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Guo Y, Chen X, Liu Y, Chen Z, Guo P, Luo D, Zhang M, Liu X. Inorganic-Organic Dual-Ligand-Regulated Photocatalysis of CdS@Zn xCd 1-xS@ZnS Quantum Dots for Lignin Valorization. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2024. [PMID: 38419339 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c18957] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
In a dual-functional lignin valorization system, a harmonious oxidation and reduction rate is a prerequisite for high photocatalytic performance. Herein, an efficient and facile ligand manipulating strategy to balance the redox reaction process is exploited via decorating the surface of the CdS@ZnxCd1-xS@ZnS gradient-alloyed quantum dots with both inorganic ligands of hexafluorophosphate (PF6-) and organic ligands of mercaptopropionic acid (MPA). Inorganic ion ligands in this system provide a promotion for intermediator reduction reactions. By optimizing the ligand composition on the quantum dot surface, we achieve precise control over the extent of oxidation and reduction, enabling selective modification of reaction products; that is, the conversion rate of 2-phenoxy-1-phenylethanol reached 99%. Surface engineering by regulating the ligand type demonstrates that PF6- and thiocyanate (SCN-) inorganic ion ligands contribute significantly toward electron transfer, while MPA ligands have beneficial effects on the hole-transfer procedure, which is predominantly dependent on their steric hindrance, electrostatic action, and passivation effect. The present study offers insights into the development of efficient quantum dot photocatalysts for dual-functional biomass valorization through ligand design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chip and Integration Technology, School of Semiconductor Science and Technology, South China Normal University, Foshan 528225, P. R. China
| | - Xiya Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chip and Integration Technology, School of Semiconductor Science and Technology, South China Normal University, Foshan 528225, P. R. China
| | - Yuxin Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chip and Integration Technology, School of Semiconductor Science and Technology, South China Normal University, Foshan 528225, P. R. China
| | - Zhenjun Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chip and Integration Technology, School of Semiconductor Science and Technology, South China Normal University, Foshan 528225, P. R. China
| | - Peiyuan Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chip and Integration Technology, School of Semiconductor Science and Technology, South China Normal University, Foshan 528225, P. R. China
| | - Dongxiang Luo
- Huangpu Hydrogen Innovation Center/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Menglong Zhang
- College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chip and Integration Technology, School of Semiconductor Science and Technology, South China Normal University, Foshan 528225, P. R. China
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2
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D’Arrigo P, Rossato LAM, Strini A, Serra S. From Waste to Value: Recent Insights into Producing Vanillin from Lignin. Molecules 2024; 29:442. [PMID: 38257355 PMCID: PMC10818928 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020442] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Vanillin, one of the most widely used and appreciated flavoring agents worldwide, is the main constituent of vanilla bean extract, obtained from the seed pods of various members belonging to the Orchidaceae family. Due to the great demand in the food confectionery industry, as well as in the perfume industry, medicine, and more, the majority of vanillin used today is produced synthetically, and only less than one percent of the world's vanilla flavoring market comes directly from the traditional natural sources. The increasing global demand for vanillin requires alternative and overall sustainable new production methods, and the recovery from biobased polymers, like lignin, is an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical synthesis. The present review provides firstly an overview of the different types of vanillin, followed by a description of the main differences between natural and synthetic vanillin, their preparation, the market of interest, and the authentication issues and the related analytical techniques. Then, the review explores the real potentialities of lignin for vanillin production, presenting firstly the well-assessed classical methods and moving towards the most recent promising approaches through chemical, biotechnological and photocatalytic methodologies, together with the challenges and the principal issues associated with each technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola D’Arrigo
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, p.zza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche “Giulio Natta”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (SCITEC-CNR), via Luigi Mancinelli 7, 20131 Milan, Italy;
| | - Letizia A. M. Rossato
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, p.zza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Strini
- Istituto per le Tecnologie della Costruzione, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (ITC-CNR), via Lombardia 49, 20098 San Giuliano Milanese, Italy;
| | - Stefano Serra
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche “Giulio Natta”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (SCITEC-CNR), via Luigi Mancinelli 7, 20131 Milan, Italy;
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3
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Hongkailers S, Pattiya A, Hinchiranan N. Hydrodeoxygenation of Oxygenates Derived from Biomass Pyrolysis Using Titanium Dioxide-Supported Cobalt Catalysts. Molecules 2023; 28:7468. [PMID: 38005190 PMCID: PMC10673104 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28227468] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Bio-oil upgrading to produce biofuels and chemicals has become an attractive topic over the past decade. However, the design of cost- and performance-effective catalysts for commercial-scale production remains a challenge. Herein, commercial titania (TiO2) was used as the support of cobalt (Co)-based catalysts (Co/TiO2) due to its low cost, high availability, and practicability for commercialization in the future. The Co/TiO2 catalysts were made with two different forms of TiO2 (anatase [TiO2-A] and rutile [TiO2-R]) and comparatively evaluated in the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of 4-propylguaicol (4PG), a lignin-derived model compound. Both Co/TiO2 catalysts promoted the HDO of 4PG following a similar pathway, but the Co/TiO2-R catalyst exhibited a higher activity in the early stages of the reaction due to the formation of abundant Ti3+ species, as detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and hydrogen-temperature programed reduction (H2-TPR) analyses. On the other hand, the Co/TiO2-A catalyst possessed a higher acidity that enhanced propylcyclohexane production at prolonged reaction times. In terms of reusability, the Co/TiO2-A catalyst showed a higher stability (less Co leaching) and reusability compared to Co/TiO2-R, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analyses. The HDO of the real bio-oil derived from pyrolysis of Leucaena leucocephala revealed that the Co/TiO2-A catalyst could convert high oxygenated aromatics (methoxyphenols, dimethoxyphenols, and benzenediols) to phenols and enhanced the phenols content, hinting at its potential to produce green chemicals from bio-feedstock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surachet Hongkailers
- Department of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phyathai Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Adisak Pattiya
- Bio-Energy and Renewable Resources Research Unit, Faculty of Engineering, Mahasarakham University, Kamriang, Kantharawichai, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand;
| | - Napida Hinchiranan
- Department of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phyathai Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- Center of Excellence on Petrochemical and Materials Technology (PETROMAT), Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phyathai Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Catalysis for Bioenergy and Renewable Chemicals (CBRC), Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phyathai Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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4
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Peng W, Bao H, Wang Y, Cote E, Sagues WJ, Hagelin-Weaver H, Gao J, Xiao D, Tong Z. Selective Depolymerization of Lignin Towards Isolated Phenolic Acids Under Mild Conditions. ChemSusChem 2023; 16:e202300750. [PMID: 37419862 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202300750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
The selective transformation of lignin to value-added biochemicals (e. g., phenolic acids) in high yields is incredibly challenging due to its structural complexity and many possible reaction pathways. Phenolic acids (PA) are key building blocks for various aromatic polymers, but the isolation of PAs from lignin is below 5 wt.% and requires harsh reaction conditions. Herein, we demonstrate an effective route to selectively convert lignin extracted from sweet sorghum and poplar into isolated PA in a high yield (up to 20 wt.% of lignin) using a low-cost graphene oxide-urea hydrogen peroxide (GO-UHP) catalyst under mild conditions (<120 °C). The lignin conversion yield is up to 95 %, and the remaining low molecular weight organic oils are ready for aviation fuel production to complete lignin utilization. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that pre-acetylation allows the selective depolymerization of lignin to aromatic aldehydes with a decent yield by GO through the Cα activation of β-O-4 cleavage. A urea-hydrogen peroxide (UHP) oxidative process is followed to transform aldehydes in the depolymerized product to PAs by avoiding the undesired Dakin side reaction due to the electron-withdrawing effect of the acetyl group. This study opens a new way to selectively cleave lignin side chains to isolated biochemicals under mild conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Peng
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Renewable Bioproduct Institute, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA
| | - Hanxi Bao
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Yigui Wang
- Center for Integrative Materials Discovery, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Elizabeth Cote
- Center for Integrative Materials Discovery, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - William J Sagues
- Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Halena Hagelin-Weaver
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Ji Gao
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Renewable Bioproduct Institute, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA
| | - Dequan Xiao
- Center for Integrative Materials Discovery, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Zhaohui Tong
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Renewable Bioproduct Institute, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA
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5
