Article
Plant Sciences
Yi-Ying Lee, Rudolph Park, Stephen M. Miller, Yantao Li
Summary: Genetic compensation is proposed as a mechanism to explain phenotypic differences between gene knockouts and knockdowns. This study demonstrates examples of genetic compensation in microalgae and suggests its physiological relevance in TAG biosynthesis under stress. These findings provide guidance for future genetic engineering and mutant characterization efforts.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yihua Xiao, Qianjin Wang, Penghui Li, Mengchen Xu, Yuping Zhou, Huiying Li, Wengang Yan, Changqing Liu, Anssi V. Vaehaetalo
Summary: Microplastics (MPs) have a negative impact on phytoplankton and its photosynthetic performance. The impact of MPs on algal production of dissolved organic matter (DOM) is poorly understood. In a 28-day experiment, we studied the effects of polyvinyl chloride MPs on the growth and DOM production of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii microalgae. MPs slightly affected algal growth and DOM production during the exponential growth phase, but decreased C. reinhardtii biomass by 43% at the end of the experiment, especially in the treatment with light-aged MPs exposed to simulated solar radiation. The light-aged MPs also modified the chemical composition of DOM, increasing aromacity, average molecular weight, and fluorescence.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hong Il Choi, Sung-Won Hwang, Jongrae Kim, Byeonghyeok Park, EonSeon Jin, In-Geol Choi, Sang Jun Sim
Summary: The study increased microalgae's CO2 tolerance by expressing a single H+-pump, enabling their valorization of industrial flue gas. This led to improved production of CO2-based bioproducts, providing a potential strategy for microalgae to utilize CO2 in industrial exhaust.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhongqi He, Xiumin Fan, Luyao Qu, Xu Zhou, Wenbiao Jin, Mohammad Rafe Hatshan, Xuan Li, Huan Liu, Guangming Jiang, Qilin Wang
Summary: The study found that Scenedesmus obliquus and Chlorella pyrenoidosa can effectively treat swine wastewater, and Scenedesmus obliquus has higher biomass and chlorophyll-a content, making it more suitable for treating swine wastewater and accumulating biomass.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Raquel Guidetti Vendruscolo, Mariany Costa Depra, Pricila Nass Pinheiro, Valcenir Junior Mendes Furlan, Juliano Smanioto Barin, Alexandre Jose Cichoski, Cristiano Ragagnin de Menezes, Leila Queiroz Zepka, Eduardo Jacob-Lopes, Roger Wagner
Summary: This study evaluated the food potential of Scenedesmus obliquus biomass obtained from photosynthetic cultures enriched with different concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2). The results showed that higher concentrations of CO2 led to increased synthesis of amino acids and proteins in the cultures. In addition, higher concentrations of chlorophylls were found in cultures with higher CO2 levels, while carotenoid concentrations were higher in cultures with lower CO2 levels. Overall, the Scenedesmus obliquus biomass accumulated significant amounts of proteins, lipids, and pigments through photosynthesis.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Eleftherios Touloupakis, Cecilia Faraloni, Ana Margarita Silva Benavides, Giuseppe Torzillo
Summary: Hydrogen production is a critical technology in the transition towards renewable energy sources, with microalgae playing an important role. Current research indicates that the traditional sulfur protocol strategy is not economically viable, prompting the need for a paradigm shift in photobiological hydrogen production. In addition to Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, other microalgal strains are being tested for their ability to produce sustainable amounts of hydrogen.
