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Jiang Z, Chen X, Xue H, Li Z, Lei J, Yu M, Yan X, Cao H, Zhou J, Liu J, Zheng M, Dong W, Li Y, Cui Z. Novel polyurethane-degrading cutinase BaCut1 from Blastobotrys sp. G-9 with potential role in plastic bio-recycling. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134493. [PMID: 38696960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Environmental pollution caused by plastic waste has become global problem that needs to be considered urgently. In the pursuit of a circular plastic economy, biodegradation provides an attractive strategy for managing plastic wastes, whereas effective plastic-degrading microbes and enzymes are required. In this study, we report that Blastobotrys sp. G-9 isolated from discarded plastic in landfills is capable of depolymerizing polyurethanes (PU) and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). Strain G-9 degrades up to 60% of PU foam after 21 days of incubation at 28 ℃ by breaking down carbonyl groups via secretory hydrolase as confirmed by structural characterization of plastics and degradation products identification. Within the supernatant of strain G-9, we identify a novel cutinase BaCut1, belonging to the esterase family, that can reproduce the same effect. BaCut1 demonstrates efficient degradation toward commercial polyester plastics PU foam (0.5 mg enzyme/25 mg plastic) and agricultural film PBAT (0.5 mg enzyme/10 mg plastic) with 50% and 18% weight loss at 37 ℃ for 48 h, respectively. BaCut1 hydrolyzes PU into adipic acid as a major end-product with 42.9% recovery via ester bond cleavage, and visible biodegradation is also identified from PBAT, which is a beneficial feature for future recycling economy. Molecular docking, along with products distribution, elucidates a special substrate-binding modes of BaCut1 with plastic substrate analogue. BaCut1-mediated polyester plastic degradation offers an alternative approach for managing PU plastic wastes through possible bio-recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhitong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Xue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Huizhen Xue
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Zhoukun Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, PR China.
| | - Jinhui Lei
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Muming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Xin Yan
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Hui Cao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Waste Plastics Biocatalytic Degradation and Recycling, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Jiawei Liu
- Key Laboratory for Waste Plastics Biocatalytic Degradation and Recycling, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Mingna Zheng
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Weiliang Dong
- Key Laboratory for Waste Plastics Biocatalytic Degradation and Recycling, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China.
| | - Yanwei Li
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China.
| | - Zhongli Cui
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, PR China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
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2
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Shimizu T, Inui M. Novel aspects of ethylene glycol catabolism. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:369. [PMID: 38861200 PMCID: PMC11166783 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13179-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Ethylene glycol (EG) is an industrially important two-carbon diol used as a solvent, antifreeze agent, and building block of polymers such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Recently, the use of EG as a starting material for the production of bio-fuels or bio-chemicals is gaining attention as a sustainable process since EG can be derived from materials not competing with human food stocks including CO2, syngas, lignocellulolytic biomass, and PET waste. In order to design and construct microbial process for the conversion of EG to value-added chemicals, microbes capable of catabolizing EG such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida, Rhodococcus jostii, Ideonella sakaiensis, Paracoccus denitrificans, and Acetobacterium woodii are candidates of chassis for the construction of synthetic pathways. In this mini-review, we describe EG catabolic pathways and catabolic enzymes in these microbes, and further review recent advances in microbial conversion of EG to value-added chemicals by means of metabolic engineering. KEY POINTS: • Ethylene glycol is a potential next-generation feedstock for sustainable industry. • Microbial conversion of ethylene glycol to value-added chemicals is gaining attention. • Ethylene glycol-utilizing microbes are useful as chassis for synthetic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsu Shimizu
- Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth, 9-2, Kizugawadai, Kizugawa-shi, Kyoto, 619-0292, Japan
| | - Masayuki Inui
- Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth, 9-2, Kizugawadai, Kizugawa-shi, Kyoto, 619-0292, Japan.
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma, 630-0192, Japan.
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3
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Yang J, Li Z, Xu Q, Liu W, Gao S, Qin P, Chen Z, Wang A. Towards carbon neutrality: Sustainable recycling and upcycling strategies and mechanisms for polyethylene terephthalate via biotic/abiotic pathways. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH 2024; 3:117-130. [PMID: 38638172 PMCID: PMC11021832 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), one of the most ubiquitous engineering plastics, presents both environmental challenges and opportunities for carbon neutrality and a circular economy. This review comprehensively addressed the latest developments in biotic and abiotic approaches for PET recycling/upcycling. Biotically, microbial depolymerization of PET, along with the biosynthesis of reclaimed monomers [terephthalic acid (TPA), ethylene glycol (EG)] to value-added products, presents an alternative for managing PET waste and enables CO2 reduction. Abiotically, thermal treatments (i.e., hydrolysis, glycolysis, methanolysis, etc.) and photo/electrocatalysis, enabled by catalysis advances, can depolymerize or convert PET/PET monomers in a more flexible, simple, fast, and controllable manner. Tandem abiotic/biotic catalysis offers great potential for PET upcycling to generate commodity chemicals and alternative materials, ideally at lower energy inputs, greenhouse gas emissions, and costs, compared to virgin polymer fabrication. Remarkably, over 25 types of upgraded PET products (e.g., adipic acid, muconic acid, catechol, vanillin, and glycolic acid, etc.) have been identified, underscoring the potential of PET upcycling in diverse applications. Efforts can be made to develop chemo-catalytic depolymerization of PET, improve microbial depolymerization of PET (e.g., hydrolysis efficiency, enzymatic activity, thermal and pH level stability, etc.), as well as identify new microorganisms or hydrolases capable of degrading PET through computational and machine learning algorithms. Consequently, this review provides a roadmap for advancing PET recycling and upcycling technologies, which hold the potential to shape the future of PET waste management and contribute to the preservation of our ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Yang
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhiling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Qiongying Xu
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wenzong Liu
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shuhong Gao
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Peiwu Qin
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhenglin Chen
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Aijie Wang
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
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4
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Yan ZF, Feng CQ, Chen XQ, Jin CX, Xia W, Chen S, Wu J. Design and construction of chemical-biological module clusters for degradation and assimilation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 361:121258. [PMID: 38815428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The rising accumulation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste presents an urgent ecological challenge, necessitating an efficient and economical treatment technology. Here, we developed chemical-biological module clusters that perform chemical pretreatment, enzymatic degradation, and microbial assimilation for the large-scale treatment of PET waste. This module cluster included (i) a chemical pretreatment that involves incorporating polycaprolactone (PCL) at a weight ratio of 2% (PET:PCL = 98:2) into PET via mechanical blending, which effectively reduces the crystallinity and enhances degradation; (ii) enzymatic degradation using Thermobifida fusca cutinase variant (4Mz), that achieves complete degradation of pretreated PET at 300 g/L PET, with an enzymatic loading of 1 mg protein per gram of PET; and (iii) microbial assimilation, where Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 metabolizes the degradation products, assimilating each monomer at a rate above 90%. A comparative life cycle assessment demonstrated that the carbon emissions from our module clusters (0.25 kg CO2-eq/kg PET) are lower than those from other established approaches. This study pioneers a closed-loop system that seamlessly incorporates pretreatment, degradation, and assimilation processes, thus mitigating the environmental impacts of PET waste and propelling the development of a circular PET economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Fei Yan
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China.
| | - Chu-Qi Feng
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Xiao-Qian Chen
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Chang-Xu Jin
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Wei Xia
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China.
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5
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Armijo-Galdames B, Sadler JC. One-Pot Biosynthesis of Acetone from Waste Poly(hydroxybutyrate). ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2024; 12:7748-7756. [PMID: 38783840 PMCID: PMC11110063 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c00357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The plastic waste crisis is catalyzing change across the plastics life cycle. Central to this is increased production and application of bioplastics and biodegradable plastics. In particular, poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a biodegradable bioplastic that can be produced from various renewable and waste feedstocks and is a promising alternative to some petrochemical-derived and non-biodegradable plastics. Despite its advantages, PHB biodegradation depends on environmental conditions, and the effects of degradation into microplastics, oligomers, and the 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB) monomer on soil microbiomes are unknown. We hypothesized that the ease of PHB biodegradation renders this next-generation plastic an ideal feedstock for microbial recycling into platform chemicals currently produced from fossil fuels. To demonstrate this, we report the one-pot degradation and recycling of PHB into acetone using a single strain of engineered Escherichia coli. Following strain development and initial bioprocess optimization, we report maximum titers of 123 mM acetone (7 g/L) from commercial PHB granules after 24 h fermentation at 30 °C. We further report biorecycling of an authentic sample of post-consumer PHB waste at a preparative scale. This is the first demonstration of biological recycling of PHB into a second-generation chemical, and it demonstrates next-generation plastic waste as a novel feedstock for the circular bioeconomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamín
O. Armijo-Galdames
- Institute of Quantitative
Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Roger Land Building, Alexander Crum
Brown Road, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, U.K.
| | - Joanna C. Sadler
- Institute of Quantitative
Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Roger Land Building, Alexander Crum
Brown Road, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, U.K.
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6
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Manoli MT, Gargantilla-Becerra Á, Del Cerro Sánchez C, Rivero-Buceta V, Prieto MA, Nogales J. A model-driven approach to upcycling recalcitrant feedstocks in Pseudomonas putida by decoupling PHA production from nutrient limitation. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113979. [PMID: 38517887 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have emerged as promising eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based plastics since they are synthesized from renewable resources and offer exceptional properties. However, their production is limited to the stationary growth phase under nutrient-limited conditions, requiring customized strategies and costly two-phase bioprocesses. In this study, we tackle these challenges by employing a model-driven approach to reroute carbon flux and remove regulatory constraints using synthetic biology. We construct a collection of Pseudomonas putida-overproducing strains at the expense of plastics and lignin-related compounds using growth-coupling approaches. PHA production was successfully achieved during growth phase, resulting in the production of up to 46% PHA/cell dry weight while maintaining a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Our strains are additionally validated under an upcycling scenario using enzymatically hydrolyzed polyethylene terephthalate as a feedstock. These findings have the potential to revolutionize PHA production and address the global plastic crisis by overcoming the complexities of traditional PHA production bioprocesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Tsampika Manoli
- Polymer Biotechnology Group, Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy-Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Gargantilla-Becerra
- Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy-Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain; 3Systems Biotechnology Group, Department of Systems Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Carlos Del Cerro Sánchez
- Polymer Biotechnology Group, Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy-Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Virginia Rivero-Buceta
- Polymer Biotechnology Group, Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy-Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - M Auxiliadora Prieto
- Polymer Biotechnology Group, Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy-Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan Nogales
- Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy-Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain; 3Systems Biotechnology Group, Department of Systems Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC, Madrid 28049, Spain; CNB DNA Biofoundry (CNBio), CSIC, Madrid, Spain.
