Search Results (37)

Beta-alanine, a naturally occurring non-proteinogenic beta-amino acid, is widely used in delaying fatigue, enhancing exercise performance, and alleviating hyperuricemia. It also serves as a three-carbon platform for the synthesis of various high-value compounds, thus showing extremely broad market prospects. However, the practical application of beta-alanine is severely limited by the harsh reaction conditions and abundant by-products in chemical synthesis, as well as the low endogenous content and complex biosynthetic pathway. Recently, advances have been made in the one-pot, one- or two-step production of beta-alanine using genetically engineered recombinant enzymes, and in the microbial synthesis of beta-alanine via whole-cell biocatalysis. These advances are based on a series of attempts, including the enzymatic conversion to beta-alanine using 1,3-diaminopropane (DAP), L-aspartate (L-Asp), fumarate, or 3-aminopropionitrile as substrates, and the whole-cell biosynthesis of beta-alanine by regulating metabolic flux from carbon sources (e.g., glucose, oil, and glycerol) to L-Asp—the precursor for beta-alanine synthesis catalyzed by L-aspartate-α-decarboxylase (ADC). This study provides a rational theoretical basis and valuable practical references for the future industrial application of beta-alanine. Full article

The continuous increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentration exacerbates global climate change, making carbon reduction an urgent global priority. Carbonic anhydrase (CA), a highly efficient biocatalyst that converts CO₂ into bicarbonate, demonstrates significant potential for carbon capture and resource utilization. However, the stability and catalytic efficiency of native CA in industrial environments are limited, particularly its poor thermal tolerance under flue gas conditions and its sensitivity to impurities, hindering its direct large-scale application. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in modifying microbial CA through protein engineering (e.g., directed evolution, rational design) and immobilization techniques, which have markedly enhanced its thermal stability, adaptability, and reusability. Among these, the integration of machine learning with high-throughput experimentation has emerged as a transformative strategy for CA engineering. Furthermore, we outline CA-driven pathways for CO₂ conversion into high-value chemicals and bioenergy. Finally, future prospects are discussed, including interdisciplinary integration, computational modeling coupled with experimental validation, and comprehensive life-cycle and techno-economic assessments, to facilitate the scaled application of engineered microbial CA in carbon neutrality pathways. Collectively, this review highlights the critical role of engineered CA in bridging biocatalysis with industrial carbon management, offering a viable and sustainable pathway toward carbon neutrality. Full article

Cannabinoids are high-value bioactive compounds whose sustainable production remains challenging, prompting interest in biocatalytic and microbial platforms as alternatives to plant extraction. In this study, we investigated the heterologous expression and functionality of two key cannabinoid-related enzymes in the photosynthetic microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: the aromatic prenyltransferase, NphB_G286S/Y288A from Streptomyces sp., and the plant-derived cannabidiolic acid synthase (CBDAS) from Cannabis sativa. Codon-optimized genes were introduced into the nuclear genome of C. reinhardtii using several construct configurations and promoters, and stable transformants were generated and characterized for genomic integration, transcript accumulation, protein production, enzymatic activity, and cannabinoid-related metabolite formation. While NphB protein accumulation was achieved under the PSAD promoter control, CBDAS was not detected at the protein level under any condition tested. In vitro enzymatic assays using soluble algal protein extracts from NphB-expressing lines confirmed catalytic activity, yielding cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), reaching up to 633 ± 58 µg L⁻¹. However, no CBGA production was detected in vivo, despite substrate supplementation. These results indicate that, although bacterial prenyltransferase can be functionally expressed in C. reinhardtii, efficient metabolic conversion in vivo is limited by cellular and biochemical constraints, including substrate availability, intracellular compartmentalization, and potential competition with endogenous pathways. In contrast, the absence of detectable CBDAS highlights the challenges associated with expressing complex plant oxidocyclases in this photosynthetic host. Overall, this work provides mechanistic insights into enzyme compatibility and metabolic bottlenecks in microalgal systems and outlines key considerations for the future development of photosynthetic platforms for cannabinoid biocatalysis. Full article