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Cheng X, Palma B, Zhao H, Zhang H, Wang J, Chen Z, Hu J. Photoreforming for Lignin Upgrading: A Critical Review. ChemSusChem 2023:e202300675. [PMID: 37455297 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202300675] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Photoreforming of lignocellulosic biomass to simultaneously produce gas fuels and value-added chemicals has gradually emerged as a promising strategy to alleviate the fossil fuels crisis. Compared to cellulose and hemicellulose, the exploitation and utilization of lignin via photoreforming are still at the early and more exciting stages. This Review systematically summarizes the latest progress on the photoreforming of lignin-derived model components and "real" lignin, aiming to provide insights for lignin photocatalytic valorization from fundamental to industrial applications. Considering the complexity of lignin physicochemical properties, related analytic methods are also introduced to characterize lignin photocatalytic conversion and product distribution. We finally put forward the challenges and perspective of lignin photoreforming, hoping to provide some guidance to valorize biomass into value-added chemicals and fuels via a mild photoreforming process in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Cheng
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, T2N 1N4, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bruna Palma
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, T2N 1N4, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Heng Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, T2N 1N4, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hongguang Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, T2N 1N4, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jiu Wang
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, T2N 1N4, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Zhangxin Chen
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, T2N 1N4, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jinguang Hu
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, T2N 1N4, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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6
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Pedersen S, Batista GMF, Henriksen ML, Hammershøj HC, Hopmann KH, Skrydstrup T. Lignocellulose Conversion via Catalytic Transformations Yields Methoxyterephthalic Acid Directly from Sawdust. JACS Au 2023; 3:1221-1229. [PMID: 37124285 PMCID: PMC10131214 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00092] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) polyester represents the most common class of thermoplastic polymers widely used in the textile, bottling, and packaging industries. Terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, both of petrochemical origin, are polymerized to yield the polyester. However, an earlier report suggests that polymerization of methoxyterephthalic acid with ethylene glycol provides a methoxy-polyester with similar properties. Currently, there are no established biobased synthetic routes toward the methoxyterephthalic acid monomer. Here, we show a viable route to the dicarboxylic acid from various tree species involving three catalytic steps. We demonstrate that sawdust can be converted to valuable aryl nitrile intermediates through hydrogenolysis, followed by an efficient fluorosulfation-catalytic cyanation sequence (>90%) and then converted to methoxyterephthalic acid by hydrolysis and oxidation. A preliminary polymerization result indicates a methoxy-polyester with acceptable thermal properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon
S. Pedersen
- Carbon
Dioxide Activation Center (CADIAC), Interdisciplinary Nanoscience
Center, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus
University; Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Gabriel M. F. Batista
- Carbon
Dioxide Activation Center (CADIAC), Interdisciplinary Nanoscience
Center, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus
University; Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Martin L. Henriksen
- Department
of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University; Aabogade
40, 8200 Aarhus
N, Denmark
| | - Hans Christian
D. Hammershøj
- Carbon
Dioxide Activation Center (CADIAC), Interdisciplinary Nanoscience
Center, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus
University; Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Kathrin H. Hopmann
- Department
of Chemistry, UiT - The Arctic University
of Norway, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Troels Skrydstrup
- Carbon
Dioxide Activation Center (CADIAC), Interdisciplinary Nanoscience
Center, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus
University; Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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7
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Abstract
In 2014, Linger et al. presented a tandem process for lignin valorization by integrating chemical and biological catalysis. Chemical pretreatment of corn stover generated mixed lignocellulose-derived monomers that were converted to a single product, polyhydroxyalkanoates, by Pseudomonas putida. Tandem processes have since been developed for diverse feedstocks to support the bioeconomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Z Werner
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, USA.
| | - Lindsay D Eltis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, BioProducts Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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8
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Carvalho VR, Costa LCB, Baeta BEL, Peixoto RAF. Lignin-Based Admixtures: A Scientometric Analysis and Qualitative Discussion Applied to Cement-Based Composites. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15. [PMID: 36904495 DOI: 10.3390/polym15051254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of lignin-based admixtures (LBAs) for cement-based composites is an alternative to valorizing residual lignins generated in biorefineries and pulp and paper mills. Consequently, LBAs have become an emerging research domain in the past decade. This study examined the bibliographic data on LBAs through a scientometric analysis and in-depth qualitative discussion. For this purpose, 161 articles were selected for the scientometric approach. After analyzing the articles' abstracts, 37 papers on developing new LBAs were selected and critically reviewed. Significant publication sources, frequent keywords, influential scholars, and contributing countries in LBAs research were identified during the science mapping. The LBAs developed so far were classified as plasticizers, superplasticizers, set retarders, grinding aids, and air-entraining admixtures. The qualitative discussion revealed that most studies have focused on developing LBAs using Kraft lignins from pulp and paper mills. Thus, residual lignins from biorefineries need more attention since their valorization is a relevant strategy for emerging economies with high biomass availability. Most studies focused on production processes, chemical characterizations, and primary fresh-state analyses of LBA-containing cement-based composites. However, to better assess the feasibility of using different LBAs and encompass the multidisciplinarity of this subject, it is mandatory that future studies also evaluate hardened-sate properties. This holistic review offers a helpful reference point to early-stage researchers, industry professionals, and funding authorities on the research progress in LBAs. It also contributes to understanding the role of lignin in sustainable construction.
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9
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Zhu D, Yang B, Wang H, Shahnawaz M. Editorial: Lignin valorization: Recent trends and future perspective. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1190128. [PMID: 37113666 PMCID: PMC10126483 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1190128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daochen Zhu
- Biofuels Institute, School of Emergency Management, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Daochen Zhu,
| | - Bin Yang
- Biological Systems Engineering and the Bioproduct Sciences and Engineering Laboratory, Washington State University, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Hongliang Wang
- Center of Biomass Engineering/College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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10
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Unrean P, Champreda V. Optimized pulse-feeding fed-batch fermentation for enhanced lignin to polyhydroxyalkanoate transformation. Biotechnol Prog 2023; 39:e3302. [PMID: 36153640 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3302] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
With an anticipated growth of Bio-Circular-Green economy, the amount of lignin generated as by-product from biorefineries is increasing. Hence, lignin valorising strategies become a very interesting option to improve economic viability of the biorefineries. This study revealed the development of bioprocesses for upgrading lignin into bioplastic. Specifically, a novel strain of Pseudomonas fulva has been applied for microbial bioconversion of organosolv lignin to fermentative polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production. Fed-batch fermentation of lignin-to-PHA with pulse-feeding approach was optimized using Design of Experiment. Effects of C:N ratio and feeding profiles on PHA accumulation in P. fulva were investigated to determine optimal operation. Under optimized fed-batch, the PHA concentration of 195.2 ± 6.6 mg/L could be reached and the PHA content was more than 2 folds enhancement compared to batch process. Type of PHA produced was also characterized for chemical composition via GC-MS analysis. The established lignin to PHA conversion could provide platform for developing integrated lignin bioprocessing to promote cost-effective biorefineries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornkamol Unrean
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Klong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Verawat Champreda
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Klong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
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11
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Donoso RA, Corbinaud R, Gárate-Castro C, Galaz S, Pérez-Pantoja D. Identification of a Phylogenetically Divergent Vanillate O-Demethylase from Rhodococcus ruber R1 Supporting Growth on Meta-Methoxylated Aromatic Acids. Microorganisms 2022; 11. [PMID: 36677370 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Rieske-type two-component vanillate O-demethylases (VanODs) catalyze conversion of the lignin-derived monomer vanillate into protocatechuate in several bacterial species. Currently, VanODs have received attention because of the demand of effective lignin valorization technologies, since these enzymes own the potential to catalyze methoxy group demethylation of distinct lignin monomers. In this work, we identified a phylogenetically divergent VanOD from Rhodococcus ruber R1, only distantly related to previously described homologues and whose presence, along with a 3-hydroxybenzoate/gentisate pathway, correlated with the ability to grow on other meta-methoxylated aromatics, such as 3-methoxybenzoate and 5-methoxysalicylate. The complementation of catabolic abilities by heterologous expression in a host strain unable to grow on vanillate, and subsequent resting cell assays, suggest that the vanAB genes of R1 strain encode a proficient VanOD acting on different vanillate-like substrates; and also revealed that a methoxy group in the meta position and a carboxylic acid moiety in the aromatic ring are key for substrate recognition. Phylogenetic analysis of the oxygenase subunit of bacterial VanODs revealed three divergent groups constituted by homologues found in Proteobacteria (Type I), Actinobacteria (Type II), or Proteobacteria/Actinobacteria (Type III) in which the R1 VanOD is placed. These results suggest that VanOD from R1 strain, and its type III homologues, expand the range of methoxylated aromatics used as substrates by bacteria.