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7
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Kumar M, Bhujbal SK, Kohli K, Prajapati R, Sharma BK, Sawarkar AD, Abhishek K, Bolan S, Ghosh P, Kirkham MB, Padhye LP, Pandey A, Vithanage M, Bolan N. A review on value-addition to plastic waste towards achieving a circular economy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171106. [PMID: 38387564 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Plastic and mixed plastic waste (PW) has received increased worldwide attention owing to its huge rate of production, high persistency in the environment, and unsustainable waste management practices. Therefore, sustainable PW management and upcycling approaches are imperative to achieve the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Numerous recent studies have shown the application and feasibility of various PW conversion techniques to produce materials with better economic value. Within this framework, the current review provides an in-depth analysis of cutting-edge thermochemical technologies such as pyrolysis, gasification, carbonization, and photocatalysis that can be used to value plastic and mixed PW in order to produce energy and industrial chemicals. Additionally, a thorough examination of the environmental impacts of contemporary PW upcycling techniques and their commercial feasibility through life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economical assessment are provided in this review. Finally, this review emphasizes the opportunities and challenges accompanying with existing PW upcycling techniques and deliver recommendations for future research works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida, India.
| | - Sachin Krushna Bhujbal
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Kirtika Kohli
- Distillate and Heavy Oil Processing Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun 248005, India
| | - Ravindra Prajapati
- Prairie Research Institute-Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Brajendra K Sharma
- Prairie Research Institute-Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA; United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service Eastern Regional Research Center Sustainable Biofuels and Co-Products Research Unit, 600 E. Mermaid Ln., Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA
| | - Ankush D Sawarkar
- Department of Information Technology, Shri Guru Gobind Singhji Institute of Engineering and Technology (SGGSIET), Nanded, Maharashtra 431 606, India
| | - Kumar Abhishek
- Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Bihar, Patna, India
| | - Shiv Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia
| | - Pooja Ghosh
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India; Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Lokesh P Padhye
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Ashok Pandey
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow 226 001, India; Kyung Hee University, Kyung Hee Dae Ro 26, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun 248 007, Uttarakhand, India; Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow 226029, India
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia.
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8
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Shi C, Quinn EC, Diment WT, Chen EYX. Recyclable and (Bio)degradable Polyesters in a Circular Plastics Economy. Chem Rev 2024; 124:4393-4478. [PMID: 38518259 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Polyesters carrying polar main-chain ester linkages exhibit distinct material properties for diverse applications and thus play an important role in today's plastics economy. It is anticipated that they will play an even greater role in tomorrow's circular plastics economy that focuses on sustainability, thanks to the abundant availability of their biosourced building blocks and the presence of the main-chain ester bonds that can be chemically or biologically cleaved on demand by multiple methods and thus bring about more desired end-of-life plastic waste management options. Because of this potential and promise, there have been intense research activities directed at addressing recycling, upcycling or biodegradation of existing legacy polyesters, designing their biorenewable alternatives, and redesigning future polyesters with intrinsic chemical recyclability and tailored performance that can rival today's commodity plastics that are either petroleum based and/or hard to recycle. This review captures these exciting recent developments and outlines future challenges and opportunities. Case studies on the legacy polyesters, poly(lactic acid), poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)s, poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(butylene succinate), and poly(butylene-adipate terephthalate), are presented, and emerging chemically recyclable polyesters are comprehensively reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changxia Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Ethan C Quinn
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Wilfred T Diment
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Eugene Y-X Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
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9
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Pereyra‐Camacho MA, Pardo I. Plastics and the Sustainable Development Goals: From waste to wealth with microbial recycling and upcycling. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14459. [PMID: 38588222 PMCID: PMC11001195 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastics pollution has become one of the greatest concerns of the 21st century. To date, around 10 billion tons of plastics have been produced almost exclusively from non-renewable sources, and of these, <10% have been recycled. The majority of discarded plastic waste (>70%) is accumulating in landfills or the environment, causing severe impacts to natural ecosystems and human health. Considering how plastics are present in every aspect of our daily lives, it is evident that a transition towards a Circular Economy of plastics is essential to achieve several of the Sustainable Development Goals. In this editorial, we highlight how microbial biotechnology can contribute to this shift, with a special focus on the biological recycling of conventional plastics and the upcycling of plastic-waste feedstocks into new value-added products. Although important hurdles will need to be overcome in this endeavour, recent success stories highlight how interdisciplinary approaches can bring us closer to a bio-based economy for the sustainable management of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A. Pereyra‐Camacho
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSICMadridSpain
- Interdisciplinary Platform SusPlast, CSICMadridSpain
| | - Isabel Pardo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSICMadridSpain
- Interdisciplinary Platform SusPlast, CSICMadridSpain
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10
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Weiland F, Kohlstedt M, Wittmann C. Biobased de novo synthesis, upcycling, and recycling - the heartbeat toward a green and sustainable polyethylene terephthalate industry. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 86:103079. [PMID: 38422776 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has revolutionized the industrial sector because of its versatility, with its predominant uses in the textiles and packaging materials industries. Despite the various advantages of this polymer, its synthesis is, unfavorably, tightly intertwined with nonrenewable fossil resources. Additionally, given its widespread use, accumulating PET waste poses a significant environmental challenge. As a result, current research in the areas of biological recycling, upcycling, and de novo synthesis is intensifying. Biological recycling involves the use of micro-organisms or enzymes to breakdown PET into monomers, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional recycling. Upcycling transforms PET waste into value-added products, expanding its potential application range and promoting a circular economy. Moreover, studies of cascading biological and chemical processes driven by microbial cell factories have explored generating PET using renewable, biobased feedstocks such as lignin. These avenues of research promise to mitigate the environmental footprint of PET, underlining the importance of sustainable innovations in the industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabia Weiland
- Institute of Systems Biotechnology, Saarland University, Germany
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11
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Gopal MR, Kunjapur AM. Harnessing biocatalysis to achieve selective functional group interconversion of monomers. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 86:103093. [PMID: 38417202 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Polymeric materials are ubiquitous to modern life. However, reliance of petroleum for polymeric building blocks is not sustainable. The synthesis of macromolecules from recalcitrant polymer waste feedstocks, such as plastic waste and lignocellulosic biomass, presents an opportunity to bypass the use of petroleum-based feedstocks. However, the deconstruction and transformation of these alternative feedstocks remained limited until recently. Herein, we highlight examples of monomers liberated from the deconstruction of recalcitrant polymers, and more extensively, we showcase the state-of-the-art in biocatalytic technologies that are enabling synthesis of diverse upcycled monomeric starting materials for a wide variety of macromolecules. Overall, this review emphasizes the importance of functional group interconversion as a promising strategy by which biocatalysis can aid the diversification and upcycling of monomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madan R Gopal
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA; Center for Plastics Innovation, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Aditya M Kunjapur
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA; Center for Plastics Innovation, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
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12
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Qin L, Li X, Ren G, Yuan R, Wang X, Hu Z, Ye C, Zou Y, Ding P, Zhang H, Cai Q. Closed-Loop Polymer-to-Polymer Upcycling of Waste Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate) into Biodegradable and Programmable Materials. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024:e202301781. [PMID: 38409634 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), extensively employed in bottles, film, and fiber manufacture, has generated persistent environmental contamination due to its non-degradable nature. The resolution of this issue requires the conversion of waste PET into valuable products, often achieved through depolymerization into monomers. However, the laborious purification procedures involved in the extraction of monomers pose challenges and constraints on the complete utilization of PET. Herein, a strategy is demonstrated for the polymer-to-polymer upcycling of waste PET into high-value biodegradable and programmable materials named PEXT. This process involves reversible transesterifications dependent on ester bonds, wherein commercially available X-monomers from aliphatic diacids and diols are introduced, utilizing existing industrial equipment for complete PET utilization. PEXT features a programmable molecular structure, delivering tailored mechanical, thermal, and biodegradation performance. Notably, PEXT exhibits superior mechanical performance, with a maximal elongation at break of 3419.2 % and a toughness of 270.79 MJ m-3 . These characteristics make PEXT suitable for numerous applications, including shape-memory materials, transparent films, and fracture-resistant stretchable components. Significantly, PEXT allows closed-loop recycling within specific biodegradable analogs by reprograming PET or X-monomers. This strategy not only offers cost-effective advantages in large-scale upcycling of waste PET into advanced materials but also demonstrates its enormous prospect in environmental conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidong Qin
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Xiaoxu Li
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Geng Ren
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Rongyan Yuan
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Zexu Hu
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Chenwu Ye
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Yangyang Zou
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Peiqing Ding
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Hongjie Zhang
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Qiuquan Cai
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
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13
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Safdar A, Ismail F, Safdar M, Imran M. Eco-friendly approaches for mitigating plastic pollution: advancements and implications for a greener future. Biodegradation 2024:10.1007/s10532-023-10062-1. [PMID: 38310578 DOI: 10.1007/s10532-023-10062-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a global problem since the extensive use of plastic in industries such as packaging, electronics, manufacturing and construction, healthcare, transportation, and others. This has resulted in an environmental burden that is continually growing, which has inspired many scientists as well as environmentalists to come up with creative solutions to deal with this problem. Numerous studies have been reviewed to determine practical, affordable, and environmentally friendly solutions to regulate plastic waste by leveraging microbes' innate abilities to naturally decompose polymers. Enzymatic breakdown of plastics has been proposed to serve this goal since the discovery of enzymes from microbial sources that truly interact with plastic in its naturalistic environment and because it is a much faster and more effective method than others. The scope of diverse microbes and associated enzymes in polymer breakdown is highlighted in the current review. The use of co-cultures or microbial consortium-based techniques for the improved breakdown of plastic products and the generation of high-value end products that may be utilized as prototypes of bioenergy sources is highlighted. The review also offers a thorough overview of the developments in the microbiological and enzymatic biological degradation of plastics, as well as several elements that impact this process for the survival of our planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Safdar
- Department of Biochemistry, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Punjab, Pakistan
- The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Ismail
- Department of Biochemistry, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Punjab, Pakistan.
- The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Punjab, Pakistan.
| | - Maryem Safdar
- University College of Conventional Medicine, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Punjab, Pakistan
- The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Institute of Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 5180600, Guangdong Province, China.
