Article
Microbiology
Ana Segura, Zulema Udaondo, Lazaro Molina
Summary: Novosphingobium sp. HR1a is a good biodegrader of PAHs and aromatic compounds that can colonize rhizospheric environments. The regulator gene PahT influences central carbon fluxes to favor degradation of PAHs and mono-aromatic compounds, as well as the metabolism of ethanol, acetate, and saccharides. PahT also regulates genes for PAH catabolism and involved in saccharide uptake by PTS system. Additionally, PahT activation of thiosulfate utilization and an alternative cytochrome oxidase system provides advantages for survival in rhizospheric environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
T. S. Rejiniemon, R. Lekshmi, Hissah Abdulrahman Alodaini, Ashraf Atef Hatamleh, Rengasamy Sathya, Palaniselvam Kuppusamy, Munirah Abdullah Al-Dosary, M. Kalaiyarasi
Summary: This study screened three bacterial strains capable of degrading naphthalene (NAP) using an enrichment culture method. The identified strains were Bacillus cereus CK1, Pseudomonas aeruginosa KD4, and Enterobacter aerogenes SR6. The bacterial consortium demonstrated efficient NAP degradation under optimal conditions, highlighting its potential for removing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shimei Ge, Junxia Gu, Wenjing Ai, Xinjiao Dong
Summary: Pyrene and chromium (Cr(VI)) are persistent pollutants that are toxic to organisms and difficult to remediate, but the application of a mixture of two bacterial strains has shown potential for more efficient bioremediation of pyrene and Cr(VI).
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yusuke Nakakuki, Takashi Hirose, Hikaru Sotome, Min Gao, Daiki Shimizu, Ruiji Li, Jun-Ya Hasegawa, Hiroshi Miyasaka, Kenji Matsuda
Summary: Helically twisted conductive nanocarbon materials are suitable for optoelectronic and electromagnetic molecular devices on the nanometer scale, showing a large effective conjugation length and ultrafast decay dynamics. The extended π-helicenes achieved a large effective conjugation length through helical fusion, leading to an absorption edge in the near-infrared region.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiushang Xu, Amy L. Vonder Haar, Rengo Yoshioka, Qizheng Zhang, Serhii Vasylevskyi, Andrew J. Musser, Akimitsu Narita
Summary: A benzo[rst]pentaphene derivative, BPP-MeOPA, was synthesized and characterized by NMR and single-crystal X-ray analysis. Investigation of its photophysical properties, including transient absorption spectroscopy, revealed improved absorption and emission features from an S-1 state with excitonic and charge-transfer character by introducing MeOPA groups.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Meng Qiao, Weixiao Qi, Huijuan Liu, Jiuhui Qu
Summary: Oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs) have higher concentrations and toxicity in water environments, posing significant ecological risks to surface water ecosystems.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Yushi Ohno, Shogo Ando, Daisuke Furusho, Ryoyu Hifumi, Yuuya Nagata, Ikuyoshi Tomita, Shinsuke Inagi
Summary: Here, a facile and selective synthesis of cationic azatriphenylene derivatives was achieved through electrochemical intramolecular cyclization, where the key step involves atom-economical C-H pyridination without a transition-metal catalyst or an oxidant. This proposed strategy provides a practical approach for introducing cationic nitrogen (N (+)) into pi-electron systems, thus expanding the molecular design of N (+)-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Huimin Zhong, Cong Jiang, Jiahui Zou, Guancheng Zhu, Yanyan Huang
Summary: In this study, CeO2-based porous carbonaceous frameworks (CeO2 PCFs) were used as antioxidant nanozymes to scavenge reactive oxygen species and absorb benzo[a]pyrene. CeO2 PCFs exhibited excellent superoxide dismutase-like and catalase-like activity, effectively eliminating superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, and hydrogen peroxide. The 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) free radical scavenging assay confirmed the free radical scavenging ability of CeO2 PCFs. Furthermore, CeO2 PCFs with large surface area and porous structure efficiently adsorbed benzo[a]pyrene. The designed CeO2 PCFs can serve as new antioxidant nanozymes for scavenging reactive oxygen species and adsorbing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoyan Qi, Huimin Wang, Xinyu Gao, Lei Zhang, Sen Wang, Xia Wang, Ping Xu
Summary: This study discovered an anaerobic bacterium, Pseudomonas putida B6-2, capable of degrading aromatic compounds and generating electricity in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The bacterium successfully removed multiple aromatic compound pollutants and achieved high power densities in MFCs using a nickel-coated sponge with a three-dimensional macroporous structure as the anode. Preliminary analysis suggests that P. putida B6-2 may transfer extracellular electrons through redox mediators and microbial nanowires.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Thomas Liu, Baptiste Carles, Christine Elias, Claire Tonnele, Daniel Medina-Lopez, Akimitsu Narita, Yannick Chassagneux, Christophe Voisin, David Beljonne, Stephane Campidelli, Loic Rondin, Jean-Sebastien Lauret