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12
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Li F, Zhao Y, Xue L, Ma F, Dai SY, Xie S. Microbial lignin valorization through depolymerization to aromatics conversion. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 40:1469-1487. [PMID: 36307230 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Lignin is the most abundant source of renewable aromatic biopolymers and its valorization presents significant value for biorefinery sustainability, which promotes the utilization of renewable resources. However, it is challenging to fully convert the structurally complex, heterogeneous, and recalcitrant lignin into high-value products. The in-depth research on the lignin degradation mechanism, microbial metabolic pathways, and rational design of new systems using synthetic biology have significantly accelerated the development of lignin valorization. This review summarizes the key enzymes involved in lignin depolymerization, the mechanisms of microbial lignin conversion, and the lignin valorization application with integrated systems and synthetic biology. Current challenges and future strategies to further study lignin biodegradation and the trends of lignin valorization are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- Department of Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yiquan Zhao
- Department of Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Le Xue
- Department of Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Fuying Ma
- Department of Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Susie Y Dai
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Shangxian Xie
- Department of Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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13
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Liu ZH, Li BZ, Yuan JS, Yuan YJ. Creative biological lignin conversion routes toward lignin valorization. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 40:1550-1566. [PMID: 36270902 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Lignin, the largest renewable aromatic resource, is a promising alternative feedstock for the sustainable production of various chemicals, fuels, and materials. Despite this potential, lignin is characterized by heterogeneous and macromolecular structures that must be addressed. In this review, we present biological lignin conversion routes (BLCRs) that offer opportunities for overcoming these challenges, making lignin valorization feasible. Funneling heterogeneous aromatics via a 'biological funnel' offers a high-specificity bioconversion route for aromatic platform chemicals. The inherent aromaticity of lignin drives atom-economic functionalization routes toward aromatic natural product generation. By harnessing the ligninolytic capacities of specific microbial systems, powerful aromatic ring-opening routes can be developed to generate various value-added products. Thus, BLCRs hold the promise to make lignin valorization feasible and enable a lignocellulose-based bioeconomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hua Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Bing-Zhi Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China.
| | - Joshua S Yuan
- Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering, The McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Ying-Jin Yuan
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
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14
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Chen K, He ZJ, Liu ZH, Ragauskas AJ, Li BZ, Yuan YJ. Emerging Modification Technologies of Lignin-based Activated Carbon toward Advanced Applications. ChemSusChem 2022; 15:e202201284. [PMID: 36094056 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202201284] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lignin-based activated carbon (LAC) is a promising high-quality functional material due to high surface area, abundant porous structure, and various functional groups. Modification is the most important step to functionalize LAC by altering its porous and chemical properties. This Review summarizes the state-of-the-art modification technologies of LAC toward advanced applications. Promising modification approaches are reviewed to display their effects on the preparation of LAC. The multiscale changes in the porosity and the surface chemistry of LAC are fully discussed. Advanced applications are then introduced to show the potential of LAC for supercapacitor electrode, catalyst support, hydrogen storage, and carbon dioxide capture. Finally, the mechanistic structure-function relationships of LAC are elaborated. These results highlight that modification technologies play a special role in altering the properties and defining the functionalities of LAC, which could be a promising porous carbon material toward industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Zi-Jing He
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Hua Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Arthur J Ragauskas
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 37996 TN, USA
- Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, Center for Renewable Carbon, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, 37996 TN, USA
- Joint Institute for Biological Science, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, 37830 TN, USA
| | - Bing-Zhi Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Ying-Jin Yuan
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
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15
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Abdelaziz OY, Clemmensen I, Meier S, Costa CAE, Rodrigues AE, Hulteberg CP, Riisager A. On the Oxidative Valorization of Lignin to High-Value Chemicals: A Critical Review of Opportunities and Challenges. ChemSusChem 2022; 15:e202201232. [PMID: 36004569 PMCID: PMC9825943 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202201232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The efficient valorization of lignin is crucial if we are to replace current petroleum-based feedstock and establish more sustainable and competitive lignocellulosic biorefineries. Pulp and paper mills and second-generation biorefineries produce large quantities of low-value technical lignin as a by-product, which is often combusted on-site for energy recovery. This Review focuses on the conversion of technical lignins by oxidative depolymerization employing heterogeneous catalysts. It scrutinizes the current literature describing the use of various heterogeneous catalysts in the oxidative depolymerization of lignin and includes a comparison of the methods, catalyst loadings, reaction media, and types of catalyst applied, as well as the reaction products and yields. Furthermore, current techniques for the determination of product yields and product recovery are discussed. Finally, challenges and suggestions for future approaches are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Y. Abdelaziz
- Department of Chemical EngineeringLund UniversityNaturvetarvägen 14SE-221 00LundSweden
| | - Ida Clemmensen
- Department of ChemistryTechnical University of DenmarkKemitorvet 207DK-2800 Kgs.LyngbyDenmark
| | - Sebastian Meier
- Department of ChemistryTechnical University of DenmarkKemitorvet 207DK-2800 Kgs.LyngbyDenmark
| | - Carina A. E. Costa
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering–Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM)Department of Chemical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUniversity of PortoRua Dr. Roberto Frias4200-465PortoPortugal
- Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering (ALiCE)Department of Chemical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUniversity of PortoRua Dr. Roberto Frias4200-465PortoPortugal
| | - Alírio E. Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering–Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM)Department of Chemical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUniversity of PortoRua Dr. Roberto Frias4200-465PortoPortugal
- Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering (ALiCE)Department of Chemical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUniversity of PortoRua Dr. Roberto Frias4200-465PortoPortugal
| | | | - Anders Riisager
- Department of ChemistryTechnical University of DenmarkKemitorvet 207DK-2800 Kgs.LyngbyDenmark
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16
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Unda F, Mottiar Y, Mahon EL, Karlen SD, Kim KH, Loqué D, Eudes A, Ralph J, Mansfield SD. A new approach to zip-lignin: 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate is compatible with lignification. New Phytol 2022; 235:234-246. [PMID: 35377486 PMCID: PMC9325543 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Renewed interests in the development of bioenergy, biochemicals, and biomaterials have elicited new strategies for engineering the lignin of biomass feedstock plants. This study shows, for the first time, that 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (DHB) is compatible with the radical coupling reactions that assemble polymeric lignin in plants. We introduced a bacterial 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase into hybrid poplar (Populus alba × grandidentata) to divert carbon flux away from the shikimate pathway, which lies upstream of lignin biosynthesis. Transgenic poplar wood had up to 33% less lignin with p-hydroxyphenyl units comprising as much as 10% of the lignin. Mild alkaline hydrolysis of transgenic wood released fewer ester-linked p-hydroxybenzoate groups than control trees, and revealed the novel incorporation of cell-wall-bound DHB, as well as glycosides of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA). Two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D-NMR) analysis uncovered DHBA-derived benzodioxane structures suggesting that DHB moieties were integrated into the lignin polymer backbone. In addition, up to 40% more glucose was released from transgenic wood following ionic liquid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. This work highlights the potential of diverting carbon flux from the shikimate pathway for lignin engineering and describes a new type of 'zip-lignin' derived from the incorporation of DHB into poplar lignin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faride Unda
- Department of Wood ScienceUniversity of British Columbia2424 Main MallVancouverBCV6T 1Z4Canada
- Department of EnergyGreat Lakes Bioenergy Research CenterWisconsin Energy InstituteUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison1552 University AvenueMadisonWI53726USA
| | - Yaseen Mottiar
- Department of Wood ScienceUniversity of British Columbia2424 Main MallVancouverBCV6T 1Z4Canada
- Department of EnergyGreat Lakes Bioenergy Research CenterWisconsin Energy InstituteUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison1552 University AvenueMadisonWI53726USA
| | - Elizabeth L. Mahon
- Department of Wood ScienceUniversity of British Columbia2424 Main MallVancouverBCV6T 1Z4Canada
- Department of EnergyGreat Lakes Bioenergy Research CenterWisconsin Energy InstituteUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison1552 University AvenueMadisonWI53726USA
| | - Steven D. Karlen
- Department of EnergyGreat Lakes Bioenergy Research CenterWisconsin Energy InstituteUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison1552 University AvenueMadisonWI53726USA
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison433 Babcock DriveMadisonWI53706USA
| | - Kwang Ho Kim
- Department of Wood ScienceUniversity of British Columbia2424 Main MallVancouverBCV6T 1Z4Canada
- Clean Energy Research CenterKorea Institute of Science and TechnologySeoul02792Korea
| | - Dominique Loqué
- Joint BioEnergy Institute5885 Hollis StreetEmeryvilleCA94608USA
| | - Aymerick Eudes
- Joint BioEnergy Institute5885 Hollis StreetEmeryvilleCA94608USA
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology DivisionLawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyCA94720USA
| | - John Ralph
- Department of EnergyGreat Lakes Bioenergy Research CenterWisconsin Energy InstituteUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison1552 University AvenueMadisonWI53726USA
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison433 Babcock DriveMadisonWI53706USA
| | - Shawn D. Mansfield
- Department of Wood ScienceUniversity of British Columbia2424 Main MallVancouverBCV6T 1Z4Canada
- Department of EnergyGreat Lakes Bioenergy Research CenterWisconsin Energy InstituteUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison1552 University AvenueMadisonWI53726USA
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17
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Navas LE, Zahn M, Bajwa H, Grigg JC, Wolf ME, Chan ACK, Murphy MEP, McGeehan JE, Eltis LD. Characterization of a phylogenetically distinct extradiol dioxygenase involved in the bacterial catabolism of lignin-derived aromatic compounds. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101871. [PMID: 35346686 PMCID: PMC9062432 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The actinobacterium Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 grows on a remarkable variety of aromatic compounds and has been studied for applications ranging from the degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls to the valorization of lignin, an underutilized component of biomass. In RHA1, the catabolism of two classes of lignin-derived compounds, alkylphenols and alkylguaiacols, involves a phylogenetically distinct extradiol dioxygenase, AphC, previously misannotated as BphC, an enzyme involved in biphenyl catabolism. To better understand the role of AphC in RHA1 catabolism, we first showed that purified AphC had highest apparent specificity for 4-propylcatechol (kcat/KM ∼106 M-1 s-1), and its apparent specificity for 4-alkylated substrates followed the trend for alkylguaiacols: propyl > ethyl > methyl > phenyl > unsubstituted. We also show AphC only poorly cleaved 3-phenylcatechol, the preferred substrate of BphC. Moreover, AphC and BphC cleaved 3-phenylcatechol and 4-phenylcatechol with different regiospecificities, likely due to the substrates' binding mode. A crystallographic structure of the AphC·4-ethylcatechol binary complex to 1.59 Å resolution revealed that the catechol is bound to the active site iron in a bidentate manner and that the substrate's alkyl side chain is accommodated by a hydrophobic pocket. Finally, we show RHA1 grows on a mixture of 4-ethylguaiacol and guaiacol, simultaneously catabolizing these substrates through meta-cleavage and ortho-cleavage pathways, respectively, suggesting that the specificity of AphC helps to prevent the routing of catechol through the Aph pathway. Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of the bacterial catabolism of aromatic compounds derived from lignin, and the determinants of specificity in extradiol dioxygenases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Navas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Michael Zahn
