Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sasan Zarei, Seyyed Mohammad Mousavi, Teimour Amani, Mehrdad Khamforoush, Arezou Jafari
Summary: This study simulated a lab-scale continuous packed-bed bioreactor with multi-sized distributed particles using computational fluid dynamics. The results showed good agreement with experimental data, with a relative error of less than 15%, making the proposed model suitable for scale-up, optimization, and evaluation of other kinetic models.
Article
Microbiology
Marcela Levio-Raiman, Cristian Bornhardt, M. Cristina Diez
Summary: This study establishes the foundation for implementing a continuous treatment system for wastewater containing a pesticide mixture of IPR and CHL using a bacterial consortium. Two bacterial strains were found to efficiently remove IPR and CHL at different concentrations as individual strains and in a free consortium. An immobilized bacterial consortium was formulated and evaluated for pesticide removal in batch experiments, with the highest removal efficiency observed at an inoculum concentration of 15% w/v. The packed-bed bioreactor with the immobilized consortium successfully removed IPR and CHL in continuous mode, achieving removal efficiencies of 96% and 82% respectively after 60 days of operation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fahri Koray Sakarya, Berat Zeki Haznedaroglu, Ulas Tezel
Summary: Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are key components in disinfectants used to combat the spread of SARS-CoV-2. This study demonstrates that a biocatalyst entrapped in calcium alginate beads can effectively degrade QACs, offering a cost-effective and robust treatment option for wastewater systems.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ganesh Swain, R. K. Sonwani, R. S. Singh, Ravi P. Jaiswal, B. N. Rai
Summary: In this study, a sponge-modified carrier, polypropylene-polyurethane foam (PP-PUF), was used in MBBR and PBBR for the biodegradation of 4-CP. Under identical conditions, MBBR showed higher removal efficiencies for 4-CP and COD due to the higher growth of biomass.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gulay Bayramoglu, M. Yakup Arica
Summary: The white rot fungus Lentinus sajor-caju was immobilized in Ca-alginate beads to increase fungal biodegradation activity for three different phenolic compounds. The immobilized biomass showed stable mechanical strength and high degradation rates, indicating a promising approach for phenol removal in wastewater treatment.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Satya Sundar Mohanty, D. Karthik Reddy, Hara Mohan Jena
Summary: This study investigated the effect of external mass transfer on the rate of butachlor biodegradation using calcium alginate immobilized microbial consortium SMC1 in a re-circulated up-flow packed bed bioreactor. By assuming first-order biodegradation kinetics, various operational parameters and external mass transfer on butachlor removal were explored. The mass transfer correlations obtained accurately predicted the experimental data.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hannaneh Rasouli, Ion Iliuta, Francis Bougie, Alain Garnier, Maria C. Iliuta
Summary: A novel enzymatic process using immobilized enzyme and magnetic nanoparticles in a packed-bed column bioreactor has been proposed to enhance CO2 absorption performance. The results demonstrated that the immobilized enzyme on the packing surface and magnetic nanoparticles exhibited high storage stability and could overcome the diffusion limitation of the enzyme on the packing surface. Overall, this technology design shows great potential for application.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xue-Jiao Liu, Bao-Di Ma, Xiao-Mei Wu, Yi Xu
Summary: A recombinant E. coli with dual-site expression plasmid pRSFduet was constructed to express nitrilase from Acidovorax facilis 72W. The soluble expression of nitrilase was higher in this recombinant E. coli compared to the pET21a plasmid. The immobilized cells of E. coli pRSF-AfNit2 showed excellent mechanical strength, 95% activity recovery, improved thermal and pH stability, and retained 82% of initial activity after storage for nearly two months. The semi-continuous packed-bed bioreactor (sPBR) filled with the immobilized cells achieved a high space-time yield of 1576 g/(L·d) for nicotinic acid production.
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
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Erminta Tsouko, Aikaterini Papadaki, Miguel Carmona-Cabello, M. P. Dorado, Denise Maria Guimaraes Freire, Seraphim Papanikolaou, Apostolis A. Koutinas
Summary: This study evaluated five Zygomycota strains as potential oleaginous microorganisms for direct bioconversion of cakes derived from the vegetable-oil-milling industry into microbial oil. Results showed that temperature, moisture content, and substrate affected lipid production and fatty acids composition.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Milad Parchami, Clarisse Uwineza, Onyinyechi H. Ibeabuchi, Bengt-Ove Rustas, Mohammad J. Taherzadeh, Amir Mahboubi
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the bioconversion of agro-industrial residues into volatile fatty acids (VFAs) for ruminant feed supplementation. The highest VFAs concentration was achieved through the co-digestion of thin stillage and potato protein liquor at pH 10 (14.2 g/L), with a yield of 0.85 g CODVFAs/g VSadded. Using a semi-continuous immersed membrane bioreactor (iMBR) at an organic loading rate of 3.7 gVS/L.day, the highest VFAs concentration of 28.6 g/L (1.2 g CODVFAs/gVSadded) was obtained. Evaluation: 9.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Caroline Lopes Perez, Fernanda Perpetua Casciatori, Joao Claudio Thomeo
Summary: The research focused on improving enzyme production through solid-state cultivation using a mixture of sugarcane bagasse and wheat bran to grow Myceliophthora thermophila I-1D3b fungus. Results showed higher enzyme activities in the most porous medium, and using an inner tube for air supply in the pilot-scale bioreactor resulted in more homogeneous and active enzyme production. These findings will be beneficial for scaling up this bioreactor for industrial applications.
