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Ale Enriquez F, Ahring BK. Phenotypic and genomic characterization of Methanothermobacter wolfeii strain BSEL, a CO 2-capturing archaeon with minimal nutrient requirements. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0026824. [PMID: 38619268 PMCID: PMC11107166 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00268-24] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
A new variant of Methanothermobacter wolfeii was isolated from an anaerobic digester using enrichment cultivation in anaerobic conditions. The new isolate was taxonomically identified via 16S rRNA gene sequencing and tagged as M. wolfeii BSEL. The whole genome of the new variant was sequenced and de novo assembled. Genomic variations between the BSEL strain and the type strain were discovered, suggesting evolutionary adaptations of the BSEL strain that conferred advantages while growing under a low concentration of nutrients. M. wolfeii BSEL displayed the highest specific growth rate ever reported for the wolfeii species (0.27 ± 0.03 h-1) using carbon dioxide (CO2) as unique carbon source and hydrogen (H2) as electron donor. M. wolfeii BSEL grew at this rate in an environment with ammonium (NH4+) as sole nitrogen source. The minerals content required to cultivate the BSEL strain was relatively low and resembled the ionic background of tap water without mineral supplements. Optimum growth rate for the new isolate was observed at 64°C and pH 8.3. In this work, it was shown that wastewater from a wastewater treatment facility can be used as a low-cost alternative medium to cultivate M. wolfeii BSEL. Continuous gas fermentation fed with a synthetic biogas mimic along with H2 in a bubble column bioreactor using M. wolfeii BSEL as biocatalyst resulted in a CO2 conversion efficiency of 97% and a final methane (CH4) titer of 98.5%v, demonstrating the ability of the new strain for upgrading biogas to renewable natural gas.IMPORTANCEAs a methanogenic archaeon, Methanothermobacter wolfeii uses CO2 as electron acceptor, producing CH4 as final product. The metabolism of M. wolfeii can be harnessed to capture CO2 from industrial emissions, besides producing a drop-in renewable biofuel to substitute fossil natural gas. If used as biocatalyst in new-generation CO2 sequestration processes, M. wolfeii has the potential to accelerate the decarbonization of the energy generation sector, which is the biggest contributor of CO2 emissions worldwide. Nonetheless, the development of CO2 sequestration archaeal-based biotechnology is still limited by an uncertainty in the requirements to cultivate methanogenic archaea and the unknown longevity of archaeal cultures. In this study, we report the adaptation, isolation, and phenotypic characterization of a novel variant of M. wolfeii, which is capable of maximum growth with minimal nutrients input. Our findings demonstrate the potential of this variant for the production of renewable natural gas, paving the way for the development of more efficient and sustainable CO2 sequestration processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuad Ale Enriquez
- Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory, Washington State University, Tri-Cities, Richland, Washington, USA
- The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Birgitte K. Ahring
- Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory, Washington State University, Tri-Cities, Richland, Washington, USA
- The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
- Biological Systems Engineering Department, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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Kawamoto H, Watanabe M, Mochimaru H, Nakahara N, Meng XY, Sakamoto S, Morinaga K, Katayama T, Yoshioka H, Nomura N, Tamaki H. Atrimonas thermophila gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel anaerobic thermophilic bacterium of the phylum Atribacterota isolated from deep subsurface gas field and proposal of Atrimonadaceae fam. nov. within the class Atribacteria in the phylum Atribacterota. Syst Appl Microbiol 2024; 47:126515. [PMID: 38776610 DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2024.126515] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
A novel anaerobic, thermophilic bacterium of the class Atribacteria, strain M15T, was isolated from a high-temperature gas reservoir, Japan. Cells of strain M15T were gram-negative, short oval-shaped, and lacked flagella. Growth occurred at 45-75 °C (optimum 70-75 °C) and pH 6.5-8.5 (optimum pH 7.5-8.0) and was fast under optimal conditions (doubling time 11.4 h). Yeast extract was required for growth. Fermentative growth with glucose, arabinose, xylose, and cellobiose was observed. The major fermentative end products of glucose were acetate and hydrogen. The major cellular fatty acids were C16:0, iso-C15:0, and C18:0. The genomic G + C content was 46.0 mol%. Fluorescence and electron microscopy observations revealed the intracellular localization of genomic DNA surrounded by a membrane in the cells of strain M15T as reported in a sole validly described species of the class Atribacteria in the phylum Atribacterota, Atribacter laminatus strain RT761T, suggesting that the unique morphological traits are widely shared in this class. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that strain M15T belongs to a distinct family-level lineage in the class Atribacteria and shows low similarities to Atribacter laminatus strain RT761T (16S rRNA gene sequence identity of 90.1 %, average nucleotide identity [ANI] of 66.1 %, average amino acid identity [AAI] of 55.8 %). Phenotypic traits of strain M15T (thermophilic, fast-growing, relatively high G + C content, etc.) were clearly distinct from A. laminatus. Based on these phenotypic and genomic properties, we propose a novel genus and species, Atrimonas thermophila gen. nov., sp. nov. for strain M15T (=JCM39389T, =KCTC25731T) representing a novel family Atrimonadaceae fam., nov. in the class Atribacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Kawamoto
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan; Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1, Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Miho Watanabe
- Department of Biological Environment, Faculty of Bioresource Sciences, Akita Prefectural University, Shimo-Shinjyo Nakano, Akita 010-0195, Japan
| | - Hanako Mochimaru
- Research Institute for Geo-Resources and Environment, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1, Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Nozomi Nakahara
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1, Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan; Environmental Management Center, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Xiang-Ying Meng
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1, Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Sachiko Sakamoto
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1, Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Kana Morinaga
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1, Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Taiki Katayama
- Research Institute for Geo-Resources and Environment, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1, Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Yoshioka
- Research Institute for Geo-Resources and Environment, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1, Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Nomura
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan; MiCS (Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Tamaki
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1, Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan; Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan; MiCS (Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan.
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3
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McDaniel EA, Scarborough M, Mulat DG, Lin X, Sampara PS, Olson HM, Young RP, Eder EK, Attah IK, Markillie LM, Hoyt DW, Lipton MS, Hallam SJ, Ziels RM. Diverse electron carriers drive syntrophic interactions in an enriched anaerobic acetate-oxidizing consortium. THE ISME JOURNAL 2023; 17:2326-2339. [PMID: 37880541 PMCID: PMC10689502 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-023-01542-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
In many anoxic environments, syntrophic acetate oxidation (SAO) is a key pathway mediating the conversion of acetate into methane through obligate cross-feeding interactions between SAO bacteria (SAOB) and methanogenic archaea. The SAO pathway is particularly important in engineered environments such as anaerobic digestion (AD) systems operating at thermophilic temperatures and/or with high ammonia. Despite the widespread importance of SAOB to the stability of the AD process, little is known about their in situ physiologies due to typically low biomass yields and resistance to isolation. Here, we performed a long-term (300-day) continuous enrichment of a thermophilic (55 °C) SAO community from a municipal AD system using acetate as the sole carbon source. Over 80% of the enriched bioreactor metagenome belonged to a three-member consortium, including an acetate-oxidizing bacterium affiliated with DTU068 encoding for carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and formate production, along with two methanogenic archaea affiliated with Methanothermobacter_A. Stable isotope probing was coupled with metaproteogenomics to quantify carbon flux into each community member during acetate conversion and inform metabolic reconstruction and genome-scale modeling. This effort revealed that the two Methanothermobacter_A species differed in their preferred electron donors, with one possessing the ability to grow on formate and the other only consuming hydrogen. A thermodynamic analysis suggested that the presence of the formate-consuming methanogen broadened the environmental conditions where ATP production from SAO was favorable. Collectively, these results highlight how flexibility in electron partitioning during SAO likely governs community structure and fitness through thermodynamic-driven mutualism, shedding valuable insights into the metabolic underpinnings of this key functional group within methanogenic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A McDaniel
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Matthew Scarborough
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Daniel Girma Mulat
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Xuan Lin
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Pranav S Sampara
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Heather M Olson
- Environmental and Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Robert P Young
- Environmental and Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Elizabeth K Eder
- Environmental and Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Isaac K Attah
- Environmental and Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Lye Meng Markillie
- Environmental and Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - David W Hoyt
- Environmental and Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Mary S Lipton
- Environmental and Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Steven J Hallam
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- ECOSCOPE Training Program, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Genome Science and Technology Program, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ryan M Ziels
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Genome Science and Technology Program, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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4
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Shang G, Yu J, Cai W, Cui K, Shen X, Jin P, Guo K. Comparison of in-situ and ex-situ electrolytic H 2 supply for microbial methane production from CO 2. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 388:129728. [PMID: 37683710 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129728] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Both in-situ and ex-situ electrolytic H2 supply have been used for biomethane production from CO2. However, the pros and cons of them have not been systematically compared. The present study makes this comparison using a 20 L continuous stirred-tank reactor equipped with external and internal electrolyzers. Compared to the ex-situ H2 supply, the in-situ electrolytic H2 bubbles were one order of magnitude smaller, which resulted in improved H2 mass transfer and biomass growth. Consequently, the methane production rate and the coulombic efficiency of the in-situ H2 supply (0.51 L·L-1·d-1, 96%) were higher than those of the ex-situ H2 supply (0.30 L·L-1·d-1, 56%). However, due to high internal resistance, the energy consumption for the in-situ electrolysis was 2.54 times higher than the ex-situ electrolysis. Therefore, the in-situ electrolytic H2 supply appears to be more promising, but reducing energy consumption is the key to the success of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoyuan Shang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Jinpeng Yu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Wenfang Cai
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Kai Cui
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Xiaoying Shen
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Pengkang Jin
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Kun Guo
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
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5
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Dang H, Ewald JM, Mattes TE. Genome-Resolved Metagenomics and Metatranscriptomics Reveal Insights into the Ecology and Metabolism of Anaerobic Microbial Communities in PCB-Contaminated Sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:16386-16398. [PMID: 37856784 PMCID: PMC10621002 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Growth of organohalide-respiring bacteria such as Dehalococcoides mccartyi on halogenated organics (e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)) at contaminated sites or in enrichment culture requires interaction and support from other microbial community members. To evaluate naturally occurring interactions between Dehalococcoides and key supporting microorganisms (e.g., production of H2, acetate, and corrinoids) in PCB-contaminated sediments, metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing was conducted on DNA and RNA extracted from sediment microcosms, showing evidence of both Dehalococcoides growth and PCB dechlorination. Using a genome-resolved approach, 160 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), including three Dehalococcoides MAGs, were recovered. A novel reductive dehalogenase gene, distantly related to the chlorophenol dehalogenase gene cprA (pairwise amino acid identity: 23.75%), was significantly expressed. Using MAG gene expression data, 112 MAGs were assigned functional roles (e.g., corrinoid producers, acetate/H2 producers, etc.). A network coexpression analysis of all 160 MAGs revealed correlations between 39 MAGs and the Dehalococcoides MAGs. The network analysis also showed that MAGs assigned with functional roles that support Dehalococcoides growth (e.g., corrinoid assembly, and production of intermediates required for corrinoid synthesis) displayed significant coexpression correlations with Dehalococcoides MAGs. This work demonstrates the power of genome-resolved metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses, which unify taxonomy and function, in investigating the ecology of dehalogenating microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Dang
- Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering, 4105 Seamans Center, University
of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Jessica M. Ewald
- Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering, 4105 Seamans Center, University
of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Timothy E. Mattes
- Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering, 4105 Seamans Center, University
of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
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Casini I, McCubbin T, Esquivel-Elizondo S, Luque GG, Evseeva D, Fink C, Beblawy S, Youngblut ND, Aristilde L, Huson DH, Dräger A, Ley RE, Marcellin E, Angenent LT, Molitor B. An integrated systems biology approach reveals differences in formate metabolism in the genus Methanothermobacter. iScience 2023; 26:108016. [PMID: 37854702 PMCID: PMC10579436 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Methanogenesis allows methanogenic archaea to generate cellular energy for their growth while producing methane. Thermophilic hydrogenotrophic species of the genus Methanothermobacter have been recognized as robust biocatalysts for a circular carbon economy and are already applied in power-to-gas technology with biomethanation, which is a platform to store renewable energy and utilize captured carbon dioxide. Here, we generated curated genome-scale metabolic reconstructions for three Methanothermobacter strains and investigated differences in the growth performance of these same strains in chemostat bioreactor experiments with hydrogen and carbon dioxide or formate as substrates. Using an integrated systems biology approach, we identified differences in formate anabolism between the strains and revealed that formate anabolism influences the diversion of carbon between biomass and methane. This finding, together with the omics datasets and the metabolic models we generated, can be implemented for biotechnological applications of Methanothermobacter in power-to-gas technology, and as a perspective, for value-added chemical production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Casini
