M. Khalaf, Nada K. Alharbi, Tarek A. Elkhooly, Mohamed M. Shohayeb
Summary: This study successfully inhibited bacterial colonization on urinary tract catheters by coating them with silver nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticles significantly inhibited the colonization of antibiotic-resistant clinical bacteria and showed stronger antibacterial effects against Gram-negative bacteria.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Heinz C. Schroeder, Xiaohong Wang, Meik Neufurth, Shunfeng Wang, Rongwei Tan, Werner E. G. Mueller
Summary: Two biocatalytically produced inorganic biomaterials, bio-silica and bio-polyphosphate (bio-polyP), have shown great potential in regenerative medicine and other medical applications. Bio-silica is synthesized by a group of enzymes called silicateins, which form amorphous hydrated silica from monomeric precursors. Bio-polyP has morphogenetic activity and can induce cell differentiation, as well as provide metabolic energy through enzymatic cleavage of its high-energy phosphoanhydride bonds. Silicatein and alkaline phosphatase are key enzymes involved in the metabolism and biological activity of these materials.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mousa AlTarabeen, Qosay Al-Balas, Amgad Albohy, Werner Ernst Georg Mueller, Peter Proksch
Summary: Manzamines are a group of compounds extracted from Acanthostrongylophora ingens species. We have identified and characterized seven compounds. Based on previous screening work by Mayer et al., who suggested that manzamine A could be an inhibitor of RSK1 kinase, our work focused on targeting the RSK1 N-terminal kinase domain. Docking using Autodock Vina software showed that Manzamine A N-oxide (5) exhibited the highest activity with an IC50 value of 3.1 μM.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Shunfeng Wang, Meik Neufurth, Hadrian Schepler, Rongwei Tan, Zhending She, Bilal Al-Nawas, Xiaohong Wang, Heinz C. Schroeder, Werner E. G. Mueller
Summary: Amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) precipitated in the presence of inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) has shown potential as a material for bone regeneration. ACC center dot PP particles, stabilized by polyP, have enzymatic activity that promotes the transformation of ACC into crystalline polymorphs. In experiments conducted in vitro and in vivo, ACC center dot PP was found to stimulate cell migration and accelerate wound healing, particularly in chronic wounds.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Werner E. G. Mueller, Meik Neufurth, Ingo Lieberwirth, Rafael Munoz-Espi, Shunfeng Wang, Heinz C. Schroeder, Xiaohong Wang
Summary: The novel mask filter mats attract, trap, and destroy viruses, with smart design capabilities.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hadrian Schepler, Xiaohong Wang, Meik Neufurth, Shunfeng Wang, Heinz C. Schroeder, Werner E. G. Mueller
Summary: PolyP can prevent the binding of the novel coronavirus to target cells, improve epithelial integrity and mucous barrier; in the airway system, polyP also releases metabolic energy through enzymatic hydrolysis by alkaline phosphatase.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mostafa Mabrouk, Tarek A. Elkhooly, Shaimaa K. Amer
Summary: This research investigated the influence of different Actinomycete strains on the properties of silver nanoparticles, finding that Streptomyces spiralis and Streptomyces rochei were able to produce AgNPs. The diversity and molecular weights of proteins secreted by these strains affected the polydispersity of AgNPs, highlighting the importance of biomacromolecule sizes on the physical properties of biogenic nanoparticles.
JOURNAL OF GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Werner E. G. Mueller, Meik Neufurth, Hadrian Schepler, Shunfeng Wang, Emad Tolba, Heinz C. Schroder, Xiaohong Wang
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2020)