- Centre for Enzyme Innovation, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Harbir Bajwa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jason C Grigg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Megan E Wolf
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Anson C K Chan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Michael E P Murphy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - John E McGeehan
- Centre for Enzyme Innovation, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Lindsay D Eltis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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18
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Younes K, Moghrabi A, Moghnie S, Mouhtady O, Murshid N, Grasset L. Assessment of the Efficiency of Chemical and Thermochemical Depolymerization Methods for Lignin Valorization: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) Approach. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:194. [PMID: 35012215 PMCID: PMC8747416 DOI: 10.3390/polym14010194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Energy demand and the use of commodity consumer products, such as chemicals, plastics, and transportation fuels, are growing nowadays. These products, which are mainly derived from fossil resources and contribute to environmental pollution and CO2 emissions, will be used up eventually. Therefore, a renewable inexhaustible energy source is required. Plant biomass resources can be used as a suitable alternative source due to their green, clean attributes and low carbon emissions. Lignin is a class of complex aromatic polymers. It is highly abundant and a major constituent in the structural cell walls of all higher vascular land plants. Lignin can be used as an alternative source for fine chemicals and raw material for biofuel production. There are many chemical processes that can be potentially utilized to increase the degradation rate of lignin into biofuels or value-added chemicals. In this study, two lignin degradation methods, CuO-NaOH oxidation and tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) thermochemolysis, will be addressed. Both methods showed a high capacity to produce a large molecular dataset, resulting in tedious and time-consuming data analysis. To overcome this issue, an unsupervised machine learning technique called principal component analysis (PCA) is implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Younes
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Kuwait; (A.M.); (S.M.); (O.M.); (N.M.)
| | - Ahmad Moghrabi
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Kuwait; (A.M.); (S.M.); (O.M.); (N.M.)
| | - Sara Moghnie
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Kuwait; (A.M.); (S.M.); (O.M.); (N.M.)
| | - Omar Mouhtady
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Kuwait; (A.M.); (S.M.); (O.M.); (N.M.)
| | - Nimer Murshid
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Kuwait; (A.M.); (S.M.); (O.M.); (N.M.)
| | - Laurent Grasset
- Université de Poitiers, IC2MP, UMR CNRS 7285, 4 rue Michel Brunet, TSA 51106, CEDEX 9, 86073 Poitiers, France;
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19
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Khalili KNM, de Peinder P, Donkers J, Gosselink RJA, Bruijnincx PCA, Weckhuysen BM. Monitoring Molecular Weight Changes during Technical Lignin Depolymerization by Operando Attenuated Total Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometrics. ChemSusChem 2021; 14:5517-5524. [PMID: 34812582 PMCID: PMC9299174 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202101853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Technical lignins are increasingly available at industrial scale, offering opportunities for valorization, such as by (partial) depolymerization. Any downstream lignin application requires careful tailoring of structural properties, such as molecular weight or functional group density, properties that are difficult to control or predict given the structure variability and recalcitrance of technical lignins. Online insight into changes in molecular weight (Mw ), to gauge the extent of lignin depolymerization and repolymerization, would be highly desired to improve such control, but cannot be readily provided by the standard ex-situ techniques, such as size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Herein, operando attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics provided temporal changes in Mw during lignin depolymerization with high resolution. More specifically, ex-situ SEC-derived Mw and polydispersity data of kraft lignin subjected to aqueous phase reforming conditions could be well correlated with ATR-IR spectra of the reaction mixture as a function of time. The developed method showed excellent regression results and relative error, comparable to the standard SEC method. The method developed has the potential to be translated to other lignin depolymerization processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled N. M. Khalili
- Inorganic Chemistry and CatalysisDebye Institute for Nanomaterials ScienceyyUtrecht UniversityUniversiteitsweg 993584 CGUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | | | - Jacqueline Donkers
- Wageningen Food & Biobased ResearchBornse Weilanden 96708 WGWageningenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Pieter C. A. Bruijnincx
- Inorganic Chemistry and CatalysisDebye Institute for Nanomaterials ScienceyyUtrecht UniversityUniversiteitsweg 993584 CGUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Organic Chemistry and CatalysisDebye Institute for Nanomaterials ScienceUtrecht UniversityUniversiteitsweg 993584 CGUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Bert M. Weckhuysen
- Inorganic Chemistry and CatalysisDebye Institute for Nanomaterials ScienceyyUtrecht UniversityUniversiteitsweg 993584 CGUtrechtThe Netherlands
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20
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Abstract
Lignin is regarded as the most abundant renewable aromatic compound on earth. In this study, we established Escherichia coli-based whole-cell biocatalytic systems to efficiently convert two lignin-derived substrates (ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid) to gallic acid. For the synthesis of gallic acid from ferulic acid, we used the recombinant E. coli expressing feruloyl-CoA synthetase and enoyl-CoA hydratase/aldolase from Pseudomonas putida, aldehyde dehydrogenase (HFD1) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, vanillic acid O-demethylase (VanAB) from P. putida, and a mutant version of p-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase (PobAY385F) from P. putida. Under the fed-batch mode, 19.57 mM gallic acid was obtained from 20 mM ferulic acid with a conversion rate of 97.9%. To achieve gallic acid synthesis from p-coumaric acid, we replaced VanAB with the two-component flavin-dependent monooxygenase (HpaBC) from E. coli. Under optimal conditions, 20 mM p-coumaric acid afforded the production of 19.96 mM gallic acid with near 100% conversion. To the best of our knowledge, our work represented the first study to develop E. coli-based whole-cell biocatalysts for the eco-friendly synthesis of gallic acid from lignin-derived renewable feedstocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bixia Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Gezhi Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jifeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
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21
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Zhu J, Chen L, Cai C. Acid Hydrotropic Fractionation of Lignocelluloses for Sustainable Biorefinery: Advantages, Opportunities, and Research Needs. ChemSusChem 2021; 14:3031-3046. [PMID: 34033701 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202100915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This Minireview provides a comprehensive discussion on the potential of using acid hydrotropes for sustainably fractionating lignocelluloses for biorefinery applications. Acid hydrotropes are a class of acids that have hydrotrope properties toward lignin, which helps to solubilize lignin in aqueous systems. With the capability of cleaving ether and ester bonds and even lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC) linkages, these acid hydrotropes can therefore isolate lignin embedded in the plant biomass cell wall and subsequently solubilize the isolated lignin in aqueous systems. Performances of two acid hydrotropes, that is, an aromatic sulfonic acid [p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TsOH)] and a dicarboxylic acid [maleic acid (MA)], in terms of delignification and dissolution of hemicelluloses, and reducing lignin condensation, were evaluated and compared. The advantages of lignin esterification by MA for producing cellulosic sugars through enzymatic hydrolysis and lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs) through mechanical fibrillation from the fractionated water insoluble solids (WIS), and for obtaining less condensed lignin with light color, were demonstrated. The excellent enzymatic digestibility of maleic acid hydrotropic fractionation WISs was also demonstrated by comparing with WISs from other fractionation processes. The recyclability and reusability of acid hydrotropes were also reviewed. Finally, perspectives on future research needs to address key technical issues for commercialization were also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyong Zhu
- USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Liheng Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Cai
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, P. R. China
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22
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Abstract
The heterogeneity of the aromatic products originating from lignin catalytic depolymerization remains one of the major challenges associated with lignin valorization. Microbes have evolved catabolic pathways that can funnel heterogeneous intermediates to a few central aromatic products. These aromatic compounds can subsequently undergo intra- or extradiol ring opening to produce value-added chemicals. However, such funneling pathways are only partially characterized for a few organisms such as Sphingobium sp. SYK-6 and Pseudomonas putida KT2440. Herein, we apply the de novo pathway design tool (novoStoic) to computationally prospect possible ways of funneling lignin-derived mono- and biaryls. novoStoic employs reaction rules between molecular moieties to hypothesize de novo conversions by flagging known enzymes that carry out the same biotransformation on the most similar substrate. Both reaction rules and known reactions are then deployed by novoStoic to identify a mass-balanced biochemical network that converts a source to a target metabolite while minimizing the number of de novo steps. We demonstrate the application of novoStoic for (i) designing alternative pathways of funneling S, G, and H lignin monomers, and (ii) exploring cleavage pathways of β-1 and β-β dimers. By exploring the uncharted chemical space afforded by enzyme promiscuity, novoStoic can help predict previously unknown native pathways leveraging enzyme promiscuity and propose new carbon/energy efficient lignin funneling pathways with few heterologous enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Costas D. Maranas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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23
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Maldonado-Carmona N, Ouk TS, Villandier N, Calliste CA, Calvete MJF, Pereira MM, Leroy-Lhez S. Photophysical and Antibacterial Properties of Porphyrins Encapsulated inside Acetylated Lignin Nanoparticles. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:513. [PMID: 33946390 PMCID: PMC8147155 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10050513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lignin has recently attracted the attention of the scientific community, as a suitable raw material for biomedical applications. In this work, acetylated lignin was used to encapsulate five different porphyrins, aiming to preserve their photophysical properties, and for further use as antibacterial treatment. The obtained nanoparticles were physically characterized, through dynamic light scattering size measurement, polydispersity index and zeta potential values. Additionally, the photophysical properties of the nanoparticles, namely UV-vis absorption, fluorescence emission, singlet oxygen production and photobleaching, were compared with those of the free porphyrins. It was found that all the porphyrins were susceptible to encapsulation, with an observed decrease in their fluorescence quantum yield and singlet oxygen production. These nanoparticles were able to exert an effective photodynamic bactericide effect (blue-LED light, 450-460 nm, 15 J/cm2) on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, it was achieved a photodynamic bactericidal activity on an encapsulated lipophillic porphyrin, where the free porphyrin failed to diminish the bacterial survival. In this work it was demonstrated that acetylated lignin encapsulation works as a universal, cheap and green material for the delivery of porphyrins, while preserving their photophysical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidia Maldonado-Carmona
- PEIRENE Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University of Limoges, 87060 Limoges, France; (N.M.-C.); (T.-S.O.); (N.V.)
