Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chao Chen, Kuan Qi, Fang Chi, Xiaojin Song, Yingang Feng, Qiu Cui, Ya-Jun Liu
Summary: This study investigates the inhibitory effects of different non-cellulose components of lignocellulose on the saccharification process mediated by cellulosome. It reveals that lignin and arabinoxylan have inhibitory effects, while xylan and xylooligosaccharides have minimal effects. The timely removal of dissolved xylan is found to be crucial for efficient saccharification.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Emmanuel Sunday Okeke, Arinze Linus Ezugwu, Emeka Godwin Anaduaka, Mida Habila Mayel, Tobechukwu Christian Ezike, Emmanuel Chekwube Ossai
Summary: This review provides an overview of the characteristics and properties of lignocellulolytic enzymes and their applications in waste management, wastewater decontamination, and biofuel production. Lignocellulolytic enzymes have the ability to efficiently degrade waste and play an important role in environmental decontamination and economic value.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Kuan Qi, Chao Chen, Fei Yan, Yingang Feng, Edward A. Bayer, Akihiko Kosugi, Qiu Cui, Ya-Jun Liu
Summary: This study obtained new CBS biocatalysts by transforming BGL-expressing plasmids into Clostridium thermocellum, which effectively hydrolyzed cellulose. The optimal ratio of extracellular BGL-to-cellulosome activity was determined, and both excessive BGL expression and its assembly on the cellulosome via interaction led to reduced cellulosomal activity.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shunsuke Ichikawa, Daisuke Ito, Sayuri Asaoka, Reimi Abe, Norito Katsuo, Toshiyuki Ito, Daichi Ito, Shuichi Karita
Summary: The composition of cellulolytic CAZymes secreted by Clostridium thermocellum varies according to the cellulosic substrate used during cultivation. The bacterium detects polysaccharides in cellulosic material through anti-sigma factors and expresses the corresponding CAZyme genes via alternative sigma factors, SigIs. In this study, the in vivo function of SigI7 was investigated and it was found to induce the expression of cellulosomal CAZyme genes and cellulosomal scaffold genes.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Mengcheng You, Qiuyun Zhao, Yuansheng Liu, Wenhao Zhang, Zhewei Shen, Zhenxing Ren, Chenggang Xu
Summary: In this study, the complete genome of Ruminiclostridium papyrosolvens DSM2782 was reported and compared with other related species. The pan-genome analysis revealed high conservation of core genes and interspecific genetic diversity. Comparative analysis of specific enzyme systems showed common ancestors and preferred locations for certain catalytic subunits. These findings can be utilized for genetic engineering and optimization of enzyme systems for biomass deconstruction and biofuel production.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qin Miao, Xiaoling Zhang, Yitong Wang, Xiaoqi Li, Zheng Wang, Lingmin Tian, Lingbo Qu, Yongjun Wei
Summary: Diverse pectinolytic enzymes play a significant role in various industries and account for a significant portion of the global industrial enzyme demands. This study successfully identified and characterized new pectinolytic enzymes from lignocellulose-degrading microbiota derived from pulp and paper wastewater. The findings suggest the potential of these enzymes for industrial applications, contributing to the sustainable utilization of lignocellulose.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Grigory Gladkov, Anastasiia K. Kimeklis, Alexey M. Afonin, Tatiana O. Lisina, Olga Orlova, Tatiana S. Aksenova, Arina A. Kichko, Alexander G. Pinaev, Evgeny E. Andronov
Summary: Recycling plant matter is a challenge that relies on efficient lignocellulose degradation. Using microbial consortia can facilitate rapid and effective decomposition of plant biomass. Different cellulolytic consortia were isolated from enrichment cultures of natural lignocellulosic substrates, and their composition and functions were analyzed. The findings suggest that enrichment cultures can provide reproducible cellulolytic consortia from various lignocellulosic substrates, with stability ensured by tight microbial relations between its components.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Aarjoo Sharma, Sanjeev Balda, Neena Capalash, Prince Sharma
Summary: Lignocellulosic biomass is a rich renewable resource that can be efficiently and cost-effectively transformed by constructing multifunctional enzymes. Researchers have explored various strategies for domain tailoring and extracellular secretion, as well as attempted to connect different catalytic activities in a single host.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Valentin Perez-Hernandez, Mario Hernandez-Guzman, Marco Luna-Guido, Yendi E. Navarro-Noya, Elda M. Romero-Tepal, Luc Dendooven
Summary: The study investigated soil bacteria in soils from the former Lake Texcoco with varying levels of salinity and pH, with young maize plants and NDF added. Certain bacterial groups showed adaptability to soil salinity, with higher salinity soils having more enriched bacterial genera. Functional prediction indicated key bacterial groups capable of degrading complex C-compounds in the extreme saline-alkaline soil.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Maria Soledad Vela Gurovic, Fatima Regina Viceconte, Maximiliano Andres Bidegain, Julian Dietrich