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14
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Mouren A, Pollet E, Avérous L. Synthesis and Assessment of Novel Sustainable Antioxidants with Different Polymer Systems. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:413. [PMID: 38337302 DOI: 10.3390/polym16030413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Antioxidants are essential to the polymer industry. The addition of antioxidants delays oxidation and material degradation during their processing and usage. Sustainable phenolic acids such as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid or 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid were selected. They were chemically modified by esterification to obtain various durable molecules, which were tested and then compared to resveratrol, a biobased antioxidant, and Irganox 1076, a well-known and very efficient fossil-based antioxidant. Different sensitive matrices were used, such as a thermoplastic polyolefin (a blend of PP and PE) and a purposely synthesized thermoplastic polyurethane. Several formulations were then produced, with the different antioxidants in varying amounts. The potential of these different systems was analyzed using various techniques and processes. In addition to antioxidant efficiency, other parameters were also evaluated, such as the evolution of the sample color. Finally, an accelerated aging protocol was set up to evaluate variations in polymer properties and estimate the evolution of the potential of different antioxidants tested over time and with aging. In conclusion, these environmentally friendly antioxidants make it possible to obtain high-performance materials with an efficiency comparable to that of the conventional ones, with variations according to the type of matrix considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Mouren
- BioTeam/ICPEES ECPM, UMR CNRS 7515, Université de Strasbourg, 25 rue Becquerel, 67087 Strasbourg CEDEX 2, France
| | - Eric Pollet
- BioTeam/ICPEES ECPM, UMR CNRS 7515, Université de Strasbourg, 25 rue Becquerel, 67087 Strasbourg CEDEX 2, France
| | - Luc Avérous
- BioTeam/ICPEES ECPM, UMR CNRS 7515, Université de Strasbourg, 25 rue Becquerel, 67087 Strasbourg CEDEX 2, France
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15
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Thomsen TB, Radmer TS, Meyer AS. Enzymatic degradation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET): Identifying the cause of the hypersensitive enzyme kinetic response to increased PET crystallinity. Enzyme Microb Technol 2024; 173:110353. [PMID: 37979402 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2023.110353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution poses a significant environmental challenge, with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) being a major contributor due to its extensive use in single use applications such as plastic bottles and other packaging material. Enzymatic degradation of PET offers a promising solution for PET recycling, but the enzyme kinetics in relation to the degree of crystallinity (XC) of the PET substrate are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the hypersensitive enzyme kinetic response on PET at XC from ∼8.5-12% at 50 °C using the benchmark PET hydrolysing enzyme LCCICCG. We observed a substantial reduction in the maximal enzymatic reaction rate (invVmax) with increasing XC, corresponding to a 3-fold reduction in invVmax when the XC of PET increased from 8.6% to 12.2%. The kinetic analysis revealed that the level of the Mobile Amorphous Fraction (XMAF) was a better descriptor for the enzymatic degradation rate response than XC (or (100%-XC)). By continuous monitoring of the enzymatic reaction progress, we quantified the lag phase prolongation in addition to the steady-state kinetic rates (vss) of the reactions and found that the duration of the lag phase of a reaction could be predicted from the vss and XC by multiple linear regression modeling. The linear correlation between the duration of the lag phase and the vss of the enzymatic PET degradation affirmed that the LCCICCG worked via a random/endo-type enzymatic attack pattern. The longer lag phase at increased XC of PET is proposed to be due to increased substrate entanglement density as well as unproductive enzyme binding to the crystalline regions of PET. The findings enhance our understanding of PET enzymatic degradation kinetics and its dependence on substrate composition, i.e., XMAF and XC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thore Bach Thomsen
- Protein Chemistry and Enzyme Technology Section, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Building 221, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tobias S Radmer
- Protein Chemistry and Enzyme Technology Section, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Building 221, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne S Meyer
- Protein Chemistry and Enzyme Technology Section, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Building 221, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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16
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Oda K, Wlodawer A. Development of Enzyme-Based Approaches for Recycling PET on an Industrial Scale. Biochemistry 2024. [PMID: 38285602 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Pollution by plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is now gaining worldwide attention as a critical environmental issue, closely linked to climate change. Among them, PET is particularly prone to hydrolysis, breaking down into its constituents, ethylene glycol (EG) and terephthalate (TPA). Biorecycling or bioupcycling stands out as one of the most promising methods for addressing PET pollution. For dealing with pollution by the macrosize PET, a French company Carbios has developed a pilot-scale plant for biorecycling waste PET beverage bottles into new bottles using derivatives of thermophilic leaf compost cutinase (LCC). However, this system still provides significant challenges in its practical implementation. For the micro- or nanosize PET pollution that poses significant human health risks, including cancer, no industrial-scale approach has been established so far, despite the need to develop such technologies. In this Perspective, we explore the enhancement of the low activity and thermostability of the enzyme PETase to match that of LCC, along with the potential application of microbes and enzymes for the treatment of waste PET as microplastics. Additionally, we discuss the shortcomings of the current biorecycling protocols from a life cycle assessment perspective, covering aspects such as the diversity of PET-hydrolyzing enzymes in nature, the catalytic mechanism for crystallized PET, and more. We also provide an overview of the Ideonella sakaiensis system, highlighting its ability to operate and grow at moderate temperatures, in contrast to high-temperature processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Oda
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Alexander Wlodawer
- Center for Structural Biology, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
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17
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Shi L, Zhu L. Recent Advances and Challenges in Enzymatic Depolymerization and Recycling of PET Wastes. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202300578. [PMID: 37960968 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is one of the most commonly used plastics in daily life and various industries. Enzymatic depolymerization and recycling of post-consumer PET (pc-PET) provides a promising strategy for the sustainable circular economy of polymers. Great protein engineering efforts have been devoted to improving the depolymerization performance of PET hydrolytic enzymes (PHEs). In this review, we first discuss the mechanisms and challenges of enzymatic PET depolymerization. Subsequently, we summarize the state-of-the-art engineering of PHEs including rational design, machine learning, and directed evolution for improved depolymerization performance, and highlight the advances in screening methods of PHEs. We further discuss several factors that affect the enzymatic depolymerization efficiency. We conclude with our perspective on the opportunities and challenges in bio-recycling and bio-upcycling of PET wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Shi
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Leilei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin, 300308, China
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18
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Xue R, Qiu C, Zhou X, Cheng Y, Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Schröder U, Bornscheuer UT, Dong W, Wei R, Jiang M. Enzymatic Upcycling of PET Waste to Calcium Terephthalate for Battery Anodes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202313633. [PMID: 37880836 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202313633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Biotechnological recycling offers a promising solution to address the environmental concerns associated with waste plastics, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), widely utilized in packaging materials and textiles. To advance the development of a bio-based circular plastic economy, innovative upcycling strategies capable of generating higher-value products are needed. In this study, we enhanced the enzymatic depolymerization of waste PET by incorporating highly concentrated calcium ions (up to 1 m) to the hydrolytic reaction catalyzed by the best currently known enzyme LCCICCG . The presence of calcium ions not only improved the thermal stability and activity of the biocatalyst but also significantly reduced the consumption of base required to maintain optimal pH levels. Employing optimized conditions at 80 °C for 12 h, we successfully converted ≈84 % of the waste PET (200 g L-1 ) into solid hydrated calcium terephthalate (CaTP ⋅ 3H2 O) as the primary product instead of soluble terephthalate salt. CaTP ⋅ 3H2 O was easily purified and employed as a raw material for battery electrode production, exhibiting an initial reversible specific capacity of 164.2 mAh g-1 . Through techno-economic analysis, we conclusively demonstrated that the one-pot biocatalysis-based synthesis of CaTP is a superior PET upcycling strategy than the secondary synthesis method employing recycled terephthalic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xue
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, P. R. China
| | - Canhao Qiu
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoli Zhou
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, P. R. China
| | - Yun Cheng
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, P. R. China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, P. R. China
| | - Uwe Schröder
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Uwe T Bornscheuer
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Weiliang Dong
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, P. R. China
| | - Ren Wei
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Min Jiang
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, P. R. China
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19
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Lv S, Li Y, Zhao S, Shao Z. Biodegradation of Typical Plastics: From Microbial Diversity to Metabolic Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:593. [PMID: 38203764 PMCID: PMC10778777 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic production has increased dramatically, leading to accumulated plastic waste in the ocean. Marine plastics can be broken down into microplastics (<5 mm) by sunlight, machinery, and pressure. The accumulation of microplastics in organisms and the release of plastic additives can adversely affect the health of marine organisms. Biodegradation is one way to address plastic pollution in an environmentally friendly manner. Marine microorganisms can be more adapted to fluctuating environmental conditions such as salinity, temperature, pH, and pressure compared with terrestrial microorganisms, providing new opportunities to address plastic pollution. Pseudomonadota (Proteobacteria), Bacteroidota (Bacteroidetes), Bacillota (Firmicutes), and Cyanobacteria were frequently found on plastic biofilms and may degrade plastics. Currently, diverse plastic-degrading bacteria are being isolated from marine environments such as offshore and deep oceanic waters, especially Pseudomonas spp. Bacillus spp. Alcanivoras spp. and Actinomycetes. Some marine fungi and algae have also been revealed as plastic degraders. In this review, we focused on the advances in plastic biodegradation by marine microorganisms and their enzymes (esterase, cutinase, laccase, etc.) involved in the process of biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene (PP) and highlighted the need to study plastic biodegradation in the deep sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Lv
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, Xiamen 361005, China; (S.L.); (Y.L.); (S.Z.)
- School of Environmental Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Yufei Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, Xiamen 361005, China; (S.L.); (Y.L.); (S.Z.)
- School of Marine Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Sufang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, Xiamen 361005, China; (S.L.); (Y.L.); (S.Z.)
| | - Zongze Shao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, Xiamen 361005, China; (S.L.); (Y.L.); (S.Z.)