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) convert the chemical energy of biomass into electricity through microbially driven redox reactions. We evaluated a single-chamber, membrane-less MFC fed with sugarcane molasses and inoculated with a two-member consortium: Saccharomyces cerevisiae (glucose → ethanol fermentation) and Acetobacter aceti (ethanol → acetate oxidation). Three anode–cathode pairs were tested—bronze–Zn, copper–Zn, and graphite–Zn—across 27 units and 20 operating cycles. During ethanol oxidation, A. aceti oxidizes ethanol to acetic acid and, in our configuration, this biocatalytic step is designed to contribute electrons to the bronze, copper, or graphite anodes. These electrons, together with those generated by galvanic reactions in the electrode pair, flow through the external circuit to the zinc cathode, where oxygen reduction closes the circuit. The cells reached open-circuit potentials > 0.8 V, with performance following the hierarchy graphite–Zn > copper–Zn > bronze–Zn, consistent with the superior biocompatibility and lower corrosion of carbonaceous anodes. Multivariate analysis using PLS-SEM confirmed that redox indicators and electrode composition were strong determinants of voltage output (R² = 0.911) and demonstrated high predictive relevance (Q² = 0.906) for the voltage construct. These findings show that coupling yeast fermentation with acetic acid–bacteria oxidation enables synthetic-mediator-free electron transfer in a simple single-chamber configuration and shows that electrode material selection is a primary lever for achieving stable potentials for biomass valorization. Full article

Microbial fermentation stands as the foundational technology in modern biorefineries, yet its industrial scalability is critically constrained by product inhibition, prohibitive downstream separation costs, and substrate inhibition. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) offer a tunable material platform to address these challenges through rational design of pore size, shape, and chemical functionality. This review systematically chronicles the evolution of MOF applications in biomass fermentation across four generations, demonstrating a synergistic mapping where the core fermentation challenges—product toxicity, substrate toxicity, and separation energy intensity—align with the inherent MOF advantages of high adsorption capacity, programmable selectivity, and tunable functionality. The applications progress from first-generation passive adsorbents for in situ product removal, to second-generation protective agents for mitigating inhibitors, and third-generation immobilization scaffolds enabling continuous processing. The fourth-generation systems transcend passive scaffolding to position MOFs as active metabolic partners in microbe-MOF hybrids, driving cofactor regeneration and tandem biocatalysis. By synthesizing diverse research streams, ranging from defect engineering to artificial symbiosis, including defect engineering strategies, this review establishes critical design principles for the rational integration of programmable materials in next-generation biorefineries. Full article

Adamantane is a unique tricyclic hydrocarbon with a rigid, diamond-like structure. It is widely distributed in natural hydrocarbons and has significant potential applications in medicine, materials science, and pharmaceuticals. Despite its high chemical stability, biocatalytic methods using cytochrome P450 enzymes and microorganisms, such as Pseudomonas strains and actinobacteria, demonstrate high regional specificity in the hydroxylation and modification of adamantane, primarily at tertiary C–H bonds. This review summarises the latest data on the mechanisms and pathways of the microbial transformation of adamantane and its derivatives, including the key metabolites and enzymatic systems involved. The advantages of biocatalysis—namely, high selectivity, environmental friendliness and mild reaction conditions—are highlighted as a promising approach to the synthesis of functional adamantane derivatives for use in the development of innovative drugs and materials. The limitations of current methods and prospects for development are also discussed, including searching for new microorganisms and regulating enzymatic activity to increase the efficiency of biotransformation. Full article

Microbial spores are increasingly recognized as multifunctional platforms for enzyme immobilization, combining natural resilience with biotechnological versatility. Their inherent structural complexity enables high enzyme load, thermal and chemical stability, and robustness to be repeatedly used under industrially relevant conditions, largely widening their application scope. This review explores the growing role of spore-based systems in biocatalysis, from naturally active spores to engineered microbial hosts capable of producing immobilized enzymes in situ. Compared to conventional immobilization techniques, spore-based strategies offer simplified workflows, reduced environmental impact, and greater sustainability. Recent innovations also extend beyond traditional applications, introducing artificial spores and incorporating spores into biocomposite materials and biosensors. These developments reflect a shift from basic enzyme stabilization research toward scalable solutions in waste remediation, polymer degradation, green chemistry, and synthetic biology. Overall, spore-enabled biocatalysis represents a modular and robust toolset for advancing industrial biotechnology and sustainable manufacturing, instrumental in achieving a circular and bioeconomy. Full article

