Review
Agricultural Engineering
Mercedes Llamas, Silvia Greses, Jose Antonio Magdalena, Cristina Gonzalez-Fernandez, Elia Tomas-Pejo
Summary: Global reliance on fossil oil should shift to cleaner alternatives, such as biochemicals produced from lignocellulosic biomass (LCB), to achieve a decarbonized society. However, the low biodegradability of LCB and inhibitory compounds released during pretreatment pose challenges for LCB valorization. This review discusses efficient LCB conversion using sugar and carboxylate platforms, and highlights the use of microbial communities and co-cultures to overcome constraints at the microbiological level.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Lihao Fu, Erpeng Guo, Jianzhi Zhang, Keyi Li, Yongcan Chen, Tong Si
Summary: Microbial cell factories play a crucial role in converting renewable feedstocks into chemicals and materials. The lack of predictive modeling has made high-throughput screening essential for microbial strain engineering. Mass spectrometry (MS) has emerged as a powerful tool for label-free detection, offering high sensitivity and chemical specificity. Recent advancements in rapid MS assays have significantly improved screening efficiency for microbial libraries, approaching a rate of one sample per second. However, unique challenges in MS screening of strain libraries need to be addressed for future solutions.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michael Sauer, Hans Marx
Summary: Division of labor is crucial for the success of microbial life on Earth, and it has great potential for industrial microbiology. Stable microbial communities can serve as environmentally friendly self-replicating enzymatic catalysts, making them valuable for green chemistry.
CURRENT OPINION IN GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
E. G. F. Rezende, G. H. D. Oliveira, P. T. Couto, M. Zaiat, R. Ribeiro
Summary: Models were developed to represent the selection of PHA-producing microorganisms in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and the accumulation of PHA in a fed-batch reactor from sugarcane vinasse. Sensitivity analysis and optimization were conducted to understand the influence of parameters and operational conditions on PHA production. The results showed that higher CODt/Nitrogen ratios in the SBR favored the growth response rather than storage, shedding light on the impact of CODt/Nitrogen ratio on PHA accumulation.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
X. Xu, R. Qu, W. Wu, C. Jiang, D. Shao, J. Shi
Summary: This study compared new polyketides produced in co-culture systems and discussed the activation mechanism of polyketide synthase genes, which is important for the production of pure therapeutic polyketides and the development of functional foods. The study provided a new perspective for research on functional foods, especially those involving multiple micro-organisms.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
T. Pinto, X. Flores-Alsina, K. Gernaey, H. Junicke
Summary: This paper summarizes the research done over the past decade on biobutanol production from low-value and waste residues, discussing different feedstock alternatives and the predominant biological pathways for butanol production in ABE fermentation and syngas fermentation. The review compares current titers, productivities and yields of single and mixed microbial cultures, showing the extent to which the mixed microbial culture approach can compete with pure cultures and delving into the advantages and obstacles of each technology. Based on low-value and waste residue feedstocks, there are clear incentives to use mixed microbial fermentation as the predominant production platform for biobutanol and focus future research on this promising technology.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Marika Hofmann, Thomas Heine, Luise Malik, Sarah Hofmann, Kristin Joffroy, Christoph Helmut Rudi Senges, Julia Elisabeth Bandow, Dirk Tischler
Summary: The study focuses on optimizing bacterial strains to produce siderophores for the recovery and recycling of valuable metals using new technologies. Different carbon sources significantly affect the production and rate of siderophores. Genomic sequencing revealed the presence of different series of siderophore gene clusters in various bacteria, providing a new approach for metal ion recovery.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Etienne Paul, Yolaine Bessiere, Claire Dumas, Elisabeth Girbal-Neuhauser
Summary: Biopolymers are becoming increasingly attractive for the production of chemicals, with microbial production being a key focus. Utilizing open mixed microbial cultures for biopolymer production from organic wastes can reduce costs and create new resources. Research on microbial community enrichment strategies is ongoing to make industrial biopolymer production a reality.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Fernanda Pinto-Ibieta, Mara Cea, Antonio Serrano, Fernando E. Felissia, Maria Cristina Area, Francisco Cabrera, Gustavo Ciudad
Summary: A novel strategy for the co-production of AA, LA, and PHB using mixed microbial cultures (MMC) is proposed in this study. The MMC, selected from an inoculum obtained from a wastewater treatment plant, underwent a feast and famine culture strategy in a sequential batch reactor, coupled with a batch reactor step to enhance the accumulation of AA and LA. Results showed that the MMC could produce 16±2, 23±1, and 5±1% (g compound/g volatile solids) of AA, LA, and PHB, respectively, using synthetic hemicellulose hydrolysate as the carbon source. These findings contribute to further research and optimization of the biosynthesis of these compounds by MMC.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Fang Fang, Run-Ze Xu, Yan-Qiu Huang, Jing-Yang Luo, Wen-Ming Xie, Bing-Jie Ni, Jia-Shun Cao