- School of Environmental Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
- School of Marine Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China
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20
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Thomsen TB, Almdal K, Meyer AS. Significance of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate crystallinity on enzymatic degradation. N Biotechnol 2023; 78:162-172. [PMID: 37939899 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a semi-crystalline plastic polyester material with a global production volume of 83 Mt/year. PET is mainly used in textiles, but also widely used for packaging materials, notably plastic bottles, and is a major contributor to environmental plastic waste accumulation. Now that enzymes have been demonstrated to catalyze PET degradation, new options for sustainable bio-recycling of PET materials via enzymatic catalysis have emerged. The enzymatic degradation rate is strongly influenced by the properties of PET, notably the degree of crystallinity, XC. The higher the XC of the PET material, the slower the enzymatic rate. Crystallization of PET, resulting in increased XC, is induced thermally (via heating) and/or mechanically (via stretching), and the XC of most PET plastic bottles and microplastics exceeds what currently known enzymes can readily degrade. The enzymatic action occurs at the surface of the insoluble PET material and improves when the polyester chain mobility increases. The chain mobility increases drastically when the temperature exceeds the glass transition temperature, Tg, which is ∼40 °C at the surface layer of PET. Since PET crystallization starts at 70 °C, the ideal temperature for enzymatic degradation is just below 70 °C to balance high chain mobility and enzymatic reaction activation without inducing crystal formation. This paper reviews the current understanding on the properties of PET as an enzyme substrate and summarizes the most recent knowledge of how the crystalline and amorphous regions of PET form, and how the XC and the Tg impact the efficiency of enzymatic PET degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thore Bach Thomsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, DTU Bioengineering, Protein Chemistry and Enzyme Technology Section, Building 221, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer Almdal
- DTU Chemistry, Building 206, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne S Meyer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, DTU Bioengineering, Protein Chemistry and Enzyme Technology Section, Building 221, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark.
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21
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Jiang Y, Ding N, Shao Q, Stull SL, Cheng Z, Yang ZJ. Substrate Positioning Dynamics Involves a Non-Electrostatic Component to Mediate Catalysis. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:11480-11489. [PMID: 38085952 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c02444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Substrate positioning dynamics (SPD) orients the substrate in the active site, thereby influencing catalytic efficiency. However, it remains unknown whether SPD effects originate primarily from electrostatic perturbation inside the enzyme or can independently mediate catalysis with a significant non-electrostatic component. In this work, we investigated how the non-electrostatic component of SPD affects transition state (TS) stabilization. Using high-throughput enzyme modeling, we selected Kemp eliminase variants with similar electrostatics inside the enzyme but significantly different SPD. The kinetic parameters of these mutants were experimentally characterized. We observed a valley-shaped, two-segment linear correlation between the TS stabilization free energy (converted from kinetic parameters) and substrate positioning index (a metric to quantify SPD). The energy varies by approximately 2 kcal/mol. Favorable SPD was observed for the distal mutant R154W, increasing the proportion of reactive conformations and leading to the lowest activation free energy. These results indicate the substantial contribution of the non-electrostatic component of SPD to enzyme catalytic efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyukun Jiang
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Ning Ding
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Qianzhen Shao
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Sebastian L Stull
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Zihao Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Zhongyue J Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Data Science Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
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22
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Herrera DAG, Mojicevic M, Pantelic B, Joshi A, Collins C, Batista M, Torres C, Freitas F, Murray P, Nikodinovic-Runic J, Brennan Fournet M. Exploring Microorganisms from Plastic-Polluted Sites: Unveiling Plastic Degradation and PHA Production Potential. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2914. [PMID: 38138058 PMCID: PMC10745504 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The exposure of microorganisms to conventional plastics is a relatively recent occurrence, affording limited time for evolutionary adaptation. As part of the EU-funded project BioICEP, this study delves into the plastic degradation potential of microorganisms isolated from sites with prolonged plastic pollution, such as plastic-polluted forests, biopolymer-contaminated soil, oil-contaminated soil, municipal landfill, but also a distinctive soil sample with plastic pieces buried three decades ago. Additionally, samples from Arthropoda species were investigated. In total, 150 strains were isolated and screened for the ability to use plastic-related substrates (Impranil dispersions, polyethylene terephthalate, terephthalic acid, and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate). Twenty isolates selected based on their ability to grow on various substrates were identified as Streptomyces, Bacillus, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas spp. Morphological features were recorded, and the 16S rRNA sequence was employed to construct a phylogenetic tree. Subsequent assessments unveiled that 5 out of the 20 strains displayed the capability to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates, utilizing pre-treated post-consumer PET samples. With Priestia sp. DG69 and Neobacillus sp. DG40 emerging as the most successful producers (4.14% and 3.34% of PHA, respectively), these strains are poised for further utilization in upcycling purposes, laying the foundation for the development of sustainable strategies for plastic waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana A. Garza Herrera
- PRISM Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, N37HD68 Athlone, Ireland; (D.A.G.H.); (M.B.F.)
| | - Marija Mojicevic
- PRISM Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, N37HD68 Athlone, Ireland; (D.A.G.H.); (M.B.F.)
| | - Brana Pantelic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.P.); (J.N.-R.)
| | - Akanksha Joshi
- Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Midwest Campus, Technological University of the Shannon, V94EC5T Limerick, Ireland; (A.J.); (C.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Catherine Collins
- Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Midwest Campus, Technological University of the Shannon, V94EC5T Limerick, Ireland; (A.J.); (C.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Maria Batista
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.B.); (C.T.); (F.F.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristiana Torres
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.B.); (C.T.); (F.F.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filomena Freitas
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.B.); (C.T.); (F.F.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patrick Murray
- Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Midwest Campus, Technological University of the Shannon, V94EC5T Limerick, Ireland; (A.J.); (C.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.P.); (J.N.-R.)
| | - Margaret Brennan Fournet
- PRISM Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, N37HD68 Athlone, Ireland; (D.A.G.H.); (M.B.F.)
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23
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Wagner N, Wen L, Frazão CJR, Walther T. Next-generation feedstocks methanol and ethylene glycol and their potential in industrial biotechnology. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 69:108276. [PMID: 37918546 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fermentation processes are expected to play an important role in reducing dependence on fossil-based raw materials for the production of everyday chemicals. In order to meet the growing demand for biotechnological products in the future, alternative carbon sources that do not compete with human nutrition must be exploited. The chemical conversion of the industrially emitted greenhouse gas CO2 into microbially utilizable platform chemicals such as methanol represents a sustainable strategy for the utilization of an abundant carbon source and has attracted enormous scientific interest in recent years. A relatively new approach is the microbial synthesis of products from the C2-compound ethylene glycol, which can also be synthesized from CO2 and non-edible biomass and, in addition, can be recovered from plastic waste. Here we summarize the main chemical routes for the synthesis of methanol and ethylene glycol from sustainable resources and give an overview of recent metabolic engineering work for establishing natural and synthetic microbial assimilation pathways. The different metabolic routes for C1 and C2 alcohol-dependent bioconversions were compared in terms of their theoretical maximum yields and their oxygen requirements for a wide range of value-added products. Assessment of the process engineering challenges for methanol and ethylene glycol-based fermentations underscores the theoretical advantages of new synthetic metabolic routes and advocates greater consideration of ethylene glycol, a C2 substrate that has received comparatively little attention to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Wagner
- TU Dresden, Institute of Natural Materials Technology, Bergstraße 120, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Linxuan Wen
- TU Dresden, Institute of Natural Materials Technology, Bergstraße 120, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Cláudio J R Frazão
- TU Dresden, Institute of Natural Materials Technology, Bergstraße 120, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Walther
- TU Dresden, Institute of Natural Materials Technology, Bergstraße 120, 01062 Dresden, Germany.
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24
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Jiang W, Sun J, Dong W, Zhou J, Jiang Y, Zhang W, Xin F, Jiang M. Characterization of a novel esterase and construction of a Rhodococcus-Burkholderia consortium capable of catabolism bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 238:117240. [PMID: 37783328 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) is one of the main compounds produced by enzymatic hydrolysis or chemical depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, the lack of understanding on BHET microbial metabolism is a main factor limiting the bio-upcycling of PET. In this study, BHET-degrading strains of Rhodococcus biphenylivorans GA1 and Burkholderia sp. EG1 were isolated and identified, which can grow with BHET as the sole carbon source. Furthermore, a novel esterase gene betH was cloned from strain GA1, which encodes a BHET hydrolyzing esterase with the highest activity at 30 °C and pH 7.0. In addition, the co-culture containing strain GA1 and strain EG1 could completely degrade high concentration of BHET, eliminating the inhibition on strain GA1 caused by the accumulation of intermediate metabolite ethylene glycol (EG). This work will provide potential strains and a feasible strategy for PET bio-upcycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wankui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, PR China
| | - Jingxiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, PR China
| | - Weiliang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, PR China
| | - Jie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, PR China
| | - Yujia Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, PR China
| | - Wenming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, PR China.
| | - Fengxue Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, PR China.
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, PR China
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25
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Cywar RM, Ling C, Clarke RW, Kim DH, Kneucker CM, Salvachúa D, Addison B, Hesse SA, Takacs CJ, Xu S, Demirtas MU, Woodworth SP, Rorrer NA, Johnson CW, Tassone CJ, Allen RD, Chen EYX, Beckham GT. Elastomeric vitrimers from designer polyhydroxyalkanoates with recyclability and biodegradability. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi1735. [PMID: 37992173 PMCID: PMC10664982 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi1735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Cross-linked elastomers are stretchable materials that typically are not recyclable or biodegradable. Medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHAs) are soft and ductile, making these bio-based polymers good candidates for biodegradable elastomers. Elasticity is commonly imparted by a cross-linked network structure, and covalent adaptable networks have emerged as a solution to prepare recyclable thermosets via triggered rearrangement of dynamic covalent bonds. Here, we develop biodegradable and recyclable elastomers by chemically installing the covalent adaptable network within biologically produced mcl-PHAs. Specifically, an engineered strain of Pseudomonas putida was used to produce mcl-PHAs containing pendent terminal alkenes as chemical handles for postfunctionalization. Thiol-ene chemistry was used to incorporate boronic ester (BE) cross-links, resulting in PHA-based vitrimers. mcl-PHAs cross-linked with BE at low density (<6 mole %) affords a soft, elastomeric material that demonstrates thermal reprocessability, biodegradability, and denetworking at end of life. The mechanical properties show potential for applications including adhesives and soft, biodegradable robotics and electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin M. Cywar
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Chen Ling
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- Agile BioFoundry, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Ryan W. Clarke
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872, USA
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- Agile BioFoundry, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Colin M. Kneucker
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- Agile BioFoundry, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Davinia Salvachúa
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- Agile BioFoundry, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Bennett Addison
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Sarah A. Hesse
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Christopher J. Takacs
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Shu Xu
- Applied Materials Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
- Northwestern Argonne Institute of Science and Engineering, 2205 Tech Drive, Suite 1160, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | | | - Sean P. Woodworth
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Nicholas A. Rorrer
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Christopher W. Johnson
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- Agile BioFoundry, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Christopher J. Tassone
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Robert D. Allen
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Eugene Y.-X. Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872, USA
| | - Gregg T. Beckham
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- BOTTLE Consortium, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- Agile BioFoundry, Golden, CO 80401, USA
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26
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Valenzuela-Ortega M, Suitor JT, White MFM, Hinchcliffe T, Wallace S. Microbial Upcycling of Waste PET to Adipic Acid. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:2057-2063. [PMID: 38033806 PMCID: PMC10683474 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Microorganisms can be genetically engineered to transform abundant waste feedstocks into value-added small molecules that would otherwise be manufactured from diminishing fossil resources. Herein, we report the first one-pot bio-upcycling of PET plastic waste into the prolific platform petrochemical and nylon precursor adipic acid in the bacterium Escherichia coli. Optimizing heterologous gene expression and enzyme activity enabled increased flux through the de novo pathway, and immobilization of whole cells in alginate hydrogels increased the stability of the rate-limiting enoate reductase BcER. The pathway enzymes were also interfaced with hydrogen gas generated by engineered E. coli DD-2 in combination with a biocompatible Pd catalyst to enable adipic acid synthesis from metabolic cis,cis-muconic acid. Together, these optimizations resulted in a one-pot conversion to adipic acid from terephthalic acid, including terephthalate samples isolated from industrial PET waste and a post-consumer plastic bottle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Valenzuela-Ortega
- Institute
of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of
Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Alexander Crum Brown Road, King’s
Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9
3FF, U.K.