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Nam Kyu Kang, Kwangryul Baek, Hyun Gi Koh, Christine Anne Atkinson, Donald R. Ort, Yong-Su Jin
Summary: Microalgae are promising sustainable resources that can convert CO2 into biofuels and chemicals directly, but their industrial production and economic feasibility are still limited. Metabolic engineering approaches have been used to enhance the productivity of microalgal bioproducts, with impressive advances in the last decade. Challenges remain in achieving effective production of chemicals and fuels via microalgal metabolic engineering.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Song Zou, Yuanchen Lu, Haiyan Ma, Yanhua Li, Guanqun Chen, Danxiang Han, Qiang Hu
Summary: This study demonstrated the biochemical and biological functions of CrGPATer in green algae, as well as its potential as a genetic engineering target in functional lipid manufacturing.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Reda M. Moghazy, Rehab H. Mahmoud
Summary: This study examines the impact of bio-attachement of macro-hollow loofah fiber with green microalga on the elimination of methylene blue from water. The results demonstrate that the bio-attachment significantly enhances the biosorption capacity of the loofah sponge, making it an efficient low-cost bio-sorbent for methylene blue removal.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marco Larrea-Alvarez, Saul Purton
Summary: Eukaryotic organisms, such as plants, cannot directly use nitrogen gas as a source of nitrogen, but genetic engineering can enhance crop nitrogen fixation capabilities. The expression of nitrogenase faces challenges such as gene expression, supply of energy and oxygen sensitivity. The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is proposed as a model for testing the synthesis of complex enzymes and potentially creating nitrogen-fixing crops in the future.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mei-Li Zhao, Xiang-Yu Li, Cheng-Xiang Lan, Zi-Ling Yuan, Jia-Lin Zhao, Ying Huang, Zhang-Li Hu, Bin Jia
Summary: A synthetic pathway for ginsenosides was established in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by introducing genes from Panax ginseng, resulting in high production of dammarenediol-II. Strategies such as gene loading and culture optimizing were employed to enhance productivity. This study provides a good platform for the further production of ginsenosides in microalgae.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nam Kyu Kang, Minsik Kim, Kwangryul R. Baek, Yong Keun Chang, Donald Ort, Yong-Su Jin
Summary: This study developed a two-stage continuous cultivation system using a mutant microalgae strain to increase glycolic acid production. The experimental results showed that microalgae can be used for cost-effective industrial production of glycolic acid.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Gonzalo M. Figueroa-Torres, Jon K. Pittman, Constantinos Theodoropoulos
Summary: This study establishes microalgal cultivation strategies for maximized starch and lipid formation by developing a multi-parametric kinetic model suitable for predicting mixotrophic microalgal growth dynamics co-limited by nitrogen and phosphorus. The model's high predictive capacity was experimentally validated and the identified optimal cultivation strategies significantly increased starch (+270%) and lipid (+74%) production. The findings highlight the benefits of using modeling frameworks as optimization tools for the development and commercialization of microalgae-to-fuel technologies.
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Alexander Einhaus, Thomas Baier, Marian Rosenstengel, Robert A. Freudenberg, Olaf Kruse
Summary: By evaluating expression elements and promoter engineering strategies, this study has improved the application of synthetic biology in microalgae, taking a significant step towards establishing C. reinhardtii as a sustainable green cell-factory, and demonstrating the potential for sustainable light-driven production of valuable bioproducts.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mihris Ibnu Saleem Naduthodi, Nico J. Claassens, Sarah 'Adamo, John van der Oost, Maria J. Barbosa
Summary: The high cost of phototrophic cultivation is the main obstacle in commercializing biofuels and other products produced by microalgae, and improving microalgal productivity is seen as a potential solution. While synthetic biology methods have been used to engineer downstream production pathways in some microalgal strains, exploration of enhancing upstream photosynthetic and carbon fixation metabolism for growth and yield improvement in microalgae is limited. Strategies to increase reducing power generation from light and enhance CO2 assimilation through the Calvin cycle or synthetic alternatives are described as key areas for improvement. Optimism is expressed for breakthroughs in microalgal research with recent technological advancements.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Wei-Hao Huang, Rome-Ming Wu, Jo-Shu Chang, Shiang-Ying Juang, Duu-Jong Lee
