Search Results (2,989)

This study employed near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for real-time spectral acquisition of fermentation broth in lab-scale bioreactors, comparing the performance of transflectance and transmission sensors through glucose modeling and prediction while optimizing modeling approaches. The results demonstrated superior adaptability of transflectance sensors in fermentation environments: in conventional fermentation, glucose models exhibited lower errors (RMSEC = 4.087 g/L, RMSEV = 9.829 g/L) compared to transmission sensors (RMSEC = 5.972 g/L, RMSEV = 10.904 g/L), with significantly higher predictive performance (RPD = 3.735 vs. 2.369), indicating enhanced fitting accuracy and stability. In complex natural media containing peptone and yeast extract, transmission sensor performance deteriorated dramatically due to turbidity interference (R²_cal = 0.134), whereas transflectance sensors maintained robust performance (R²_cal = 0.993), confirming their adaptability to complex matrices. Regarding modeling strategies, the 1550–1700 nm spectral region demonstrated optimal feature extraction capability (RMSEC = 3.269 g/L, R²_cal = 0.987). Basic preprocessing methods such as the moving average smoothing method have become the preferred preprocessing methods, as they strike a balance between calibration and prediction performance. Outlier removal analysis revealed that moderate elimination of 12 high-error samples (accounting for 30% of the total 39 samples) reduced RMSEC to 1.441 g/L and improved R²_cv to 0.996, optimizing model performance; however, excessive removal of outlier samples degraded model capability, necessitating judicious sample selection. For fixed total sample sizes, calibration sets comprising 70–80% of samples yielded more reliable predictions. In conclusion, transflectance sensors demonstrate superior compatibility with multicomponent fermentation systems. Combined with wavelength selection, moving average preprocessing, and rational sample removal and partitioning strategies, this approach provides an effective solution for NIR-based online glucose monitoring. Full article

The global functional food market continues to expand, and edible mushrooms are emerging as high-value ingredients due to their rich nutritional profile, particularly their high protein content, balanced amino acid composition, and dietary fiber. This growing industrial interest is reflected in the registration of more than 322 patents in the past five years according to the Derwent Innovation patent database. Recent advances include the integration of precision mycology (PM) and omics-based approaches, such as CRISPR-Cas9, into solid-state fermentation and submerged fermentation, enabling improvements in natural umami flavor and bioactive composition. Innovative products, including meat analogues with fibrous textures, functional beverages such as kombucha and juices, and fermented dairy products such as yogurts and cheeses, have been formulated to deliver prebiotic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. Future trends indicate a shift towards the production of high-value nutraceutical peptides and biomass, together with the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance bioreactor automation and scalability. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain, including regulatory constraints, the scarcity of clinical validation in humans, and the need for strict control over the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in mushroom-derived raw materials. Addressing these gaps will be critical for advancing regulatory frameworks, improving industrial standardization, and supporting the translational development of mushroom-based functional foods. Full article

Coprophagous flies can convert livestock manure into protein-rich larval biomass for animal feed, but manure-based rearing raises biosafety concerns. This study characterized the internal bacterial community dynamics across development in Aldrichina grahami and Boettcherisca peregrina reared on swine manure, aiming to identify developmental stages with a lower microbial hazard profile. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of pooled internal samples, we analyzed communities from third-instar larvae, dispersing-stage larvae, pupae at multiple time points, and newly emerged adults. Developmental stage strongly structured bacterial composition and altered richness in both species. Communities were dominated by Bacillota and Pseudomonadota, reflecting substrate origin, with pronounced turnover during metamorphosis and stage-specific dominance patterns, indicating developmental filtering rather than uniform microbial clearance. Crucially, dispersing larvae did not show the marked dominance signatures seen in later pupal or adult stages, supporting this stage as a pragmatic harvest window with a comparatively lower microbial-hazard indicator profile. Since downstream processing such as drying or heating will further reduce viable hazards, stage selection serves as an effective upstream control to lower the initial hazard burden entering production. Full article