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.J.F.C.); (M.M.P.)
| | - Tan-Sothea Ouk
- PEIRENE Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University of Limoges, 87060 Limoges, France; (N.M.-C.); (T.-S.O.); (N.V.)
| | - Nicolas Villandier
- PEIRENE Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University of Limoges, 87060 Limoges, France; (N.M.-C.); (T.-S.O.); (N.V.)
| | - Claude Alain Calliste
- PEIRENE Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Limoges, 87025 Limoges, France;
| | - Mário J. F. Calvete
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.J.F.C.); (M.M.P.)
| | - Mariette M. Pereira
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.J.F.C.); (M.M.P.)
| | - Stéphanie Leroy-Lhez
- PEIRENE Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University of Limoges, 87060 Limoges, France; (N.M.-C.); (T.-S.O.); (N.V.)
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24
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Upadhyay P, Lali A. Engineered Pseudomonas putida for biosynthesis of catechol from lignin-derived model compounds and biomass hydrolysate. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2021; 52:80-88. [PMID: 33870868 DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2021.1910960] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Catechol is an industrially relevant chemical with myriad applications. Its production via chemical route suffers from several drawbacks the major being a non-green and nonselective route. Currently, bio-based products using biocatalyst are gaining attention due to the growing environmental and health hazards concerns over the use of petroleum-derived feedstock. Lignocellulosic biomass serves as a promising feedstock. Lignin valorization is the demand of the current scenario which is complicated task by its complexity, heterogeneity and diversity of lignin structures posing limitations toward lignin valorization via chemical routes. There are several microorganisms that possess the ability to metabolize lignin monomers via their central metabolic pathways and this paves the way to the synthesis of a number of products. Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is one such organism and was chosen for genetic manipulations for catechol biosynthesis using lignin-derived model compounds and biomass hydrolysate stream comprising of various lignin monomers. Catechol production was engineered by diverting various lignin monomers and addressing the identified metabolic bottlenecks particularly vanillic acid accumulation toward catechol biosynthesis. The engineered strain could convert the model lignin monomers as well as monomers in the biomass hydrolysates to catechol and vanillic acid in more than 60% and 90% molar yields, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Upadhyay
- DBT-ICT Centre for Energy Biosciences, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Arvind Lali
- DBT-ICT Centre for Energy Biosciences, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
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25
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Balakshin MY, Capanema EA, Sulaeva I, Schlee P, Huang Z, Feng M, Borghei M, Rojas OJ, Potthast A, Rosenau T. New Opportunities in the Valorization of Technical Lignins. ChemSusChem 2021; 14:1016-1036. [PMID: 33285039 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202002553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Sugar-based biorefineries have faced significant economic challenges. Biorefinery lignins are often classified as low-value products (fuel or low-cost chemical feedstock) mainly due to low lignin purities in the crude material. However, recent research has shown that biorefinery lignins have a great chance of being successfully used as high-value products, which in turn should result in an economy renaissance of the whole biorefinery idea. This critical review summarizes recent developments from our groups, along with the state-of-the-art in the valorization of technical lignins, with the focus on biorefinery lignins. A beneficial synergistic effect of lignin and cellulose mixtures used in different applications (wood adhesives, carbon fiber and nanofibers, thermoplastics) has been demonstrated. This phenomenon causes crude biorefinery lignins, which contain a significant amount of residual crystalline cellulose, to perform superior to high-purity lignins in certain applications. Where previously specific applications required high-purity and/or functionalized lignins with narrow molecular weight distributions, simple green processes for upgrading crude biorefinery lignin are suggested here as an alternative. These approaches can be easily combined with lignin micro-/nanoparticles (LMNP) production. The processes should also be cost-efficient compared to traditional lignin modifications. Biorefinery processes allow much greater flexibility in optimizing the lignin characteristics desirable for specific applications than traditional pulping processes. Such lignin engineering, at the same time, requires an efficient strategy capable of handling large datasets to find correlations between process variables, lignin structures and properties and finally their performance in different applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Yu Balakshin
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Vuorimiehentie 1, 02150, Espoo, Finland
| | - Ewellyn A Capanema
- RISE Reserach Institute of Sweden, Drottning Kistrinas Väg 61, 114 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Irina Sulaeva
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry of Renewable Resources, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Wien, Austria
- Wood K plus - Competence Center for Wood Composites & Wood Chemistry, Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH, Altenbergerstrasse 69, 4040, Linz, Austria
| | - Philipp Schlee
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Vuorimiehentie 1, 02150, Espoo, Finland
| | - Zeen Huang
- FPInnovations, 2665 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Martin Feng
- FPInnovations, 2665 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Maryam Borghei
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Vuorimiehentie 1, 02150, Espoo, Finland
| | - Orlando J Rojas
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Vuorimiehentie 1, 02150, Espoo, Finland
- Bioproducts Institute, Departments of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Chemistry, and Wood Science, The University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Antje Potthast
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry of Renewable Resources, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Wien, Austria
| | - Thomas Rosenau
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry of Renewable Resources, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Wien, Austria
- Johan Gadolin Process Chemistry Centre, Åbo Akademi University, Porthansgatan 3, Åbo/Turku, 20500, Finland
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26
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Zhang Z, Wang Y, Zheng P, Sun J. Promoting Lignin Valorization by Coping with Toxic C1 Byproducts. Trends Biotechnol 2020; 39:331-335. [PMID: 33008644 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The toxic C1 compounds methanol and formaldehyde are generated during bioconversion of lignin into value-added chemicals. These toxins can be detoxified and assimilated by methylotrophs to synthesize useful metabolites and cell biomass. We discuss the promising future of constructing integrated biosystems to use toxic C1 byproducts and promote lignin valorization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China; National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China; National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Ping Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China; National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Jibin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China; National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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27
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Fetherolf MM, Levy-Booth DJ, Navas LE, Liu J, Grigg JC, Wilson A, Katahira R, Beckham GT, Mohn WW, Eltis LD. Characterization of alkylguaiacol-degrading cytochromes P450 for the biocatalytic valorization of lignin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:25771-8. [PMID: 32989155 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1916349117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 enzymes have tremendous potential as industrial biocatalysts, including in biological lignin valorization. Here, we describe P450s that catalyze the O-demethylation of lignin-derived guaiacols with different ring substitution patterns. Bacterial strains Rhodococcus rhodochrous EP4 and Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 both utilized alkylguaiacols as sole growth substrates. Transcriptomics of EP4 grown on 4-propylguaiacol (4PG) revealed the up-regulation of agcA, encoding a CYP255A1 family P450, and the aph genes, previously shown to encode a meta-cleavage pathway responsible for 4-alkylphenol catabolism. The function of the homologous pathway in RHA1 was confirmed: Deletion mutants of agcA and aphC, encoding the meta-cleavage alkylcatechol dioxygenase, grew on guaiacol but not 4PG. By contrast, deletion mutants of gcoA and pcaL, encoding a CYP255A2 family P450 and an ortho-cleavage pathway enzyme, respectively, grew on 4-propylguaiacol but not guaiacol. CYP255A1 from EP4 catalyzed the O-demethylation of 4-alkylguaiacols to 4-alkylcatechols with the following apparent specificities (k cat/K M): propyl > ethyl > methyl > guaiacol. This order largely reflected AgcA's binding affinities for the different guaiacols and was the inverse of GcoAEP4's specificities. The biocatalytic potential of AgcA was demonstrated by the ability of EP4 to grow on lignin-derived products obtained from the reductive catalytic fractionation of corn stover, depleting alkylguaiacols and alkylphenols. By identifying related P450s with complementary specificities for lignin-relevant guaiacols, this study facilitates the design of these enzymes for biocatalytic applications. We further demonstrated that the metabolic fate of the guaiacol depends on its substitution pattern, a finding that has significant implications for engineering biocatalysts to valorize lignin.