Summary: Biochars derived from agricultural wastes were modified by manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) co-precipitation and used as adsorbents for the removal of Cu(II) ions from water. The MnFe2O4-biochars exhibited rapid adsorption kinetics and significantly enhanced adsorption capacities. Complexation reactions involving carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in pristine biochars, as well as Mn-O and Fe-O groups in MnFe2O4-biochars, were identified as the principal adsorption mechanisms. The regenerated MnFe2O4-biochars could be reused for three cycles with a decline in maximum adsorption capacities.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Heshan Zheng, Yunfei Zhang, Shuo Li, Xiaochi Feng, Qinglian Wu, Yoong Kit Leong, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: This study analyzed the ecotoxicity and induction capacity of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in sulfadiazine degradation intermediates resulting from persulfate activation oxidation enhanced by ultraviolet, ultrasound, and microwave. The five degradation pathways and variations in the ecotoxicity of different degradation products were analyzed. Microcosm experiment revealed significant changes in the microbial community in actual water with sulfadiazine and degradation intermediates, and certain ARGs were induced more strongly by the intermediates than by sulfadiazine itself. Network analysis showed potential hosts for sulfonamide ARGs. These findings contribute to a better understanding of antibiotics degradation mechanism and controlling the spread of ARGs.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chun-Yen Chen, Jhih-Ci Lu, Yu-Han Chang, Jih-Heng Chen, Dillirani Nagarajan, Duu-Jong Lee, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: Microalgae, specifically Chlorella sorokiniana SU-9, can be cultivated heterotrophically to produce high-quality proteins comparable to fishmeal and soybean meal. Optimal culture parameters were determined, and under these conditions, SU-9 exhibited high biomass content, protein content, and productivity. The production cost of SU-9 can be significantly reduced, making it a potential protein substitute in aquafeed.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Hongliang Guo, Ying Zhao, Jo-Shu Chang, Duu-Jong Lee
Summary: Enzymatic hydrolysis is crucial for efficient biorefinery of lignocellulosic biomass. Understanding the properties of key enzymes and their interactions with biomass is essential for improving the process efficiency. This article provides an update on the research of key enzymes in lignocellulose biorefinery, including their properties, interactions with biomass, adsorption, and hydrolysis. The advanced analytical techniques for investigating these interactions and future research prospects are discussed.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Alvin B. Culaba, Andres Philip Mayol, Argel A. Bandala, Ronnie S. Concepcion Ii, Melchizedek Alipio, Wei-Hsin Chen, Pau Loke Show, Jo-Shu Chang, Jayne Lois G. San Juan, Aristotle T. Ubando
Summary: The increase in worldwide demand for energy is driven by population growth and economic development, leading to depletion of fossil fuel supplies and high greenhouse gas levels. Biorefineries, as a popular and carbon-neutral alternative, play a key role in the circular economy model. This paper critically reviews the challenges and future direction of biorefineries as an alternative carbon-neutral energy source.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ajeet Singh Chauhan, Anil Kumar Patel, Chiu-Wen Chen, Jo-Shu Chang, Philippe Michaud, Cheng-Di Dong, Reeta Rani Singhania
Summary: Considering the increasing health concerns, urban population tends to adopt a healthy lifestyle and incorporate nutritional food supplements to mitigate common health risks. The consumption of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs is on the rise, thus alternative commercial production methods are being developed. Microbial sources are emerging platforms to meet the global demand for omega PUFAs. Marine oleaginous protist Aurantiochytrium sp. has been identified as a potential source for substantial production of DHA and SFA. The objective of this research was to enhance PUFA yield by optimizing glucose concentration and nitrogen ratio. The maximum lipid and DHA yield and content were achieved at 30 g/L glucose, while the relative PUFA content was highest at 10 g/L glucose, with remaining SFA potentially usable for biodiesel.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chihe Sun, Xianzhi Meng, Fubao Sun, Junhua Zhang, Maobing Tu, Jo-Shu Chang, Alissara Reungsang, Ao Xia, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: Enzymatic hydrolysis is a critical process in lignocellulosic biorefinery. However, there are limitations in high-solid conditions, leading to lower hydrolysis yields. This review summarizes the factors related to water, biomass components, and cellulase enzymes, and presents strategies to improve the hydrolysis reaction.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuo Li, Yanan Wu, Heshan Zheng, Hongbin Li, Yongjie Zheng, Jun Nan, Jun Ma, Dillirani Nagarajan, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: Antibiotic contamination poses serious risks of ecotoxicity and resistance gene induction. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have demonstrated effectiveness in the degradation of antibiotics. However, the production of degradation intermediates in the oxidation process raises concerns about potential ecological risks. In-depth investigations on the ecotoxicity and resistance genes induction of antibiotic degradation products are important for addressing the environmental problems of antibiotics.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Phei Er Kee, Yu-Shen Cheng, Jo-Shu Chang, Hip Seng Yim, John Choon Yee Tan, Su Shiung Lam, John Chi-Wei Lan, Hui Suan Ng, Kuan Shiong Khoo