Summary: Microbes employ various strategies involving enzymes, structural proteins, and regulatory proteins to deconstruct biomass and adapt to different carbon sources. Regulatory pathways, including carbon catabolite repression, regulatory RNA elements, and transcriptional regulators, play crucial roles in lignocellulose microbial degradation. The interplay with global regulators is also important.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kavya Dashora, Meghana Gattupalli, Zoya Javed, Gyan Datta Tripathi, Ruchi Sharma, Mansi Mishra, Atul Bhargava, Shilpi Srivastava
Summary: Lignocellulosic materials, such as wheat straw and wood shavings, are an important component of plant biomass. Scientists are exploring the use of fungal biotechnology for lignocellulose degradation, with recent advances in molecular biotechnology, lignin valorization, and characterization of enzyme diversity through 'omics' techniques.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Pedro E. G. Loureiro, Sonia M. S. Cadete, Radina Tokin, Dmitry V. Evtuguin, Henrik Lund, Katja S. Johansen
Summary: Enzymatic processes offer energy-efficient and reagent-saving alternatives to traditional chemical routes in the production of dissolving pulp for regenerated cellulosic fibres. Enzymes can control the purity and molecular weight of dissolving pulp, with endoglucanases effectively reducing cellulose molecular weight and increasing reactivity for viscose production. Additionally, lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases synergistically modify bleached dissolving pulp along with endoglucanases, showing promising results for pulp quality improvement.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Dan-dan Li, Zheng Zhang, Jia-ning Wang, Peng Zhang, Ya Liu, Yue-zhong Li
Summary: Complex polysaccharides such as cellulose, xylan, and chitin are primarily degraded by microorganisms in nature, but their global distribution and responsible enzymes remain poorly understood. Through large-scale sequence alignments, it was found that almost all prokaryotic communities have the potential to degrade cellulose, xylan, and chitin. The abundance and diversity of these enzyme systems vary across different environments and taxonomic sources. Most genera with degradation potentials are narrowly distributed in specific communities. This study provides a preliminary panorama of cellulose-, xylan-, and chitin-degrading enzymatic systems across global prokaryotic communities.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Cai You, Ya-Jun Liu, Qiu Cui, Yingang Feng
Summary: GH48 cellulases are widely distributed in cellulolytic microorganisms, especially in the highly efficient cellulose-degrading ruminal system. They hydrolyze cellulose using an inverting mechanism in a processive mode. In addition, GH48 cellulases greatly synergize with endoglucanases to improve cellulose hydrolysis efficiency.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Babette Lamote, Maria Joao Mauricio da Fonseca, Julie Vanderstraeten, Kenan Meert, Marte Elias, Yves Briers
Summary: Designer cellulosomes (DCs) are engineered multi-enzyme complexes that have shown promise for biorefineries, but technical challenges in their engineering have hindered progress towards industrial applications. The challenge lies in the large diversity of possible building blocks and architectures, as well as the impact of DC composition on relevant parameters. This review provides a roadmap and possible solutions for researchers to navigate the process of DC engineering.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mariska Thoresen, Samkelo Malgas, Brett I. Pletschke
Summary: One of the biggest challenges in commercializing biofuels is the high dosages of enzymes needed for hydrolyzing lignocellulose. Enzyme recycling has been proposed as a solution to reduce enzyme costs and improve profitability. This study investigated enzyme-substrate interactions to develop an effective recycling strategy and showed that enzyme recycling can increase productivity and improve the economic feasibility of biofuel production.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Blessing Mabate, Chantal Desiree Daub, Samkelo Malgas, Adrienne Lesley Edkins, Brett Ivan Pletschke
Summary: Fucoidans are complex polysaccharides derived from brown seaweeds with reported bioactive characteristics such as antidiabetic and anticancer properties. However, the understanding of the structure and biological activity of fucoidan remains unclear. Limited data exists on the dual chemotherapeutic efforts for the link between diabetes and cancer.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mpho S. Mafa, Samkelo Malgas, Brett I. Pletschke
Summary: The study found that the feruloyl esterase can work in synergy with GH10 xylanases to efficiently degrade arabinoxylans in cereal feedstocks, offering potential applications in industries such as animal feeds and baking.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mariska Thoresen, Samkelo Malgas, Mpho Stephen Mafa, Brett Ivan Pletschke
Summary: This study evaluated and compared the synergistic relationships between cellulases from different microbial sources, finding that not all endo-to-exo-cellulase interactions are synergistic. Maximizing compatibility between exo- and endo-cellulases is critical for designing improved synergistic cellulose-degrading cocktails for industrial-scale biomass degradation.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mariska Thoresen, Samkelo Malgas, Madhavi Latha Gandla, Leif J. Jonsson, Bruce Sithole, Brett I. Pletschke