| | - Jack T. Suitor
- Institute
of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of
Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Alexander Crum Brown Road, King’s
Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9
3FF, U.K.
| | - Mirren F. M. White
- Institute
of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of
Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Alexander Crum Brown Road, King’s
Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9
3FF, U.K.
| | - Trevor Hinchcliffe
- Impact
Solutions Ltd., Impact Technology Centre, Fraser Road, Kirkton Campus, Livingston, EH54 7BU, U.K.
| | - Stephen Wallace
- Institute
of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of
Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Alexander Crum Brown Road, King’s
Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9
3FF, U.K.
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27
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Cerrone F, Zhou B, Mouren A, Avérous L, Conroy S, Simpson JC, O'Connor KE, Narancic T. Pseudomonas umsongensis GO16 as a platform for the in vivo synthesis of short and medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoate blends. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 387:129668. [PMID: 37572888 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biological polyesters, viewed as a replacement for petrochemical plastic. However, they suffer from suboptimal physical and mechanical properties. Here, it was shown that a metabolically versatile Pseudomonas umsongensis GO16 can synthesise a blend of short chain length (scl) and medium chain length (mcl)-PHA. A defined mix of butyric (BA) and octanoic acid (OA) in different ratios was used. The PHA monomer composition varied depending on the feeding strategy. When OA and BA were fed at 80:20 ratio it showed 14, 8, 77 and 1 mol% of (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate, (R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate, (R)-3-hydroxyoctanoate and (R)-3-hydroxydecanoate respectively. The polymer characterisation clearly shows that polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and mcl-PHA are produced individually. The two polymers are blended on the PHA granule level, as demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy and yeast two-hybrid assay. The resulting blend has a specific viscoelasticity compared to PHB and PHO. Mcl-PHA acts as a plasticiser and reduces PHB brittleness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Cerrone
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; BiOrbic - Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Binbin Zhou
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; BiOrbic - Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Agathe Mouren
- BioTeam/ICPEES-ECPM, UMR CNRS 7515, Strasbourg University, 25 rue Becquerel, F-67087, Strasbourg Cedex 2, France
| | - Luc Avérous
- BioTeam/ICPEES-ECPM, UMR CNRS 7515, Strasbourg University, 25 rue Becquerel, F-67087, Strasbourg Cedex 2, France
| | - Stephen Conroy
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; BiOrbic - Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Jeremy C Simpson
- Cell Screening Laboratory, School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Science Centre West, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Kevin E O'Connor
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; BiOrbic - Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Tanja Narancic
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; BiOrbic - Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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28
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Burelo M, Hernández-Varela JD, Medina DI, Treviño-Quintanilla CD. Recent developments in bio-based polyethylene: Degradation studies, waste management and recycling. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21374. [PMID: 37885729 PMCID: PMC10598529 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, the tendency to replace conventional fossil-based plastics is increasing considerably; there is a growing trend towards alternatives that involve the development of plastic materials derived from renewable sources, which are compostable and biodegradable. Indeed, only 1.5 % of whole plastic production is part of the small bioplastics market, even when these materials with a partial or full composition from biomass are rapidly expanding. A very interesting field of investigation is currently being developed in which the disposal and processing of the final products are evaluated in terms of reducing environmental harm. This review presents a compilation of polyethylene (PE) types, their uses, and current problems in the waste management of PE and recycling. Particularly, this review is based on the capabilities to synthesize bio-based PE from natural and renewable sources as a replacement for the raw material derived from petroleum. In addition to recent studies in degradation on different types of PE with weight loss ranges from 1 to 47 %, the techniques used and the main changes observed after degradation. Finally, perspectives are presented in the manuscript about renewable and non-renewable polymers, depending on the non-degradable, biodegradable, and compostable behavior, including composting recent studies in PE. In addition, it contributes to the 3R approaches to responsible waste management of PE and advancement towards an environmentally friendly PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Burelo
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, 64849, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Josué David Hernández-Varela
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, 64849, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Dora I. Medina
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, 64849, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Cecilia D. Treviño-Quintanilla
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, 64849, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
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29
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Bao T, Qian Y, Xin Y, Collins JJ, Lu T. Engineering microbial division of labor for plastic upcycling. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5712. [PMID: 37752119 PMCID: PMC10522701 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40777-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is rapidly increasing worldwide, causing adverse impacts on the environment, wildlife and human health. One tempting solution to this crisis is upcycling plastics into products with engineered microorganisms; however, this remains challenging due to complexity in conversion. Here we present a synthetic microbial consortium that efficiently degrades polyethylene terephthalate hydrolysate and subsequently produces desired chemicals through division of labor. The consortium involves two Pseudomonas putida strains, specializing in terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol utilization respectively, to achieve complete substrate assimilation. Compared with its monoculture counterpart, the consortium exhibits reduced catabolic crosstalk and faster deconstruction, particularly when substrate concentrations are high or crude hydrolysate is used. It also outperforms monoculture when polyhydroxyalkanoates serves as a target product and confers flexible tuning through population modulation for cis-cis muconate synthesis. This work demonstrates engineered consortia as a promising, effective platform that may facilitate polymer upcycling and environmental sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Bao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Yuanchao Qian
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Yongping Xin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - James J Collins
- Department of Biological Engineering and Institute for Medical Engineering & Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Longwood, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Ting Lu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- National Center for Supercomputing Applications, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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30
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Liu F, Wang T, Yang W, Zhang Y, Gong Y, Fan X, Wang G, Lu Z, Wang J. Current advances in the structural biology and molecular engineering of PETase. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1263996. [PMID: 37795175 PMCID: PMC10546322 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1263996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a highly useful synthetic polyester plastic that is widely used in daily life. However, the increase in postconsumer PET as plastic waste that is recalcitrant to biodegradation in landfills and the natural environment has raised worldwide concern. Currently, traditional PET recycling processes with thermomechanical or chemical methods also result in the deterioration of the mechanical properties of PET. Therefore, it is urgent to develop more efficient and green strategies to address this problem. Recently, a novel mesophilic PET-degrading enzyme (IsPETase) from Ideonella sakaiensis was found to streamline PET biodegradation at 30°C, albeit with a lower PET-degrading activity than chitinase or chitinase-like PET-degrading enzymes. Consequently, the molecular engineering of more efficient PETases is still required for further industrial applications. This review details current knowledge on IsPETase, MHETase, and IsPETase-like hydrolases, including the structures, ligand‒protein interactions, and rational protein engineering for improved PET-degrading performance. In particular, applications of the engineered catalysts are highlighted, including metabolic engineering of the cell factories, enzyme immobilization or cell surface display. The information is expected to provide novel insights for the biodegradation of complex polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Liu
- School of Biological Science, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, China
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Biological Science, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, China
| | - Wentao Yang
- School of Biological Science, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, China
| | - Yingkang Zhang
- School of Biological Science, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, China
| | - Yuming Gong
- School of Biological Science, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, China
| | - Xinxin Fan
- School of Biological Science, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, China
| | - Guocheng Wang
- School of Biological Science, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, China
| | - Zhenhua Lu
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianmin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, China
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Delmulle T, Bovijn S, Deketelaere S, Castelein M, Erauw T, D'hooghe M, Soetaert WK. Engineering Comamonas testosteroni for the production of 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid as a promising building block. Microb Cell Fact 2023; 22:188. [PMID: 37726725 PMCID: PMC10510227 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02202-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plastics are an indispensable part of our daily life. However, mismanagement at their end-of-life results in severe environmental consequences. The microbial conversion of these polymers into new value-added products offers a promising alternative. In this study, we engineered the soil-bacterium Comamonas testosteroni KF-1, a natural degrader of terephthalic acid, for the conversion of the latter to the high-value product 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid. RESULTS In order to convert terephthalic acid to 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid, we deleted the native PDC hydrolase and observed only a limited amount of product formation. To test whether this was the result of an inhibition of terephthalic acid uptake by the carbon source for growth (i.e. glycolic acid), the consumption of both carbon sources was monitored in the wild-type strain. Both carbon sources were consumed at the same time, indicating that catabolite repression was not the case. Next, we investigated if the activity of pathway enzymes remained the same in the wild-type and mutant strain. Here again, no statistical differences could be observed. Finally, we hypothesized that the presence of a pmdK variant in the degradation operon could be responsible for the observed phenotype and created a double deletion mutant strain. This newly created strain accumulated PDC to a larger extent and again consumed both carbon sources. The double deletion strain was then used in a bioreactor experiment, leading to the accumulation of 6.5 g/L of product in 24 h with an overall productivity of 0.27 g/L/h. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the production of the chemical building block 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid from terephthalic acid through an engineered C. testosteroni KF-1 strain. It was observed that both a deletion of the native PDC hydrolase as well as a pmdK variant is needed to achieve high conversion yields. A product titer of 6.5 g/L in 24 h with an overall productivity of 0.27 g/L/h was achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Delmulle
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, 9000, Belgium.
| | - Stijn Bovijn
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Sari Deketelaere
- SynBioC Research group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Martijn Castelein
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Tom Erauw
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Matthias D'hooghe
- SynBioC Research group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Wim K Soetaert
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
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Panda S, Zhou JFJ, Feigis M, Harrison E, Ma X, Fung Kin Yuen V, Mahadevan R, Zhou K. Engineering Escherichia coli to produce aromatic chemicals from ethylene glycol. Metab Eng 2023; 79:38-48. [PMID: 37392985 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2023.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Microbial overproduction of aromatic chemicals has gained considerable industrial interest and various metabolic engineering approaches have been employed in recent years to address the associated challenges. So far, most studies have used sugars (mostly glucose) or glycerol as the primary carbon source. In this study, we used ethylene glycol (EG) as the main carbon substrate. EG could be obtained from the degradation of plastic and cellulosic wastes. As a proof of concept, Escherichia coli was engineered to transform EG into L-tyrosine, a valuable aromatic amino acid. Under the best fermentation condition, the strain produced 2 g/L L-tyrosine from 10 g/L EG, outperforming glucose (the most common sugar feedstock) in the same experimental conditions. To prove the concept that EG can be converted into different aromatic chemicals, E. coli was further engineered with a similar approach to synthesize other valuable aromatic chemicals, L-phenylalanine and p-coumaric acid. Finally, waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles were degraded using acid hydrolysis and the resulting monomer EG was transformed into L-tyrosine using the engineered E. coli, yielding a comparable titer to that obtained using commercial EG. The strains developed in this study should be valuable to the community for producing valuable aromatics from EG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smaranika Panda
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jie Fu J Zhou
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michelle Feigis
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Emma Harrison
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Xiaoqiang Ma
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vincent Fung Kin Yuen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Kang Zhou
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Cluster of Food, Chemical and Biotechnology, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore.