The microbial production of 1,5-pentanediol (1,5-PDO), a versatile platform chemical with extensive industrial applications, remains limited by suboptimal fermentation titers and incomplete understanding of metabolic bottlenecks. To address these challenges, this study employed comparative transcriptomics to systematically identify novel genetic targets capable of enhancing 1,5-PDO biosynthesis in engineered Escherichia coli. Transcriptomic profiling of the 1,5-PDO-producing strain relative to the parental E. coli W3110, conducted at both exponential (24 h) and stationary (96 h) growth phases, revealed 1384 significantly differentially expressed genes, including 851 upregulated and 533 downregulated genes. From these, 20 candidate metabolic genes associated with 1,5-PDO synthesis were selected for functional validation through plasmid-based overexpression or CRISPR interference (CRISPRi)-mediated repression. Reverse engineering confirmed that overexpression of fecA (encoding an iron(III)-citrate transporter) and deletion of gadA (encoding glutamate decarboxylase) significantly enhanced 1,5-PDO production. Subsequent chromosomal integration of fecA at the neutral ilvG locus and deletion of gadA generated the optimized strain S7, which achieved a 1,5-PDO titer of 1.7 g/L in shake flask cultures, representing a 13.3% increase over the parental strain, with a concomitant 50% improvement in glucose yield (0.18 mol/mol). In fed-batch fermentation at the 5 L bioreactor scale, strain S7 attained a titer of 12.45 g/L and a glucose yield of 0.26 mol/mol, marking a 15.6% enhancement in carbon conversion efficiency relative to the parental strain (0.225 mol/mol), while concurrently improving biomass accumulation by 7.6%. These findings demonstrate that transcriptomics-guided reverse engineering constitutes an effective strategy for elucidating nonobvious metabolic determinants and optimizing microbial cell factories for efficient 1,5-PDO production. The identification of fecA and gadA as beneficial targets provides valuable insights into the metabolic rewiring underlying enhanced 1,5-PDO biosynthesis and establishes a foundation for further strain improvement through systems metabolic engineering. Full article

Industries seek microorganisms capable of producing all types of cellulases, using low-cost substrate and under adequate process conditions, especially through submerged fermentation. Pleurotus ostreatus “L123” was evaluated as a potential microorganism for cellulase production, assaying total cellulolytic activity (FPase). Fermentation was carried out using a 14L bioreactor, inoculated with 10% (v/v) grown on potato dextrose broth for 4 days. Fermentation media was composed of defatted rice bran (50 g/L), glucose (5 g/L), corn steep liquor (5 g/L) and chloramphenicol (0.25 g/L). Aeration and agitation effects on enzymatic activity were evaluated using a central composite design (CCD) for FPase after 5 days of fermentation. The obtained model was statistically significant, with the interaction of both parameters also being significant and presenting a negative effect. Membrane ultrafiltration (150 kDa MWCO) led to an approximately 3-fold increase in specific activity of permeate (0.6441 vs. 0.2043 FPU/mg of protein), with retention of around 80% of protein content while maintaining enzymatic activity of permeate similar to unfiltered broth (0.0932 vs. 0.0923 FPU/mL). The maximum value obtained experimentally was 0.1444 FPU/mL, which is significantly lower in comparison to commercially used strains and consequently unfeasible for industrial use at current state. However, after further improvements and optimization, Pleurotus ostreatus “L123” can become an alternative for in situ cellulase production through submerged fermentation. Full article

Standing tile inlets are commonly used to drain unwanted surface water from croplands but can exacerbate pollution by facilitating the transport of nutrients to waterways. Blind inlets have increasingly been viewed as a beneficial alternative to standing inlets since they control erosion and capture particulate nutrients. However, conventional blind inlets do little to limit dissolved nutrient transport, and modified blind inlet (MBI) designs have been proposed that incorporate woodchips—a medium that facilitates denitrification. While initial investigations have highlighted MBIs’ remediation potential, their ability to meet prescribed drainage standards has not been well-documented. In this study, we designed and installed MBIs composed of pea gravel and woodchips in two eastern Iowa fields under row crop cultivation. Flow and nitrate were continuously monitored using in situ equipment directly downstream of the MBIs (February 2023–June 2025). Observed flows were very ephemeral, consisting of ~25 distinct events at both sites, with no flow recorded in between. During several wet weather events, flow rates exceeded the MBIs’ design requirements, confirming their sufficient drainage capacity to prevent in-field ponding. Nitrate concentrations varied considerably, with long-term averages of 11.6 and 19.1 mg/L and overall loadings of 4.94 and 7.10 kg during our 28-month study. We also measured phosphate and sulfate during select wet weather events, and discrepancies in concentrations between inlets and outlets suggested that groundwater was often present alongside surficial drainage in our monitoring setup. We believe our results argue for increased adoption of MBIs in conservation and further quantification of their remediation capabilities. Full article