Summary: The study found that N2O is an effective electron acceptor for PHA production, with the highest PHA yield and synthesis rate obtained using acetic acid as substrate. Low temperature and pH of 8.0 were beneficial for PHA accumulation. The thermogravimetric analysis showed that PHA produced with N2O as electron acceptor has better thermal stability.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lingling Guo, Zhongxing Wang, Xinxin Xu, Liguang Xu, Zhengyou Wang, Hua Kuang, Chuanlai Xu
Summary: A rapid, simple, and sensitive lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) was developed for quantitative detection of berberine in feed samples, showing good consistency in actual feed sample tests and suitable for fast on-site screening.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Simone Bagatella, Riccardo Ciapponi, Elena Ficara, Nicola Frison, Stefano Turri
Summary: By utilizing microalgae and sludge in the treatment of municipal wastewater, this project investigated the feasibility of producing sustainable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) with high molecular weights and different compositions. The obtained amorphous PHA materials suggest a potential diversification of uses and applications.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ahmad A. Mannan, Declan G. Bates
Summary: The study demonstrates how engineering positive feedback loops into the genetic circuitry creates a metabolic switch that requires only temporary induction with a cheap nutrient to drastically reduce inducer use and cost. This promising strategy aims to increase product synthesis from bacteria.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dongna Li, Xu Yan, Yachao Li, Xiaojun Ma, Jianing Li
Summary: Creating value-added products has become the best choice for pretreating biomass waste, and producing biopolymer PHA using mixed microbial cultures in waste activated sludge is a potential alternative to traditional petrochemical plastics. By optimizing the process conditions, the production and quality of PHA can be improved.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Marian Simon Schulz, Cay Bennet Sartorius von Bach, Emilija Marinkovic, Claudia Guenther, Rayk Behrendt, Axel Roers
Summary: As a key enzyme in ribonucleotide excision repair, RNase H2 is crucial for removing single ribonucleotides from DNA to prevent genome damage. Loss of RNase H2 activity is directly linked to the development of autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases, as well as potential involvement in aging and neurodegeneration. Furthermore, RNase H2 activity can serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for various types of cancer. However, there is currently no validated method for quantifying RNase H2 activity in clinical settings.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Peng Peng, Christina S. Kang-Yun, Jin Chang, Wenyu Gu, Alan A. DiSpirito, Jeremy D. Semrau
Summary: In this study, different forms of methanobactin (MB) are shown to be collected by specific TonB-dependent transporters (TBDTs) in different methanotrophs. The presence of exogenous MB induces expression of its specific TBDT, suggesting active uptake of MB produced by other methanotrophs. These findings contribute to understanding microbial competition for copper and the coordination of methane monooxygenase expression through MB uptake.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Philip Dershwitz, Wenyu Gu, Julien Roche, Christina S. Kang-Yun, Jeremy D. Semrau, Thomas A. Bobik, Bruce Fulton, Hans Zischka, Alan A. DiSpirito
Summary: Methanobactins are peptides produced by methanotrophs for copper uptake. The gene mbnC, found in all methanobactin operons, is involved in the formation of two heterocyclic groups.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Martin Walter, Gerald Geroldinger, Lars Gille, Stephan M. Kraemer, Walter D. C. Schenkeveld
Summary: The potential for natural attenuation of chrysotile asbestos in soils critically depends on soil chemical parameters and the presence of cement in association with the fibers. The dissolution rate of chrysotile decreases with increasing soil pH, and dissolved organic carbon does not significantly accelerate dissolution.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chuang Qi, Yiwen Zhou, Toshikazu Suenaga, Kohei Oba, Jilai Lu, Guoxiang Wang, Limin Zhang, Sukhwan Yoon, Akihiko Terada
Summary: Choosing appropriate electron donor additives is important for increasing the N2O sink capability of biological nitrogen removal systems. Different organic carbon sources have different effects on the activity of N2O-reducing bacteria, with acetate and succinate being the preferred organic carbon sources.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
D. S. McLagan, L. Schwab, J. G. Wiederhold, L. Chen, J. Pietrucha, S. M. Kraemer, H. Biester
Summary: Interpretation of Hg geochemistry can be challenging due to the complexity of Hg transformation processes. In this study, we demonstrate the improved interpretation of Hg geochemistry by combining Hg stable isotope analyses with established methods. This approach allows us to identify specific Hg transformation processes and trace their behavior in environmental systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jin Chang, Peng Peng, Alan A. DiSpirito, Jeremy D. Semrau