- Environmental Biotechnology Group, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tim McCubbin
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Queensland Metabolomics and Proteomics (Q-MAP), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology (COESB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sofia Esquivel-Elizondo
- Department of Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, Max-Planck-Ring 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Guillermo G. Luque
- Department of Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, Max-Planck-Ring 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daria Evseeva
- Department of Computer Science, University of Tübingen, Sand 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics (IBMI), University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Fink
- Environmental Biotechnology Group, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Beblawy
- Environmental Biotechnology Group, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nicholas D. Youngblut
- Department of Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, Max-Planck-Ring 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ludmilla Aristilde
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Daniel H. Huson
- Department of Computer Science, University of Tübingen, Sand 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics (IBMI), University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence – Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Dräger
- Department of Computer Science, University of Tübingen, Sand 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics (IBMI), University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence – Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ruth E. Ley
- Department of Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, Max-Planck-Ring 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence – Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Esteban Marcellin
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Queensland Metabolomics and Proteomics (Q-MAP), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology (COESB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Largus T. Angenent
- Environmental Biotechnology Group, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence – Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- AG Angenent, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, Max-Planck-Ring 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10D, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation CO2 Research Center (CORC), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10C, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Bastian Molitor
- Environmental Biotechnology Group, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence – Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Mock MP, Ochi R, Bieringer M, Bieringer T, Brotsack R, Leyer S. Comparison of Various Reducing Agents for Methane Production by Methanothermobacter marburgensis. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2533. [PMID: 37894191 PMCID: PMC10608875 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102533] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological methanation is driven by anaerobic methanogenic archaea, cultivated in different media, which consist of multiple macro and micro nutrients. In addition, a reducing agent is needed to lower the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and enable the growth of oxygen-sensitive organisms. Until now, sodium sulfide (Na2S) has been used mainly for this purpose based on earlier published articles at the beginning of anaerobic microbiology research. In a continuation of earlier investigations, in this study, the usage of alternative reducing agents like sodium dithionite (Na2S2O4) and L-Cysteine-HCl shows that similar results can be obtained with fewer environmental and hazardous impacts. Therefore, a newly developed comparison method was used for the cultivation of Methanothermobacter marburgensis. The median methane evolution rate (MER) for the alternatives was similar compared to Na2S at different concentrations (0.5, 0.25 and 0.1 g/L). However, the use of 0.25 g/L Na2S2O4 or 0.1 g/L L-Cys-HCl led to stable MER values over consecutive batches compared to Na2S. It was also shown that a lower concentration of reducing agent leads to a higher MER. In conclusion, Na2S2O4 or L-Cys-HCl can be used as a non-corrosive and non-toxic reducing agent for ex situ biological methanation. Economically, Na2S2O4 is cheaper, which is particularly interesting for scale-up purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Peter Mock
- Technology Centre Energy, University of Applied Sciences Landshut, Wiesenweg 1, 94099 Ruhstorf an der Rott, Germany; (M.P.M.)
- Department of Engineering, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 1359 Luxembourg, Luxembourg;
| | - Rayen Ochi
- Technology Centre Energy, University of Applied Sciences Landshut, Wiesenweg 1, 94099 Ruhstorf an der Rott, Germany; (M.P.M.)
- European Campus Rottal-Inn, Deggendorf Institut of Technology, Max-Breiherr-Straße 32, 84347 Pfarrkirchen, Germany
| | - Maria Bieringer
- Technology Centre Energy, University of Applied Sciences Landshut, Wiesenweg 1, 94099 Ruhstorf an der Rott, Germany; (M.P.M.)
| | - Tim Bieringer
- Technology Centre Energy, University of Applied Sciences Landshut, Wiesenweg 1, 94099 Ruhstorf an der Rott, Germany; (M.P.M.)
| | - Raimund Brotsack
- Technology Centre Energy, University of Applied Sciences Landshut, Wiesenweg 1, 94099 Ruhstorf an der Rott, Germany; (M.P.M.)
- European Campus Rottal-Inn, Deggendorf Institut of Technology, Max-Breiherr-Straße 32, 84347 Pfarrkirchen, Germany
| | - Stephan Leyer
- Department of Engineering, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 1359 Luxembourg, Luxembourg;
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8
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Hassa J, Tubbesing TJ, Maus I, Heyer R, Benndorf D, Effenberger M, Henke C, Osterholz B, Beckstette M, Pühler A, Sczyrba A, Schlüter A. Uncovering Microbiome Adaptations in a Full-Scale Biogas Plant: Insights from MAG-Centric Metagenomics and Metaproteomics. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2412. [PMID: 37894070 PMCID: PMC10608942 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102412] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The current focus on renewable energy in global policy highlights the importance of methane production from biomass through anaerobic digestion (AD). To improve biomass digestion while ensuring overall process stability, microbiome-based management strategies become more important. In this study, metagenomes and metaproteomes were used for metagenomically assembled genome (MAG)-centric analyses to investigate a full-scale biogas plant consisting of three differentially operated digesters. Microbial communities were analyzed regarding their taxonomic composition, functional potential, as well as functions expressed on the proteome level. Different abundances of genes and enzymes related to the biogas process could be mostly attributed to different process parameters. Individual MAGs exhibiting different abundances in the digesters were studied in detail, and their roles in the hydrolysis, acidogenesis and acetogenesis steps of anaerobic digestion could be assigned. Methanoculleus thermohydrogenotrophicum was an active hydrogenotrophic methanogen in all three digesters, whereas Methanothermobacter wolfeii was more prevalent at higher process temperatures. Further analysis focused on MAGs, which were abundant in all digesters, indicating their potential to ensure biogas process stability. The most prevalent MAG belonged to the class Limnochordia; this MAG was ubiquitous in all three digesters and exhibited activity in numerous pathways related to different steps of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hassa
- Genome Research of Industrial Microorganisms, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstrasse 27, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (J.H.)
| | - Tom Jonas Tubbesing
- Computational Metagenomics Group, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 27, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (T.J.T.)
| | - Irena Maus
- Genome Research of Industrial Microorganisms, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstrasse 27, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (J.H.)
| | - Robert Heyer
- Multidimensional Omics Data Analyses Group, Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Straße 11, Dortmund 44139, Germany
- Multidimensional Omics Data Analyses Group, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Dirk Benndorf
- Biosciences and Process Engineering, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Bernburger Straße 55, Postfach 1458, 06366 Köthen, Germany
- Bioprocess Engineering, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Bioprocess Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstraße 1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Effenberger
- Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture, Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Animal Husbandry, Vöttinger Straße 36, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Christian Henke
- Computational Metagenomics Group, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 27, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (T.J.T.)
| | - Benedikt Osterholz
- Computational Metagenomics Group, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 27, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (T.J.T.)
| | - Michael Beckstette
- Computational Metagenomics Group, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 27, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (T.J.T.)
| | - Alfred Pühler
- Genome Research of Industrial Microorganisms, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstrasse 27, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (J.H.)
| | - Alexander Sczyrba
- Computational Metagenomics Group, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 27, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (T.J.T.)
| | - Andreas Schlüter
- Genome Research of Industrial Microorganisms, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstrasse 27, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (J.H.)
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9
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Ridlon JM, Daniel SL, Gaskins HR. The Hylemon-Björkhem pathway of bile acid 7-dehydroxylation: history, biochemistry, and microbiology. J Lipid Res 2023; 64:100392. [PMID: 37211250 PMCID: PMC10382948 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2023.100392] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Bile acids are detergents derived from cholesterol that function to solubilize dietary lipids, remove cholesterol from the body, and act as nutrient signaling molecules in numerous tissues with functions in the liver and gut being the best understood. Studies in the early 20th century established the structures of bile acids, and by mid-century, the application of gnotobiology to bile acids allowed differentiation of host-derived "primary" bile acids from "secondary" bile acids generated by host-associated microbiota. In 1960, radiolabeling studies in rodent models led to determination of the stereochemistry of the bile acid 7-dehydration reaction. A two-step mechanism was proposed, which we have termed the Samuelsson-Bergström model, to explain the formation of deoxycholic acid. Subsequent studies with humans, rodents, and cell extracts of Clostridium scindens VPI 12708 led to the realization that bile acid 7-dehydroxylation is a result of a multi-step, bifurcating pathway that we have named the Hylemon-Björkhem pathway. Due to the importance of hydrophobic secondary bile acids and the increasing measurement of microbial bai genes encoding the enzymes that produce them in stool metagenome studies, it is important to understand their origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Ridlon
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Center for Advanced Study, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Steven L Daniel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL, USA
| | - H Rex Gaskins
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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10
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Garbini GL, Barra Caracciolo A, Grenni P. Electroactive Bacteria in Natural Ecosystems and Their Applications in Microbial Fuel Cells for Bioremediation: A Review. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1255. [PMID: 37317229 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroactive bacteria (EAB) are natural microorganisms (mainly Bacteria and Archaea) living in various habitats (e.g., water, soil, sediment), including extreme ones, which can interact electrically each other and/or with their extracellular environments. There has been an increased interest in recent years in EAB because they can generate an electrical current in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). MFCs rely on microorganisms able to oxidize organic matter and transfer electrons to an anode. The latter electrons flow, through an external circuit, to a cathode where they react with protons and oxygen. Any source of biodegradable organic matter can be used by EAB for power generation. The plasticity of electroactive bacteria in exploiting different carbon sources makes MFCs a green technology for renewable bioelectricity generation from wastewater rich in organic carbon. This paper reports the most recent applications of this promising technology for water, wastewater, soil, and sediment recovery. The performance of MFCs in terms of electrical measurements (e.g., electric power), the extracellular electron transfer mechanisms by EAB, and MFC studies aimed at heavy metal and organic contaminant bioremediationF are all described and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Luigi Garbini
- Department of Ecology and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Montelibretti, 00010 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Barra Caracciolo
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Montelibretti, 00010 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Grenni
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Montelibretti, 00010 Rome, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
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11
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Lipidomics and Comparative Metabolite Excretion Analysis of Methanogenic Archaea Reveal Organism-Specific Adaptations to Varying Temperatures and Substrate Concentrations. mSystems 2023; 8:e0115922. [PMID: 36880756 PMCID: PMC10134847 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01159-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Methanogenic archaea possess diverse metabolic characteristics and are an ecologically and biotechnologically important group of anaerobic microorganisms. Although the scientific and biotechnological value of methanogens is evident with regard to their methane-producing physiology, little is known about their amino acid excretion, and virtually nothing is known about the lipidome at different substrate concentrations and temperatures on a quantitative comparative basis. Here, we present the lipidome and a comprehensive quantitative analysis of proteinogenic amino acid excretion as well as methane, water, and biomass production of the three autotrophic, hydrogenotrophic methanogens Methanothermobacter marburgensis, Methanothermococcus okinawensis, and Methanocaldococcus villosus under varying temperatures and nutrient supplies. The patterns and rates of production of excreted amino acids and the lipidome are unique for each tested methanogen and can be modulated by varying the incubation temperature and substrate concentration, respectively. Furthermore, the temperature had a significant influence on the lipidomes of the different archaea. The water production rate was much higher, as anticipated from the rate of methane production for all studied methanogens. Our results demonstrate the need for quantitative comparative physiological studies connecting intracellular and extracellular constraints of organisms to holistically investigate microbial responses to environmental conditions. IMPORTANCE Biological methane production by methanogenic archaea has been well studied for biotechnological purposes. This study reveals that methanogenic archaea actively modulate their lipid inventory and proteinogenic amino acid excretion pattern in response to environmental changes and the possible utilization of methanogenic archaea as microbial cell factories for the targeted production of lipids and amino acids.