Landfill leachate is considered one of the most recalcitrant wastewaters due to its high organic strength, elevated ammonia concentrations, and complex chemical composition. This study evaluates integrated technologies for treating highly loaded landfill leachate from the Wadi Al-Asla landfill, Jeddah Saudi Arabia, using GPS-X^TM modeling combined with regulatory compliance and techno-economic assessment (TEA). The characterized mature leachate exhibited extremely high average concentrations of COD (17,050 mg L⁻¹), BOD₅ (10,058 mg L⁻¹), ammonia-N (989 mg L⁻¹), and total nitrogen (1223 mg L⁻¹), indicating severe pollution levels requiring integrated treatment technologies. Five (5) different scenarios involving integrated biological, physicochemical, and membrane-based processes were modelled, simulated and evaluated against local discharge standards complaince. Conventional and municipality-proposed upgrade configurations achieved ~80–83% COD removal, producing effluent COD > 2900 mg L⁻¹ and 1790–1801 mg L⁻¹ BOD₅, indicating persistent non-compliance for organic pollutants. Nitrogen removal improved substantially (93.7–95.7% ammonia-N and 91–93% total nitrogen removal), yet residual ammonia-N (44–63 mg L⁻¹) and total nitrogen (92–108 mg L⁻¹) remained above regulatory limits. Advanced hybrid systems achieved complete TSS removal and strong phosphorus control (TP ≤ 0.42 mg L⁻¹), while three(3) compartmental aerobic–anoxic membrane bioreactor coupled with reverse osmosis (MBR + RO) achieved near-complete nitrogen removal and reduced 90% COD removal. The lifecyle economic assessment indicated OPEX ranging from USD 1.1 to 5.6 m⁻³ of treated leachate with the aerobic–anoxic MBR + RO configuration yieding footprint advantage, lower CAPEX and moderate OPEX By combining process modeling, regulatory compliance evaluation, and economic assessment, this study provides a practical screening framework for selecting sustainable treatment strategies for high-strength landfill leachate and wastewater matices. Full article

Quorum quenching (QQ) is a promising biological approach that has the potential to control membrane biofouling. However, the implementation of the QQ membrane bioreactor still requires a more systematic and comprehensive understanding, including the selection of membrane materials, the determination of the optimal QQ bacterial dosage, and the use of appropriate media for the immobilization of QQ bacteria, all of which are important to ensure long-term operation. The present study investigated the impact of QQ bacteria on biofilm formation across different polymeric membranes. These include flat sheet membranes, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polysulfones (PSs), and hollow-fibre polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes. It also evaluated biofilm development, membrane filtration performance, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production, and sludge floc properties, which were characterized using fluorescence microscopy. The results revealed that QQ intervention markedly suppressed quorum sensing (QS), leading to a pronounced, dose-dependent reduction in biofilm thickness, membrane fouling, EPS production and sludge floc size. Biofilm thickness was reduced by 63.5% on PTFE and 55.4% on PS membranes, accompanied by a notable reduction in EPS protein and polysaccharides, thereby weakening the biofilm formation and enhancing membrane filterability. Therefore, the permeability performance of the PVDF membrane improved by 338.2%. Furthermore, sludge settleability was enhanced, and floc size was reduced, resulting in the mitigation of biofilm formation without impacting pollutant degradation. These findings elucidate the material-dependent and dose-responsive mechanism by which QQ regulates EPS synthesis and biofilm formation in MBR. Full article