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Putman LI, Schaerer LG, Wu R, Kulas DG, Zolghadr A, Ong RG, Shonnard DR, Techtmann SM. Deconstructed Plastic Substrate Preferences of Microbial Populations from the Natural Environment. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0036223. [PMID: 37260392 PMCID: PMC10433879 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00362-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Over half of the world's plastic waste is landfilled, where it is estimated to take hundreds of years to degrade. Given the continued use and disposal of plastic products, it is vital that we develop fast and effective ways to utilize plastic waste. Here, we explore the potential of tandem chemical and biological processing to process various plastics quickly and effectively. Four samples of compost or sediment were used to set up enrichment cultures grown on mixtures of compounds, including disodium terephthalate and terephthalic acid (monomers of polyethylene terephthalate), compounds derived from the chemical deconstruction of polycarbonate, and pyrolysis oil derived from high-density polyethylene plastics. Established enrichment communities were also grown on individual substrates to investigate the substrate preferences of different taxa. Biomass harvested from the cultures was characterized using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomic sequencing. These data reveal low-diversity microbial communities structured by differences in culture inoculum, culture substrate source plastic type, and time. Microbial populations from the classes Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteriae were significantly enriched when grown on substrates derived from high-density polyethylene and polycarbonate. The metagenomic data contain abundant aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbon degradation genes relevant to the biodegradation of deconstructed plastic substrates used here. We show that microbial populations from diverse environments are capable of growth on substrates derived from the chemical deconstruction or pyrolysis of multiple plastic types and that paired chemical and biological processing of plastics should be further developed for industrial applications to manage plastic waste. IMPORTANCE The durability and impermeable nature of plastics have made them a popular material for numerous applications, but these same qualities make plastics difficult to dispose of, resulting in massive amounts of accumulated plastic waste in landfills and the natural environment. Since plastic use and disposal are projected to increase in the future, novel methods to effectively break down and dispose of current and future plastic waste are desperately needed. We show that the products of chemical deconstruction or pyrolysis of plastic can successfully sustain the growth of low-diversity microbial communities. These communities were enriched from multiple environmental sources and are capable of degrading complex xenobiotic carbon compounds. This study demonstrates that tandem chemical and biological processing can be used to degrade multiple types of plastics over a relatively short period of time and may be a future avenue for the mitigation of rapidly accumulating plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay I. Putman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - Laura G. Schaerer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - Ruochen Wu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - Daniel G. Kulas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - Ali Zolghadr
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - Rebecca G. Ong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - David R. Shonnard
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - Stephen M. Techtmann
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
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Nguyen VC, Oliva-Torres V, Bernadet S, Rival G, Richard C, Capsal JF, Cottinet PJ, Le MQ. Haptic Feedback Device Using 3D-Printed Flexible, Multilayered Piezoelectric Coating for In-Car Touchscreen Interface. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1553. [PMID: 37630089 PMCID: PMC10456750 DOI: 10.3390/mi14081553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
This study focuses on the development of a piezoelectric device capable of generating feedback vibrations to the user who manipulates it. The objective here is to explore the possibility of developing a haptic system that can replace physical buttons on the tactile screen of in-car systems. The interaction between the user and the developed device allows completing the feedback loop, where the user's action generates an input signal that is translated and outputted by the device, and then detected and interpreted by the user's haptic sensors and brain. An FEM (finite element model) via ANSYS multiphysics software was implemented to optimize the haptic performance of the wafer structure consisting of a BaTiO3 multilayered piezocomposite coated on a PET transparent flexible substrate. Several parameters relating to the geometric and mechanical properties of the wafer, together with those of the electrodes, are demonstrated to have significant impact on the actuation ability of the haptic device. To achieve the desired vibration effect on the human skin, the haptic system must be able to drive displacement beyond the detection threshold (~2 µm) at a frequency range of 100-700 Hz. The most optimized actuation ability is obtained when the ratio of the dimension (radius and thickness) between the piezoelectric coating and the substrate layer is equal to ~0.6. Regarding the simulation results, it is revealed that the presence of the conductive electrodes provokes a decrease in the displacement by approximately 25-30%, as the wafer structure becomes stiffer. To ensure the minimum displacement generated by the haptic device above 2 µm, the piezoelectric coating is screen-printed by two stacked layers, electrically connected in parallel. This architecture is expected to boost the displacement amplitude under the same electric field (denoted E) subjected to the single-layered coating. Accordingly, multilayered design seems to be a good alternative to enhance the haptic performance while keeping moderate values of E so as to prevent any undesired electrical breakdown of the coating. Practical characterizations confirmed that E=20 V/μm is sufficient to generate feedback vibrations (under a maximum input load of 5 N) perceived by the fingertip. This result confirms the reliability of the proposed haptic device, despite discrepancies between the predicted theory and the real measurements. Lastly, a demonstrator comprising piezoelectric buttons together with electronic command and conditioning circuits are successfully developed, offering an efficient way to create multiple sensations for the user. On the basis of empirical data acquired from several trials conducted on 20 subjects, statistical analyses together with relevant numerical indicators were implemented to better assess the performance of the developed haptic device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van-Cuong Nguyen
- LGEF, INSA-Lyon, EA682, University Lyon, 69621 Villeurbanne, France; (V.-C.N.); (V.O.-T.); (G.R.); (C.R.); (J.-F.C.)
| | - Victor Oliva-Torres
- LGEF, INSA-Lyon, EA682, University Lyon, 69621 Villeurbanne, France; (V.-C.N.); (V.O.-T.); (G.R.); (C.R.); (J.-F.C.)
| | - Sophie Bernadet
- Arc en Ciel Sérigraphie, Z.I Le Forestier, 42630 Regny, France;
| | - Guilhem Rival
- LGEF, INSA-Lyon, EA682, University Lyon, 69621 Villeurbanne, France; (V.-C.N.); (V.O.-T.); (G.R.); (C.R.); (J.-F.C.)
| | - Claude Richard
- LGEF, INSA-Lyon, EA682, University Lyon, 69621 Villeurbanne, France; (V.-C.N.); (V.O.-T.); (G.R.); (C.R.); (J.-F.C.)
| | - Jean-Fabien Capsal
- LGEF, INSA-Lyon, EA682, University Lyon, 69621 Villeurbanne, France; (V.-C.N.); (V.O.-T.); (G.R.); (C.R.); (J.-F.C.)
| | - Pierre-Jean Cottinet
- LGEF, INSA-Lyon, EA682, University Lyon, 69621 Villeurbanne, France; (V.-C.N.); (V.O.-T.); (G.R.); (C.R.); (J.-F.C.)
| | - Minh-Quyen Le
- LGEF, INSA-Lyon, EA682, University Lyon, 69621 Villeurbanne, France; (V.-C.N.); (V.O.-T.); (G.R.); (C.R.); (J.-F.C.)
