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Wagner H, Schad A, Höhmann S, Briol TA, Wilhelm C. Carbon and energy balance of biotechnological glycolate production from microalgae in a pre-industrial scale flat panel photobioreactor. Biotechnol Biofuels Bioprod 2024; 17:42. [PMID: 38486283 PMCID: PMC10941469 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-024-02479-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Glycolate is produced by microalgae under photorespiratory conditions and has the potential for sustainable organic carbon production in biotechnology. This study explores the glycolate production balance in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, using a custom-built 10-L flat panel bioreactor with sophisticated measurements of process factors such as nutrient supply, gassing, light absorption and mass balances. As a result, detailed information regarding carbon and energy balance is obtained to support techno-economic analyses. It is shown how nitrogen is a crucial element in the biotechnological process and monitoring nitrogen content is vital for optimum performance. Moreover, the suitable reactor design is advantageous to efficiently adjust the gas composition. The oxygen content has to be slightly above 30% to induce photorespiration while maintaining photosynthetic efficiency. The final volume productivity reached 27.7 mg of glycolate per litre per hour, thus, the total process capacity can be calculated to 13 tonnes of glycolate per hectare per annum. The exceptional volume productivity of both biomass and glycolate production is demonstrated, and consequently can achieve a yearly CO2 sequestration rate of 35 tonnes per hectare. Although the system shows such high productivity, there are still opportunities to enhance the achieved volume productivity and thus exploit the biotechnological potential of glycolate production from microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Wagner
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Institute for Biology, University of Leipzig, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Antonia Schad
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Institute for Biology, University of Leipzig, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sonja Höhmann
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tim Arik Briol
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Wilhelm
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Institute for Biology, University of Leipzig, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
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Höhmann S, Briol TA, Ihle N, Frick O, Schmid A, Bühler B. Glycolate as alternative carbon source for Escherichia coli. J Biotechnol 2024; 381:76-85. [PMID: 38190849 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The physiology of different Escherichia coli stains was analyzed for growth with glycolate as a potentially promising sustainable sole source of carbon and energy. Different E. coli strains showed large differences regarding lag phases after provision of glycolate. Whereas E. coli W showed fast adaptation, E. coli BW25113, JM101, and BL21 (DE3) needed extensive time for adaption (up to 30 generations) until the attainable µmax was reached, which, at 30 °C, amounted to 0.20-0.25 h-1 for all strains. The overexpression of genes encoding glycolate degradation did neither overcome the need for adaptation of E. coli BL21 (DE3) nor improve growth of E. coli W. Rather, high level expression of proteins involved in uptake and initial degradation steps had an adverse effect on growth. Overall, the results show a promising capacity of E. coli strains for growth on glycolate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Höhmann
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tim Arik Briol
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nadine Ihle
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Oliver Frick
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Schmid
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bruno Bühler
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany.
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Saleem S, Sheikh Z, Iftikhar R, Zafar MI. Eco-friendly cultivation of microalgae using a horizontal twin layer system for treatment of real solid waste leachate. J Environ Manage 2024; 351:119847. [PMID: 38142597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Solid waste leachate (SWL) requires dilution with water to offset the negative effects of high nutrient concentration and organic compounds for its microalgae-based treatment. Among attached cultivation systems, twin layer is a technology in which limited information is available on treatment of high strength wastewater using microalgae. Moreover, widespread application of twin layer technology is limited due to cost of substrate and source layer used. In the present study, potential of Scenedesmus sp. for the treatment of SWL was assessed on horizontal twin layer system (HTLS). Novel and cost-effective substrate layers were tested as attachment material. Wetland treated municipal wastewater (WMW) was used to prepare SWL dilutions viz, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% SWL. Recycled printing paper showed maximum biomass productivity of 5.19 g m-2 d-1. Among all the SWL dilutions, Scenedesmus sp. achieved maximum growth of 103.05 g m-2 in 5% SWL which was 16% higher than WMW alone. The maximum removal rate of NH4+ -N, TKN, and PO43- P was obtained in 20% SWL which was 1371, 1588 and 153 mg m-2 d-1 respectively. Varying concentrations of nutrients in different SWL dilutions significantly affected lipid biosynthesis, with enhanced productivity of 2.28 g m-2 d-1 achieved in 5% SWL compared to 0.97 g m-2 d-1 in 20% SWL. Hence, it can be concluded that 5% SWL dilution was good for biomass and lipid production, while the highest nutrient removal rates were obtained at 20% SWL mainly attributed to biotic and abiotic processes. Based on these results HTLS can be a promising technology for pilot scale to explore industrialized application of wastewater treatment and algal production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Saleem
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCEE), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Zeshan Sheikh
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCEE), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Rashid Iftikhar
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCEE), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Mazhar Iqbal Zafar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
