Review
Chemistry, Physical
Zhuang Li, Qi Han, Kun Wang, Shaoyu Song, Yaju Xue, Xiuling Ji, Jiali Zhai, Yuhong Huang, Suojiang Zhang
Summary: This review provides an overview of the use of biocompatible ionic liquids (bio-ILs) in biocatalysis. It discusses the unique properties of bio-ILs and their effects on enzyme structure and activity. The review also highlights the applications of bio-ILs in homogenous and multiphasic systems, as well as their potential use in modifying enzyme carrier materials. Furthermore, it provides expert opinions on future research directions and industrial applications of bio-ILs in biocatalysis.
CATALYSIS REVIEWS-SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dan Wang, Jianing Gui, Binbin Pan, Mengxuan Li, Yun Kuang, Chenchen Zhang, Junjun Mao, Yang Lou, Chengsi Pan, Fengwang Li, Yanguang Li, Yuhang Wang, Yongfa Zhu, Ying Zhang
Summary: Adjusting the microstructure of Cu/Cu-based catalysts is a common method to improve ECO2RR performance, but the relationship between microstructure and the induced multi-microenvironment variations is still unclear. In this study, a controllable approach of introducing nanoporous structures on Cu nanosheets (Cu NSs) is proposed to modulate the surface and reaction microenvironment, synergistically enhancing ECO2RR activity.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Hao-Ran Zhang, Wen-Xiao Ma, Xiao-Yang Han, Gui-E. Chen, Zhen-Liang Xu, Hai-Fang Mao
Summary: A novel pullulanase@chitosan porous beads/Poly (m-phthaloyl-m-phenylenediamine) membrane was prepared by introducing immobilized enzyme (PULL@CPB) onto a PMIA membrane using a self-adhesive method. The modified membrane showed good separation and biocatalysis properties, improving protoplasmic beer refining and reducing alcohol-to-ester ratio. The optimal conditions for enzyme loading and coagulation bath composition were determined, leading to high enzyme activity and interception rates.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jasim Zia, Giorgio Mancini, Matteo Bustreo, Arkadiusz Zych, Roberto Donno, Athanassia Athanassiou, Despina Fragouli
Summary: This article presents the development of biobased colorimetric pH porous indicators composed of anthocyanins from red cabbage, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and microcrystalline cellulose. The inclusion of microcrystalline cellulose in the composite enhances stability, porosity, interconnectivity, and responsiveness to acidic or basic vapors. The color changes are reversible and easily perceivable through visual analysis, demonstrating potential applications in environmental protection and intelligent food packaging.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Roha Riaz, Mubeen Ashraf, Nazim Hussain, Zulqarnain Baqar, Muhammad Bilal, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
Summary: Enzymes have replaced traditional industrial catalysts as more efficient and eco-friendly alternatives. Protein engineering and immobilization techniques have been developed to improve enzyme functionality and stability for industrial applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
David Raciti, Trevor Braun, Brian M. Tackett, Heng Xu, Mutya Cruz, Benjamin J. Wiley, Thomas P. Moffat
Summary: The study introduces a novel electrolyzer structure integrated with highly conductive silver nanowire catalysts and porous PTFE GDL, which improves the performance and durability of the electrolyzer, addressing issues such as low catalyst utilization efficiency and GDL flooding in traditional electrolyzers.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yanqi Li, Yu Wang, Shuqin Chen, Zhenming Wang, Liang Feng
Summary: A novel paper-based colorimetric sensor array was developed using inkjet printing method with polyethylene glycol (PEG) immobilization system. It demonstrated excellent discrimination ability and high resolution in detecting pH values, extending the indicating range of each indicator and enriching the distinguishable capability of the sensor array.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juan Qiao, Lili Liu, Ji Shen, Li Qi
Summary: The study explores the immobilization of enzymes onto carriers using porous polymer membrane enzyme reactors (PMER) fabricated through phase-separation and a pH-responsive hairy brush, achieving high catalytic performance through controlled topography and pore size. Evaluation of DAAO@PMER showed good reusability and a 17.7-fold increase in catalytic velocity compared to free DAAO, showcasing the potential of this approach for enzyme immobilization and enzymolysis applications.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaotian Bi, Kun Miao, Lu Wei
Summary: The alkynyl hydrogens in alkyne-tagged Raman probes can be deuterated to sense the cellular environments. This strategy exhibits high sensitivity to DNA structural changes and subtle pD variations in live cells.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yujia Wang, Hao Zhang, Yunxi Cui, Shaoxiang Duan, Wei Lin, Bo Liu
Summary: A biocompatible pH biosensor based on a DNA-functionalized microfiber-assisted Mach-Zehnder interferometer was proposed, utilizing i-motif and complementary DNA enhancement mechanism for improved sensitivity. Experimental results showed stable performance with wide pH range and high sensitivity, making it suitable for physiological applications.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jingjing Xiong, Guancong Jiang, Yu Qian, Liwen Mu, Xin Feng, Xiaohua Lu, Jiahua Zhu