Enzymes are highly selective and efficient biological catalysts that play a critical role in modern industrial biocatalysis. Their ability to operate under mild conditions and reduce environmental impact makes them ideal alternatives to conventional chemical catalysts. This review provides a comprehensive overview of advances in enzyme-based catalysis, focusing on enzyme classification, engineering strategies, and industrial applications. The six major enzyme classes—hydrolases, oxidoreductases, transferases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases—are discussed in the context of their catalytic roles across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, textiles, biofuels, and environmental remediation. Recent developments in protein engineering, including directed evolution, rational design, and computational modeling, have significantly enhanced enzyme performance, stability, and substrate specificity. Emerging tools such as machine learning and synthetic biology are accelerating the discovery and optimization of novel enzymes. Progress in enzyme immobilization techniques and reactor design has further improved process scalability, reusability, and operational robustness. Enzyme sourcing has expanded from traditional microbial and plant origins to extremophiles, metagenomic libraries, and recombinant systems. These advances support the integration of enzymes into green chemistry and circular economy frameworks. Despite challenges such as enzyme deactivation and cost barriers, innovative solutions continue to emerge. Enzymes are increasingly enabling cleaner, safer, and more efficient production pathways across industries, supporting the global shift toward sustainable and circular manufacturing. Full article

Vanillin is the compound of great interest to the industry. It is used to augment and enhance the aroma and taste of food preparations and also as a fragrance compound in perfumes and detergents. Currently, majority of the world’s supply consists of chemically synthesized or lignin-derived vanillin. The application of biocatalysis for sustainable manufacturing of food ingredients, pharmaceutical intermediates, and fine chemicals is the key concept of modern industrial biotechnology. The main goal of this research was to conduct optimization procedures aimed at intensifying the microbial hydrolysis process of the lignin-rich plant raw materials and further bioconversion of the released ferulic acid to vanillin. The tests were performed in the solid-state fermentation system with strains selected during the screening stage on agri-food by-products such as brewer’s spent grain. A specially designed single-use bag bioreactor was used to carry out the process on a preparative scale with the most effective strain. The experiment was designed using the RSM, which allowed for an increase in biosynthesis efficiency from 363 mg/kg to 1413 mg/kg (an increase of 389%). The progress of the process was controlled by the use of chromatographic techniques (HPLC) by quantitative determination of vanillin content in the obtained extracts. Full article

This paper reviews the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in biorefineries and bioprocessing, with applications in biocatalysis, enzyme optimization, real-time monitoring, and quality assurance. AI contributes to predictive modeling and allows the precise forecasting of process outcomes, resource management, and energy utilization. AI models, including supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning, support improvements in important bioprocess stages, such as fermentation, purification, and microbial biosynthesis. Digital twins and soft-sensing technologies enable real-time control and increase operational precision in complex bioprocess environments. Hybrid modeling integrates data-driven AI techniques with common scientific principles, improving scalability and adaptability under dynamic operational conditions. This review addresses challenges in AI implementation, such as data standardization, model transparency, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. The discussion concludes with future directions and sustainable AI strategies, highlighting the potential of AI to strengthen scalable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable biorefinery operations. These findings highlight how AI-driven methodologies improve operational efficiency, reduce resource waste, and facilitate sustainable innovation in bioprocesses, thereby strengthening sustainability within the bioeconomy. Full article

The sugarcane industry plays a crucial economic role worldwide, with sucrose and ethanol as its main products. However, its processing generates large volumes of by-products—such as bagasse, molasses, vinasse, and straw—that contain valuable components for biotechnological valorization. This review integrates approximately 100 original research articles published in JCR-indexed journals between 2015 and 2025, of which over 50% focus specifically on sugarcane-derived agroindustrial residues. The biotechnological approaches discussed include submerged fermentation, solid-state fermentation, enzymatic biocatalysis, and anaerobic digestion, highlighting their potential for the production of biofuels, enzymes, and high-value bioproducts. In addition to identifying current advances, this review addresses key technical challenges such as (i) the need for efficient pretreatment to release fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic biomass; (ii) the compositional variability of by-products like vinasse and molasses; (iii) the generation of metabolic inhibitors—such as furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural—during thermochemical processes; and (iv) the high costs related to inputs like hydrolytic enzymes. Special attention is given to detoxification strategies for inhibitory compounds and to the integration of multifunctional processes to improve overall system efficiency. The final section outlines emerging trends (2024–2025) such as the use of CRISPR-engineered microbial consortia, advanced pretreatments, and immobilization systems to enhance the productivity and sustainability of bioprocesses. In conclusion, the valorization of sugarcane by-products through biotechnology not only contributes to waste reduction but also supports circular economy principles and the development of sustainable production models. Full article

