Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Simon J. Moore, Yonek B. Hleba, Sarah Bischoff, David Bell, Karen M. Polizzi, Paul S. Freemont
Summary: Through a design-build-test-learn cycle approach in synthetic biology, the raspberry ketone biosynthetic pathway was successfully optimized from a low level of productivity to achieve a significant improvement in production. The use of E. coli DH10 beta and a novel color-based phenotypic screen facilitated the optimization process and screening of productive clones. This study demonstrates the capability of fine-tuning chemical pathways using EcoFlex and introduces newly characterised promoter tools for gene expression in E. coli.
MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anna G. Zborowska, Ceara Y. MacInnis, Connie Z. Ye, Hans D. Osthoff
Summary: The methyl ethyl ketone photolysis branching ratio was re-evaluated through end product analysis and box model simulations. The experimental results indicated that the product distribution observed was consistent with current IUPAC recommendations under certain conditions.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Eduardo Sanchez-Ramirez, Juan Jose Quiroz-Ramirez, Gabriel Contreras-Zarazua, Salvador Hernandez-Castro, Heriberto Alcocer-Garcia, Juan Gabriel Segovia-Hernandez
Summary: MEK is a promising bulk chemical with numerous applications, but its purification process faces challenges due to the formation of azeotropes. Therefore, a intensified process has been proposed to reduce the energy investment for MEK purification and replace traditional distillation methods. Comparison results showed that the intensified design performed excellently in terms of energy investment.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
V Saravanan, S. Ashokkumar, N. Rajamohan, Sang-Woo Joo, Yasser Vasseghian, M. Rajasimman
Summary: This study investigated the biofiltration of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) using pressmud and cornstack as packing materials. The performance of the biofilter was evaluated under different operating conditions, and parameters such as removal rates, elimination capacity, temperature, pressure drop, carbon dioxide production, and bed height variation were measured. The results showed that the mixture of 80% cornstack and 20% pressmud achieved a MEK removal efficiency of 97% at an inlet concentration of 0.2 g m(-3) and a gas flow rate of 0.03 m(3) h(-1). The maximum removal efficiency was obtained at an inlet concentration of 1.2 g m(-3) and a gas flow rate of 0.12 m(3) h(-1) for all tested conditions.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Beom-Sik Kim, Youna Park, Kannapu Hari Prasad Reddy, Young-Kwon Park
Summary: Mesoporous MnOx/gamma-Al2O3 (MA) catalysts were synthesized using two different manganese precursors, and the catalyst prepared with the acetate precursor showed higher catalytic performance in the decomposition of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and ozone due to its larger surface area and pore volume, as well as better dispersion of MnOx particles.
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Pei-Ru Chen, Peng-Fei Xia
Summary: Carbon dioxide plays a crucial role in mitigating global climate change and supporting life on Earth. Synthetic biology and metabolic engineering offer a promising approach to enhance CO2 fixation by combining the advantages of autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms. This article reviews the current progress in constructing synthetic CO2 fixation pathways, discusses the underlying design principles and challenges, and provides insights into the future of carbon recycling through engineered synthetic carbon fixation pathways.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jia Zhou, Jiahui Wang, Mengdie Yao, Junyi He, Yuxiang Yang, Xiangqian Li, Zhongbiao Tan, Hao Shi, Xiaoyan Zhu, Baoxia Tian
Summary: A novel pathway for isopropanol synthesis was discovered, which is acetate-independent. By knocking out certain genes, the production of isopropanol can be further increased. This study provides a new perspective for biosynthesis of isopropanol.
JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Carolina Pereira Goncalves, Jessica Cristina Amaral, Roberto Fernandez-Lafuente, Ruy de Sousa Junior, Paulo Waldir Tardioli
Summary: This paper investigated the Lipozyme 435-catalyzed synthesis of xylose oleate in MEK, studying the effects of substrate ratios, temperature, and time on esterification rates. Results showed that an excess of oleic acid was favorable for the reaction, and the highest Lipozyme 435 activities occurred between 55 and 70 degrees C. The study also found that the predicted kinetic model fitted well with experimental data and there was no evidence of inhibitions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan-Quan Zhang, Chih-Hsiang Huang, Chao-Yuan Wu, Yao-Hsuan Tseng
Summary: The semiconductor industry's rapid growth has made significant progress in addressing clean energy concerns, but unresolved issues regarding waste solvents remain. Pyrolysis is a promising approach to tackle these challenges. This study selected waste methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) as the feedstock for pyrolysis, resulting in various residual products. Experimental results demonstrated the yield of fixed carbon, tar, and fuel gases under specific operating conditions. The research included lab-scale experiments and field-scale system studies to develop a comprehensive concept for a thermal cracking plant, incorporating software calculations and a scaled-up pyrolysis process.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fan Yang, Tianzhao Wu, Hua Xin, Meiheng Lv, Yue Wang, Hong Fang, Hongliang Chen, Lili San, Qinqin Zhang, Zhigang Zhang
Summary: In this study, three acetate-based ionic liquids (ILs) were used to separate the azeotrope of methyl ethyl ketone and methanol. Experimental results showed that all three ILs could effectively eliminate the azeotropic phenomenon at a specific concentration. The NRTL model was used to correlate the vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) data and provided a good fit. In addition, quantum chemical calculations, COSMO-RS model, and FT-IR analysis were applied to gain microscopic insights into the separation mechanism of ILs.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xin Zhang, Yong Pan, Yuqing Ni, Xianghui Shi, Juncheng Jiang
Summary: This study investigates the pyrolysis reactions of commercial methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) using ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulations. The findings reveal a two-stage reaction mechanism and provide insights into the detailed mechanisms of initial reactions and the generation and consumption pathways of major species. These results are crucial for ensuring the safety of production, transportation, and storage of organic peroxides.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hongru Zhang, Shuai Wang, Yasen Dai, Xiao Yang, Jiangang Zhao, Peizhe Cui, Zhaoyou Zhu, Yinglong Wang, Shiqing Zheng, Jun Gao
Summary: The study investigates the ammoximation of methyl ethyl ketone to methyl ethyl ketone oxime, with an economic evaluation resulting in a minimum annual total cost of 2.41 x 107 USD/yr. Through multi-objective optimization, the total annual cost increased to 2.55 x 107 USD/yr while reducing the exergy loss rate to 64%.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Junqing Gong, Yaxi Ji, Zhujuan Guo, Lijuan Yao, Zhaoyuan Wang, Yingbai Shen
Summary: Through biological experiments, it was found that evk fumigation can enhance plants' resistance to Plutella xylostella; Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that evk can trigger H2O2 burst and increase intracellular calcium concentration, both of which are RBOH-dependent. RT-qPCR experiment showed that evk treatment can upregulate JA-related genes, resulting in higher insect resistance and JA content. Mutant experiments indicated that RBOHF may act as a negative regulator, while RBOHD acts as a positive regulator. Molecular docking revealed that evk can bind to OPR and stimulate its activity, leading to JA accumulation.
PLANT GROWTH REGULATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tianzhao Wu, Qinqin Zhang, Hua Xin, Shunmin Li, Tinghe Song, Zhigang Zhang
Summary: In this study, two ionic liquids were synthesized and used to separate the azeotropic system of methanol and methyl ethyl ketone. Experimental data showed that the ionic liquids were able to increase the relative volatility of methanol to methyl ethyl ketone and successfully break the azeotropic phenomenon.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yuchen Bai, Jinghai Jian, Dehua Liu, Xuebing Zhao
Summary: A bio-based antioxidant similar to ferulic acid, HMPPEO, was synthesized from biomass-derived vanillin and MEK through Aldol condensation. It showed strong antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition abilities, potentially improving the oxidation stability of biodiesel. This work highlights the promising application of biomass-derived HMPPEO in green antioxidant or pharmaceutical fields.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Matti Froning, Carolin Gruetering, Lars M. M. Blank, Heiko Hayen
Summary: The double bond position of medium chain length methyl ketones derived from Pseudomonas taiwanensis VLB120 were determined using gas chromatography-electron ionization-mass spectrometry. The use of DMDS derivatization enabled the identification of isobaric fragment ions for different possible double bond positions, which could be differentiated using high-resolution MS.
RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Asli Sahin, Daniel R. Weilandt, Vassily Hatzimanikatis
Summary: The authors introduce a framework to explore the optimal operating conditions of complex enzyme mechanisms from an evolutionary perspective. They use a mixed-integer formulation to assess the distribution of thermodynamic forces and enzyme states, providing detailed insights into enzymatic mode of operation. The framework can investigate the optimal catalytic properties of complex enzyme mechanisms.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Correction
Biochemical Research Methods
Hao Guo, Huiyan Wang, Tongtong Chen, Liwei Guo, Lars M. Blank, Birgitta E. Ebert, Yi-Xin Huo
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Dairio Neves, Ulf W. Liebal, Salome C. Nies, Tobias B. Alter, Christian Pitzler, Lars M. Blank, Birgitta E. Ebert
Summary: By characterizing libraries of synthetic and sigma;(70)-dependent promoters, researchers compared the expression of promoters in both Escherichia coli TOP10 and Pseudomonas taiwanensis VLB120. They quantitatively described the strength of the promoters, expanded the genetic toolbox of P. taiwanensis VLB120, and evaluated its potential as a chassis for biotechnology applications.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lars M. Blank
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mariam Dianat, Ute Muenchberg, Lars M. Blank, Erik Freier, Birgitta E. Ebert
Summary: In this study, we demonstrate the detection and monitoring of triterpenoids in living yeast cells using coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and second-harmonic-generation (SHG) microscopy techniques. This method provides new insights into the dynamics of triterpenoid production and storage inside cells, which is crucial for rationalizing microbial engineering.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Alessandro Satta, Lygie Esquirol, Birgitta E. Ebert
Summary: Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms that can use solar energy to convert CO2 and H2O into O-2 and energy-rich organic compounds for sustainable production of bio-products. This review provides an overview of the most well-known, newest, and most promising cyanobacterial strains for bioproduction. It also explores the latest innovative strategies and synthetic biology tools used for metabolic pathway engineering to increase the production of value-added compounds.
Article
Microbiology
Difan Xiao, Lars M. Blank, Till Tiso
Summary: This article discusses the versatility of the black-yeast-like Aureobasidium as a cell factory for various biotechnological applications. It describes the draft genome sequence of Aureobasidium pullulans NRRL 62031, isolated in Thailand, which spans 25.05-Mb. The genome sequence reveals numerous synthesis pathways for valuable secondary metabolites.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Martin Schafer, Alan R. Pacheco, Rahel Kunzler, Miriam Bortfeld-Miller, Christopher M. Field, Evangelia Vayena, Vassily Hatzimanikatis, Julia A. Vorholt
Summary: Resource allocation affects the structure of microbiomes, including those associated with living hosts. Understanding the degree to which this dependency determines interspecies interactions may advance efforts to control host-microbiome relationships. We combined synthetic community experiments with computational models to predict interaction outcomes between plant-associated bacteria. The models recapitulated outcomes observed in planta with >89% accuracy, highlighting the role of carbon utilization and the contributions of niche partitioning and cross-feeding in the assembly of leaf microbiomes.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Dario Neves, Daniel Meinen, Tobias B. B. Alter, Lars M. M. Blank, Birgitta E. E. Ebert
Summary: As a main precursor, acetyl-CoA leads to the production of even-chain products. Extending the acyl-CoA portfolio of a cell factory is important for producing relevant odd-chain alcohols, acids, ketones, and polyketides. Incorporating propionyl-CoA into the metabolic network can facilitate the bioproduction of odd-chain molecules. The evaluation and optimization of propionyl-CoA production pathways in Pseudomonas taiwanensis VLB120 highlight the potential of Pseudomonas to produce propionyl-CoA derived, odd-chain products.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bastian Kister, Alina Viehof, Ulrike Rolle-Kampczyk, Annika Schwentker, Nicole Simone Treichel, Susan A. V. Jennings, Theresa H. Wirtz, Lars M. Blank, Mathias W. Hornef, Martin von Bergen, Thomas Clavel, Lars Kuepfer
Summary: The study developed a mouse model of bile acid metabolism to understand the relationship between altered bile acid metabolism and related diseases. The model accurately described the synthesis, transformation, distribution, and excretion of bile acids in mice. It can be used to analyze the functional aspects of bile acid metabolism and translate results from mouse studies to clinical relevance through cross-species extrapolation.
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Shangkun Qiu, Lars M. Blank
Summary: Plant natural products are a valuable source of novel chemical structures. However, their extraction can be expensive and result in fluctuation in quantity and quality, as well as negative environmental impact. Synthetic biology has enabled the production of natural plant products using yeasts as hosts.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Daniel R. Weilandt, Pierre Salvy, Maria Masid, Georgios Fengos, Robin Denhardt-Erikson, Zhaleh Hosseini, Vassily Hatzimanikatis
Summary: Large-scale kinetic models are essential for understanding the dynamic and adaptive responses of biological systems, but the lack of computational tools for building and analyzing these models has been a limitation. This study presents a Python package (SKiMpy) that bridges this gap by providing an efficient toolbox for generating and analyzing large-scale kinetic models in various biological domains. The toolbox also allows for efficient parameterization of kinetic models and implementation of multispecies bioreactor simulations.