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12
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DePoy AN, King GM. Distribution and diversity of anaerobic thermophiles and putative anaerobic nickel-dependent carbon monoxide-oxidizing thermophiles in mesothermal soils and sediments. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1096186. [PMID: 36699584 PMCID: PMC9868602 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1096186] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Even though thermophiles are best known from geothermal and other heated systems, numerous studies have demonstrated that they occur ubiquitously in mesothermal and permanently cold soils and sediments. Cultivation based studies of the latter have revealed that the thermophiles within them are mostly spore-forming members of the Firmicutes. Since the geographic distribution of spores is presumably unconstrained by transport through the atmosphere, similar communities (composition and diversity) of thermophiles might be expected to emerge in mesothermal habitats after they are heated. Alternatively, thermophiles might experience environmental selection before or after heating leading to divergent communities. After demonstrating the ubiquity of anaerobic thermophiles and CO uptake in a variety of mesothermal habitats and two hot springs, we used high throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes to assess the composition and diversity of populations that emerged after incubation at 60°C with or without headspace CO concentrations of 25%. Anaerobic Firmicutes dominated relative abundances at most sites but anaerobic thermophilic members of the Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria were also common. Nonetheless, compositions at the amplicon sequence variant (ASV) level varied among the sites with no convergence resulting from heating or CO addition as indicated by beta diversity analyses. The distinctions among thermophilic communities paralleled patterns observed for unheated "time zero" mesothermal soils and sediments. Occupancy analyses showed that the number of ASVs occupying each of n sites decreased unimodally with increasing n; no ASV occupied all 14 sites and only one each occupied 11 and 12 sites, while 69.3% of 1873 ASVs occupied just one site. Nonetheless, considerations of distances among the sites occupied by individual ASVs along with details of their distributions indicated that taxa were not dispersal limited but rather were constrained by environmental selection. This conclusion was supported by βMNTD and βNTI analyses, which showed dispersal limitation was only a minor contributor to taxon distributions.
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13
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Fuess LT, Eng F, Bovio-Winkler P, Etchebehere C, Zaiat M, Nascimento CAOD. Methanogenic consortia from thermophilic molasses-fed structured-bed reactors: microbial characterization and responses to varying food-to-microorganism ratios. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2022. [PMCID: PMC9753886 DOI: 10.1007/s43153-022-00291-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The heterogeneous character of fixed-film reactors may create highly specialized zones with a stratified distribution of microbial groups and varying capabilities to withstand high organic loads in anaerobic digestion (AD) systems. The microbial distribution and methane-producing potential of biomass from different regions (feeding zone and structured bed) of two second-stage thermophilic (55 ºC) fixed-film reactors were assessed. Three levels of food-to-microorganism (F/M) ratio (0.4, 1.0 and 3.0 g-COD g−1VS) using fermented (two-stage AD) and fresh (single-stage AD) sugarcane molasses were tested in batch reactors, simulating low to high organic loads. Specific methane production rates increased as the F/M increased when using fermented molasses, maintaining efficient methanogenesis at substrate availability levels threefold higher than single-stage schemes (3.0 vs. 1.0 g-COD g−1VS). Success in methane production derived from the homogenous establishment (similar in both feeding zone and bed) of syntrophic associations between acetogens (Pelotomaculum, Syntrophothermus, Syntrophomonas and Thermodesulfovibrio), acetate oxidizers (Thermoacetogenium, Mesotoga and Pseudothermotoga) and hydrogenotrophic methogens (Methanothermobacter and Methanoculleus) replacing acetoclastic methanogens (Methanosaeta). Phase separation under thermophilic conditions was demonstrated to boost methane production from sugar-rich substrates, because the process depends on microbial groups (hydrogenotrophs) that grow faster and are less susceptible to low pH values compared to acetotrophs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Tadeu Fuess
- Chemical Engineering Department, Polytechnic School, University of São Paulo. Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Bloco 18—Conjunto das Químicas, São Paulo, SP 05508-000 Brazil
- Biological Processes Laboratory, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo (EESC/USP), Av. João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-120 Brazil
| | - Felipe Eng
- Biological Processes Laboratory, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo (EESC/USP), Av. João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-120 Brazil
| | - Patricia Bovio-Winkler
- Microbial Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Microbial Genomics, Biological Research Institute “Clemente Estable”, 3318 Italia Avenue, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Claudia Etchebehere
- Microbial Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Microbial Genomics, Biological Research Institute “Clemente Estable”, 3318 Italia Avenue, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Marcelo Zaiat
- Biological Processes Laboratory, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo (EESC/USP), Av. João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-120 Brazil
| | - Claudio Augusto Oller do Nascimento
- Chemical Engineering Department, Polytechnic School, University of São Paulo. Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Bloco 18—Conjunto das Químicas, São Paulo, SP 05508-000 Brazil
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14
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Manvell C, Berman H, Callahan B, Breitschwerdt E, Swain W, Ferris K, Maggi R, Lashnits E. Identification of microbial taxa present in Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea) reveals widespread co-infection and associations with vector phylogeny. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:398. [PMID: 36316689 PMCID: PMC9623975 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05487-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea, is the most common ectoparasite of cats and dogs worldwide. As a cause of flea allergy dermatitis and a vector for two genera of zoonotic pathogens (Bartonella and Rickettsia spp.), the effect of the C. felis microbiome on pathogen transmission and vector survival is of substantial medical importance to both human and veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to assay the pathogenic and commensal eubacterial microbial communities of individual C. felis from multiple geographic locations and analyze these findings by location, qPCR pathogen prevalence, and flea genetic diversity. METHODS 16S Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was utilized to sequence the microbiome of fleas collected from free-roaming cats, and the cox1 gene was used for flea phylogenetic analysis. NGS data were analyzed for 168 individual fleas from seven locations within the US and UK. Given inconsistency in the genera historically reported to constitute the C. felis microbiome, we utilized the decontam prevalence method followed by literature review to separate contaminants from true microbiome members. RESULTS NGS identified a single dominant and cosmopolitan amplicon sequence variant (ASV) from Rickettsia and Wolbachia while identifying one dominant Bartonella clarridgeiae and one dominant Bartonella henselae/Bartonella koehlerae ASV. Multiple less common ASVs from these genera were detected within restricted geographical ranges. Co-detection of two or more genera (Bartonella, Rickettsia, and/or Wolbachia) or multiple ASVs from a single genus in a single flea was common. Achromobacter, Peptoniphilus, and Rhodococcus were identified as additional candidate members of the C. felis microbiome on the basis of decontam analysis and literature review. Ctenocephalides felis phylogenetic diversity as assessed by the cox1 gene fell within currently characterized clades while identifying seven novel haplotypes. NGS sensitivity and specificity for Bartonella and Rickettsia spp. DNA detection were compared to targeted qPCR. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm the widespread coinfection of fleas with multiple bacterial genera and strains, proposing three additional microbiome members. The presence of minor Bartonella, Rickettsia, and Wolbachia ASVs was found to vary by location and flea haplotype. These findings have important implications for flea-borne pathogen transmission and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Manvell
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Hanna Berman
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Benjamin Callahan
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Edward Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - William Swain
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, One Health Institute, University of California, Davis, CA USA
| | - Kelli Ferris
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Ricardo Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Erin Lashnits
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
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15
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Lv Z, Ding J, Wang H, Wan J, Chen Y, Liang L, Yu T, Wang Y, Wang F. Isolation of a Novel Thermophilic Methanogen and the Evolutionary History of the Class Methanobacteria. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101514. [PMID: 36290418 PMCID: PMC9598358 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Methanogens can produce methane in anaerobic environments via the methanogenesis pathway, and are regarded as one of the most ancient life forms on Earth. They are ubiquitously distributed across distinct ecosystems and are considered to have a thermophilic origin. In this study, we isolated, pure cultured, and completely sequenced a single methanogen strain DL9LZB001, from a hot spring at Tengchong in Southwest China. DL9LZB001 is a thermophilic and hydrogenotrophic methanogen with an optimum growth temperature of 65 °C. It is a putative novel species, which has been named Methanothermobacter tengchongensis-a Class I methanogen belonging to the class Methanobacteria. Comparative genomic and ancestral analyses indicate that the class Methanobacteria originated in a hyperthermal environment and then evolved to adapt to ambient temperatures. This study extends the understanding of methanogens living in geothermal niches, as well as the origin and evolutionary history of these organisms in ecosystems with different temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenbo Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jiaxin Ding
- Instrumental Analysis Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Heng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jiaxin Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yifan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lewen Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Tiantian Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yinzhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Fengping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China
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16
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Mei N, Postec A, Bartoli M, Vandecasteele C, Wils L, Gil L, Monnin C, Pelletier B, Erauso G, Quéméneur M. Methanobacterium alkalithermotolerans sp. nov., a novel alkaliphilic and hydrogen-utilizing methanogen isolated from an alkaline geothermal spring (La Crouen, New Caledonia). Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2022; 72. [PMID: 36260502 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005554] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
An anaerobic, hydrogenotrophic methane-producing archaeon was isolated from an alkaline thermal spring (42 °C, pH 9.0) in New Caledonia. This methanogen, designated strain CANT, is alkaliphilic, thermotolerant, with Gram-positive staining non-motile cells. Strain CANT grows autotrophically using hydrogen exclusively as an energy source and carbon dioxide as the sole carbon source (without the requirement of yeast extract or other organic compounds). It grows at 20-45 °C (optimum, 45 °C) and pH 7.3-9.7 (optimum, pH 9.0). NaCl is not required for growth (optimum 0 %) but is tolerated up to 1.5 %. It resists novobiocin, streptomycin and vancomycin but is inhibited by ampicillin and penicillin, among other antibiotics. The genome consists of a circular chromosome (2.2 Mb) containing 2126 predicted protein-encoding genes with a G+C content of 36.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain CANT is a member of the genus Methanobacterium, most closely related to the alkaliphilic Methanobacterium alcaliphilum WeN4T with 98.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence identity. The genomes of strain CANT and M. alcaliphilum DSM 3459, sequenced in this study, share 71.6 % average nucleotide identity and 14.0 % digital DNA-DNA hybridization. Therefore, phylogenetic and physiological results indicate that strain CANT represents a novel species, for which the name Methanobacterium alkalithermotolerans sp. nov. is proposed, and strain CANT (=DSM 102889T= JCM 31304T) is assigned as the type strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Mei
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
- Present address: School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Anne Postec
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| | - Manon Bartoli
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| | | | - Laura Wils
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| | - Lisa Gil
- INRAE, US 1426, GeT-PlaGe, Genotoul, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Christophe Monnin
- GET UMR5563 (CNRS/UPS/IRD/CNES), Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, 14 Avenue Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Bernard Pelletier