Surface display technology has revolutionized whole-cell biocatalysis by enabling efficient enzyme immobilization on microbial cell surfaces. Compared with traditional enzyme immobilization, this technology has the advantages of high enzyme activity, mild process, simple operation and low cost, which thus has been widely studied and applied in various fields. This review explores the principles, optimization strategies, applications in the food industry, and future prospects. We summarize the membrane and anchor protein structures of common host cells (Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and yeast) and discuss cutting-edge optimization approaches, including host strain genetic engineering, rational design of anchor proteins, innovative linker peptide engineering, and precise regulation of signal peptides and promoters, to maximize surface display efficiency. Additionally, we also explore its diverse applications in food processing and manufacturing, additive synthesis, food safety, and other food-related industries (such as animal feed and PET packaging degradation), demonstrating their potential to address key challenges in the food industry. This work bridges fundamental research and industrial applications, offering valuable insights for advancing agricultural and food chemistry. Full article

In recent years, lignin derived from lignocellulosic biomass has emerged as a critical component in modern biorefinery systems. The production yield and reactivity of lignin are critical factors for advancing the research and development of lignin-derived biochemicals. The recovery of high-purity lignin, along with carbohydrates, is accomplished through the application of various advanced pretreatment techniques. However, biological pretreatment using lignin-degrading enzymes to facilitate lignin depolymerization is an environmentally benign method for the sustainable production of valuable products that occurs under mild conditions with high substrate specificity. The current review presents the role of biocatalysis in lignin valorization, focusing on lignin-degrading enzymes that facilitate different bond cleavage in the lignocellulosic biomass. The review also highlights the recent advancements in enzyme engineering that have enabled the enhancement of enzyme stability and catalytic efficiency for improving lignin valorization processes. Furthermore, the integration of omics technologies that provide valuable insights into the microbial and enzymatic pathways involved in lignin degradation is presented. The challenges and future prospects in this emerging field of study for a biorefinery concept are also outlined for improving lignin depolymerization efficiency. Full article

Diosgenin (DSG) is a phytosterol saponin mainly found in Dioscorea zingiberensis C.H. Wright. It has shown promising results in treating various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Diosgenin is also an important medicinal chemical for synthesizing various steroid medicines. The production of diosgenin by acid hydrolysis generates a large amount of wastewater, leading to severe environmental pollution. However, producing diosgenin through microbial fermentation can effectively reduce environmental pollution. Numerous studies have demonstrated that various microorganisms can produce diosgenin via solid-state fermentation. Nevertheless, due to the complexity, high maintenance costs, uneven heat production, and other characteristics of solid-state fermentation, it is not commonly used in the industrial production of diosgenin. In contrast, liquid fermentation offers advantages such as simple operation, easy maintenance, and stable fermentation, making it more suitable for the industrial production of diosgenin. However, few studies have focused on producing diosgenin using liquid fermentation. In this study, endophytic Bacillus licheniformis SYt1 was used to produce diosgenin via liquid fermentation, with Dioscorea tuber powder as a substrate. Soxhlet extraction and silica gel column chromatography were employed to identify the diosgenin from the liquid fermentation products. Suitable fermentation conditions were screened and identified. The environmental variables that significantly affect the diosgenin yield were determined by the Plackett–Burman design (P-BD) with eight factors. The three factors (peptone, yeast extract powder and inorganic salt) with the greatest influence on the diosgenin yield were selected and further optimized using a response surface methodology (RSM). The final culture conditions were determined to be 35.79 g/L of peptone, 14.56 g/L of yeast extract powder, and 1.44 g/L of inorganic salt. The yield of diosgenin under these conditions was 132.57 mg/L, which was 1.8 times greater than the yield under pre-optimization conditions. This effective, clean, and promising liquid fermentation method possesses the potential to replace the traditional acid hydrolysis method for the industrial production of diosgenin. Full article