Summary: This study investigated the impact of different pre-treatments on enzymatic hydrolysis of Eucalyptus biomass, revealing that steam explosion pre-treatment significantly enhanced enzymatic saccharification. However, partial removal of lignin, increased S/G lignin subunit ratio, and lowered cellulose crystallinity showed no significant positive effects on biomass enzymatic hydrolyzability.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Nosipho Hlalukana, Mihle Magengelele, Samkelo Malgas, Brett Ivan Pletschke
Summary: This article reviews the recent advances in understanding the enzymatic production of prebiotics from plant residual biomass and the influence of prebiotics on beneficial gut microbiota and their biological effects on human and animal health.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Blessing Mabate, Chantal Desiree Daub, Samkelo Malgas, Adrienne Lesley Edkins, Brett Ivan Pletschke
Summary: Research has shown that fucoidan extracted from Ecklonia radiata is not cytotoxic and has a stronger inhibitory effect on alpha-glucosidase compared to acarbose. However, it is less effective in inhibiting alpha-amylase. A combination approach of acarbose and fucoidan demonstrated synergistic inhibition of alpha-glucosidase, potentially reducing side effects associated with acarbose while managing T2DM effectively.
Article
Mycology
Priyashini Dhaver, Brett Pletschke, Bruce Sithole, Roshini Govinden
Summary: Fungi with potential xylanolytic activity were isolated and screened from soil and tree bark samples in South Africa. The highest xylanase activity was found in Trichoderma harzianum isolate MS5, which exhibited optimum growth conditions at 70 degrees C and pH 5.0. The enzyme showed potential applications in animal feed and biofuels industries.
MYCOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON FUNGAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Uttam Kumar Jana, Gagandeep Singh, Hemant Soni, Brett Pletschke, Naveen Kango
Summary: In this study, the structural and functional properties of a beta-mannanase from Aspergillus oryzae were characterized using homology modeling and molecular dynamics. The enzyme was found to have a stable and flexible structure, with an active site predominantly interacting with the substrate through electrostatic interactions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Priyashini Dhaver, Brett Pletschke, Bruce Sithole, Roshini Govinden
Summary: Xylanases are hydrolytic enzymes used in various industries. This study optimized the culture conditions and medium components for xylanase production from Trichoderma harzianum using experimental strategies. The optimal condition for xylanase production was found to be a 6-day fermentation at 70 degrees C, pH 5.0, agitation at 160 rpm, with the addition of wheat bran and ammonium sulphate. The xylanase exhibited acid-thermostability and substrate specificity for beechwood xylan.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mihle Magengelele, Samkelo Malgas, Brett I. Pletschke
Summary: Spent coffee ground (SCG) is a viable source for the production of mannooligosaccharides (MOS) with prebiotic and antioxidant activities. The SCG was pretreated and hydrolyzed to produce MOS, which showed suitability for oral administration and enhanced the growth of beneficial bacteria in vitro.
Article
Agronomy
Amy S. Anderson, Lithalethu Mkabayi, Samkelo Malgas, Naveen Kango, Brett I. Pletschke
Summary: In this study, an Aspergillus niger endo-1,4-beta-mannanase, Man26A, was immobilised on glutaraldehyde-activated chitosan nanoparticles via covalent bonding. The biochemical properties (pH, temperature optima, and stability) of the immobilised and free Man26A were compared. The immobilised enzyme showed changes in optimal activity and stability, and it enhanced the prebiotic properties of soybean meal.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Blessing Mabate, Chantal Desiree Daub, Brett Ivan Pletschke, Adrienne Lesley Edkins
Summary: Colorectal cancer is a deadly malignant tumor with a high incidence. The increasing incidence of colorectal cancer poses a significant global health challenge. Novel management and prevention strategies are vital in reducing the morbidity and mortality of colorectal cancer. Fucoidans from South African seaweeds were characterized and their anti-cancer properties on colorectal cancer cells were investigated. The fucoidans showed promising anti-cancer activities, inhibiting cell migration and adhesion, as well as long-term colony formation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samkelo Malgas, Mariska Thoresen, Vuyani Moses, Earl Prinsloo, J. Susan van Dyk, Brett I. Pletschke
Summary: This study evaluated the characteristics of two mannosidases and found that they have different substrate specificities and binding abilities to galactomannan. One mannosidase showed stronger binding under acidic conditions, while the other showed weaker binding. Additionally, the optimal ratio of mannanase to mannosidase for maximal hydrolysis was determined.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aminu Usman, Kevin Lobb, Brett Pletschke, Christopher G. Whiteley, Brendan S. Wilhelmi
Summary: The interaction between silver nanoparticles and catechol O-methyltransferase was found to influence the enzyme's catalytic activity, suggesting potential in controlling the enzyme's activity.
