R. Barbato, Robert M. Jones, Michael A. Musty et al.

PLOS ONE • 2021

Electrogenic bacteria produce power in soil based terrestrial microbial fuel cells (tMFCs) by growing on electrodes and transferring electrons released from the breakdown of substrates. The direction and magnitude of voltage production is hypothesized to be dependent on the available substrates. A sensor technology was developed for compounds indicative of anthropological activity by exposing tMFCs to gasoline, petroleum, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, fertilizer, and urea. A machine learning classifier was trained to identify compounds based on the voltage patterns. After 5 to 10 days, the mean voltage stabilized (+/- 0.5 mV). After the entire incubation, voltage ranged from -59.1 mV to 631.8 mV, with the tMFCs containing urea and gasoline producing the highest (624 mV) and lowest (-9 mV) average voltage, respectively. The machine learning algorithm effectively discerned between gasoline, urea, and fertilizer with greater than 94% accuracy, demonstrating that this technology could be successfully operated as an environmental sensor for change detection.

Peng Wang, Shangkun Liu, Yong He et al.

• 2025

Soil microbial necromass carbon (MNC) is an important component of soil organic carbon (SOC) in croplands. Microbial communities contribute over 50% of the SOC in croplands through continuous turnover and the formation of necromass, which is characterized by its large scale and strong persistence. Agricultural production systems are widely influenced by human activities. There is still a lack of understanding regarding key issues such as the dynamics of MNC and SOC under management practices and their global distribution potential. In this study, we combined meta-analysis with machine learning methods, revealed the impact patterns of cropland management on soil MNC components and SOC. The results showed that the MNC storage reached the highest value of 5.93 Mg C ha⁻¹ under the practice of mineral fertilizer combined with manure. The fungal necromass carbon storage in cropland soils is much higher than that of bacterial necromass carbon, which dominates the changes in microbially-derived organic carbon storage. Assessment results of global potential distribution patterns of MNC and SOC storage under management practices based on machine learning indicate that conservation tillage has the highest global carbon storage potential, reaching up to 2.58 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ and 3.55 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. This study emphasizes the impact and importance of soil microorganisms in croplands as a driving force on SOC storage, accurately quantifies their response to management practices, and comprehensively evaluates the application potential of different management practices on a global scale, enhancing our understanding of the relationship patterns between MNC and SOC in agricultural systems.

Chenxi Ji

SNAME 26th Offshore Symposium • 2021

The prediction of marine fuel consumption and ship exhaust gas emissions are indispensable to evaluating ship sustainable performance under current shipping fuel standards. Big data with evolved machine learning techniques have been proved to be an effective way to contain uncertainties for ship activities. This work collects the latest global LNG carrier fleet with 435 data points and attempts to predict the marine fuel consumptions and ship-resulted global warming potential (GWP) gas emissions, including CO2, CH4, N2O, and black carbon aerosols. Gaussian process regression and ensemble machine learning approaches, to achieve this goal, are employed to infer the relationship between predictors (i.e., dimensional parameters, machinery parameters, and tonnage) and response variables (fuel consumptions and GWP exhaust gas emissions), providing exceptional insight into ship sustainable solutions. To improve the prediction accuracy, the hyperparameter optimization analysis via random search and Bayesian optimization is adopted to find the optimal machine learning model. The appealing results are in line with the validation data, illustrating high effectiveness and robustness of the proposed machine learning models. The procedure established in this study presents a novel approach for accelerating the research and development of sustainable shipping fuels under normal ship activities.

P. Bhatt, A. Verma, S. Gangola et al.

Microbial Cell Factories • 2021

The large-scale application of organic pollutants (OPs) has contaminated the air, soil, and water. Persistent OPs enter the food supply chain and create several hazardous effects on living systems. Thus, there is a need to manage the environmental levels of these toxicants. Microbial glycoconjugates pave the way for the enhanced degradation of these toxic pollutants from the environment. Microbial glycoconjugates increase the bioavailability of these OPs by reducing surface tension and creating a solvent interface. To date, very little emphasis has been given to the scope of glycoconjugates in the biodegradation of OPs. Glycoconjugates create a bridge between microbes and OPs, which helps to accelerate degradation through microbial metabolism. This review provides an in-depth overview of glycoconjugates, their role in biofilm formation, and their applications in the bioremediation of OP-contaminated environments.