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28
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Abdelaziz OY, Hulteberg CP. Lignin Depolymerization under Continuous-Flow Conditions: Highlights of Recent Developments. ChemSusChem 2020; 13:4382-4384. [PMID: 32530553 PMCID: PMC7604766 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202001225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Lignin is a polyaromatic polymer contained in plant cell walls, and it is considered the most abundant noncarbohydrate polymer on Earth. The aromaticity and richness of its functional groups render lignin an attractive starting biomacromolecule for conversion into a variety of value-added products. The development of successful strategies for lignin valorization infers the design of effective depolymerization protocols. Most research on lignin depolymerization has focused on batch-mode processing, whereas only a few studies have investigated such lignin transformations in continuous reactor systems. In this Concept, emerging developments within the concept of continuous lignin processing and the challenges remaining in realizing the efficient valorization of lignin by using this technology are highlighted. A special focus is set on the hydrothermal conversion of technical lignin under continuous-flow conditions, together with suggestions for future research and technology development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Y. Abdelaziz
- Department of Chemical EngineeringLund UniversityNaturvetarvägen 14221 00LundSweden
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29
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Garedew M, Lin F, Song B, DeWinter TM, Jackson JE, Saffron CM, Lam CH, Anastas PT. Greener Routes to Biomass Waste Valorization: Lignin Transformation Through Electrocatalysis for Renewable Chemicals and Fuels Production. ChemSusChem 2020; 13:4214-4237. [PMID: 32460408 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202000987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Lignin valorization is essential for biorefineries to produce fuels and chemicals for a sustainable future. Today's biorefineries pursue profitable value propositions for cellulose and hemicellulose; however, lignin is typically used mainly for its thermal energy value. To enhance the profit potential for biorefineries, lignin valorization would be a necessary practice. Lignin valorization is greatly advantaged when biomass carbon is retained in the fuel and chemical products and when energy quality is enhanced by electrochemical upgrading. Though lignin upgrading and valorization are very desirable in principle, many barriers involved in lignin pretreatment, extraction, and depolymerization must be overcome to unlock its full potential. This Review addresses the electrochemical transformation of various lignins with the aim of gaining a better understanding of many of the barriers that currently exist in such technologies. These studies give insight into electrochemical lignin depolymerization and upgrading to value-added commodities with the end goal of achieving a global low-carbon circular economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahlet Garedew
- School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Centre for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Fang Lin
- Centre for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Bing Song
- Scion, 49 Sala Street, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, 3020, New Zealand
| | - Tamara M DeWinter
- School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Centre for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - James E Jackson
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Christopher M Saffron
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Chun Ho Lam
- City University of Hong Kong, School of Energy and Environment, Kowloon Tong, China
| | - Paul T Anastas
- School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Centre for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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30
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Qu C, Ito K, Katsuyama I, Mitani T, Kashimura K, Watanabe T. Directly Microwave-Accelerated Cleavage of C-C and C-O Bonds of Lignin by Copper Oxide and H 2 O 2. ChemSusChem 2020; 13:4510-4518. [PMID: 32275119 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202000502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Model erythro, phenolic, and nonphenolic lignin β-O-4 dimer compounds are treated with copper oxide and H2 O2 at the electronic field maximum position of a single-mode 2.45 GHz microwave system equipped with a cavity resonator. The products obtained through microwave heating and oil-bath heating with the same reaction vessel and temperature profile are quantitatively compared. Dimer degradation is found to proceed through consecutive elementary reactions. The phenolic dimer is dehydroxylated and this is followed by the spontaneous cleavage of Cα -Cβ and C-O-C bonds to produce guaiacol, vanillin, and vanillic acid. The reaction of the nonphenolic dimer produces veratric acid, veratraldehyde, and guaiacol. Microwave irradiation accelerates cleavage of the side chain and the oxidation of vanillin to vanillic acid. However, no acceleration of veratraldehyde oxidation to veratric acid or aromatic ring cleavage to produce dicarboxylic acids is observed. The selective acceleration of elementary reactions during the degradation of model lignin compounds indicates that microwaves interact with reaction intermediates that are sensitive to electromagnetic waves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Qu
- Laboratory of Biomass Conversion, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Keigo Ito
- Laboratory of Biomass Conversion, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Isamu Katsuyama
- Laboratory of Biomass Conversion, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Mitani
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Kashimura
- Information Technology Section, General Education Division, College of Engineering, Chubu University, 1200 Matsumoto-cho, Kasugai, Aichi, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Takashi Watanabe
- Laboratory of Biomass Conversion, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
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Abstract
Lignin is a primary component of lignocellulosic biomass and an underutilized feedstock in the growing pulping and biofuel industries. Currently, over 50 million tons of industrial lignin are produced annually from pulping and bioethanol processes in the world. Around 95 % of industrial lignin is burned as fuel in heat and power plants due to its complicated, destructive, and condensed structures hindering direct industrial utilization, while the remaining 5 % of lignin is used for potential applications, such as additives, binders, dispersants, and surfactants, through modification. Meanwhile, different biorefinery processes also produce a considerable amount of lignin with various structural features and properties. The development of technologies for its structural characterization is currently desirable for lignin valorization, which will improve the techno-economics of applications of lignins in industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run-Cang Sun
- Center for Lignocellulose Chemistry and Biomaterials, College of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034, P. R. China
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32
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Fiorani G, Crestini C, Selva M, Perosa A. Advancements and Complexities in the Conversion of Lignocellulose Into Chemicals and Materials. Front Chem 2020; 8:797. [PMID: 32974288 PMCID: PMC7471057 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This Perspective describes the challenges and objectives associated to the development of new chemical technologies for the conversion of lignocellulose (non-food or waste) into chemicals and materials; it also provides an outlook on the sources, potential products, and issues to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fiorani
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy
| | - Claudia Crestini
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy.,C4S Center for Sustainability, Ca' Foscari University Foundation, Calle Larga Ca' Foscari, Venice, Italy
| | - Maurizio Selva
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy
| | - Alvise Perosa
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy
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33
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Abstract
Due to the structural complexity and recalcitrance nature of lignin, its depolymerization into monomeric units becomes one of the biggest challenges in the bioconversion of lignin into value-added products. Depolymerization of lignin produces a blend of many compounds that are problematic for isolating components in a cost-effective way. Lignin valorization using a biological approach facilitates sustainable and commercially viable biorefineries. The use of microbes for the conversion of depolymerized lignin compounds into target products can be a solution to the heterogeneity issue. Several studies have been carried out to develop robust strains that can utilize all relevant lignin-derived compounds, but constructing these strains is difficult. As an alternative, designing multiple microbes to convert a mixture of various compounds into the desired product seems realistic. This review provides an overview of lignin bioconversion using various approaches such as metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. Ligninolytic strains have a broad enzymatic machine for depolymerization of lignin and its conversion into intermediates such as catechol or protocatechuate. These intermediates can be further converted to metabolite products such as polyhydroxyalkanoates and triacylglycerol. Synthetic biology offers encouraging methodologies to construct pathways for lignin conversion and to engineer ligninolytic microbes as prospective strains for lignin bioconversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamata Singhvi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Soo Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