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Thore Bach Thomsen, Tobias S. Radmer, Anne S. Meyer
Summary: Plastic pollution, particularly from PET, is a significant environmental challenge. This study investigates the enzyme kinetics of PET degradation and finds that the degree of crystallinity (X-C) has a substantial impact on the enzymatic reaction rate. The mobile amorphous fraction (X-MAF) is a better descriptor for the rate of enzymatic degradation. The longer lag phase observed with increased X-C is proposed to be due to increased substrate entanglement density and unproductive enzyme binding to the crystalline regions of PET.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Purna Bahadur Poudel, Dipesh Dhakal, Jong Cheol Lee, Jae Kyung Sohng
Summary: Methylation plays important roles in various biological processes, and this study characterized the function of ThnM3 in regioselective modifications of 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Feng Song, Ivan Birukou, Mark Bednarcik, Scott Young
Summary: In this study, a highly sensitive and specific method using ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was developed to measure the enzymatic activity of APH4 in plants. The method exhibited good precision and accuracy, and was validated for use with samples from different sources.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yuan Rao, Wei Zhuang, Jinle Liu, Ting Tang, Zhi Wang, Hanjie Ying
Summary: This study describes a mild and versatile strategy to immobilize glucose oxidase (GOD) on carboxyl-activated metal-organic framework (MOF) through DNA-directed immobilization technology. The immobilized GOD showed enhanced stability and catalytic activity, making it a potential candidate for applications in biocatalysis and biotechnology.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Julen Ordenana Manso, Martin B. Nielsen, Eva Balaguer Moya, Juliana P. Sandri, Celina K. Yamakawa, Solange I. Mussatto
Summary: This study focuses on the development of an enzymatic cocktail for the conversion of corn fiber into monosaccharides. The results reveal that the recalcitrance and unique chemical composition of corn fiber require a tailored enzymatic cocktail for degradation, and attention should also be given to the pretreatment step.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Cuixia Zhou, Guangcheng Yang, Panpan Meng, Weishuai Qin, Yanyan Li, Zhenxian Lin, Wei Hui, Huitu Zhang, Fuping Lu
Summary: Bacillus licheniformis 2709 is an important industrial producer of alkaline protease (AprE), and this study identified the UP elements of the aprE gene and demonstrated the lack of significant effect of CggR, FruR, and YhcZ transcription factors on aprE expression. Enhanced aprE expression and enzyme activity were achieved by deleting a negative regulatory factor binding site in the genome. These findings provide valuable insights into the high-level production of proteins in other Bacillus species.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xinqi Xu, Tianheng Chen, Lian Xu, Juan Lin
Summary: In this study, laccase was immobilized on modified magnetic nanoparticles, improving the enzyme's thermostability and efficiency for polymerization of phenols.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Handan Ustukarci, Gul Ozyilmaz, Ali Tuncay Ozyilmaz
Summary: A biofilm layer called biofouling is formed over time by organic molecules and microorganisms on solid surfaces immersed in a liquid medium. This study focused on the antifouling performance of polyaniline (PANI) and investigated the immobilization of hydrolytic enzymes in PANI coatings. The results showed that the alpha-amylase-containing film exhibited the highest antifouling activity. Surface properties and biofilm composition were analyzed to support these findings.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mariana Ortiz-Sanchez, Juan Camilo Solarte-Toro, Pablo Jose Inocencio-Garcia, Carlos Ariel Cardona Alzate
Summary: This study evaluated the sustainability of biorefineries using orange peel as a raw material. By applying the concept of biorefineries and experimental data, it was found that steam distillation and polyphenolic compound extraction can improve the process performance, resulting in higher yields of different products. The integrated utilization of orange peel in biorefineries showed a high sustainability index.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2024)