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Hong H, Ki D, Seo H, Park J, Jang J, Kim KJ. Discovery and rational engineering of PET hydrolase with both mesophilic and thermophilic PET hydrolase properties. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4556. [PMID: 37507390 PMCID: PMC10382486 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40233-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste causes a variety of problems. Extensive research focused on the development of superior PET hydrolases for PET biorecycling has been conducted. However, template enzymes employed in enzyme engineering mainly focused on IsPETase and leaf-branch compost cutinase, which exhibit mesophilic and thermophilic hydrolytic properties, respectively. Herein, we report a PET hydrolase from Cryptosporangium aurantiacum (CaPETase) that exhibits high thermostability and remarkable PET degradation activity at ambient temperatures. We uncover the crystal structure of CaPETase, which displays a distinct backbone conformation at the active site and residues forming the substrate binding cleft, compared with other PET hydrolases. We further develop a CaPETaseM9 variant that exhibits robust thermostability with a Tm of 83.2 °C and 41.7-fold enhanced PET hydrolytic activity at 60 °C compared with CaPETaseWT. CaPETaseM9 almost completely decompose both transparent and colored post-consumer PET powder at 55 °C within half a day in a pH-stat bioreactor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwaseok Hong
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, KNU Institute for Microorganisms, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongwoo Ki
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, KNU Institute for Microorganisms, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Hogyun Seo
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, KNU Institute for Microorganisms, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Park
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, KNU Institute for Microorganisms, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewon Jang
- Institute of Biotechnology, CJ CheilJedang Co., Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16495, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Jin Kim
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, KNU Institute for Microorganisms, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
- Zyen Co, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
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36
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Cai Z, Li M, Zhu Z, Wang X, Huang Y, Li T, Gong H, Yan M. Biological Degradation of Plastics and Microplastics: A Recent Perspective on Associated Mechanisms and Influencing Factors. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1661. [PMID: 37512834 PMCID: PMC10386651 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic and microplastic pollution has caused a great deal of ecological problems because of its persistence and potential adverse effects on human health. The degradation of plastics through biological processes is of great significance for ecological health, therefore, the feasibility of plastic degradation by microorganisms has attracted a lot of attention. This study comprises a preliminary discussion on the biodegradation mechanism and the advantages and roles of different bacterial enzymes, such as PET hydrolase and PCL-cutinase, in the degradation of different polymers, such as PET and PCL, respectively. With a particular focus on their modes of action and potential enzymatic mechanisms, this review sums up studies on the biological degradation of plastics and microplastics related to mechanisms and influencing factors, along with their enzymes in enhancing the degradation of synthetic plastics in the process. In addition, biodegradation of plastic is also affected by plastic additives and plasticizers. Plasticizers and additives in the composition of plastics can cause harmful impacts. To further improve the degradation efficiency of polymers, various pretreatments to improve the efficiency of biodegradation, which can cause a significant reduction in toxic plastic pollution, were also preliminarily discussed here. The existing research and data show a large number of microorganisms involved in plastic biodegradation, though their specific mechanisms have not been thoroughly explored yet. Therefore, there is a significant potential for employing various bacterial strains for efficient degradation of plastics to improve human health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeming Cai
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Minqian Li
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Ziying Zhu
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Xiaocui Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Yuanyin Huang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Tianmu Li
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Han Gong
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Muting Yan
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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37
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Galarza–Verkovitch D, Turak O, Wiese J, Rahn T, Hentschel U, Borchert E. Bioprospecting for polyesterase activity relevant for PET degradation in marine Enterobacterales isolates. AIMS Microbiol 2023; 9:518-539. [PMID: 37649797 PMCID: PMC10462454 DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2023027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastics have quickly become an integral part of modern life. Due to excessive production and improper waste disposal, they are recognized as contaminants present in practically all habitat types. Although there are several polymers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is of particular concern due to its abundance in the environment. There is a need for a solution that is both cost-effective and ecologically friendly to address this pollutant. The use of microbial depolymerizing enzymes could offer a biological avenue for plastic degradation, though the full potential of these enzymes is yet to be uncovered. The purpose of this study was to use (1) plate-based screening methods to investigate the plastic degradation potential of marine bacteria from the order Enterobacterales collected from various organismal and environmental sources, and (2) perform genome-based analysis to identify polyesterases potentially related to PET degradation. 126 bacterial isolates were obtained from the strain collection of RD3, Research Unit Marine Symbioses-GEOMAR-and sequentially tested for esterase and polyesterase activity, in combination here referred to as PETase-like activity. The results show that members of the microbial families Alteromonadaceae, Shewanellaceae, and Vibrionaceae, derived from marine sponges and bryozoans, are the most promising candidates within the order Enterobacterales. Furthermore, 389 putative hydrolases from the α/β superfamily were identified in 23 analyzed genomes, of which 22 were sequenced for this study. Several candidates showed similarities with known PETases, indicating underlying enzymatic potential within the order Enterobacterales for PET degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Onur Turak
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Jutta Wiese
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Tanja Rahn
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Ute Hentschel
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
- Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Erik Borchert
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
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Behera S, Das S. Environmental impacts of microplastic and role of plastisphere microbes in the biodegradation and upcycling of microplastic. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 334:138928. [PMID: 37211165 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Increasing usage of plastic has led to the deposition of plastic in the environment which later become microplastic, a pollutant of global concern. These polymeric particles affect the ecosystem bestowing toxicity and impede the biogeochemical cycles. Besides, microplastic particles have been known for their role in aggravating the effect of various other environmental pollutants including organic pollutants and heavy metals. These microplastic surfaces are often colonized by the microbial communities also known as "plastisphere microbes" forming biofilms. These microbes include cyanobacteria like Nostoc, Scytonema, etc., and diatoms like Navicula, Cyclotella, etc. Which become the primary colonizer. In addition to the autotrophic microbes, Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria dominate the plastisphere microbial community. These biofilm-forming microbes can efficiently degrade the microplastic in the environment by secreting various catabolic enzymes such as lipase, esterase, hydroxylase, etc. Besides, these microbes have shown great potential for the bioconversion of microplastic to polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), an energy efficient and sustainable alternative to the petroleum based plastics. Thus, these microbes can be used for the creation of a circular economy using waste to wealth strategy. This review provides a deeper insight into the distribution, transportation, transformation, and biodegradation of microplastic in the ecosystem. The formation of plastisphere by the biofilm-forming microbes has been described in the article. In addition, the microbial metabolic pathways and genetic regulations involved in the biodegradation have been discussed in detail. The article suggests the microbial bioremediation and upcycling of microplastic along with various other strategies for effectively mitigate the microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivananda Behera
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Ecology (LEnME), Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, 769 008, Odisha, India
| | - Surajit Das
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Ecology (LEnME), Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, 769 008, Odisha, India.
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39
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Wilkes RA, Waldbauer J, Carroll A, Nieto-Domínguez M, Parker DJ, Zhang L, Guss AM, Aristilde L. Complex regulation in a Comamonas platform for diverse aromatic carbon metabolism. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:651-662. [PMID: 36747056 PMCID: PMC10154247 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01237-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Critical to a sustainable energy future are microbial platforms that can process aromatic carbons from the largely untapped reservoir of lignin and plastic feedstocks. Comamonas species present promising bacterial candidates for such platforms because they can use a range of natural and xenobiotic aromatic compounds and often possess innate genetic constraints that avoid competition with sugars. However, the metabolic reactions of these species are underexplored, and the regulatory mechanisms are unknown. Here we identify multilevel regulation in the conversion of lignin-related natural aromatic compounds, 4-hydroxybenzoate and vanillate, and the plastics-related xenobiotic aromatic compound, terephthalate, in Comamonas testosteroni KF-1. Transcription-level regulation controls initial catabolism and cleavage, but metabolite-level thermodynamic regulation governs fluxes in central carbon metabolism. Quantitative 13C mapping of tricarboxylic acid cycle and cataplerotic reactions elucidates key carbon routing not evident from enzyme abundance changes. This scheme of transcriptional activation coupled with metabolic fine-tuning challenges outcome predictions during metabolic manipulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Wilkes
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jacob Waldbauer
- Department of the Geophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Austin Carroll
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Manuel Nieto-Domínguez
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Darren J Parker
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Lichun Zhang
- Department of the Geophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Adam M Guss
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Ludmilla Aristilde
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Northwestern Center for Synthetic Biology, Evanston, IL, USA.
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40
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Pellis A, Guebitz GM, Ribitsch D. Bio-upcycling of multilayer materials and blends: closing the plastics loop. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 81:102938. [PMID: 37058877 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
The urge to discover and develop new technologies for closing the plastic carbon cycle is motivating industries, governments, and academia to work closely together to find suitable solutions in a timely manner. In this review article, a combination of uprising breakthrough technologies is presented highlighting their potential and complementarity to be integrated one with the other, therefore providing a potential solution to efficiently solve the plastics problem. First, modern approaches for bio-exploration and engineering of polymer-active enzymes are presented to degrade polymers into valuable building blocks. Special focus is placed on the recovery of components from multilayered materials since these complex materials can only be recycled insufficiently or not at all by existing technologies. Then, the potential of microbes and enzymes for resynthesis of polymers and reuse of building blocks is summarized and discussed. Finally, examples for improvement of the bio-based content and enzymatic degradability and future perspectives are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Pellis
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Genova, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Georg M Guebitz
- ACIB - Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Krenngasse 37, 8010 Graz, Austria; Department of Agrobiotechnology, IFA-Tulln, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Doris Ribitsch
- ACIB - Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Krenngasse 37, 8010 Graz, Austria; Department of Agrobiotechnology, IFA-Tulln, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, 1180 Vienna, Austria.
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Jung H, Shin G, Kwak H, Hao LT, Jegal J, Kim HJ, Jeon H, Park J, Oh DX. Review of polymer technologies for improving the recycling and upcycling efficiency of plastic waste. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 320:138089. [PMID: 36754297 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Human society has become increasingly reliant on plastic because it allows for convenient and sanitary living. However, recycling rates are currently low, which means that the majority of plastic waste ends up in landfills or the ocean. Increasing recycling and upcycling rates is a critical strategy for addressing the issues caused by plastic pollution, but there are several technical limitations to overcome. This article reviews advancements in polymer technology that aim to improve the efficiency of recycling and upcycling plastic waste. In food packaging, natural polymers with excellent gas barrier properties and self-cleaning abilities have been introduced as environmentally friendly alternatives to existing materials and to reduce food-derived contamination. Upcycling and valorization approaches have emerged to transform plastic waste into high-value-added products. Recent advancements in the development of recyclable high-performance plastics include the design of super engineering thermoplastics and engineering chemical bonds of thermosets to make them recyclable and biodegradable. Further research is needed to develop more cost-effective and scalable technologies to address the plastic pollution problem through sustainable recycling and upcycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyuni Jung
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Giyoung Shin
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Hojung Kwak
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Lam Tan Hao
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea; Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonggeon Jegal
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jeong Kim
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonyeol Jeon
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea; Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeyoung Park
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dongyeop X Oh
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea; Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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42
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Kulkarni A, Quintens G, Pitet LM. Trends in Polyester Upcycling for Diversifying a Problematic Waste Stream. Macromolecules 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amruta Kulkarni
- Advanced Functional Polymers (AFP) Laboratory, Institute for Materials Research (imo-imomec), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Greg Quintens
- Advanced Functional Polymers (AFP) Laboratory, Institute for Materials Research (imo-imomec), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Louis M. Pitet
- Advanced Functional Polymers (AFP) Laboratory, Institute for Materials Research (imo-imomec), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
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43