Summary: In this study, we conducted single-molecule spectroscopy at cryogenic temperatures to investigate the optical properties of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). We found that temperature has an effect on the spectral characteristics of GQDs, and we used density functional theory calculations to explain these observations. Additionally, we discovered that the vibrational features can serve as a unique fingerprint for identifying GQDs.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jamie M. Dearnley, Charles Killeen, Rebecca L. Davis, Vince P. Palace, Gregg T. Tomy
Summary: This article reviews the metabolism and toxicity of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in fish and presents various methods for analyzing metabolite-containing bile. Recent environmental monitoring studies demonstrate the utility of this technique in assessing oil spill pollution, establishing baseline exposure, and evaluating pollution in urban waterways.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiaxing Lu, Jian Zhang, Huijun Xie, Yuming Jing, Mingde Ji, Zhen Hu
Summary: In this study, a novel wastewater treatment process combining sequencing batch reactor, constructed wetland and microalgal membrane photobioreactor (BCM process) was proposed. The process achieved satisfactory removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their substituted derivatives (SPAHs), and significantly reduced bacterial toxicity and genotoxicity. Microalgae played an important role in ensuring water security.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhiyang Lu, Weijun Tian, Surong Zhang, Meile Chu, Jing Zhao, Bingkun Liu, Kun Yang, Huimin Cao, Zhuo Chen
Summary: This study investigated the spatiotemporal distribution, source, and ecological risk of PAHs and SPAHs in surface sediments in Laizhou Bay. The results showed seasonal differences in concentrations of PAHs and SPAHs and a spatial distribution trend of estuary > coast > offshore. Combustion sources, including petroleum, coal, and biomass, were identified as the main contributors to PAHs and SPAHs. The risk level of PAHs was low-to-moderate, while SPAHs posed a moderate-to-high ecological risk.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Yan-Ying Wu, Yi-Lin Wu, Cheng-Lan Lin, Hung-Cheng Chen, Yao-Yuan Chuang, Chih-Hsien Chen, Chih-Ming Chou
Summary: A strategy for the synthesis of dibenz-[a,j]-anthracenes (DBAs) from cyclohexa-2,5-diene-1-carboxylic acids is presented. The method involves sequential C-H olefination, cycloaddition, and decarboxylative aromatization, leading to regioselective ring formation and functional group introduction.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Tomer Weiss, Alexandra Wahab, Alex M. Bronstein, Renana Gershoni-Poranne
Summary: In this study, interpretable deep learning was used to identify the structure-property relationships of polybenzenoid hydrocarbons (PBHs) using a ring-based graph representation. The results showed agreement with conventional organic chemistry knowledge and electronic structure-based analyses, while also revealing new behaviors and influential structural motifs. The effects of linear, angular, and branching motifs on molecular properties were evaluated and compared, and the role of dispersion in mitigating torsional strain in nonplanar PBHs was explored. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of PBH behavior and provide a foundation for designing new functional PBHs.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xuemei Yao, Fei Tao, Hongzhi Tang, Haiyang Hu, Weiwei Wang, Ping Xu
Summary: This study identified SrpR as a specific repressor in Pseudomonas putida B6-2, regulating the gene expression of the RND efflux pump ttgABC. This represents a novel strategy for balancing gene transcription with partially overlapping substrate profiles.
MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sagyman Zhadyra, Xiao Han, Bakytzhan B. Anapiyayev, Fei Tao, Ping Xu
Summary: Shubat and Ayran are popular traditional fermented milk products in Kazakhstan, but there is limited knowledge about their natural microbial diversity. This study used high-throughput sequencing and traditional culture-dependent methods to evaluate bacterial diversity in these products, identifying indigenous strains and natural bacterial diversity. The results are expected to improve commercial production and quality control of these milk products.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Zikang Zhou, Hongzhi Tang, Weiwei Wang, Lige Zhang, Fei Su, Yuanting Wu, Linquan Bai, Sicong Li, Yuhui Sun, Fei Tao, Ping Xu
Summary: Research shows that a cold-shock protein from a thermophile strain can provide high-temperature resistance and enhance growth rates of microorganisms at normal temperatures.