BIOPROCESS AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Joao Paulo Henrique, Fernanda Perpetua Casciatori, Joao Claudio Thomeo
Summary: In this study, gas-sampling procedures were compared for sampling respiration gases in a packed-bed bioreactor used for solid-state cultivation. The results showed that sampling gases at low flow rate produced similar results to the end-to-end operation, while inefficient aeration of part of the bed strongly affected the gas concentrations and temperature. The findings provide valuable insights into microbial respiratory activity.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Natalia A. Rodrigues, Eric T. Katayama, Fernanda P. Casciatori
Summary: This study evaluated alternative modes of operation for a multilayer packed-bed bioreactor (PBB) in solid-state cultivation (SSC) processes, and found that continuous operation is feasible and advantageous, contributing to the operational versatility and scale-up of PBBs in the industrial advancement of SSC.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yi-Lu Sun, Si-Yuan Zhai, Zhi-Min Qian, Shan Yi, Wei-Qin Zhuang, Hao-Yi Cheng, Xue-Ning Zhang, Ai-Jie Wang
Summary: Elemental sulfur packed-bed (S0PB) bioreactors have become popular in wastewater treatment due to their carbon-free operation and low cost. However, the rapid microbial S0-disproportionation (MS0D) during deep denitrification is a drawback to this technology.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Cindy Ka Y. Law, Eduardo Bolea-Fernandez, Tong Liu, Luiza Bonin, Elien Wallaert, Kim Verbeken, Bart De Gusseme, Frank Vanhaecke, Nico Boon
Summary: This study investigates the formation process of biogenic palladium nanoparticles using various techniques. The distribution of palladium over cells is strongly dependent on Pd2+ concentration, biomass, and partial H-2 pressure. Additionally, cell density and H-2 partial pressure significantly affect the size of the nanoparticles.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kristel Mijnendonckx, Tom Rogiers, Francisco J. Gimenez del Rey, Mohamed L. Merroun, Adam Williamson, Md Muntasir Ali, Daniel Charlier, Natalie Leys, Nico Boon, Rob Van Houdt
Summary: Uranium contamination is a widespread issue caused by natural and human activities. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying uranium resistance in bacteria are still not well understood. This study investigated the resistance mechanisms of Cupriavidus metallidurans NA4 to toxic uranium concentrations. Through the increased expression of a specific small periplasmic protein, PrsQ2, the bacteria were able to form periplasmic uranium-phosphate precipitates, thus improving their resistance to uranium.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
N. Zayed, J. Ghesquiere, N. H. N. Kamarudin, K. Bernaerts, N. Boon, A. Braem, W. Van Holm, W. Teughels
Summary: Oral cryotherapy is a safe, simple, and low-cost treatment used in dentistry for oral lesions. However, its effect on oral biofilms was unknown. This study found that cryotherapy significantly reduced the biofilm load and had the potential to control the deterioration of oral biofilms by modifying their structure and composition.
JOURNAL OF DENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Paula Alejandra Lamprea Pineda, Kristof Demeestere, Manuel Toledo, Nico Boon, Herman Van Langenhove, Christophe Walgraeve
Summary: In this study, the removal of N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) was evaluated using a lab-scale biofilter for 472 days under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. The biofilter achieved an average removal efficiency of 99.7% at ambient temperature with an inlet load of 297g DMF/m3 h and an EBRT of 10.7 s. However, a decrease in EBRT and an increase in temperature led to a decrease in removal efficiency. Microbial analysis revealed that the dominant bacteria were Rhizobiaceae and Alcaligenaceae, but their abundance decreased with increasing temperature. Overall, biofiltration showed promise for removing DMF from waste gas streams.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kankana Kundu, Josefien Van Landuyt, Valerie Mattelin, Bram Martin, Marijke Neyts, Koen Parmentier, Nico Boon
Summary: This study found that the microbiome in sediment near a World War I munition dumpsite in the Belgian part of the North Sea can degrade 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). The degradation of TNT was enhanced by adding methanol and several enriched genera, such as Colwellia, Thalossospira, and Methylophaga, were identified as TNT-utilizing bacteria.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Valeria D'Ambrosio, Gonzalo Martinez, Emma Jones, Lorenzo Bertin, Carlo Pastore
Summary: A novel route was investigated to obtain ethyl hexanoate-rich streams from grape pomace, an agro by-product generated from the winery industry. Highly concentrated hexanoic acid (87 wt%) was efficiently produced through chain elongation fermentation, easily separated and reacted with ethanol using AlCl3 center dot 6H(2)O as a catalyst. This promising green and sustainable approach could produce ethyl esters of volatile fatty acids from agro by-products.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Valerie Mattelin, Lennert Verfaille, Kankana Kundu, Stefaan De Wildeman, Nico Boon