- UMR Géoazur, Centre IRD de Nouméa, 101 Promenade Roger Laroque, BP A5 - 98848 Nouméa cedex, New Caledonia
| | - Gael Erauso
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| | - Marianne Quéméneur
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
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17
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Zhuravleva EA, Shekhurdina SV, Kotova IB, Loiko NG, Popova NM, Kryukov E, Kovalev AA, Kovalev DA, Litti YV. Effects of various materials used to promote the direct interspecies electron transfer on anaerobic digestion of low-concentration swine manure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 839:156073. [PMID: 35618137 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The activation of direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) by the supplementation of conductive materials is one of the effective and available methods to enhance anaerobic digestion (AD). Microorganisms that colonize the surface of these materials form biofilms, the study of which could provide new insights into the character of the DIET process and its effect on AD. The present study focused on AD performance, microbial community, as well as morphological and topological features of biofilms on various materials used to promote DIET during AD of low-concentration swine manure. The best AD characteristics were observed in stainless steel mesh (SM)/digested cow manure (CM) and polyester felt (PF)/digested sewage sludge (SS) combinations used as material/inoculum, respectively. Thus, potential methane yields in CM-SM and SS-PF were up to 26.4% and 26.2% higher compared to the corresponding controls. Microbial analysis of biofilms revealed the dominance of putatively syntrophic bacteria of the MBA03 group of the Limnochordia class in CM inoculated reactors, and syntrophic proteolytic bacteria of the genus Coprothermobacter and acetogenic Clostridium sensu stricto 1, known for their ability to carry out DIET, in SS inoculated reactors. Biofilms on non-conductive materials contained pili-like structures, which were observed only in SS inoculated reactors. Polyester felt tended to biofoul better than carbon felt, resulting in up to 2.8, 3.2 and 1.8 higher nucleic acid, extracellular polymeric substances, and total biomass content, respectively, depending on the inoculum. These results provide new insights into the different types of DIET that can occur in low-loaded AD systems with attached growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena A Zhuravleva
- Federal Research Centre "Fundamentals of Biotechnology" of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 60 let Oktjabrja pr-t, 7, bld. 2, 117312 Moscow, Russia; Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Vorob'jovy gory, 119899 Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana V Shekhurdina
- Federal Research Centre "Fundamentals of Biotechnology" of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 60 let Oktjabrja pr-t, 7, bld. 2, 117312 Moscow, Russia; Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Vorob'jovy gory, 119899 Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina B Kotova
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Vorob'jovy gory, 119899 Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia G Loiko
- Federal Research Centre "Fundamentals of Biotechnology" of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 60 let Oktjabrja pr-t, 7, bld. 2, 117312 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nadezhda M Popova
- Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry RAS, 31, bld.4, Leninsky prospect, 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Emil Kryukov
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden; International School 'Future Medicine', IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8-2 Trubetskaya str., 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey A Kovalev
- Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center VIM, 1st Institutsky proezd, 5, 109428 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitriy A Kovalev
- Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center VIM, 1st Institutsky proezd, 5, 109428 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuriy V Litti
- Federal Research Centre "Fundamentals of Biotechnology" of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 60 let Oktjabrja pr-t, 7, bld. 2, 117312 Moscow, Russia.
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18
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Baumann LMF, Taubner RS, Oláh K, Rohrweber AC, Schuster B, Birgel D, Rittmann SKMR. Quantitative Analysis of Core Lipid Production in Methanothermobacter marburgensis at Different Scales. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:169. [PMID: 35447729 PMCID: PMC9027985 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9040169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Archaeal lipids have a high biotechnological potential, caused by their high resistance to oxidative stress, extreme pH values and temperatures, as well as their ability to withstand phospholipases. Further, methanogens, a specific group of archaea, are already well-established in the field of biotechnology because of their ability to use carbon dioxide and molecular hydrogen or organic substrates. In this study, we show the potential of the model organism Methanothermobacter marburgensis to act both as a carbon dioxide based biological methane producer and as a potential supplier of archaeal lipids. Different cultivation settings were tested to gain an insight into the optimal conditions to produce specific core lipids. The study shows that up-scaling at a constant particle number (n/n = const.) seems to be a promising approach. Further optimizations regarding the length and number of the incubation periods and the ratio of the interaction area to the total liquid volume are necessary for scaling these settings for industrial purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia M. F. Baumann
- Institute for Geology, Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability, Universität Hamburg, Bundesstraße 55, 20146 Hamburg, Germany; (L.M.F.B.); (A.-C.R.); (D.B.)
| | - Ruth-Sophie Taubner
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Wien, Austria;
- Institute for Synthetic Bioarchitectures, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (K.O.); (B.S.)
- Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Altenbergerstraße 69, 4040 Linz, Austria
| | - Kinga Oláh
- Institute for Synthetic Bioarchitectures, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (K.O.); (B.S.)
| | - Ann-Cathrin Rohrweber
- Institute for Geology, Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability, Universität Hamburg, Bundesstraße 55, 20146 Hamburg, Germany; (L.M.F.B.); (A.-C.R.); (D.B.)
| | - Bernhard Schuster
- Institute for Synthetic Bioarchitectures, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (K.O.); (B.S.)
| | - Daniel Birgel
- Institute for Geology, Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability, Universität Hamburg, Bundesstraße 55, 20146 Hamburg, Germany; (L.M.F.B.); (A.-C.R.); (D.B.)
| | - Simon K.-M. R. Rittmann
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Wien, Austria;
- Arkeon GmbH, Technopark 1, 3430 Tulln an der Donau, Austria
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19
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Gavrilov SN, Potapov EG, Prokof’eva MI, Klyukina AA, Merkel AY, Maslov AA, Zavarzina DG. Diversity of Novel Uncultured Prokaryotes in Microbial Communities of the Yessentukskoye Underground Mineral Water Deposit. Microbiology (Reading) 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026261722010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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20
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Kaul A, Böllmann A, Thema M, Kalb L, Stöckl R, Huber H, Sterner M, Bellack A. Combining a robust thermophilic methanogen and packing material with high liquid hold-up to optimize biological methanation in trickle-bed reactors. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 345:126524. [PMID: 34896529 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126524] [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: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The hydrogen gas-to-liquid mass transfer is the limiting factor in biological methanation. In trickle-bed reactors, mass transfer can be increased by high flow velocities in the liquid phase, by adding a packing material with high liquid hold-up or by using methanogenic archaea with a high methane productivity. This study developed a polyphasic approach to address all methods at once. Various methanogenic strains and packings were investigated from a microbial and hydrodynamic perspective. Analyzing the ability to produce high-quality methane and to form biofilms, pure cultures of Methanothermobacter performed better than those of the genus Methanothermococcus. Liquid and static hold-up of a packing material and its capability to facilitate attachment was not attributable to a single property. Consequently, it is recommended to carefully match organism and packing for optimized performance of trickle-bed reactors. The ideal combination for the ORBIT-system was identified as Methanothermobacter thermoautotrophicus IM5 and DuraTop®.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Kaul
- Research Center on Energy Transmission and Energy Storage, OTH Regensburg, Seybothstraße 2, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Andrea Böllmann
- Institute of Microbiology and Archaea Centre Regensburg, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin Thema
- Research Center on Energy Transmission and Energy Storage, OTH Regensburg, Seybothstraße 2, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Kalb
- Institute of Microbiology and Archaea Centre Regensburg, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Richard Stöckl
- Institute of Microbiology and Archaea Centre Regensburg, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Harald Huber
- Institute of Microbiology and Archaea Centre Regensburg, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Sterner
- Research Center on Energy Transmission and Energy Storage, OTH Regensburg, Seybothstraße 2, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Annett Bellack
- Institute of Microbiology and Archaea Centre Regensburg, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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21
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A Shuttle-Vector System Allows Heterologous Gene Expression in the Thermophilic Methanogen Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus ΔH. mBio 2021; 12:e0276621. [PMID: 34809461 PMCID: PMC8609365 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02766-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermophilic Methanothermobacter spp. are used as model microbes to study the physiology and biochemistry of the conversion of molecular hydrogen and carbon dioxide into methane (i.e., hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis). Yet, a genetic system for these model microbes was missing despite intensive work for four decades. Here, we report the successful implementation of genetic tools for Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus ΔH. We developed shuttle vectors that replicated in Escherichia coli and M. thermautotrophicus ΔH. For M. thermautotrophicus ΔH, a thermostable neomycin resistance cassette served as the selectable marker for positive selection with neomycin, and the cryptic plasmid pME2001 from Methanothermobacter marburgensis served as the replicon. The shuttle-vector DNA was transferred from E. coli into M. thermautotrophicus ΔH via interdomain conjugation. After the successful validation of DNA transfer and positive selection in M. thermautotrophicus ΔH, we demonstrated heterologous gene expression of a thermostable β-galactosidase-encoding gene (bgaB) from Geobacillus stearothermophilus under the expression control of four distinct synthetic and native promoters. In quantitative in-vitro enzyme activity assay, we found significantly different β-galactosidase activity with these distinct promoters. With a formate dehydrogenase operon-encoding shuttle vector, we allowed growth of M. thermautotrophicus ΔH on formate as the sole growth substrate, while this was not possible for the empty-vector control.
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22
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Biological conversion of carbon monoxide and hydrogen by anaerobic culture: Prospect of anaerobic digestion and thermochemical processes combination. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 58:107886. [PMID: 34915147 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Waste biomass is considered a promising renewable energy feedstock that can be converted by anaerobic digestion. However, anaerobic digestion application can be challenging due to the structural complexity of several waste biomass kinds. Therefore, coupling anaerobic digestion with thermochemical processes can offset the limitations and convert the hardly biodegradable waste biomass, including digestate residue, into value-added products: syngas and pyrogas (gaseous mixtures consisting mainly of H2, CO, CO2), bio-oil, and biochar for further valorisation. In this review, the utilisation boundaries and benefits of the aforementioned products by anaerobic culture are discussed. First, thermochemical process parameters for an enhanced yield of desired products are summarised. Particularly, the microbiology of CO and H2 mixture biomethanation and fermentation in anaerobic digestion is presented. Finally, the state-of-the-art biological conversion of syngas and pyrogas to CH4 mediated by anaerobic culture is adequately described. Extensive research shows the successful selective biological conversion of CO and H2 to CH4, acetic acid, and alcohols. The main bottleneck is the gas-liquid mass transfer which can be enhanced appropriately by bioreactors' configurations. A few research groups focus on bio-oil and biochar addition into anaerobic digesters. However, according to the literature review, there has been no research for utilising all value-added products at once in anaerobic digestion published so far. Although synergic effects of such can be expected. In summary, the combination of anaerobic digestion and thermochemical processes is a promising alternative for wide-scale waste biomass utilisation in practice.