Article
Microbiology
Fei Tao, Hongzhi Tang, Shuguang Zhang, Mengke Li, Ping Xu
Summary: A comprehensive Web server, PSS, was developed for designing water-soluble mutants of α-helical membrane proteins based on QTY design. The server was successfully evaluated with microbial transmembrane proteins and GPCRs, showing its convenience, efficiency, accuracy, and rationality. PSS is readily available worldwide as a Web-based tool for QTY-based protein engineering.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuchi Zhang, Dui Ma, Zhifei Chen, Asma Iqbal, Jinhai Hu, Ming Chen, Xuejiao Liu, Tsegaye Tadesse Tsega, Hira Fazal, Ping Xu, Fei Tao, Jiantao Zai, Xuefeng Qian
Summary: The study introduces a highly-efficient renewable electrochemical system that can fix atmospheric CO2 into biomass chemicals and selectively oxidize a broad range of chemicals. By utilizing Fe2CoSe4 electrocatalysts and KI as the oxidant, overpotential and energy consumption can be significantly reduced.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xing Liu, Xiao Han, Yuan Peng, Chunlin Tan, Jing Wang, Hongsong Xue, Ping Xu, Fei Tao
Summary: In this study, a highly efficient whole-cell catalyst for l-DOPA production using Vibrio natriegens as the chassis was developed. Vibrio natriegens exhibited rapid protein expression and catalytic rate, leading to higher productivity in the early stage of biocatalysis. These findings highlight the remarkable potential of Vibrio natriegens as a whole-cell catalysis chassis for the production of valuable chemicals.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xurong Yao, Peng Liu, Bo Chen, Xiaoyan Wang, Fei Tao, Zhanglin Lin, Xiaofeng Yang
Summary: In this study, a set of synthetic acid-tolerance modules was designed and directed evolution was used to construct an acid-responsive asr promoter library. The best strain with enhanced growth robustness and productivity under mildly acidic conditions was identified, providing a promising synthetic-biology strategy for industrial strains.
MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bei Li, Miao Liu, Feng Lin, Cui Tai, Yanfei Xiong, Ling Ao, Yumin Liu, Zhixin Lin, Fei Tao, Ping Xu
Summary: This study developed a new food identification method based on the combination of machine learning with chromatography, using Chinese liquors as an example. By optimizing sample preparation and selecting suitable machine learning algorithms, high accuracy identification results were achieved. The method is not only effective in identifying the geographical origins and flavor types of Chinese liquors but also has potential for application in other foods with complex components.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chunlin Tan, Ping Xu, Fei Tao
Summary: Global warming and climate instability have sparked interest in using renewable carbon resources for sustainable chemical production. Cyanobacteria, with their ability to directly use light and CO2 as energy and carbon sources, respectively, are ideal cellular factories for carbon-negative production of chemicals. However, adapting cyanobacterial technology to industry still faces challenges such as low productivity, poor tolerance, and difficulties in product harvesting, which may be addressed by synthetic biology.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiao Han, Jiongqin Liu, Sen Tian, Fei Tao, Ping Xu
Summary: This article discusses the feasibility and technical challenges of using biodegradable plastics as green substitutes for traditional plastics, introduces the basic properties of the main biodegradable plastics on the market, and proposes strategies to advance their commercial production through metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. It also analyzes the main challenges facing the current development of bio-based biodegradable plastic biosynthesis technology.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eva Smorodina, Igor Diankin, Fei Tao, Rui Qing, Steve Yang, Shuguang Zhang
Summary: Solute carrier transporters play vital roles in cellular nutrient transports and other biological activities. In this study, we used AlphaFold2 to predict the 3D structures of 13 human solute carrier transporters and discovered that hydrophobic amino acid substitutions can make these transporters water-soluble. Our findings have implications in the design of water-soluble transmembrane proteins.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mengke Li, Yanze Wang, Fei Tao, Ping Xu, Shuguang Zhang
Summary: This study designed variants of antibodies using the QTY code and found that these variants showed significantly decreased aggregation propensity. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the QTY code design maintained antigen-binding affinity and structural stability. The study suggests that the QTY code has significant potential in mitigating antibody aggregation.
PROTEINS-STRUCTURE FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chunlin Tan, Ping Xu, Fei Tao
Summary: Rationally controlling cellular metabolism is challenging due to its complex and chaotic nature. In this study, a global metabolic reprogramming platform was developed using sensory proteins and gene interference technology. The platform enables the decoding of gene interactions and has been shown to effectively reduce antibiotic resistance and increase metabolite production in bacteria. A web-based service platform has also been provided for easy implementation of this strategy in various cells.
Correction
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chunlin Tan, Fei Tao, Ping Xu
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chunlin Tan, Fei Tao, Ping Xu
Summary: This study developed a cyanobacterial cell factory that can directly synthesize PLA from CO2, resulting in a significant increase in PLA production compared to conventional methods. The PLA produced by this cell factory has a high molecular weight and shows promise for commercialization.