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Griehl C, Schmid A, Wilhelm C. Meilensteine in der Algenbiotechnologie. Biospektrum (Heidelb) 2023; 29:306-309. [PMID: 37275943 PMCID: PMC10230451 DOI: 10.1007/s12268-023-1942-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent progress in algal biotechnology has identified new products based on their broad evolutionary origin. Novel metabolites were found for pharmacy, food industry, medicine e.g. tumor suppression and antibiotics. However, sustainable and economical algal production for crude oil replacement is limited by extremely low space time yields in photobioreactors. The consequences are a high energy burden for mass flow dependent processes and the need of space being in conflict with sustainable landscape management. New concepts using algae not as biomass producers but as living catalysts may open new options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Griehl
- Kompetenzzentrum Algenbiotechnologie, Hochschule Anhalt, Köthen, Deutschland
| | - Andreas Schmid
- Department Solare Materialien, UFZ Leipzig-Halle, Leipzig, Deutschland
| | - Christian Wilhelm
- Institut für Biologie, Universität Leipzig, D-04318 Leipzig, Permoserstraße 15, Deutschland
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Harth FM, Celis J, Taubert A, Rössler S, Wagner H, Goepel M, Wilhelm C, Gläser R. Ru/C-Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Aqueous Glycolic Acid from Microalgae - Influence of pH and Biologically Relevant Additives. Chemistry 2022; 11:e202200050. [PMID: 35822926 PMCID: PMC9278103 DOI: 10.1002/open.202200050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Ethylene glycol (EG) is obtained by a novel, two‐step approach combining a biotechnological and a heterogeneously catalyzed step. First, microalgae are cultivated to photobiocatalytically yield glycolic acid (GA) by means of photosynthesis from CO2 and water. GA is continuously excreted into the surrounding medium. In the second step, the GA‐containing algal medium is used as feedstock for catalytic reduction with H2 to EG over a Ru/C catalyst. The present study focuses on the conversion of an authentic algae‐derived GA solution. After identification of the key characteristics of the algal medium (compared to pure aqueous GA), the influence of pH, numerous salt additives, pH buffers and other relevant organic molecules on the catalytic GA reduction was investigated. Nitrogen‐ and sulfur‐containing organic molecules can strongly inhibit the reaction. Moreover, pH adjustment by acidification is required, for which H2SO4 is found most suitable. In combination with a modification of the biotechnological process to mitigate the use of inhibitory compounds, and after acidifying the algal medium, over Ru/C a EG yield of up to 21 % even at non‐optimized reaction conditions was achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian M Harth
- Institute of Chemical Technology, Universität Leipzig, Linnéstr. 3, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Joran Celis
- Institute of Chemical Technology, Universität Leipzig, Linnéstr. 3, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Taubert
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Universität Leipzig, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sonja Rössler
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Universität Leipzig, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heiko Wagner
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Universität Leipzig, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Goepel
- Institute of Chemical Technology, Universität Leipzig, Linnéstr. 3, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Wilhelm
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Universität Leipzig, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Roger Gläser
- Institute of Chemical Technology, Universität Leipzig, Linnéstr. 3, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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Schad A, Rössler S, Nagel R, Wagner H, Wilhelm C. Crossing and selection of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strains for biotechnological glycolate production. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:3539-3554. [PMID: 35511277 PMCID: PMC9151519 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11933-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Abstract As an alternative to chemical building blocks derived from algal biomass, the excretion of glycolate has been proposed. This process has been observed in green algae such as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a product of the photorespiratory pathway. Photorespiration generally occurs at low CO2 and high O2 concentrations, through the key enzyme RubisCO initiating the pathway via oxygenation of 1.5-ribulose-bisphosphate. In wild-type strains, photorespiration is usually suppressed in favour of carboxylation due to the cellular carbon concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) controlling the internal CO2 concentration. Additionally, newly produced glycolate is directly metabolized in the C2 cycle. Therefore, both the CCMs and the C2 cycle are the key elements which limit the glycolate production in wild-type cells. Using conventional crossing techniques, we have developed Chlamydomonas reinhardtii double mutants deficient in these two key pathways to direct carbon flux to glycolate excretion. Under aeration with ambient air, the double mutant D6 showed a significant and stable glycolate production when compared to the non-producing wild type. Interestingly, this mutant can act as a carbon sink by fixing atmospheric CO2 into glycolate without requiring any additional CO2 supply. Thus, the double-mutant strain D6 can be used as a photocatalyst to produce chemical building blocks and as a future platform for algal-based biotechnology. Key Points • Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cia5 gyd double mutants were developed by sexual crossing • The double mutation eliminates the need for an inhibitor in glycolate production • The strain D6 produces significant amounts of glycolate with ambient air only Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-022-11933-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Schad
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sonja Rössler
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Raimund Nagel
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 21-23, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heiko Wagner
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Wilhelm
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318, Leipzig, Germany.