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Giannì P, Lange H, Crestini C. Functionalized Organosolv Lignins Suitable for Modifications of Hard Surfaces. ACS Sustain Chem Eng 2020; 8:7628-7638. [PMID: 33828929 PMCID: PMC8016396 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c00886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Two different organosolv lignins (OSLs), that is, wheat straw and corn stover OSLs, were chemically and enzymatically functionalized. Functional groups were attached via the formation of stable ether bonds exploiting the reactivity of free phenolic OH groups along the lignin backbone. The functional groups introduced a range from compact charged and chargeable building blocks for the generation of surface-active lignins to oligomeric and polymeric species used in lignin block-copolymer productions. Combination of selected functions led to novel charged or chargeable polymeric lignin-based materials. Products could be realized with different degrees of technical loadings in terms of introduced functional groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Giannì
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University
of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Heiko Lange
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, V ia Domenico
Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CSGI—Center
for Colloid and Surface Science, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Claudia Crestini
- CSGI—Center
for Colloid and Surface Science, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Department
of Molecular Science and Nanosystems, University
of Venice Ca’ Foscari, Via Torino 155, 30170 Venice Mestre, Italy
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35
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Gale M, Cai CM, Gilliard-Abdul-Aziz KL. Heterogeneous Catalyst Design Principles for the Conversion of Lignin into High-Value Commodity Fuels and Chemicals. ChemSusChem 2020; 13:1947-1966. [PMID: 31899593 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202000002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lignin valorization has risen as a promising pathway to supplant the use of petrochemicals for chemical commodities and fuels. However, the challenges of separating and breaking down lignin from lignocellulosic biomass are the primary barriers to success. Integrated biorefinery systems that incorporate both homo- and heterogeneous catalysis for the upgrading of lignin intermediates have emerged as a viable solution. Homogeneous catalysis can perform selected chemistries, such as the hydrolysis and dehydration of ester or ether bonds, that are more suitable for the pretreatment and fractionation of biomass. Heterogeneous catalysis, however, offers a tunable platform for the conversion of extracted lignin into chemicals, fuels, and materials. Tremendous effort has been invested in elucidating the necessary factors for the valorization of lignin by using heterogeneous catalysts, with efforts to explore more robust methods to drive down costs. Current progress in lignin conversion has fostered numerous advances, but understanding the key catalyst design principles is important for advancing the field. This Minireview aims to provide a summary on the fundamental design principles for the selective conversion of lignin by using heterogeneous catalysts, including the pairing of catalyst metals, supports, and solvents. The review puts a particular focus on the use of bimetallic catalysts on porous supports as a strategy for the selective conversion of lignin. Finally, future research on the valorization of lignin is proposed on the basis of recent progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Gale
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Bourns College of Engineering, University of California, Riverside, 446 Winston Chung Hall, 900 University Ave, Riverside, USA
| | - Charles M Cai
- Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT), Bourns College of Engineering, University of California, Riverside, 1084 Columbia Avenue, Riverside, USA
- Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830, USA
| | - Kandis Leslie Gilliard-Abdul-Aziz
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Bourns College of Engineering, University of California, Riverside, 446 Winston Chung Hall, 900 University Ave, Riverside, USA
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, Bourns College of Engineering, University of California, Riverside, 313 Material Science and Engineering Building, 900 University Ave, Riverside, USA
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Salvachúa D, Werner AZ, Pardo I, Michalska M, Black BA, Donohoe BS, Haugen SJ, Katahira R, Notonier S, Ramirez KJ, Amore A, Purvine SO, Zink EM, Abraham PE, Giannone RJ, Poudel S, Laible PD, Hettich RL, Beckham GT. Outer membrane vesicles catabolize lignin-derived aromatic compounds in Pseudomonas putida KT2440. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:9302-10. [PMID: 32245809 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1921073117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Lignin is an abundant and recalcitrant component of plant cell walls. While lignin degradation in nature is typically attributed to fungi, growing evidence suggests that bacteria also catabolize this complex biopolymer. However, the spatiotemporal mechanisms for lignin catabolism remain unclear. Improved understanding of this biological process would aid in our collective knowledge of both carbon cycling and microbial strategies to valorize lignin to value-added compounds. Here, we examine lignin modifications and the exoproteome of three aromatic-catabolic bacteria: Pseudomonas putida KT2440, Rhodoccocus jostii RHA1, and Amycolatopsis sp. ATCC 39116. P. putida cultivation in lignin-rich media is characterized by an abundant exoproteome that is dynamically and selectively packaged into outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). Interestingly, many enzymes known to exhibit activity toward lignin-derived aromatic compounds are enriched in OMVs from early to late stationary phase, corresponding to the shift from bioavailable carbon to oligomeric lignin as a carbon source. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrate that enzymes contained in the OMVs are active and catabolize aromatic compounds. Taken together, this work supports OMV-mediated catabolism of lignin-derived aromatic compounds as an extracellular strategy for nutrient acquisition by soil bacteria and suggests that OMVs could potentially be useful tools for synthetic biology and biotechnological applications.
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Chen YR, Sarkanen S, Wang YY. Lignin-Only Polymeric Materials Based on Unmethylated Unfractionated Kraft and Ball-Milled Lignins Surpass Polyethylene and Polystyrene in Tensile Strength. Molecules 2019; 24:E4611. [PMID: 31861051 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24244611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional polymeric materials composed solely of lignin preparations appeared only very recently. A gradual paradigm shift spanning 56 years has revealed how lignin–lignin blends can upgrade the performance of 100 wt% lignin-based plastics. The view, first espoused in 1960, that lignin macromolecules are crosslinked reduces the plausibility of creating functional polymeric materials that are composed only of lignin preparations. Lignin-based materials would be much weaker mechanically if interstices remain in significant numbers between adjoining macromolecular structures that consist of rigid crosslinked chains. In 1982, random-coil features in the hydrodynamic character of kraft lignin (KL) components were evident from ultracentrifugal sedimentation equilibrium studies of their SEC behavior. In 1997, it was recognized that the macromolecular species in plastics with 85 wt% levels of KL are associated complexes rather than individual components. Finally, in 2016, the first polymeric material composed entirely of ball-milled softwood lignin (BML) was found to support a tensile strength above polyethylene. Except in its molecular weight, the BML was similar in structure to the native biopolymer. It was composed of associated lignin complexes, each with aromatic rings arranged in two domains. The inner domain maintains structural integrity largely through noncovalent interactions between cofacially-offset aromatic rings; the peripheral domain contains a higher proportion of edge-on aromatic-ring arrangements. Interdigitation between peripheral domains in adjoining complexes creates material continuity during casting. By interacting at low concentrations with the peripheral domains, non-lignin blend components can improve the tensile strengths of BML-based plastics to values well beyond those seen in polystyrene. The KL-based plastics are weaker because the peripheral domains of adjoining complexes are less capable of interdigitation than those of BML. Blending with 5 wt% 1,8-dinitroanthraquinone results in a tensile strength above that of polyethylene. Analogous effects can be achieved with 10 wt% maple γ-valerolactone (GVL) lignin which, with a structure close to the native biopolymer, imparts some native character to the peripheral domains of the KL complexes. Comparable enhancements in the behavior of BML complexes upon blending with 10 wt% ball-milled corn-stover lignin (BMCSL) result in lignin-only polymeric materials with tensile strengths well beyond polystyrene.