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23
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Development of Stable Mixed Microbiota for High Yield Power to Methane Conversion. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14217336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The performance of a mixed microbial community was tested in lab-scale power-to-methane reactors at 55 °C. The main aim was to uncover the responses of the community to starvation and stoichiometric H2/CO2 supply as the sole substrate. Fed-batch reactors were inoculated with the fermentation effluent of a thermophilic biogas plant. Various volumes of pure H2/CO2 gas mixtures were injected into the headspace daily and the process parameters were followed. Gas volumes and composition were measured by gas-chromatography, the headspace was replaced with N2 prior to the daily H2/CO2 injection. Total DNA samples, collected at the beginning and end (day 71), were analyzed by metagenome sequencing. Low levels of H2 triggered immediate CH4 evolution utilizing CO2/HCO3− dissolved in the fermentation effluent. Biomethanation continued when H2/CO2 was supplied. On the contrary, biomethane formation was inhibited at higher initial H2 doses and concomitant acetate formation indicated homoacetogenesis. Biomethane production started upon daily delivery of stoichiometric H2/CO2. The fed-batch operational mode allowed high H2 injection and consumption rates albeit intermittent operation conditions. Methane was enriched up to 95% CH4 content and the H2 consumption rate attained a remarkable 1000 mL·L−1·d−1. The microbial community spontaneously selected the genus Methanothermobacter in the enriched cultures.
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24
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Youngblut ND, Reischer GH, Dauser S, Maisch S, Walzer C, Stalder G, Farnleitner AH, Ley RE. Vertebrate host phylogeny influences gut archaeal diversity. Nat Microbiol 2021; 6:1443-1454. [PMID: 34702978 PMCID: PMC8556154 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-021-00980-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Commonly used 16S rRNA gene primers do not detect the full range of archaeal diversity present in the vertebrate gut. As a result, several questions regarding the archaeal component of the gut microbiota remain, including which Archaea are host-associated, the specificities of such associations and the major factors influencing archaeal diversity. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing with primers that specifically target Archaea, we obtained sufficient sequence data from 185 gastrointestinal samples collected from 110 vertebrate species that span five taxonomic classes (Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Amphibia and Actinopterygii), of which the majority were wild. We provide evidence for previously undescribed Archaea-host associations, including Bathyarchaeia and Methanothermobacter, the latter of which was prevalent among Aves and relatively abundant in species with higher body temperatures, although this association could not be decoupled from host phylogeny. Host phylogeny explained archaeal diversity more strongly than diet, while specific taxa were associated with both factors, and cophylogeny was significant and strongest for mammalian herbivores. Methanobacteria was the only class predicted to be present in the last common ancestors of mammals and all host species. Further analysis indicated that Archaea-Bacteria interactions have a limited effect on archaeal diversity. These findings expand our current understanding of Archaea-vertebrate associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Youngblut
- Department of Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Georg H Reischer
- TU Wien, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Research Group for Environmental Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics 166/5/3, Vienna, Austria.,ICC Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - Silke Dauser
- Department of Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sophie Maisch
- Department of Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Chris Walzer
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY, USA.,Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabrielle Stalder
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas H Farnleitner
- TU Wien, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Research Group for Environmental Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics 166/5/3, Vienna, Austria.,ICC Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & Health, Vienna, Austria.,Research Division Water Quality and Health, Karl Landsteiner University for Health Sciences, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Ruth E Ley
- Department of Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence EXC 2124 Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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25
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Zhu A, Qin Y, Wu J, Ye M, Li YY. Characterization of biogas production and microbial community in thermophilic anaerobic co-digestion of sewage sludge and paper waste. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 337:125371. [PMID: 34126356 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
To recover the biogas from sewage sludge and paper waste (PW), the methanogenic performance of thermophilic anaerobic co-digestion of sewage sludge with PW was assessed by a continuous experiment. The effects on the biogas production and microbial community were investigated by changing the PW ratio from 0 to 66.7%. The optimal performance was obtained at the ratio of sewage sludge: PW = 4:6 (total solids), where the COD removal efficiency and biogas production increased from 58.34±5.90% to 72.92±0.08% and 438±53 to 594±72 mL/g-VSadded, respectively. By investigating the trend of carbohydrate and protein degradation rates, the competition between carbohydrate and protein degradation was quantified. The critical PW addition ratio was about (63.64%), where the protein degradation rate decreased to zero with increasing PW addition. Meanwhile, the microbial analysis showed that cellulolytic bacteria outcompeted proteolytic bacteria and to be the predominant group after PW addition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aijun Zhu
- Laboratory of Environmental Protection Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-06 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Yu Qin
- Laboratory of Environmental Protection Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-06 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Jing Wu
- Laboratory of Environmental Protection Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-06 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Min Ye
- Laboratory of Environmental Protection Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-06 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Yu-You Li
- Laboratory of Environmental Protection Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-06 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan.
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26
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Palacios PA, Francis WR, Rotaru AE. A Win-Loss Interaction on Fe 0 Between Methanogens and Acetogens From a Climate Lake. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:638282. [PMID: 34054747 PMCID: PMC8158942 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.638282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse physiological groups congregate into environmental corrosive biofilms, yet the interspecies interactions between these corrosive physiological groups are seldom examined. We, therefore, explored Fe0-dependent cross-group interactions between acetogens and methanogens from lake sediments. On Fe0, acetogens were more corrosive and metabolically active when decoupled from methanogens, whereas methanogens were more metabolically active when coupled with acetogens. This suggests an opportunistic (win-loss) interaction on Fe0 between acetogens (loss) and methanogens (win). Clostridia and Methanobacterium were the major candidates doing acetogenesis and methanogenesis after four transfers (metagenome sequencing) and the only groups detected after 11 transfers (amplicon sequencing) on Fe0. Since abiotic H2 failed to explain the high metabolic rates on Fe0, we examined whether cell exudates (spent media filtrate) promoted the H2-evolving reaction on Fe0 above abiotic controls. Undeniably, spent media filtrate generated three- to four-fold more H2 than abiotic controls, which could be partly explained by thermolabile enzymes and partly by non-thermolabile constituents released by cells. Next, we examined the metagenome for candidate enzymes/shuttles that could catalyze H2 evolution from Fe0 and found candidate H2-evolving hydrogenases and an almost complete pathway for flavin biosynthesis in Clostridium. Clostridial ferredoxin-dependent [FeFe]-hydrogenases may be catalyzing the H2-evolving reaction on Fe0, explaining the significant H2 evolved by spent media exposed to Fe0. It is typical of Clostridia to secrete enzymes and other small molecules for lytic purposes. Here, they may secrete such molecules to enhance their own electron uptake from extracellular electron donors but indirectly make their H2-consuming neighbors-Methanobacterium-fare five times better in their presence. The particular enzymes and constituents promoting H2 evolution from Fe0 remain to be determined. However, we postulate that in a static environment like corrosive crust biofilms in lake sediments, less corrosive methanogens like Methanobacterium could extend corrosion long after acetogenesis ceased, by exploiting the constituents secreted by acetogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amelia-Elena Rotaru
- Nordcee, Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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27
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Niz MYK, Fuentes L, Etchebehere C, Zaiat M. Sugarcane vinasse extreme thermophilic digestion: a glimpse on biogas free management. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2021; 44:1405-1421. [PMID: 33721084 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-021-02517-7] [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: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The high temperature in which sugarcane vinasse (SV) is generated (~ 90 °C) and the positive effect of higher temperatures in biochemical reactions have motivated the evaluation of SV anaerobic digestion (AD) under extreme temperature conditions. Two-stage (acidogenic/methanogenic) and single-stage (methanogenic) AD of SV were evaluated under 70 °C in structured-bed reactors. The extreme temperature was beneficial to the acidogenic step of the two-stage AD process. The methane production, however, was hindered at 70 °C. The VMP of the single and two-stage reactors accounted, respectively, for only 13% and 7% of the production rate reported in sugarcane vinasse AD at 55 °C. At 70 °C, the main genera responsible for methane production was Methanothermobacter and the acetoclastic methanogenesis did not occur, resulting in acetic acid build up (15,800 mg L-1). These results brought a new perspective for sugarcane vinasse management, with acetic acid production alternatively to methanization. In this perspective, two-stage process would be composed of acidogenic and acetogenic reactors, and beyond acetate, hydrogen and other soluble compounds could be recovered in a complete biorefinery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirian Y K Niz
- Biological Processes Laboratory (LPB), São Carlos School of Engineering (EESC), University of São Paulo (USP), 1100 João Dagnone Avenue, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Laura Fuentes
- Microbial Community Laboratory, BioGem Department, Ministry of Education, Biological Research Institute Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia, 3318, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Claudia Etchebehere
- Microbial Community Laboratory, BioGem Department, Ministry of Education, Biological Research Institute Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia, 3318, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Marcelo Zaiat
- Biological Processes Laboratory (LPB), São Carlos School of Engineering (EESC), University of São Paulo (USP), 1100 João Dagnone Avenue, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
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28
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Gaultney RA, Vincent AT, Lorioux C, Coppée JY, Sismeiro O, Varet H, Legendre R, Cockram CA, Veyrier FJ, Picardeau M. 4-Methylcytosine DNA modification is critical for global epigenetic regulation and virulence in the human pathogen Leptospira interrogans. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:12102-12115. [PMID: 33301041 PMCID: PMC7708080 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In bacteria, DNA methylation can be facilitated by ‘orphan’ DNA methyltransferases lacking cognate restriction endonucleases, but whether and how these enzymes control key cellular processes are poorly understood. The effects of a specific modification, 4-methylcytosine (4mC), are even less clear, as this epigenetic marker is unique to bacteria and archaea, whereas the bulk of epigenetic research is currently performed on eukaryotes. Here, we characterize a 4mC methyltransferase from the understudied pathogen Leptospira spp. Inactivating this enzyme resulted in complete abrogation of CTAG motif methylation, leading to genome-wide dysregulation of gene expression. Mutants exhibited growth defects, decreased adhesion to host cells, higher susceptibility to LPS-targeting antibiotics, and, importantly, were no longer virulent in an acute infection model. Further investigation resulted in the discovery of at least one gene, that of an ECF sigma factor, whose transcription was altered in the methylase mutant and, subsequently, by mutation of the CTAG motifs in the promoter of the gene. The genes that comprise the regulon of this sigma factor were, accordingly, dysregulated in the methylase mutant and in a strain overexpressing the sigma factor. Our results highlight the importance of 4mC in Leptospira physiology, and suggest the same of other understudied species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antony T Vincent
- Bacterial Symbionts Evolution, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Céline Lorioux
- Unité Biologie des Spirochètes, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Yves Coppée
- Transcriptome and Epigenome Platform, Biomics, Center for Technological Resources and Research (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Odile Sismeiro
- Transcriptome and Epigenome Platform, Biomics, Center for Technological Resources and Research (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Hugo Varet
- Transcriptome and Epigenome Platform, Biomics, Center for Technological Resources and Research (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Department of Computational Biology, USR 3756 CNRS, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Rachel Legendre
- Transcriptome and Epigenome Platform, Biomics, Center for Technological Resources and Research (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Department of Computational Biology, USR 3756 CNRS, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Frédéric J Veyrier
- Bacterial Symbionts Evolution, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier, Laval, Quebec, Canada
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29
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Blake LI, Sherry A, Mejeha OK, Leary P, Coombs H, Stone W, Head IM, Gray ND. An Unexpectedly Broad Thermal and Salinity-Tolerant Estuarine Methanogen Community. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8101467. [PMID: 32987846 PMCID: PMC7600826 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8101467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Moderately thermophilic (Tmax, ~55 °C) methanogens are identified after extended enrichments from temperate, tropical and low-temperature environments. However, thermophilic methanogens with higher growth temperatures (Topt ≥ 60 °C) are only reported from high-temperature environments. A microcosm-based approach was used to measure the rate of methane production and methanogen community structure over a range of temperatures and salinities in sediment from a temperate estuary. We report short-term incubations (<48 h) revealing methanogens with optimal activity reaching 70 °C in a temperate estuary sediment (in situ temperature 4–5 °C). While 30 °C enrichments amended with acetate, H2 or methanol selected for corresponding mesophilic trophic groups, at 60 °C, only hydrogenotrophs (genus Methanothermobacter) were observed. Since these methanogens are not known to be active under in situ temperatures, we conclude constant dispersal from high temperature habitats. The likely provenance of the thermophilic methanogens was studied by enrichments covering a range of temperatures and salinities. These enrichments indicated that the estuarine sediment hosted methanogens encompassing the global activity envelope of most cultured species. We suggest that estuaries are fascinating sink and source environments for microbial function study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynsay I. Blake
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; (A.S.); (O.K.M.); (P.L.); (H.C.); (I.M.H.)