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Ye JW, Lin YN, Yi XQ, Yu ZX, Liu X, Chen GQ. Synthetic biology of extremophiles: a new wave of biomanufacturing. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:342-357. [PMID: 36535816 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Microbial biomanufacturing, powered by the advances of synthetic biology, has attracted growing interest for the production of diverse products. In contrast to conventional microbes, extremophiles have shown better performance for low-cost production owing to their outstanding growth and synthesis capacity under stress conditions, allowing unsterilized fermentation processes. We review increasing numbers of products already manufactured utilizing extremophiles in recent years. In addition, genetic parts, molecular tools, and manipulation approaches for extremophile engineering are also summarized, and challenges and opportunities are predicted for non-conventional chassis. Next-generation industrial biotechnology (NGIB) based on engineered extremophiles promises to simplify biomanufacturing processes and achieve open and continuous fermentation, without sterilization, and utilizing low-cost substrates, making NGIB an attractive green process for sustainable manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Wen Ye
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Research Center of Industrial Enzyme and Green Manufacturing Technology, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Na Lin
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Research Center of Industrial Enzyme and Green Manufacturing Technology, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Qing Yi
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhuo-Xuan Yu
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xu Liu
- PhaBuilder Biotech Company, Shunyi District, Zhaoquan Ying, Beijing 101309, China
| | - Guo-Qiang Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Ministry of Education (MOE) Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Schada von Borzyskowski L, Schulz-Mirbach H, Troncoso Castellanos M, Severi F, Gómez-Coronado PA, Paczia N, Glatter T, Bar-Even A, Lindner SN, Erb TJ. Implementation of the β-hydroxyaspartate cycle increases growth performance of Pseudomonas putida on the PET monomer ethylene glycol. Metab Eng 2023; 76:97-109. [PMID: 36731627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Ethylene glycol (EG) is a promising next generation feedstock for bioprocesses. It is a key component of the ubiquitous plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and other polyester fibers and plastics, used in antifreeze formulations, and can also be generated by electrochemical conversion of syngas, which makes EG a key compound in a circular bioeconomy. The majority of biotechnologically relevant bacteria assimilate EG via the glycerate pathway, a wasteful metabolic route that releases CO2 and requires reducing equivalents as well as ATP. In contrast, the recently characterized β-hydroxyaspartate cycle (BHAC) provides a more efficient, carbon-conserving route for C2 assimilation. Here we aimed at overcoming the natural limitations of EG metabolism in the industrially relevant strain Pseudomonas putida KT2440 by replacing the native glycerate pathway with the BHAC. We first prototyped the core reaction sequence of the BHAC in Escherichia coli before establishing the complete four-enzyme BHAC in Pseudomonas putida. Directed evolution on EG resulted in an improved strain that exhibits 35% faster growth and 20% increased biomass yield compared to a recently reported P. putida strain that was evolved to grow on EG via the glycerate pathway. Genome sequencing and proteomics highlight plastic adaptations of the genetic and metabolic networks in response to the introduction of the BHAC into P. putida and identify key mutations for its further integration during evolution. Taken together, our study shows that the BHAC can be utilized as 'plug-and-play' module for the metabolic engineering of two important microbial platform organisms, paving the way for multiple applications for a more efficient and carbon-conserving upcycling of EG in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Schada von Borzyskowski
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany; Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Helena Schulz-Mirbach
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany; Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Mauricio Troncoso Castellanos
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Francesca Severi
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Paul A Gómez-Coronado
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany; Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Nicole Paczia
- Facility for Metabolomics and Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Timo Glatter
- Facility for Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Arren Bar-Even
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Steffen N Lindner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany; Department of Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Tobias J Erb
- Department of Biochemistry & Synthetic Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany; LOEWE-Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-University Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
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45
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Kim GB, Choi SY, Cho IJ, Ahn DH, Lee SY. Metabolic engineering for sustainability and health. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:425-451. [PMID: 36635195 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Bio-based production of chemicals and materials has attracted much attention due to the urgent need to establish sustainability and enhance human health. Metabolic engineering (ME) allows purposeful modification of cellular metabolic, regulatory, and signaling networks to achieve enhanced production of desired chemicals and degradation of environmentally harmful chemicals. ME has significantly progressed over the past 30 years through further integration of the strategies of synthetic biology, systems biology, evolutionary engineering, and data science aided by artificial intelligence. Here we review the field of ME from its emergence to the current state-of-the-art, highlighting its contribution to sustainable production of chemicals, health, and the environment through representative examples. Future challenges of ME and perspectives are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gi Bae Kim
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - So Young Choi
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - In Jin Cho
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; BioProcess Engineering Research Center and BioInformatics Research Center, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Hee Ahn
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Yup Lee
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; BioProcess Engineering Research Center and BioInformatics Research Center, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
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Son J, Lim SH, Kim YJ, Lim HJ, Lee JY, Jeong S, Park C, Park SJ. Customized valorization of waste streams by Pseudomonas putida: State-of-the-art, challenges, and future trends. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 371:128607. [PMID: 36638894 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Preventing catastrophic climate events warrants prompt action to delay global warming, which threatens health and food security. In this context, waste management using engineered microbes has emerged as a long-term eco-friendly solution for addressing the global climate crisis and transitioning to clean energy. Notably, Pseudomonas putida can valorize industry-derived synthetic wastes including plastics, oils, food, and agricultural waste into products of interest, and it has been extensively explored for establishing a fully circular bioeconomy through the conversion of waste into bio-based products, including platform chemicals (e.g., cis,cis-muconic and adipic acid) and biopolymers (e.g., medium-chain length polyhydroxyalkanoate). However, the efficiency of waste pretreatment technologies, capability of microbial cell factories, and practicability of synthetic biology tools remain low, posing a challenge to the industrial application of P. putida. The present review discusses the state-of-the-art, challenges, and future prospects for divergent biosynthesis of versatile products from waste-derived feedstocks using P. putida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jina Son
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Hyun Lim
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jin Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Lim
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Seona Jeong
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Chulhwan Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Jae Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
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47
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Ziegler AL, Grütering C, Poduschnick L, Mitsos A, Blank LM. Co-feeding enhances the yield of methyl ketones. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 50:kuad029. [PMID: 37704397 PMCID: PMC10521942 DOI: 10.1093/jimb/kuad029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The biotechnological production of methyl ketones is a sustainable alternative to fossil-derived chemical production. To date, the best host for microbial production of methyl ketones is a genetically engineered Pseudomonas taiwanensis VLB120 ∆6 pProd strain, achieving yields of 101 mgg-1 on glucose in batch cultivations. For competitiveness with the petrochemical production pathway, however, higher yields are necessary. Co-feeding can improve the yield by fitting the carbon-to-energy ratio to the organism and the target product. In this work, we developed co-feeding strategies for P. taiwanensis VLB120 ∆6 pProd by combined metabolic modeling and experimental work. In a first step, we conducted flux balance analysis with an expanded genome-scale metabolic model of iJN1463 and found ethanol as the most promising among five cosubstrates. Next, we performed cultivations with ethanol and found the highest reported yield in batch production of methyl ketones with P. taiwanensis VLB120 to date, namely, 154 mg g-1 methyl ketones. However, ethanol is toxic to the cell, which reflects in a lower substrate consumption and lower product concentrations when compared to production on glucose. Hence, we propose cofeeding ethanol with glucose and find that, indeed, higher concentrations than in ethanol-fed cultivation (0.84 g Laq-1 with glucose and ethanol as opposed to 0.48 g Laq-1 with only ethanol) were achieved, with a yield of 85 mg g-1. In a last step, comparing experimental with computational results suggested the potential for improving the methyl ketone yield by fed-batch cultivation, in which cell growth and methyl ketone production are separated into two phases employing optimal ethanol to glucose ratios. ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY By combining computational and experimental work, we demonstrate that feeding ethanol in addition to glucose improves the yield of biotechnologically produced methyl ketones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita L Ziegler
- Process Systems Engineering (AVT.SVT), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Carolin Grütering
- Institute of Applied Microbiology (iAMB), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Leon Poduschnick
- Process Systems Engineering (AVT.SVT), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Applied Microbiology (iAMB), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander Mitsos
- JARA-ENERGY, 52056 Aachen, Germany
- Process Systems Engineering (AVT.SVT), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Energy and Climate Research: Energy Systems Engineering (IEK-10), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Lars M Blank
- Institute of Applied Microbiology (iAMB), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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48
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Microbial Enzyme Biotechnology to Reach Plastic Waste Circularity: Current Status, Problems and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043877. [PMID: 36835289 PMCID: PMC9967032 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of synthetic plastic waste in the environment has become a global concern. Microbial enzymes (purified or as whole-cell biocatalysts) represent emerging biotechnological tools for waste circularity; they can depolymerize materials into reusable building blocks, but their contribution must be considered within the context of present waste management practices. This review reports on the prospective of biotechnological tools for plastic bio-recycling within the framework of plastic waste management in Europe. Available biotechnology tools can support polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling. However, PET represents only ≈7% of unrecycled plastic waste. Polyurethanes, the principal unrecycled waste fraction, together with other thermosets and more recalcitrant thermoplastics (e.g., polyolefins) are the next plausible target for enzyme-based depolymerization, even if this process is currently effective only on ideal polyester-based polymers. To extend the contribution of biotechnology to plastic circularity, optimization of collection and sorting systems should be considered to feed chemoenzymatic technologies for the treatment of more recalcitrant and mixed polymers. In addition, new bio-based technologies with a lower environmental impact in comparison with the present approaches should be developed to depolymerize (available or new) plastic materials, that should be designed for the required durability and for being susceptible to the action of enzymes.
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49
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Schaerer LG, Wu R, Putman LI, Pearce JM, Lu T, Shonnard DR, Ong RG, Techtmann SM. Killing two birds with one stone: chemical and biological upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate plastics into food. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:184-196. [PMID: 36058768 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Most polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste is landfilled or pollutes the environment. Additionally, global food production must increase to support the growing population. This article explores the feasibility of using microorganisms in an industrial system that upcycles PET into edible microbial protein powder to solve both problems simultaneously. Many microorganisms can utilize plastics as feedstock, and the resultant microbial biomass contains fats, nutrients, and proteins similar to those found in human diets. While microbial degradation of PET is promising, biological PET depolymerization is too slow to resolve the global plastic crisis and projected food shortages. Evidence reviewed here suggests that by coupling chemical depolymerization and biological degradation of PET, and using cooperative microbial communities, microbes can efficiently convert PET waste into food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura G Schaerer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
| | - Ruochen Wu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
| | - Lindsay I Putman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
| | - Joshua M Pearce
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ting Lu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - David R Shonnard
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
| | - Rebecca G Ong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
| | - Stephen M Techtmann
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA.
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50
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Diao J, Hu Y, Tian Y, Carr R, Moon TS. Upcycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) to produce high-value bio-products. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111908. [PMID: 36640302 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 70 million tons of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) are manufactured worldwide every year. The accumulation of PET waste has become a global pollution concern, motivating the urgent development of technologies to valorize post-consumer PET. The development of chemocatalytic and enzymatic approaches for depolymerizing PET to its corresponding monomers opens up new opportunities for PET upcycling through biological transformation. Here, we identify Rhodococcus jostii strain PET (RPET) that can directly use PET hydrolysate as a sole carbon source. We also investigate the potential of RPET to upcycle PET into value-added chemicals, using lycopene as a proof-of-concept product. Through rational metabolic engineering, we improve lycopene production by more than 500-fold over that of the wild type. In addition, we demonstrate the production of approximately 1,300 μg/L lycopene from PET by cascading this strain with PET alkaline hydrolysis. This work highlights the great potential of biological conversion as a means of achieving PET upcycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjin Diao
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1180, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Yifeng Hu
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1180, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Yuxin Tian
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1180, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Rhiannon Carr
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1180, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Tae Seok Moon
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1180, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA; Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1180, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
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