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Lee S, Kang M, Bae JH, Sohn JH, Sung BH. Bacterial Valorization of Lignin: Strains, Enzymes, Conversion Pathways, Biosensors, and Perspectives. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:209. [PMID: 31552235 PMCID: PMC6733911 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [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: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lignin, an aromatic polymer found in plants, has been studied for years in many biological fields. Initially, when biofuel was produced from lignocellulosic biomass, lignin was regarded as waste generated by the biorefinery and had to be removed, because of its inhibitory effects on fermentative bacteria. Although it has since proven to be a natural resource for bio-products with considerable potential, its utilization is confined by its complex structure. Hence, the microbial degradation of lignin has attracted researchers' interest to overcome this problem. From this perspective, the studies have primarily focused on fungal systems, such as extracellular peroxidase and laccase from white- and brown-rot fungi. However, recent reports have suggested that bacteria play an increasing role in breaking down lignin. This paper, therefore, reviews the role of bacteria in lignin and lignin-related research. Several reports on bacterial species in soil that can degrade lignin and their enzymes are included. In addition, a cellulolytic anaerobic bacterium capable of solubilizing lignin and carbohydrate simultaneously has recently been identified, even though the enzyme involved has not been discovered yet. The assimilation of lignin-derived small molecules and their conversion to renewable chemicals by bacteria, such as muconic acid and polyhydroxyalkanoates, including genetic modification to enhance their capability was discussed. This review also covers the indirect use of bacteria for lignin degradation, which is concerned with whole-cell biosensors designed to detect the aromatic chemicals released from lignin transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siseon Lee
- Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Minsik Kang
- Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea
- Department of Biosystems and Bioengineering, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jung-Hoon Bae
- Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jung-Hoon Sohn
- Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea
- Department of Biosystems and Bioengineering, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Bong Hyun Sung
- Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea
- Department of Biosystems and Bioengineering, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
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Xie S, Sun S, Lin F, Li M, Pu Y, Cheng Y, Xu B, Liu Z, da Costa Sousa L, Dale BE, Ragauskas AJ, Dai SY, Yuan JS. Mechanism-Guided Design of Highly Efficient Protein Secretion and Lipid Conversion for Biomanufacturing and Biorefining. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2019; 6:1801980. [PMID: 31380177 PMCID: PMC6662401 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201801980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial protein secretion represents a significant challenge in biotechnology, which is essential for the cost-effective production of therapeutics, enzymes, and other functional proteins. Here, it is demonstrated that proteomics-guided engineering of transcription, translation, secretion, and folding of ligninolytic laccase balances the process, minimizes the toxicity, and enables efficient heterologous secretion with a total protein yield of 13.7 g L-1. The secretory laccase complements the biochemical limits on lignin depolymerization well in Rhodococcus opacus PD630. Further proteomics analysis reveals the mechanisms for the oleaginous phenotype of R. opacus PD630, where a distinct multiunit fatty acid synthase I drives the carbon partition to storage lipid. The discovery guides the design of efficient lipid conversion from lignin and carbohydrate. The proteomics-guided integration of laccase-secretion and lipid production modules enables a high titer in converting lignin-enriched biorefinery waste to lipid. The fundamental mechanisms, engineering components, and design principle can empower transformative platforms for biomanufacturing and biorefining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangxian Xie
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Innovation Hub and Department of Plant Pathology and MicrobiologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX77843USA
| | - Su Sun
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Innovation Hub and Department of Plant Pathology and MicrobiologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX77843USA
| | - Furong Lin
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Innovation Hub and Department of Plant Pathology and MicrobiologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX77843USA
| | - Muzi Li
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Innovation Hub and Department of Plant Pathology and MicrobiologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX77843USA
| | - Yunqiao Pu
- Joint Institute for Biological Sciences and Biosciences DivisionOak Ridge National LaboratoryOak RidgeTN37831USA
| | - Yanbing Cheng
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Innovation Hub and Department of Plant Pathology and MicrobiologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX77843USA
| | - Bing Xu
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Innovation Hub and Department of Plant Pathology and MicrobiologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX77843USA
| | - Zhihua Liu
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Innovation Hub and Department of Plant Pathology and MicrobiologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX77843USA
| | - Leonardo da Costa Sousa
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials ScienceMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMI48824USA
| | - Bruce E. Dale
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials ScienceMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMI48824USA
| | - Arthur J. Ragauskas
- Joint Institute for Biological Sciences and Biosciences DivisionOak Ridge National LaboratoryOak RidgeTN37831USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering & Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and FisheriesUniversity of TennesseeKnoxvilleTN37996USA
| | - Susie Y. Dai
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Innovation Hub and Department of Plant Pathology and MicrobiologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX77843USA
- State Hygienic LaboratoryUniversity of IowaCoralvilleIA52246USA
| | - Joshua S. Yuan
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Innovation Hub and Department of Plant Pathology and MicrobiologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX77843USA
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Zhang R, Zhao CH, Chang HC, Chai MZ, Li BZ, Yuan YJ. Lignin valorization meets synthetic biology. Eng Life Sci 2019; 19:463-470. [PMID: 32625023 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201800133] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Lignin, an abundant renewable resource in nature, is a highly heterogeneous biopolymer consisting of phenylpropanoid units. It is essential for sustainable utilization of biomass to convert lignin to value-added products. However, there are technical obstacles for lignin valorization due to intrinsic heterogeneity. The emerging of synthetic biology technologies brings new opportunities for lignin breakdown and utilization. In this review, we discussed the applications of synthetic biology on lignin conversion, especially the production of value-added products, such as aromatic chemicals, ring-cleaved chemicals from lignin-derived aromatics and bio-active substances. Synthetic biology will offer new potential strategies for lignin valorization by optimizing lignin degradation enzymes, building novel artificial converting pathways, and improving the chassis of model microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renkuan Zhang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education) School of Chemical Engineering and Technology Tianjin University Tianjin P. R. China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) Tianjin University Tianjin P. R. China
| | - Chen-Hui Zhao
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education) School of Chemical Engineering and Technology Tianjin University Tianjin P. R. China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) Tianjin University Tianjin P. R. China
| | - Han-Chen Chang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education) School of Chemical Engineering and Technology Tianjin University Tianjin P. R. China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) Tianjin University Tianjin P. R. China
| | - Meng-Zhe Chai
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education) School of Chemical Engineering and Technology Tianjin University Tianjin P. R. China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) Tianjin University Tianjin P. R. China
| | - Bing-Zhi Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education) School of Chemical Engineering and Technology Tianjin University Tianjin P. R. China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) Tianjin University Tianjin P. R. China
| | - Ying-Jin Yuan
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education) School of Chemical Engineering and Technology Tianjin University Tianjin P. R. China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) Tianjin University Tianjin P. R. China
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Abstract
Efficient lignin valorization could add more than 10-fold the value gained from burning it for energy and is critical for economic viability of future biorefineries. However, lignin-derived aromatics from biomass pretreatment are known to be potent fermentation inhibitors in microbial production of fuels and other value-added chemicals. In addition, isopropyl-β-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside and other inducers are routinely added into fermentation broth to induce the expression of pathway enzymes, which further adds to the overall process cost. An autoregulatory system that can diminish the aromatics' toxicity as well as be substrate-inducible can be the key for successful integration of lignin valorization into future lignocellulosic biorefineries. Toward that goal, in this study an autoregulatory system is demonstrated that alleviates the toxicity issue and eliminates the cost of an external inducer. Specifically, this system is composed of a catechol biosynthesis pathway coexpressed with an active aromatic transporter CouP under induction by a vanillin self-inducible promoter, ADH7, to effectively convert the lignin-derived aromatics into value-added chemicals using Escherichia coli as a host. The constructed autoregulatory system can efficiently transport vanillin across the cell membrane and convert it to catechol. Compared with the system without CouP expression, the expression of catechol biosynthesis pathway with transporter CouP significantly improved the catechol yields about 30% and 40% under promoter pTrc and ADH7, respectively. This study demonstrated an aromatic-induced autoregulatory system that enabled conversion of lignin-derived aromatics into catechol without the addition of any costly, external inducers, providing a promising and economically viable route for lignin valorization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihua Wu
- Biomass Science & Conversion Technologies Department, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA 94550
| | - Fang Liu
- Biomass Science & Conversion Technologies Department, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA 94550
| | - Seema Singh
- Biomass Science & Conversion Technologies Department, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA 94550;
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
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Varanasi P, Singh P, Auer M, Adams PD, Simmons BA, Singh S. Survey of renewable chemicals produced from lignocellulosic biomass during ionic liquid pretreatment. Biotechnol Biofuels 2013; 6:14. [PMID: 23356589 PMCID: PMC3579681 DOI: 10.1186/1754-6834-6-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lignin is often overlooked in the valorization of lignocellulosic biomass, but lignin-based materials and chemicals represent potential value-added products for biorefineries that could significantly improve the economics of a biorefinery. Fluctuating crude oil prices and changing fuel specifications are some of the driving factors to develop new technologies that could be used to convert polymeric lignin into low molecular weight lignin and or monomeric aromatic feedstocks to assist in the displacement of the current products associated with the conversion of a whole barrel of oil. We present an approach to produce these chemicals based on the selective breakdown of lignin during ionic liquid pretreatment. RESULTS The lignin breakdown products generated are found to be dependent on the starting biomass, and significant levels were generated on dissolution at 160°C for 6 hrs. Guaiacol was produced on dissolution of biomass and technical lignins. Vanillin was produced on dissolution of kraft lignin and eucalytpus. Syringol and allyl guaiacol were the major products observed on dissolution of switchgrass and pine, respectively, whereas syringol and allyl syringol were obtained by dissolution of eucalyptus. Furthermore, it was observed that different lignin-derived products could be generated by tuning the process conditions. CONCLUSIONS We have developed an ionic liquid based process that depolymerizes lignin and converts the low molecular weight lignin fractions into a variety of renewable chemicals from biomass. The generated chemicals (phenols, guaiacols, syringols, eugenol, catechols), their oxidized products (vanillin, vanillic acid, syringaldehyde) and their easily derivatized hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene, styrene, biphenyls and cyclohexane) already have relatively high market value as commodity and specialty chemicals, green building materials, nylons, and resins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patanjali Varanasi
- Joint Bioenergy Institute, Physical Biosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Sandia National Laboratories, Biological and Materials Science Center, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Priyanka Singh
- Joint Bioenergy Institute, Physical Biosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Manfred Auer
- Joint Bioenergy Institute, Physical Biosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Paul D Adams
- Joint Bioenergy Institute, Physical Biosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Blake A Simmons
- Joint Bioenergy Institute, Physical Biosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Sandia National Laboratories, Biological and Materials Science Center, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Seema Singh
- Joint Bioenergy Institute, Physical Biosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Sandia National Laboratories, Biological and Materials Science Center, Livermore, CA, USA
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