Low-concentration methane emissions from landfills, manure management, wastewater treatment, and ventilation streams are difficult to mitigate using conventional capture and oxidation because of high air-to-fuel ratios, variable flows, and unfavorable economics. Methanotrophic bioreactors provide an aerobic biological route to oxidize methane at ambient conditions and, in selected cases, enable valorization into biomass and bioproducts. This review synthesizes methanotrophic reactor technologies for dilute methane, emphasizing the design and operational constraints that control performance. We classify systems into (i) fixed-film gas–solid configurations (biofilters, biocovers, biotrickling filters, and bioscrubbers), (ii) suspended-growth gas–liquid reactors (stirred tanks, bubble columns, and loop/airlift designs), (iii) membrane-based and intensified contactors that decouple methane and oxygen delivery and enhance mass transfer, and (iv) hybrid and in situ approaches for diffuse sources. This review presents key metrics and discusses how mass transfer, moisture and temperature control, nutrient supply, and microbial ecology interact to define achievable removal. We further summarize recent techno-economic and life-cycle studies to identify dominant cost drivers, particularly air handling and gas–liquid transfer, and the concentration regimes where biological oxidation is competitive with catalytic or thermal alternatives. Full article

This study explores the potential of using paper pulp mill sludge (PPMS) as an economical substrate for producing high-value protease enzymes with an indigenous bacterial strain, Bacillus tropicus P4. Isolated directly from PPMS, B. tropicus P4 showed high protease-producing ability, approximately 134 U/mL after 48 h—more than three times the yield of the benchmark strain (B. megaterium). Among various additives tested to boost enzyme production, Tween 80 emerged as the most effective, increasing enzyme activity by more than threefold compared to the control. Scale-up experiments in bioreactors of 5 L and 150 L confirmed that B. tropicus P4 maintains high protease yields under typical cultivation conditions with minimal modifications, specifically the addition of Tween 80 (1%) and increased total solids concentration (25 g/L). In the 5 L bioreactor, enzyme production peaked at approximately 755 U/mL within 24 h, while the 150 L bioreactor consistently achieved high enzyme activity (~848 U/mL). These results support the feasibility of a simple and scalable approach for converting industrial sludge into high-value protease enzymes, contributing to resource recovery and circular bioeconomy strategies. Full article

Industrial spore production of the probiotic Heyndrickxia coagulans is hindered by its generally low and highly variable sporulation efficiency across strains. To address this, we selected the representative model strain ATCC 7050 and applied an integrated strategy combining statistical medium optimization with genomic analysis. Key factors (glucose, yeast extract, CaCl₂) were screened and optimized using Plackett–Burman and Box–Behnken designs, yielding an optimal formulation that achieved 1.84 × 10⁸ spores/mL in a bioreactor, consistent with the model prediction. Further genomic analysis revealed 112 sporulation-associated genes and identified key homologous genes related to spore resistance and germination. Among them, the successful identification of spoVA, which is implicated in calcium-dipicolinate transport in bacilli, allowed us to hypothesize why calcium ions play a critical role. This work not only enhances the spore yield of a model strain but also provides a framework to tackle the widespread sporulation variability in H. coagulans for industrial applications. Full article

In this work, a food-compatible bioprocess was evaluated for the production of yeast single-cell protein from mezcal agave bagasse. Bagasse was enzymatically hydrolyzed at 10% (w/v) solids (pH 4.8, 50 °C, 24 h) using commercial enzymes. The resulting liquid was clarified by activated charcoal adsorption and filtration to obtain a hydrolysate suitable for submerged fermentation. Enzymatic hydrolysis released reducing sugars in the range of 11–17 g/L. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was cultivated on the clarified hydrolysate under submerged conditions using both flask-scale and 2 L stirred-tank bioreactor experiments. Trials were performed at flask scale with initial sugars at 8, 17, and 50 g/L, and at 2 L stirred-tank bioreactor scale with initial sugars at 20.68 g/L (R1) and 16.30 (R2) g/L. At the flask scale, final biomass concentrations increased with initial sugar level. Values reached 6.18 ± 0.27, 8.02 ± 0.55, and 9.28 ± 0.10 g/L, while crude protein remained below 10% (3.40 ± 0.15 to 8.69 ± 0.09 g/100 g dry weight). In contrast, bioreactor cultivation resulted in higher protein enrichment, with protein contents over 40% under both oxygen regimes (41.71 ± 0.47 to 45.80 ± 0.43 g/100 g dry weight). Overall, the findings support enzymatic hydrolysis coupled with controlled submerged fermentation as a scalable approach for valorizing agave bagasse into protein-enriched yeast biomass. Full article