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Lower Mount Joy, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
- Correspondence: (L.I.B.); (N.D.G.)
| | - Angela Sherry
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; (A.S.); (O.K.M.); (P.L.); (H.C.); (I.M.H.)
- Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Obioma K. Mejeha
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; (A.S.); (O.K.M.); (P.L.); (H.C.); (I.M.H.)
- Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri P.M.B. 1526, Nigeria
| | - Peter Leary
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; (A.S.); (O.K.M.); (P.L.); (H.C.); (I.M.H.)
| | - Henry Coombs
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; (A.S.); (O.K.M.); (P.L.); (H.C.); (I.M.H.)
| | - Wendy Stone
- Water Institute and Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa;
| | - Ian M. Head
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; (A.S.); (O.K.M.); (P.L.); (H.C.); (I.M.H.)
| | - Neil D. Gray
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; (A.S.); (O.K.M.); (P.L.); (H.C.); (I.M.H.)
- Correspondence: (L.I.B.); (N.D.G.)
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Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus strain ΔH as a potential microorganism for bioconversion of CO2 to methane. J CO2 UTIL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2020.101210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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31
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Wang P, Peng H, Adhikari S, Higgins B, Roy P, Dai W, Shi X. Enhancement of biogas production from wastewater sludge via anaerobic digestion assisted with biochar amendment. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 309:123368. [PMID: 32330803 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Studies have shown that biochar enhances methane formation due to the presence of redox active moieties and its conductive properties. This study investigated the influence of biochar, which was produced from Douglas fir pyrolysis, on biogas production and microbial community during anaerobic digestion (AD) of wastewater sludge. The results showed that biochar significantly enhances methane (CH4) production rate and increases its final yield during AD. The cumulative highest CH4 production obtaining in cultures with DF500 (biochar from Douglas fir at 500 °C) were about 11% and 98% more than the culture without biochar at 37 °C and 25 °C AD temperature, respectively. At 55 °C, the maximum CH4 yield reached 172.3 ml/g COD with DF730, which was about 48.3% more than control culture. The microbial community analysis results showed that biochar could up-regulate the role of micro-ecology especially the methanogens and improve the AD process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pixiang Wang
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 USA
| | - Haixin Peng
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 USA
| | - Sushil Adhikari
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 USA; Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 USA.
| | - Brendan Higgins
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 USA
| | - Poulami Roy
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 USA
| | - Wei Dai
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Xiaochong Shi
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
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32
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Methanogens Diversity during Anaerobic Sewage Sludge Stabilization and the Effect of Temperature. Processes (Basel) 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/pr8070822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaerobic sludge stabilization is a commonly used technology. Most fermenters are operated at a mesophilic temperature regime. Modern trends in waste management aim to minimize waste generation. One of the strategies can be achieved by anaerobically stabilizing the sludge by raising the temperature. Higher temperatures will allow faster decomposition of organic matter, shortening the retention time, and increasing biogas production. This work is focused on the description of changes in the community of methanogenic microorganisms at different temperatures during the sludge stabilization. At higher temperatures, biogas contained a higher percentage of methane, however, there was an undesirable accumulation of ammonia in the fermenter. Representatives of the hydrogenotrophic genus Methanoliea were described at all temperatures tested. At temperatures up to 50 °C, a significant proportion of methanogens were also formed by acetoclastic representatives of Methanosaeta sp. and acetoclastic representatives of the order Methanosarcinales. The composition of methanogens in the fermenter significantly changed at 60 °C when typically thermophilic species, like Methanothermobacter marburgensis, appeared. A decrease in the diversity of methanogens was observed, and typical hydrogenotrophic methanogenic archaea isolated from fermenters of biogas plants and anaerobic wastewater treatment plants represented by genus Methanoculleus were no longer present.
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33
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Prathiviraj R, Chellapandi P. Comparative genomic analysis reveals starvation survival systems in Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus ΔH. Anaerobe 2020; 64:102216. [PMID: 32504807 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2020.102216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus ΔH (MTH) is a thermophilic hydrogenotrophic methanogenic archaeon capable of reducing CO2 with H2 to produce methane gas. It is the potential candidate in the biomethanation of CO2 and CO in anaerobic reactors and biogas upgrading process. However, systematic studies addressing its genome conservation and function remain scant in this genome. In this study, we have evaluated its evolutionary resemblance and metabolic discrepancy, particularly in starvation survival systems by comparing the genomic contexts with Methanothermobacter marburgensis str. Marburg (MMG) and Methanobacterium formicicum DSM 1535 (MFO). The phylogenomic analysis of this study indicated that there was a strong phylogenomic signal among MTH, MMG, and MFO in the whole-genome tree. DNA replication machinery was conserved in the MTH genome and might have evolved at different evolution rates. Genome synteny analysis observed collinearity of either gene orders or gene families has to be maintained with syntenic blocks located in the syntenic out-paralogs. A genome-wide metabolic analysis identified some unique putative metabolic subsystems in MTH, which are proposed to determine its growth characteristics in diverse environments. MTH genome comprised of 93 unique genes-coding for starvation survival and stress-response proteins. These proteins confer its adaptation to nutritional deprivation and other abiotic stresses. MTH has a typical system to withstand its growth and cell viability during stable operation and recovery after prolonged starvation. Thus, the present work will provide an insight to improve the genome refinement and metabolic reconstruction in parallel to other closely related species.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Prathiviraj
- Molecular Systems Engineering Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, 620024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P Chellapandi
- Molecular Systems Engineering Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, 620024, Tamil Nadu, India.
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34
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Blank PN, Barnett AA, Ronnebaum TA, Alderfer KE, Gillott BN, Christianson DW, Himmelberger JA. Structural studies of geranylgeranylglyceryl phosphate synthase, a prenyltransferase found in thermophilic Euryarchaeota. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2020; 76:542-557. [PMID: 32496216 PMCID: PMC7271946 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798320004878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Archaea are uniquely adapted to thrive in harsh environments, and one of these adaptations involves the archaeal membrane lipids, which are characterized by their isoprenoid alkyl chains connected via ether linkages to glycerol 1-phosphate. The membrane lipids of the thermophilic and acidophilic euryarchaeota Thermoplasma volcanium are exclusively glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraethers. The first committed step in the biosynthetic pathway of these archaeal lipids is the formation of the ether linkage between glycerol 1-phosphate and geranylgeranyl diphosphate, and is catalyzed by the enzyme geranylgeranylglyceryl phosphate synthase (GGGPS). The 1.72 Å resolution crystal structure of GGGPS from T. volcanium (TvGGGPS) in complex with glycerol and sulfate is reported here. The crystal structure reveals TvGGGPS to be a dimer, which is consistent with the absence of the aromatic anchor residue in helix α5a that is required for hexamerization in other GGGPS homologs; the hexameric quaternary structure in GGGPS is thought to provide thermostability. A phylogenetic analysis of the Euryarchaeota and a parallel ancestral state reconstruction investigated the relationship between optimal growth temperature and the ancestral sequences. The presence of an aromatic anchor residue is not explained by temperature as an ecological parameter. An examination of the active site of the TvGGGPS dimer revealed that it may be able to accommodate longer isoprenoid substrates, supporting an alternative pathway of isoprenoid membrane-lipid synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. N. Blank
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - A. A. Barnett
- Department of Biology, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034, USA
| | - T. A. Ronnebaum
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - K. E. Alderfer
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034, USA
| | - B. N. Gillott
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034, USA
| | - D. W. Christianson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - J. A. Himmelberger
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034, USA
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35
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Rusmanis D, O'Shea R, Wall DM, Murphy JD. Biological hydrogen methanation systems - an overview of design and efficiency. Bioengineered 2020; 10:604-634. [PMID: 31679461 PMCID: PMC6844437 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2019.1684607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The rise in intermittent renewable electricity production presents a global requirement for energy storage. Biological hydrogen methanation (BHM) facilitates wind and solar energy through the storage of otherwise curtailed or constrained electricity in the form of the gaseous energy vector biomethane. Biological methanation in the circular economy involves the reaction of hydrogen – produced during electrolysis – with carbon dioxide in biogas to produce methane (4H2 + CO2 = CH4 + 2H2), typically increasing the methane output of the biogas system by 70%. In this paper, several BHM systems were researched and a compilation of such systems was synthesized, facilitating comparison of key parameters such as methane evolution rate (MER) and retention time. Increased retention times were suggested to be related to less efficient systems with long travel paths for gases through reactors. A significant lack of information on gas-liquid transfer co-efficient was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davis Rusmanis
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute (ERI), University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland.,School of Engineering, UCC, Cork, Ireland
| | - Richard O'Shea
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute (ERI), University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland.,School of Engineering, UCC, Cork, Ireland
| | - David M Wall
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute (ERI), University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland.,School of Engineering, UCC, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jerry D Murphy
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute (ERI), University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland.,School of Engineering, UCC, Cork, Ireland
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Lackner N, Wagner AO, Markt R, Illmer P. pH and Phosphate Induced Shifts in Carbon Flow and Microbial Community during Thermophilic Anaerobic Digestion. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E286. [PMID: 32093251 PMCID: PMC7074938 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8020286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
pH is a central environmental factor influencing CH4 production from organic substrates, as every member of the complex microbial community has specific pH requirements. Here, we show how varying pH conditions (5.0-8.5, phosphate buffered) and the application of a phosphate buffer per se induce shifts in the microbial community composition and the carbon flow during nine weeks of thermophilic batch digestion. Beside monitoring the methane production as well as volatile fatty acid concentrations, amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was conducted. The presence of 100 mM phosphate resulted in reduced CH4 production during the initial phase of the incubation, which was characterized by a shift in the dominant methanogenic genera from a mixed Methanosarcina and Methanoculleus to a pure Methanoculleus system. In buffered samples, acetate strongly accumulated in the beginning of the batch digestion and subsequently served as a substrate for methanogens. Methanogenesis was permanently inhibited at pH values ≤5.5, with the maximum CH4 production occurring at pH 7.5. Adaptations of the microbial community to the pH variations included shifts in the archaeal and bacterial composition, as less competitive organisms with a broad pH range were able to occupy metabolic niches at unfavorable pH conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Lackner
- Department of Microbiology, Universität Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.O.W.); (R.M.); (P.I.)