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Yang F, Zhang J, Cai Z, Zhou J, Li Y. Correction to: Exploring the oxygenase function of Form II Rubisco for production of glycolate from CO 2. AMB Express 2021; 11:132. [PMID: 34559321 PMCID: PMC8463643 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-021-01293-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Shi M, Zhao L, Wang Y. Identification and Characterization of Genes Encoding the Hydroxypyruvate Reductases in Chlamydomonas Reveal Their Distinct Roles in Photorespiration. Front Plant Sci 2021; 12:690296. [PMID: 34249060 PMCID: PMC8264790 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.690296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Photorespiration plays an important role in maintaining normal physiological metabolism in higher plants and other oxygenic organisms, such as algae. The unicellular eukaryotic organism Chlamydomonas is reported to have a photorespiration system different from that in higher plants, and only two out of nine genes encoding photorespiratory enzymes have been experimentally characterized. Hydroxypyruvate reductase (HPR), which is responsible for the conversion of hydroxypyruvate into glycerate, is poorly understood and not yet explored in Chlamydomonas. To identify the candidate genes encoding hydroxypyruvate reductases in Chlamydomonas (CrHPR) and uncover their elusive functions, we performed sequence comparison, enzyme activity measurement, subcellular localization, and analysis of knockout/knockdown strains. Together, we identify five proteins to be good candidates for CrHPRs, all of which are detected with the activity of hydroxypyruvate reductase. CrHPR1, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-dependent enzyme in mitochondria, may function as the major component of photorespiration. Its deletion causes severe photorespiratory defects. CrHPR2 takes part in the cytosolic bypass of photorespiration as the compensatory pathway of CrHPR1 for the reduction of hydroxypyruvate. CrHPR4, with NADH as the cofactor, may participate in photorespiration by acting as the chloroplastidial glyoxylate reductase in glycolate-quinone oxidoreductase system. Therefore, the results reveal that CrHPRs are far more complex than previously recognized and provide a greatly expanded knowledge base for studies to understand how CrHPRs perform their functions in photorespiration. These will facilitate both modification of photorespiration and genetic engineering for crop improvement by synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglin Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yong Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Moungmoon T, Chaichana C, Pumas C, Pathom-Aree W, Ruangrit K, Pekkoh J. Quantitative analysis of methane and glycolate production from microalgae using undiluted wastewater obtained from chicken-manure biogas digester. Sci Total Environ 2020; 714:136577. [PMID: 31982736 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microalgal biomass is often used as a raw material in methane production. Some microalgae possess a complex cell-wall structure which has a low degradability of microorganisms in anaerobic digestion. However, some microalgae produce glycolate, which is excreted outside the cell and can be used to produce methane under anaerobic condition. This research aims to investigate microalgal cultivation using wastewater to reduce nutrients and efficiently create glycolate. Two strains of microalgae (Acutodesmus sp. AARL G023, Chlorella sp. AARL G049) and two microalgal consortia were cultivated at dilutions of 0.5-fold (W50), 0.75-fold (W75) and undiluted wastewater (W100). The results showed that the microalgal consortium with undiluted wastewater (WCW100) consisted of Leptolyngbya sp. (30.4%), Chlorella sp. (16.1%) and Chlamydomonas sp. (52.2%), revealed the highest biomass productivity at 64.38 ± 14.54 mg·L-1·d-1 and the highest glycolate productivity at 5.12 ± 0.48 mmol·L-1·d-1. The cultivation of microalgae effectively reduced ammonium‑nitrogen (NH4+-N) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) levels in the wastewater at 43.5 ± 1.3% and 49.6 ± 6.9%. Furthermore, WCW100 showed the highest biogas productivity at 1.44 ± 0.07 mL·g-1·d-1 and the highest methane content at 58.3 ± 6.0% v/v. This study indicates that there is a definite potential of using undiluted wastewater for microalgal biomass production and glycolate production that can reduce the wastewater volume and be applied as a raw material for methane production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thoranit Moungmoon