Summary: With the accumulation of plastic waste in both controlled waste management settings and natural settings, there is a need for solutions in the field of biodegradation. However, determining the biodegradability of plastics in natural environments remains challenging due to low biodegradation rates. This study validates a colorimetric test using carbon nanodots to screen the biodegradation of plastics in natural environments. The results indicate that this method is a good alternative, but a combination of different methods provides the most information.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Eliana C. Guarda, Eunice Costa, Catia Gil, Catarina L. Amorim, Claudia F. Galinha, Anouk F. Duque, Paula M. L. Castro, Maria A. M. Reis
Summary: Traditional tools for controlling and monitoring biological systems are often offline and time-consuming, leading to ineffective and delayed responses. This study evaluated the feasibility of using two-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy as a real-time and non-destructive procedure to monitor acidogenic fermentation in a granular sludge reactor. The results showed that fluorescence spectroscopy combined with mathematical analysis could accurately predict fermentation products and soluble protein concentrations in the effluent.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Stefano Frigo, Anna Maria Raspolli Galletti, Sara Fulignati, Domenico Licursi, Lorenzo Bertin, Gonzalo Agustin Martinez, Gianluca Pasini
Summary: This study investigates the production of oxygenated bio-additives from waste biomass and their effects on diesel engine performance and exhaust emissions. The results show that the bio-additives have significant positive effects on reducing carbon monoxide and soot emissions, and can be blended with commercial diesel fuel without altering engine performance.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kevin Sabbe, Liese D'Haen, Nico Boon, Ramon Ganigu
Summary: As part of the circular bio-economy paradigm shift, waste management has shifted focus towards producing added-value compounds. The use of mixed culture bioprocesses for converting waste to platform chemicals has gained interest, but these processes often lack microbiological diversity and are prone to disturbances. To address this, flow cytometry was used to monitor a lactic acid chain elongation process for caproic acid production, allowing for qualitative and quantitative assessment. Specific community types were identified and correlated to functionality and genotypic diversity, and machine-learning algorithms showed high accuracy in predicting production rates.
Review
Microbiology
Fabian Mermans, Valerie Mattelin, Ruben van den Eeckhoudt, Cristina Garcia-Timermans, Josefien Van Landuyt, Yuting Guo, Irene Taurino, Filip Tavernier, Michael Kraft, Hira Khan, Nico Boon
Summary: New techniques in single-cell research have revolutionized our ability to study microbes at unprecedented scales and depths. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art technologies in single-cell analysis in microbial ecology applications, particularly highlighting optical tools like flow cytometry and Raman spectroscopy, as well as emerging electrical techniques. The objectives of this review include showcasing the diversity of single-cell optical approaches, discussing successful applications, exploring emerging techniques, and promoting the integration of established and novel approaches in research.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Thomas Pluym, Cristina Garcia-Timermans, Sander Vervloet, Riet Cornelissen, Nico Boon, Bart De Gusseme
Summary: The use of advanced membrane processes, such as reverse osmosis (RO), is crucial for producing process water and drinking water that meet microbiological standards. However, bacterial breakthrough and the passage of ultra-small species of bacteria can occur in reverse osmosis systems. Currently, microbiological and breakthrough monitoring is done through plating methods and conductivity monitoring, but this case study demonstrates the added value of using on-line flow cytometry for monitoring membrane integrity and microbial quality.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Angeliki Marietou, Jennie Spicker Schmidt, Martin R. Rasmussen, Alberto Scoma, Soren Rysgaard, Leendert Vergeynst
Summary: There is a renewed interest in hydrocarbon biodegradation in Arctic seawaters due to increasing ship traffic and risk for oil spills. This study found that oil-degrading bacteria in the Arctic waters are tolerant to mild hydrostatic pressures, but their activity can be affected at higher pressures.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paula Alejandra Lamprea Pineda, Kristof Demeestere, Jose Joaquin Gonzalez-Cortes, Allan A. Alvarado-Alvarado, Nico Boon, Frank Devlieghere, Herman Van Langenhove, Christophe Walgraeve
Summary: This study investigated the removal of difficult-to-degrade VOC mixtures using biofiltration and the impact of operational conditions. The results showed that the type of inoculum and packing material influenced the removal efficiency, and different microbial populations dominated in the biofilters.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ruben Van den Eeckhoudt, An-Sofie Christiaens, Frederik Ceyssens, Vasileios Vangalis, Kevin J. Verstrepen, Nico Boon, Filip Tavernier, Michael Kraft, Irene Taurino
Summary: This paper introduces a microfluidic device for full-electric cell capturing, analyzing, and selectively releasing single cells. The device was experimentally demonstrated on Saccharomyces cerevisiae, showing potential for small-scale, high-throughput single-cell analysis and sorting.