Summary: This study demonstrates that different forms of methanobactin have varying effects on N2O emissions from Pseudomonas stutzeri strain DCP-Ps1 and Dechloromonas aromatica strain RCB. This research contributes to our understanding of how aerobic methanotrophs compete with denitrifiers for copper uptake and suggests how methanobactins prevent copper collection by denitrifiers, thus regulating the expression of nitrous oxide reductase. The findings provide critical information for predicting net greenhouse gas emissions controlled by microbial activity and improving predictive models.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kyle J. Chardi, Anshuman Satpathy, Walter D. C. Schenkeveld, Naresh Kumar, Vincent Noel, Stephan M. Kraemer, Daniel E. Giammar
Summary: Organic ligands have the potential to enhance the dissolution of crystalline uraninite and noncrystalline U(IV), leading to the mobilization of U forms. The extent of U mobilization is greater for noncrystalline U(IV) than for crystalline uraninite. This study suggests that organic ligands present in the environment can undermine the stability of immobilized U(IV) sources by mobilizing U forms to hazardous levels under anoxic conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Peng Peng, Wenyu Gu, Alan A. DiSpirito, Jeremy D. Semrau
Summary: This study reveals different mechanisms for copper uptake in methanotrophs, expanding our understanding of how methanotrophs collect and compete for copper, which may have implications for future manipulation of methanotrophs for various environmental and industrial applications.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Martin Walter, Walter D. C. Schenkeveld, Maura Tomatis, Karin Schelch, Barbara Peter-Voroesmarty, Gerald Geroldinger, Lars Gille, Maria C. Bruzzoniti, Francesco Turci, Stephan M. Kraemer, Michael Grusch
Summary: Chrysotile asbestos is a carcinogenic mineral that contains reactive iron surface sites. When oxidized by H2O2, chromium readily dissolves from the fibers and accumulates in lung tissues and cancer cells. However, unlike iron, chromium does not significantly contribute to the radical production of chrysotile.
CHEMICAL RESEARCH IN TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Heejoo Han, Min Joon Song, Daehyun D. Kim, Taeho Yun, Hyun Yoon, Hong Woon Lee, Young Mo Kim, Michele Laureni, Sukhwan Yoon
Summary: Self-sustaining biotrickling filtration, tested at a full-scale WWTP, showed promising results in mitigating N2O emissions under realistic operational conditions, demonstrating its robustness and effectiveness.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Andrew Stewart, Philip Dershwitz, Charles Stewart, Michael R. Sawaya, Todd O. Yeates, Jeremy D. Semrau, Hans Zischka, Alan A. DiSpirito, Thomas A. Bobik
Summary: Methanobactins (MBs) are post-translationally modified peptides used by methanotrophs for copper acquisition. The biosynthetic pathway of MB formation is not fully understood, and there are still uncharacterized proteins in some MB gene clusters. This study focused on MbnF, a proposed flavin monooxygenase (FMO) protein, and found that it binds the precursor peptide for MB and may be involved in its processing. The X-ray crystal structure of MbnF was resolved, revealing its structural features and supporting its role as a type A FMO.
ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION F-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jin Chang, Peng Peng, Muhammad Farhan Ul-Haque, Abid Hira, Alan A. DiSpirito, Jeremy D. Semrau
Summary: Copper plays a critical role in controlling greenhouse gas emissions, and methanobactin (MB) secreted by methanotrophs can limit the ability of other microbes to gather copper, thereby impacting microbial community composition. This study shows that different forms of MB increased nitrous oxide (N2O) production and caused significant shifts in microbial community composition in forest soils. The effects of MB were strongest in low-copper soils, and MB-SB2 had a stronger effect due to its higher affinity for copper. The presence of MB also inhibited nitrite reduction and altered the presence of specific genes involved in denitrification.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Eric A. Davidson, Jeremy D. Semrau, Nguyen K. Nguyen
Summary: Reducing methane emissions is crucial for effectively and rapidly slowing down climate change. A colloquium was held to gather experts in methane research and discuss the impact of microbial processes on waste management and agricultural practices. Urgent support for microbiology research is needed to accelerate the realization of these solutions.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Peng Peng, Junwon Yang, Alan A. Dispirito, Jeremy D. Semrau
Summary: The oxidation of methane by aerobic methanotrophs is regulated by the availability of copper. MmoD plays a critical role in the maturation of soluble methane monooxygenase and controls the expression of methanobactin. These findings provide insights into the components of the copper switch and offer new strategies for manipulating methanotrophic activity.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
David S. McLagan, Harald Biester, Tomas Navratil, Stephan M. Kraemer, Lorenz Schwab
Summary: Trees mainly absorb mercury from the atmosphere through stomatal uptake and store it in different parts of the tree. Mercury concentrations in tree rings can indicate historical atmospheric mercury levels. However, there are still significant knowledge gaps in understanding the cycling of mercury within trees.