- PhD Degree Program in Environmental Science, Environmental Science Research Center, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Chatchawan Chaichana
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Chayakorn Pumas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Wasu Pathom-Aree
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Khomsan Ruangrit
- Science and Technology Research Institute, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Jeeraporn Pekkoh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Environmental Science Research Center, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
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Taubert A, Jakob T, Wilhelm C. Glycolate from microalgae: an efficient carbon source for biotechnological applications. Plant Biotechnol J 2019; 17:1538-1546. [PMID: 30637910 PMCID: PMC6662103 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Glycolate is produced in autotrophic cells under high temperatures and Ci -limitation via oxygenation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate. In unicellular algae, glycolate is lost via excretion or metabolized via the C2 cycle by consuming reductants, ATP and CO2 emission (photorespiration). Therefore, photorespiration is an inhibitory process for biomass production. However, cells can be manipulated in a way that they become glycolate-producing 'cell factories', when the ratio carboxylation/oxygenation is 2. If under these conditions the C2 cycle is blocked, glycolate excretion becomes the only pathway of photosynthetic carbon flow. The study aims to proof the biotechnological applicability of algal-based glycolate excretion as a new biotechnological platform. It is shown that cells of Chlamydomonas can be cultivated under specific conditions to establish a constant and long-term stable glycolate excretion during the light phase. The cultures achieved a high efficiency of 82% of assimilated carbon transferred into glycolate biosynthesis without losses of function in cell vitality. Moreover, the glycolate accumulation in the medium is high enough to be directly used for microbial fermentation but does not show toxic effects to the glycolate-producing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Taubert
- Department of Plant PhysiologyInstitute of BiologyUniversity of LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Torsten Jakob
- Department of Plant PhysiologyInstitute of BiologyUniversity of LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Christian Wilhelm
- Department of Plant PhysiologyInstitute of BiologyUniversity of LeipzigLeipzigGermany
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Günther S, Becker D, Hübschmann T, Reinert S, Kleinsteuber S, Müller S, Wilhelm C. Long-Term Biogas Production from Glycolate by Diverse and Highly Dynamic Communities. Microorganisms 2018; 6:E103. [PMID: 30287755 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms6040103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Generating chemical energy carriers and bulk chemicals from solar energy by microbial metabolic capacities is a promising technology. In this long-term study of over 500 days, methane was produced by a microbial community that was fed by the mono-substrate glycolate, which was derived from engineered algae. The microbial community structure was measured on the single cell level using flow cytometry. Abiotic and operational reactor parameters were analyzed in parallel. The R-based tool flowCyBar facilitated visualization of community dynamics and indicated sub-communities involved in glycolate fermentation and methanogenesis. Cell sorting and amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA and mcrA genes were used to identify the key organisms involved in the anaerobic conversion process. The microbial community allowed a constant fermentation, although it was sensitive to high glycolate concentrations in the feed. A linear correlation between glycolate loading rate and biogas amount was observed (R2 = 0.99) for glycolate loading rates up to 1.81 g L−1 day−1 with a maximum in biogas amount of 3635 mL day−1 encompassing 45% methane. The cytometric diversity remained high during the whole cultivation period. The dominating bacterial genera were Syntrophobotulus, Clostridia genus B55_F, Aminobacterium, and Petrimonas. Methanogenesis was almost exclusively performed by the hydrogenotrophic genus Methanobacterium.