Summary: With the rapid increase in world population and growing demand for natural resources, there is a global challenge of food insecurity and the need for sustainable energy. Insect biorefinery is a concept that utilizes insects to convert biomass waste into energy and other beneficial products, while also remediating organic components. This review article discusses the current trend of insect-based industry and potential organic wastes for insect bioconversion and biorefinery. Various biotechnological products obtained from insect biorefinery, such as biofertilizers, animal feeds, edible foods, biopolymers, bioenzymes, and biodiesel, are also explored. Insect biorefinery shows promise as a sustainable approach for waste management while producing valuable bioproducts feasible for circular bioeconomy.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ngai Hei Ernest Ho, Sefli Sri Wahyu Effendi, Wan-Wen Ting, Ying-Chen Yi, Jie-Yao Yu, Jo-Shu Chang, I-Son Ng
Summary: This study investigates the evolution of PETase from IsPETase and identifies Aquabacterium parvum lipase (ApLip) as an evolutionary intermediate. ApLip-Ec exhibits high catalytic efficiency when expressed in Escherichia coli. In vitro testing reveals successful PET degradation with the synergism effect of ApLip-Ec and MHETase.
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yue Wang, Rongrong Lin, Yushuang Cao, Shuangfei Li, Rong Cui, Wanqian Guo, Shih-Hsin Ho, Yoong Kit Leong, Duu-Jong Lee, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: This study explores the simultaneous removal of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by a microbial consortium dominated by Clostridium sensu stricto. The process involved anaerobic co-metabolism, resulting in the production of butyric acid, valeric acid, succinic acid, and caproic acid. Continuous cultivation achieved high SMX degradation rates and reduced the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant genes, providing a promising approach for efficient antibiotic elimination while generating valuable products (SCFAs).
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Shuo Li, Yingnan Liu, Heshan Zheng, Junfeng Niu, Yoong Kit Leong, Duu-Jong Lee, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: A composite of corn straw and sludge-derived biochar loaded with CoFe2O4 was prepared to activate peracetic acid for efficient degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride. The degradation pathway is primarily driven by singlet oxygen and involves the electron-rich groups on the biochar surface. The study provides new insights into metal-loaded biochar catalysis for efficient non-free radical degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yi-Ling Chang, Dillirani Nagarajan, Jih-Heng Chen, Chun Yen Chen, Yi-Ju Wu, Liang-Ming Whang, Duu-Jong Lee, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: The objective of this study was to develop a functional microalgae-bacteria consortium for the treatment of dairy manure wastewater. By selecting appropriate strains and optimizing culture conditions, the treatment efficiency of the wastewater was improved. Analysis of the bacterial community revealed a significant shift after microalgal inoculation, and the designed microalgae-bacteria consortium achieved optimal microalgal biomass production and maximum nutrient removal efficiencies.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Wei-Hsin Chen, Partha Pratim Biswas, Eilhann E. Kwon, Young-Kwon Park, Saravanan Rajendran, Lalitha Gnanasekaran, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: Catalytic pyrolysis of plastics to produce oil is a promising and cost-effective solution with renewable and sustainable characteristics. This research compares the efficiency of statistical optimization techniques for catalytic plastic pyrolysis reactions and identifies key factors influencing oil production, such as the catalyst-to-plastic ratio and types of acidic catalysts. The results show that the optimal values of pyrolysis parameters, including reaction temperature and residence time, significantly impact the oil yield.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Yoong Kit Leong, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive analysis of microalgae-based biochar, including production techniques, applications, and chemical modifications, aiming to bridge the existing knowledge gap in this field.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