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37
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Pan X, Wang L, Lv N, Ning J, Zhou M, Wang T, Li C, Zhu G. Impact of physical structure of granular sludge on methanogenesis and methanogenic community structure. RSC Adv 2019; 9:29570-29578. [PMID: 35702508 PMCID: PMC9116110 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra04257a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical structures of sludge are critical factors determining the performance of the anaerobic digestion process, especially for the rate-limiting step, methanogenesis. Thus, to evaluate the effect of granular physical structure on methanogenesis and methanogenic community variation, intact and disintegrated granules were applied as inocula with formate, hydrogen and acetate as sole substrates in batch reactors. Kinetics results revealed that the physical structure of sludge had little impact on methane yield potential from three substrates, while a significantly different impact on methanogenesis rates of formate, hydrogen and acetate. The methanogenesis rate of formate in disintegrated granules was higher than that in the intact granular system, the methanogenesis rate of H2/CO2 in the intact granular system was higher than that in the disintegrated granules and the methanogenesis rate of acetate was similar with the in intact and disintegrated granular systems. Besides, in both intact and disintegrated granular systems, methanogenesis rates of formate were the highest, then followed the H2/CO2 and acetate was the lowest, indicating formate consumption has an advantage over hydrogen in the studied system. A microbial assay indicated that Methanobacteriales, Methanosarcinales and Methanomicrobiales are dominant methanogens on the order level, and the physical structure of granular sludge has little influence on methanogenic communities on the order level but showed significant influence on the species level. It enlightens us that the physical structure of sludge could be considered for regulating the anaerobic digestion via influencing the methanogenesis rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen 361021 China +86-592-6190790 +86-592-6190790
| | - Lina Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University 126 Xiantai Street Changchun 130000 China
| | - Nan Lv
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen 361021 China +86-592-6190790 +86-592-6190790
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| | - Jing Ning
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen 361021 China +86-592-6190790 +86-592-6190790
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| | - Mingdian Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen 361021 China +86-592-6190790 +86-592-6190790
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| | - Tao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen 361021 China +86-592-6190790 +86-592-6190790
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| | - Chunxing Li
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800 Denmark
| | - Gefu Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen 361021 China +86-592-6190790 +86-592-6190790
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Statistical Analysis of Community RNA Transcripts between Organic Carbon and Geogas-Fed Continental Deep Biosphere Groundwaters. mBio 2019; 10:mBio.01470-19. [PMID: 31409677 PMCID: PMC6692508 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01470-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being separated from the photosynthesis-driven surface by both distance and time, the deep biosphere is an important driver for the earth’s carbon and energy cycles. However, due to the difficulties in gaining access and low cell numbers, robust statistical omics studies have not been carried out, and this limits the conclusions that can be drawn. This study benchmarks the use of two separate sampling systems and demonstrates that they provide statistically similar RNA transcript profiles, importantly validating several previously published studies. The generated data are analyzed to identify statistically valid differences in active microbial community members and metabolic processes. The results highlight contrasting taxa and growth strategies in the modern marine waters that are influenced by recent infiltration of Baltic Sea water versus the hydrogen- and carbon dioxide-fed, extremely oligotrophic, thoroughly mixed water. Life in water-filled bedrock fissures in the continental deep biosphere is broadly constrained by energy and nutrient availability. Although these communities are alive, robust studies comparing active populations and metabolic processes across deep aquifers are lacking. This study analyzed three oligotrophic Fennoscandian Shield groundwaters, two “modern marine” waters that are replenished with organic carbon from the Baltic Sea and are likely less than 20 years old (171.3 and 415.4 m below sea level) and an extremely oligotrophic “thoroughly mixed” water (448.8 m below sea level) of unknown age that is composed of very old saline and marine waters. Cells were captured either using a sampling device that rapidly fixed RNA under in situ conditions or by filtering flowing groundwater over an extended period before fixation. Comparison of metatranscriptomes between the methods showed statistically similar transcript profiles for the respective water types, and they were analyzed as biological replicates. Study of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA confirmed active populations from all three domains of life, with many potentially novel unclassified populations present. Statistically supported differences between communities included heterotrophic sulfate-reducing bacteria in the modern marine water at 171.3 m below sea level that has a higher organic carbon content than do largely autotrophic populations in the H2- and CO2-fed thoroughly mixed water. While this modern marine water had signatures of methanogenesis, syntrophic populations were predominantly in the thoroughly mixed water. The study provides a first statistical evaluation of differences in the active microbial communities in groundwaters differentially fed by organic carbon or “geogases.”
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Process Analysis of Anaerobic Fermentation Exposure to Metal Mixtures. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16142458. [PMID: 31295944 PMCID: PMC6678117 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16142458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic fermentation is a cost-effective biowaste disposal approach. During fermentation, microorganisms require a trace amount of metals for optimal growth and performance. This study investigated the effects of metal mixtures on biogas properties, process stability, substrate degradation, enzyme activity, and microbial communities during anaerobic fermentation. The addition of iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) into a copper (Cu)-stressed fermentation system resulted in higher cumulative biogas yields, ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) concentrations and coenzyme F420 activities. Ni and Zn addition enhanced process stability and acetate utilization. The addition of these metals also improved and brought forward the peak daily biogas yields as well as increased CH4 content to 88.94 and 86.58%, respectively. Adding Zn into the Cu-stressed system improved the abundance of Defluviitoga, Fibrobacter and Methanothermobacter, the degradation of cellulose, and the transformation of CO2 to CH4. The bacterial and archaeal communities were responsible for the degradation of lignocelluloses and CH4 production during the fermentation process. This study supports the reutilization of heavy metal-contaminated biowaste and provides references for further research on heavy metals impacted anaerobic fermentation.
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Abstract
Power-to-Methane as one part of Power-to-Gas has been recognized globally as one of the key elements for the transition towards a sustainable energy system. While plants that produce methane catalytically have been in operation for a long time, biological methanation has just reached industrial pilot scale and near-term commercial application. The growing importance of the biological method is reflected by an increasing number of scientific articles describing novel approaches to improve this technology. However, these studies are difficult to compare because they lack a coherent nomenclature. In this article, we present a comprehensive set of parameters allowing the characterization and comparison of various biological methanation processes. To identify relevant parameters needed for a proper description of this technology, we summarized existing literature and defined system boundaries for Power-to-Methane process steps. On this basis, we derive system parameters providing information on the methanation system, its performance, the biology and cost aspects. As a result, three different standards are provided as a blueprint matrix for use in academia and industry applicable to both, biological and catalytic methanation. Hence, this review attempts to set the standards for a comprehensive description of biological and chemical methanation processes.
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Li L, Qin Y, Kong Z, Wu J, Kubota K, Li YY. Characterization of microbial community and main functional groups of prokaryotes in thermophilic anaerobic co-digestion of food waste and paper waste. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 652:709-717. [PMID: 30380478 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The thermophilic anaerobic co-digestion of food waste and paper waste was successfully operated with a 0% to 70% fraction of paper waste. The variation of functional microbial community was investigated by 16S rRNA gene analysis. The results indicated that the hydrolyzing bacterial community changed from carbohydrate/protein-degrading bacteria to cellulose-degrading bacteria when the paper waste ratio was higher than 50%. Significant changes in the taxon responsible for cellulose degradation were found depending on the paper waste fraction. Cellulose-degrading bacteria outcompeted lactic acid bacteria in the degradation of monosaccharide, resulting in a decline in the proportion of lactic acid bacteria and the absence of an accumulation of lactic acid. At high paper waste ratios, because the cellulose-degrading bacteria, such as Defluviitoga tunisiensis, were more likely to degrade monosaccharides directly to acetate and hydrogen rather than to propionate and butyrate, the abundance of syntrophs was reduced. The variation of those bacteria with high H2-producing ability significantly influenced the proportion of hydrogenotrophic archaea. The change in the microbial community as the paper waste fraction increased was illustrated with regard to anaerobic degradation steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-06 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Yu Qin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-06 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Zhe Kong
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-06 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-06 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Kengo Kubota
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-06 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Yu-You Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-06 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan.
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42
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Rare Biosphere Archaea Assimilate Acetate in Precambrian Terrestrial Subsurface at 2.2 km Depth. GEOSCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/geosciences8110418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The deep biosphere contains a large portion of the total microbial communities on Earth, but little is known about the carbon sources that support deep life. In this study, we used Stable Isotope Probing (SIP) and high throughput amplicon sequencing to identify the acetate assimilating microbial communities at 2260 m depth in the bedrock of Outokumpu, Finland. The long-term and short-term effects of acetate on the microbial communities were assessed by DNA-targeted SIP and RNA targeted cell activation. The microbial communities reacted within hours to the amended acetate. Archaeal taxa representing the rare biosphere at 2260 m depth were identified and linked to the cycling of acetate, and were shown to have an impact on the functions and activity of the microbial communities in general through small key carbon compounds. The major archaeal lineages identified to assimilate acetate and metabolites derived from the labelled acetate were Methanosarcina spp., Methanococcus spp., Methanolobus spp., and unclassified Methanosarcinaceae. These archaea have previously been detected in the Outokumpu deep subsurface as minor groups. Nevertheless, their involvement in the assimilation of acetate and secretion of metabolites derived from acetate indicated an important role in the supporting of the whole community in the deep subsurface, where carbon sources are limited.