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Zhu B, Chen G, Cao X, Wei D. Molecular characterization of CO 2 sequestration and assimilation in microalgae and its biotechnological applications. Bioresour Technol 2017; 244:1207-1215. [PMID: 28606753 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.05.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae are renewable feedstock for sustainable biofuel production, cell factory for valuable chemicals and promising in alleviation of greenhouse gas CO2. However, the carbon assimilation capacity is still the bottleneck for higher productivity. Molecular characterization of CO2 sequestration and assimilation in microalgae has advanced in the past few years and are reviewed here. In some cyanobacteria, genes for 2-oxoglytarate dehydrogenase was replaced by four alternative mechanisms to fulfill TCA cycle. In green algae Coccomyxa subellipsoidea C-169, alternative carbon assimilation pathway was upregulated under high CO2 conditions. These advances thus provide new insights and new targets for accelerating CO2 sequestration rate and enhancing bioproduct synthesis in microalgae. When integrated with conventional parameter optimization, molecular approach for microalgae modification targeting at different levels is promising in generating value-added chemicals from green algae and cyanobacteria efficiently in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baojun Zhu
- School of Food Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Rd. 381, Guangzhou 510641, PR China
| | - Gu Chen
- School of Food Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Rd. 381, Guangzhou 510641, PR China
| | - Xupeng Cao
- Marine Bioengineering Group, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, PR China
| | - Dong Wei
- School of Food Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Rd. 381, Guangzhou 510641, PR China.
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Wagner H, Fanesi A, Wilhelm C. Title: Freshwater phytoplankton responses to global warming. J Plant Physiol 2016; 203:127-134. [PMID: 27344409 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2016.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Global warming alters species composition and function of freshwater ecosystems. However, the impact of temperature on primary productivity is not sufficiently understood and water quality models need to be improved in order to assess the quantitative and qualitative changes of aquatic communities. On the basis of experimental data, we demonstrate that the commonly used photosynthetic and water chemistry parameters alone are not sufficient for modeling phytoplankton growth under changing temperature regimes. We present some new aspects of the acclimation process with respect to temperature and how contrasting responses may be explained by a more complete physiological knowledge of the energy flow from photons to new biomass. We further suggest including additional bio-markers/traits for algal growth such as carbon allocation patterns to increase the explanatory power of such models. Although carbon allocation patterns are promising and functional cellular traits for growth prediction under different nutrient and light conditions, their predictive power still waits to be tested with respect to temperature. A great challenge for the near future will be the prediction of primary production efficiencies under the global change scenario using a uniform model for phytoplankton assemblages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Wagner
- Leipzig University, Institute of Biology, Department of Plant Physiology, Johannisallee 21-23, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Andrea Fanesi
- Leipzig University, Institute of Biology, Department of Plant Physiology, Johannisallee 21-23, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Wilhelm
- Leipzig University, Institute of Biology, Department of Plant Physiology, Johannisallee 21-23, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Gong F, Liu G, Zhai X, Zhou J, Cai Z, Li Y. Quantitative analysis of an engineered CO2-fixing Escherichia coli reveals great potential of heterotrophic CO2 fixation. Biotechnol Biofuels 2015; 8:86. [PMID: 26097503 PMCID: PMC4475311 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-015-0268-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Production of fuels from the abundant and wasteful CO2 is a promising approach to reduce carbon emission and consumption of fossil fuels. Autotrophic microbes naturally assimilate CO2 using energy from light, hydrogen, and/or sulfur. However, their slow growth rates call for investigation of the possibility of heterotrophic CO2 fixation. Although preliminary research has suggested that CO2 fixation in heterotrophic microbes is feasible after incorporation of a CO2-fixing bypass into the central carbon metabolic pathway, it remains unclear how much and how efficient that CO2 can be fixed by a heterotrophic microbe. RESULTS A simple metabolic flux index was developed to indicate the relative strength of the CO2-fixation flux. When two sequential enzymes of the cyanobacterial Calvin cycle were incorporated into an E. coli strain, the flux of the CO2-fixing bypass pathway accounts for 13 % of that of the central carbon metabolic pathway. The value was increased to 17 % when the carbonic anhydrase involved in the cyanobacterial carbon concentrating mechanism was introduced, indicating that low intracellular CO2 concentration is one limiting factor for CO2 fixation in E. coli. The engineered CO2-fixing E. coli with carbonic anhydrase was able to fix CO2 at a rate of 19.6 mg CO2 L(-1) h(-1) or the specific rate of 22.5 mg CO2 g DCW(-1) h(-1). This CO2-fixation rate is comparable with the reported rates of 14 autotrophic cyanobacteria and algae (10.5-147.0 mg CO2 L(-1) h(-1) or the specific rates of 3.5-23.7 mg CO2 g DCW(-1) h(-1)). CONCLUSIONS The ability of CO2 fixation was created and improved in E. coli by incorporating partial cyanobacterial Calvin cycle and carbon concentrating mechanism, respectively. Quantitative analysis revealed that the CO2-fixation rate of this strain is comparable with that of the autotrophic cyanobacteria and algae, demonstrating great potential of heterotrophic CO2 fixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyu Gong
- />CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 West Beichen Road Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 China
- />University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guoxia Liu
- />CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 West Beichen Road Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhai
- />CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 West Beichen Road Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 China
- />University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- />CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 West Beichen Road Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Zhen Cai
- />CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 West Beichen Road Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Yin Li
- />CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 West Beichen Road Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 China
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Sarkar D, Shimizu K. An overview on biofuel and biochemical production by photosynthetic microorganisms with understanding of the metabolism and by metabolic engineering together with efficient cultivation and downstream processing. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2015. [DOI: 10.1186/s40643-015-0045-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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Abstract
Process monitoring, which can be defined as the measurement of process variables with the smallest possible delay, is combined with process models to form the basis for successful process control. Minimizing the measurement delay leads inevitably to employing online, in situ sensors where possible, preferably using noninvasive measurement methods with stable, low-cost sensors. Microalgal processes have similarities to traditional bioprocesses but also have unique monitoring requirements. In general, variables to be monitored in microalgal processes can be categorized as physical, chemical, and biological, and they are measured in gaseous, liquid, and solid (biological) phases. Physical and chemical process variables can be usually monitored online using standard industrial sensors. The monitoring of biological process variables, however, relies mostly on sensors developed and validated using laboratory-scale systems or uses offline methods because of difficulties in developing suitable online sensors. Here, we review current technologies for online, in situ monitoring of all types of process parameters of microalgal cultivations, with a focus on monitoring of biological parameters. We discuss newly introduced methods for measuring biological parameters that could be possibly adapted for routine online use, should be preferably noninvasive, and are based on approaches that have been proven in other bioprocesses. New sensor types for measuring physicochemical parameters using optical methods or ion-specific field effect transistor (ISFET) sensors are also discussed. Reviewed methods with online implementation or online potential include measurement of irradiance, biomass concentration by optical density and image analysis, cell count, chlorophyll fluorescence, growth rate, lipid concentration by infrared spectrophotometry, dielectric scattering, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Future perspectives are discussed, especially in the field of image analysis using in situ microscopy, infrared spectrophotometry, and software sensor systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Havlik
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Callinstrasse 5, 30167, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Thomas Scheper
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Callinstrasse 5, 30167, Hannover, Germany
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Fresewinkel M, Rosello R, Wilhelm C, Kruse O, Hankamer B, Posten C. Integration in microalgal bioprocess development: Design of efficient, sustainable, and economic processes. Eng Life Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201300153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Fresewinkel
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences; Section III Bioprocess Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Rosa Rosello
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences; Section III Bioprocess Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Christian Wilhelm
- Department of Plant Physiology; Institute of Biology I, University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Olaf Kruse
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy Group, Department of Biology; Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University; Bielefeld Germany
| | - Ben Hankamer
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience; The University of Queensland; St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Clemens Posten
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences; Section III Bioprocess Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; Karlsruhe Germany
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Hariskos I, Posten C. Biorefinery of microalgae - opportunities and constraints for different production scenarios. Biotechnol J 2014; 9:739-52. [PMID: 24838815 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201300142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Revised: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In order to design economically feasible production processes it is necessary, as part of the biorefinery concept, to valorize all constituents of the microalgal biomass. Such an approach requires appropriate biorefinery side-process strategies to be adapted to production of the primary product. These strategies are particularly valid for microalgae, since the composition and amount of residual biomass can vary significantly depending on cell stoichiometry and cultivation techniques. This review investigates opportunities and constraints for biorefinery concepts in production scenarios for four different products from microalgae with different market volumes, including high- and medium-value products, whole cells and biodiesel. Approaches to close material and energy balances, as well as to adapt the biorefinery according to biological potential, process routes, and market needs are presented, which will further contribute to making the biorefinery concept a success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Hariskos
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences, Karlsruhe, Germany.
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Desai SH, Atsumi S. Photosynthetic approaches to chemical biotechnology. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2013; 24:1031-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2013.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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