Summary: A cycling pressure-switching (CPS) process has been developed to expedite gas transport and reaction in activated carbon, creating a richer porous structure. By optimizing cycle number, CO2 pressure, and activation time, AC with high specific surface area and pore volume can be obtained. The internal diffusion is found to be the rate-limiting factor of AC activation, which can be alleviated by the CPS process.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Khengdauliu Chawang, Shih-Cheng Chou, Sen Bing, Pu-Wei Wu, J-C Chiao
Summary: The developed iridium oxide-based electrical pH sensor can be embedded in an electronic bandage for skin monitoring, showing good stability and sensitivity. The sensor does not require high-temperature fabrication processes and can be built on a polypropylene micro membrane substrate, enabling it to be gas-permeable and biomechanically-compatible to tissue. The sensor exhibits repeatable and stable pH responses in physiologically relevant pH ranges, making it suitable for wound monitoring in bandage applications.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yuheng Zhang, Bin Lin, Rong Huang, Zhixiao Lin, Yongqian Li, Jinqing Li, Xueyong Li
Summary: This study introduces a flexible integrated sensing platform (FISP) that can monitor wound conditions, including local temperature, without removing the dressing. The device demonstrates satisfactory measurement accuracy, stability, skin compliance, and has been successfully applied to infected wounds in experiments.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giuliana Grasso, Francesco Colella, Stefania Forciniti, Valentina Onesto, Helena Iuele, Anna Chiara Siciliano, Federica Carnevali, Anil Chandra, Giuseppe Gigli, Loretta L. del Mercato
Summary: The tumor microenvironment (TME) has distinct characteristics that can be targeted for cancer biomarker detection, diagnosis, and therapy. Imaging and sensing techniques, especially ratiometric fluorescence-based sensors, have been developed and used to visualize and monitor TME dynamics. This comprehensive review discusses the latest advancements in ratiometric fluorescent probes for optical mapping of various TME parameters and explores integrated sensing platforms for studying complex tumor cultures.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Mahdi Askari-Sedeh, Mostafa Baghani
Summary: When designing functional responsive polymer actuators or sensors, it is necessary to consider the coupled transient chemo-mechanical behavior and large deformation behavior under complex load conditions. This study proposes a reliable semi-analytical method to investigate the transient behavior of cylindrical hydrogels under coupled extension-torsion and internal pressure under different conditions. The method offers an analytical solution that can be used for the characterization and modeling of polymeric materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED MECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Peter Wied, Francesco Carraro, Juan M. Bolivar, Christian J. Doonan, Paolo Falcaro, Bernd Nidetzky
Summary: This article explores the method of incorporating enzymes into hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks and finds that genetic engineering can enhance the loading and activity of enzymes, with high stability and versatility.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Celia Alvarez-Gonzalez, Victoria E. Santos, Miguel Ladero, Juan M. Bolivar
Summary: Cellulose saccharification to glucose is crucial for bioenergy, chemical, and food industries, and β-glucosidase plays a vital role in the final hydrolysis of cellobiose. Designing highly active and stable immobilized β-glucosidase-based biocatalysts is a key strategy for efficient saccharification. The study successfully designed an immobilized-stabilized solid-supported β-glucosidase and achieved efficient cellobiose degradation under mild conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Annika J. E. Borg, Oriol Esquivias, Joan Coines, Carme Rovira, Bernd Nidetzky
Summary: UDP-glucuronic acid 4-epimerase is an example illustrating the challenge of balancing conformational flexibility and precise positioning in enzyme catalysis. The study reveals the rotational landscape of the 4-keto intermediate and demonstrates how distortion of the sugar ring induces torsional mobility in the enzyme's binding pocket. Epimerase variants that lack binding interactions with the carboxylate group in a specific rotational isomer of the substrate lead to decarboxylation.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zdenek Petrasek, Bernd Nidetzky
Summary: Interactions between particles moving on a linear track and obstacles can lead to crowding, hindering transport kinetics. Cellulose hydrolysis by enzymes on cellulose chains is an example. The exact role and mechanism of crowding and blocking in cellulose hydrolysis are not clear. This study proposes a simple model that incorporates crowding and blocking effects by distinguishing between binding and non-binding sites on the chain. The model reproduces experimental results related to the early phase of cellulose hydrolysis and suggests periodic desorption and rebinding of enzyme molecules as a strategy to enhance the rate of cellulose hydrolysis.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Krisztina Zajki-Zechmeister, Manuel Eibinger, Bernd Nidetzky
Summary: This study reveals the formation of transient clusters of endo-and exocellulases on the cellulose surface, leading to directed ablation of single microfibrils through a multilayer processive mode. The cooperativity between endo-and exocellulases enables faster degradation of structurally organized polymer materials.