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Šafarič L, Shakeri Yekta S, Liu T, Svensson BH, Schnürer A, Bastviken D, Björn A. Dynamics of a Perturbed Microbial Community during Thermophilic Anaerobic Digestion of Chemically Defined Soluble Organic Compounds. Microorganisms 2018; 6:microorganisms6040105. [PMID: 30314333 PMCID: PMC6313639 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms6040105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of microbial community dynamics in relation to process perturbations is fundamental to understand and deal with the instability of anaerobic digestion (AD) processes. This study aims to investigate the microbial community structure and function of a thermophilic AD process, fed with a chemically defined substrate, and its association with process performance stability. Next generation amplicon sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes revealed that variations in relative abundances of the predominant bacterial species, Defluviitoga tunisiensis and Anaerobaculum hydrogeniformans, were not linked to the process performance stability, while dynamics of bacterial genera of low abundance, Coprothermobacter and Defluviitoga (other than D. tunisiensis), were associated with microbial community function and process stability. A decrease in the diversity of the archaeal community was observed in conjunction with process recovery and stable performance, implying that the high abundance of specific archaeal group(s) contributed to the stable AD. Dominance of hydrogenotrophic Methanoculleus particularly corresponded to an enhanced microbial acetate and propionate turnover capacity, whereas the prevalence of hydrogenotrophic Methanothermobacter and acetoclastic Methanosaeta was associated with instable AD. Acetate oxidation via syntrophic interactions between Coprothermobacter and Methanoculleus was potentially the main methane-formation pathway during the stable process. We observed that supplementation of Se and W to the medium improved the propionate turnover by the thermophilic consortium. The outcomes of our study provided insights into the community dynamics and trace element requirements in relation to the process performance stability of thermophilic AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Šafarič
- Department of Thematic Studies-Environmental Change, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
- Biogas Research Center, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Sepehr Shakeri Yekta
- Department of Thematic Studies-Environmental Change, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
- Biogas Research Center, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of Molecular Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala BioCenter, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Bo H Svensson
- Department of Thematic Studies-Environmental Change, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
- Biogas Research Center, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Anna Schnürer
- Department of Thematic Studies-Environmental Change, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
- Biogas Research Center, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
- Department of Molecular Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala BioCenter, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - David Bastviken
- Department of Thematic Studies-Environmental Change, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Annika Björn
- Department of Thematic Studies-Environmental Change, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
- Biogas Research Center, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
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44
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Kumar A, Wu G, Wu Z, Kumar N, Liu Z. Improved catalytic properties of a serine hydroxymethyl transferase from Idiomarina loihiensis by site directed mutagenesis. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 117:1216-1223. [PMID: 29727646 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A novel glyA gene was screened from a marine bacterium, Idiomarina loihiensis encoding a thermo-stable serine hydroxymethyl transferase (SHMT; 418 AA; 45.4 kDa). The activities of wild type (WT) and mutants were analyzed against d-phenylserine using pyrodoxal-5-phosphate (PLP) as cofactor under optimized conditions. Based on homology modelling and molecular docking, several residues were found that may be able to improve the activity of WT-SHMT. Site directed mutagenesis was conducted. The activity and thermostability of the wild type SHMT was improved by two variants H61G and G132P, which showed a noteworthy change in the thermo-stability and activity as compared to WT. To investigate the mechanism of activity of mutants, we combined two residues into one mutant DUAL. WT showed the optimum activity at 50 °C, whereas H61G, G132P and DUAL had the temperature optima of 55, 60 and 60 °C, respectively. These mutants G132P, H61G and DUAL were quite stable at 45 and 55 °C as compared to WT. Dual mutant was relatively more stable at all tested pH(s) while WT loses its activity in alkaline pH(s). Kinetics studies indicated the 1.52, 2.42 and 4.54 folds increase in the kcat value of H61G, G132P and Dual mutants as compared to WT respectively. The molecular docking indicated that hydrophobic interactions are more prominent than hydrogen-bonding and had more influence on ligand binding and active site cavity. The molecular dynamics showed the changed RMSD values for ligand and formation of new hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interaction which considerably increased the activity and thermo-stability of the mutant proteins as compared to WT. Thus, increased stabilities at higher temperatures and activities can be attributed to new hydrogen bonding, altered active site geometry and increased ligand interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Kumar
- College of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430 070, China; Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Solan, 172 234, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Gaobing Wu
- College of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430 070, China
| | - Zuo Wu
- College of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430 070, China
| | - Narendra Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Solan, 172 234, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ziduo Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430 070, China.
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45
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Krzmarzick MJ, Taylor DK, Fu X, McCutchan AL. Diversity and Niche of Archaea in Bioremediation. ARCHAEA (VANCOUVER, B.C.) 2018; 2018:3194108. [PMID: 30254509 PMCID: PMC6140281 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3194108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Bioremediation is the use of microorganisms for the degradation or removal of contaminants. Most bioremediation research has focused on processes performed by the domain Bacteria; however, Archaea are known to play important roles in many situations. In extreme conditions, such as halophilic or acidophilic environments, Archaea are well suited for bioremediation. In other conditions, Archaea collaboratively work alongside Bacteria during biodegradation. In this review, the various roles that Archaea have in bioremediation is covered, including halophilic hydrocarbon degradation, acidophilic hydrocarbon degradation, hydrocarbon degradation in nonextreme environments such as soils and oceans, metal remediation, acid mine drainage, and dehalogenation. Research needs are addressed in these areas. Beyond bioremediation, these processes are important for wastewater treatment (particularly industrial wastewater treatment) and help in the understanding of the natural microbial ecology of several Archaea genera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark James Krzmarzick
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - David Kyle Taylor
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Xiang Fu
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Aubrey Lynn McCutchan
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
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46
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Lu Y, Liaquat R, Astals S, Jensen P, Batstone D, Tait S. Relationship between microbial community, operational factors and ammonia inhibition resilience in anaerobic digesters at low and moderate ammonia background concentrations. N Biotechnol 2018; 44:23-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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47
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Liang B, Zhang K, Wang LY, Liu JF, Yang SZ, Gu JD, Mu BZ. Different Diversity and Distribution of Archaeal Community in the Aqueous and Oil Phases of Production Fluid From High-Temperature Petroleum Reservoirs. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:841. [PMID: 29755446 PMCID: PMC5934436 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To get a better knowledge on how archaeal communities differ between the oil and aqueous phases and whether environmental factors promote substantial differences on microbial distributions among production wells, we analyzed archaeal communities in oil and aqueous phases from four high-temperature petroleum reservoirs (55–65°C) by using 16S rRNA gene based 454 pyrosequencing. Obvious dissimilarity of the archaeal composition between aqueous and oil phases in each independent production wells was observed, especially in production wells with higher water cut, and diversity in the oil phase was much higher than that in the corresponding aqueous phase. Statistical analysis further showed that archaeal communities in oil phases from different petroleum reservoirs tended to be more similar, but those in aqueous phases were the opposite. In the high-temperature ecosystems, temperature as an environmental factor could have significantly affected archaeal distribution, and archaeal diversity raised with the increase of temperature (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that to get a comprehensive understanding of petroleum reservoirs microbial information both in aqueous and oil phases should be taken into consideration. The microscopic habitats of oil phase, technically the dispersed minuscule water droplets in the oil could be a better habitat that containing the indigenous microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Zhong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji-Dong Gu
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Bo-Zhong Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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48
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Fontana A, Campanaro S, Treu L, Kougias PG, Cappa F, Morelli L, Angelidaki I. Performance and genome-centric metagenomics of thermophilic single and two-stage anaerobic digesters treating cheese wastes. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 134:181-191. [PMID: 29427960 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The present research is the first comprehensive study regarding the thermophilic anaerobic degradation of cheese wastewater, which combines the evaluation of different reactor configurations (i.e. single and two-stage continuous stirred tank reactors) on the process efficiency and the in-depth characterization of the microbial community structure using genome-centric metagenomics. Both reactor configurations showed acidification problems under the tested organic loading rates (OLRs) of 3.6 and 2.4 g COD/L-reactor day and the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 15 days. However, the two-stage design reached a methane yield equal to 95% of the theoretical value, in contrast with the single stage configuration, which reached a maximum of 33% of the theoretical methane yield. The metagenomic analysis identified 22 new population genomes and revealed that the microbial compositions between the two configurations were remarkably different, demonstrating a higher methanogenic biodiversity in the two-stage configuration. In fact, the acidogenic reactor of the serial configuration was almost solely composed by the lactose degrader Bifidobacterium crudilactis UC0001. The predictive functional analyses of the main population genomes highlighted specific metabolic pathways responsible for the AD process and the mechanisms of main intermediates production. Particularly, the acetate accumulation experienced by the single stage configuration was mainly correlated to the low abundant syntrophic acetate oxidizer Tepidanaerobacter acetatoxydans UC0018 and to the absence of aceticlastic methanogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Fontana
- Department for Sustainable Food Process - DiSTAS, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 29122 Piacenza, Italy; Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Laura Treu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Panagiotis G Kougias
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Fabrizio Cappa
- Department for Sustainable Food Process - DiSTAS, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Morelli
- Department for Sustainable Food Process - DiSTAS, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Irini Angelidaki
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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49
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Schuelke T, Pereira TJ, Hardy SM, Bik HM. Nematode-associated microbial taxa do not correlate with host phylogeny, geographic region or feeding morphology in marine sediment habitats. Mol Ecol 2018; 27:1930-1951. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Taruna Schuelke
- Department of Nematology; University of California, Riverside; Riverside CA USA
| | - Tiago José Pereira
- Department of Nematology; University of California, Riverside; Riverside CA USA
| | - Sarah M. Hardy
- School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences; University of Alaska; Fairbanks AK USA
| | - Holly M. Bik
- Department of Nematology; University of California, Riverside; Riverside CA USA
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50
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Chiriac CM, Baricz A, Szekeres E, Rudi K, Dragoș N, Coman C. Microbial Composition and Diversity Patterns in Deep Hyperthermal Aquifers from the Western Plain of Romania. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2018; 75:38-51. [PMID: 28702708 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-017-1031-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A limited number of studies have investigated the biodiversity in deep continental hyperthermal aquifers and its influencing factors. Here, we present the first description of microbial communities inhabiting the Pannonian and Triassic hyperthermal aquifers from the Western Plain of Romania, the first one being considered a deposit of "fossilized waters," while the latter is embedded in the hydrological cycle due to natural refilling. The 11 investigated drillings have an open interval between 952 and 3432 m below the surface, with collected water temperatures ranging between 47 and 104 °C, these being the first microbial communities characterized in deep continental water deposits with outflow temperatures exceeding 80 °C. The abundances of bacterial 16S rRNA genes varied from approximately 105-106 mL-1 in the Pannonian to about 102-104 mL-1 in the Triassic aquifer. A 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding analysis revealed distinct microbial communities in the two water deposits, especially in the rare taxa composition. The Pannonian aquifer was dominated by the bacterial genera Hydrogenophilus and Thermodesulfobacterium, together with archaeal methanogens from the Methanosaeta and Methanothermobacter groups. Firmicutes was prevalent in the Triassic deposit with a large number of OTUs affiliated to Thermoanaerobacteriaceae, Thermacetogenium, and Desulfotomaculum. Species richness, evenness, and phylogenetic diversity increased alongside with the abundance of mesophiles, their presence in the Triassic aquifer being most probably caused by the refilling with large quantities of meteoric water in the Carpathian Mountains. Altogether, our results show that the particular physico-cheminal characteristics of each aquifer, together with the water refilling possibilities, seem to determine the microbial community structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia M Chiriac
- NIRDBS, Institute of Biological Research, 48 Republicii street, 400015, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andreea Baricz
- NIRDBS, Institute of Biological Research, 48 Republicii street, 400015, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Edina Szekeres
- NIRDBS, Institute of Biological Research, 48 Republicii street, 400015, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Knut Rudi
- Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science Department, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway
| | - Nicolae Dragoș
- NIRDBS, Institute of Biological Research, 48 Republicii street, 400015, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristian Coman
- NIRDBS, Institute of Biological Research, 48 Republicii street, 400015, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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