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs), engineered phytosomes, bioinspired polymeric plant-based nanoparticles (PBNPs), hybrid phyto-inorganic nanocomposites, green-synthesized metal nanoparticles, self-assembled nanoarchitectures, and multifunctional composites represent a rapidly advancing class of sustainable, nature-inspired nanocarriers. These platforms combine exceptional biocompatibility, negligible immunogenicity, and renewable sourcing with tunable drug loading, targeted delivery, and controlled release properties. This review synthesizes translational advances from 2020 to 2026, covering scalable isolation/bioprocessing (bioreactors, elicitation), multi-parametric physicochemical/multi-omics characterization, rational engineering/hybridization, and rigorous in vitro/in vivo assessments of uptake, biodistribution, pharmacokinetic (PK), and efficacy. Phytosomes and PBNPs markedly enhance oral bioavailability and targeted delivery of lipophilic phytochemicals, while PDEVs offer unique immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and gene-regulatory activities. Hybrid and green-synthesized systems provide structural stability, redox modulation, and synergistic effects, and self-assembled/multifunctional composites address solubilization barriers with stimuli-responsive design. Early-phase human studies on grapefruit-, ginger-, turmeric-, and ginseng-derived PDEVs report excellent short-term safety, favorable PK, and preliminary bioactivity signals, with no observed immunogenicity or dose-limiting toxicities; however, these trials remain exploratory, constrained by small sample sizes and safety-focused endpoints. Despite challenges, including methodological heterogeneity, variable yields, long-term safety uncertainties (notably for inorganic hybrids), and regulatory ambiguities, emerging strategies such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-engineered plant line; artificial-intelligence-driven process optimization; standardized guidelines, and integrated clinical, intellectual property, and commercialization frameworks are progressively addressing these barriers. Collectively, these advances position plant-derived nanocarriers as immunologically privileged, eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic and mammalian platforms, laying the foundation for a sustainable era of precision phytomedicine. Full article

Agricultural drainage water is a significant contributor to a broad spectrum of pollutant loads, including nitrates, ammonium, organic matter, phosphorus, and emerging substances, and thus poses an important environmental and human health concern. This review aims to integrate existing knowledge on bioreactors and natural and constructed wetlands in the treatment of agricultural drainage water. It covers bioreactors from a perspective on categorization, principles, and performance with respect to treatment efficiency. It provides a critical evaluation of constructed wetlands as passive treatment systems, in addition to their importance as nature-based service providers. Some significant issues in bioreactors, such as media durability, greenhouse gas production, and the elimination of emerging pollutants, will be critically described, and this critique will conclude with proposals for possible path methods in bioreactors toward a suitable convergence with a nature-related water treatment system. Full article

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) propagation has evolved significantly over the past 20 years, transitioning from traditional field nursery systems to advanced, controlled, environment production. This review synthesizes recent advances in propagation methods, environmental regulation, and disease management strategies. Traditional field systems face mounting challenges from soilborne pathogens (Neopestalotiopsis species, Phytophthora cactorum, Verticillium dahliae) and regulatory restrictions on methyl bromide fumigation. Plug plant technology offers 80–95% disease reduction and 3–7-week production cycles versus 12–16-weeks traditional cycles, although at higher unit costs. Advanced tray plant systems developed in the Netherlands enable 10–11 months cold storage and programmed year-round production schedules. Elevated bench propagation systems have emerged as dominant commercial technology in East Asian regions, particularly Korea and Japan, where disease pressure necessitated alternatives to conventional nurseries. Micropropagation via temporary immersion bioreactors achieves 50–100% higher multiplication rates, while ensuring virus-free status. Environmental control research reveals complex photoperiod–temperature-chilling interactions regulating dormancy and flowering. Emerging technologies include F₁ hybrid seed propagation and AI-driven automation, achieving 15–25% energy efficiency gains. Despite progress, challenges remain in cost optimization, climate adaptation, and region-specific protocols. This review provides a comparative framework for nursery system selection under evolving climatic and regulatory constraints, identifying critical knowledge gaps and future research priorities for sustainable strawberry propagation. Full article