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Martin Pfeiffer, Bernd Nidetzky
Summary: Nucleosides and their analogs, including C-glycosidic linkage substitutes, are used for effective antiviral, antibacterial, and antitumor drug development, as well as for mRNA vaccine production. Cascade biocatalysis, using enzymes to facilitate multiple complex transformations without intermediate purification, provides an efficient method for nucleoside synthesis. Recent advancements in enzyme discovery and protein engineering expand the range of catalysts for nucleosides and nucleotides. This review focuses on C-nucleosides and important analogs of N-nucleosides in cascade biocatalysis for nucleoside synthesis.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Thays N. da Rocha, Roberto Morellon-Sterling, Luciana R. B. Goncalves, Juan M. Bolivar, Andres R. Alcantara, Javier Rocha-Martin, Roberto Fernandez-Lafuente
Summary: In this study, MANAE-vinyl sulfone (VS) agarose beads were found to be a better support for immobilizing PGA enzyme compared to agarose-VS beads. The modified beads allowed for rapid and covalent immobilization of PGA, resulting in improved stability compared to low ionic strength VS-agarose.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Florian Lackner, Hui Liu, Andreja Dobaj Stiglic, Matej Bracic, Rupert Kargl, Bernd Nidetzky, Tamilselvan Mohan, Karin Stana Kleinschek
Summary: Biocatalysis has emerged as an alternative method for synthesizing complex molecules in industry. Immobilizing enzymes on polysaccharide-based 3D scaffolds can evaluate the performance of industrially important enzymes. In this study, nanocellulose-based 3D porous scaffolds were used to immobilize glycosyltransferases, resulting in active enzymes and potential applications in glycosyltransferase-catalyzed synthesis.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anisha Vyas, Bernd Nidetzky
Summary: Sucrose phosphorylase is a specialized glycoside hydrolase that uses phosphate ions as the nucleophile in a readily reversible reaction. The study of temperature effects on kinetic parameters revealed that the glycosylation of sucrose and α-glucose 1-phosphate is rate-limiting in both forward and reverse directions. The enzyme-catalyzed reaction involves heat uptake and has a lower energy barrier compared to the non-enzymatic reaction.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Martin Pfeiffer, Andrej Ribar, Bernd Nidetzky
Summary: Currently marketed mRNA vaccines use a crucial technology to improve therapeutic efficacy by substituting uridine (U) with the corresponding C-nucleoside pseudouridine (& psi;). In this study, researchers have successfully developed a cascade biocatalysis process to efficiently produce pseudouridine from unprotected uridine. This technology has the potential for scaled-up production of pseudouridine.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yosra Snoussi, Itziar A. Escanciano, Mariana Alvarez Serafini, Neji Besbes, Juan M. Bolivar, Miguel Ladero
Summary: A Tunisian clay rich in inorganic carbonates was found to be an effective catalyst for the transcarbonation reaction between glycerol and ethylene carbonate, resulting in the production of valuable glycerol carbonate and ethylene glycol. The study also demonstrated the stability of the clay catalyst at higher temperatures, suggesting its potential for recycle use. This research is significant in exploring new applications for glycerol and improving the utilization of by-products.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alvaro Lorente-Arevalo, Guillermo Orellana, Miguel Ladero, Juan M. Bolivar
Summary: This study focuses on the immobilization of Galactose Oxidase (GalOx) to enhance its activity and stability. The co-immobilization of a heme-containing protein as an activator is also explored. The results demonstrate the efficient performance of the immobilized enzyme in galactose oxidation, offering promising prospects for its application in technical biocatalytic processes.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
David Gonzalez-Miranda, Diego Carballares, Tomas Pedregal, Roberto Fernandez-Lafuente, Miguel Ladero, Juan M. Bolivar
Summary: This study achieved efficient synthesis of glycerol carbonate using immobilized lipases under solventless conditions. The use of immobilized C. rugosa lipase showed the highest turnover numbers and allowed for multiple reaction cycles. The results of this research highlight the significance of reaction engineering approaches in developing efficient sustainable processes for synthesizing valuable chemicals.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Alexander Sigg, Mario Klimacek, Bernd Nidetzky
Summary: This study investigated the window of operation for cellobiose production from sucrose and glucose through indirect transglycosylation using a kinetic model. The model revealed the impact of high sugar concentrations on the rate of the reaction and provided insights into the relationship between substrate and phosphate concentrations and the efficiency and concentration of the product. The findings highlight the importance of kinetic modeling for optimizing cascade reactions.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Alexander Sigg, Mario Klimacek, Bernd Nidetzky
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility and optimization conditions of efficient transglycosylation through one-pot cascade reactions of coupled disaccharide phosphorylases, and establishes a kinetic model to describe the conversion efficiency of the reaction. The model is important for studying the impact of substrate concentration and enzyme activity on the reaction efficiency, as well as for optimizing process tasks.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2023)