A. Mobinikhaledi, Najmieh Ahadi, M. Haseli

Organic Preparations and Procedures International • 2022

Multi-component reactions (MCRs) are useful and powerful tools for the reduction of environmental pollution and the elimination of problematic intermediate steps in the synthesis of organic compounds. They have the advantages of short reaction times, little forma-tion of by-products, high yield, and atom economy. MCR reactions have attracted much attention for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, including benzopyrans. 1 – 4 The latter have long been known for their important biological properties, 5 including anti-HIV, 6 general anti-microbial, 7 and anti-fungal 8 properties. Several research investigations have been reported for the synthesis of benzopyrans in the presence of catalysts, and of these we may particularly note Fe 3 O 4 @ MCM-41 @ Zr-piperazine magnetite nanocatalyst, 9 sodium polyas-partate-functionalized silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs-SPAsp), 10 [ c -Fe 2 O 3 @ HAp-Si (CH 2 ) 3 BF 4 @ DMIM] MNPs, 11 ZIF @ ZnTiO 3 nanocomposite, 12 and SiO 2 / H 3 PW 12 O 40 . 13 The design and use of green catalysts for the synthesis of benzopyrans con-tinues to be a current topic of wide interest in synthetic organic chemistry. Spinel are 14 15 16 17 19

Kay Yeoman, Beatrix Fahnert, David Lea-Smith et al.

Microbial Biotechnology • 2020

This chapter examines the important role microbes play in the future of sustainable agriculture. It looks into microbes as biological control agents and the use of bacteria as genetic tools and microbial inoculants. The challenge of microbial biotechnology and agriculture involves combating climate change, plant pathogens, and sustainable living. The chapter then cites the limitation of biological control agents as a result of their ability to control a narrow range of pests, slow action, and short field life. It also presents microbes that are used as tools in genetic modification, referencing the Agrobacterium -mediated system for the genetic modification of plants.

Kay Yeoman, Beatrix Fahnert, David Lea-Smith et al.

Microbial Biotechnology • 2020

This chapter discusses microbial growth, and looks particularly at how microorganisms grow in liquid culture. The usefulness of microbes in biotechnology applications originates from their ability to convert low-cost substrates into higher-value products. The key to optimizing production is understanding how microbes interact with and grow in the substrates provided, and how microbial metabolism is linked to product formation. Moreover, yield and productivity are important parameters that can be determined from culture experiments. The chapter then looks at how to model bacterial growth in bioreactors before considering the differences between continuous cultures and fed-batch cultures. It then highlights the importance of productivity and maintenance in fermentation.

Amir Zamani, Brij Maini, Pedro Pereira Almao

Canadian Unconventional Resources Conference • 2011

Abstract This paper presents results of an experimental study that systematically examined the propagation of nanodispersed catalyst suspension in sand packs at Athabasca reservoir conditions. The concentration and size distribution of the particles at the injection and production end were measured. The pressure drops in different segments along length of the sand pack were monitored continuously. The retention behavior of particles at the end of each experiment was examined by measuring the catalyst concentration in the bed as a function of the distance from injection end of the sand pack and also by analysis of extracted samples using scanning electron microscopy. This research is a part of a large multidisciplinary effort aimed at developing a nanoparticles based process for in situ upgrading of heavy oil by catalytic hydrogenation during thermal recovery processes. An essential element of such in situ upgrading is the placement of nanodispersed catalyst particles deep into the formation where it can accelerate the high temperature upgrading reactions. Therefore, an understanding of the propagation behavior of nanoparticles in reservoir sand is essential for developing such technology. The results of this work would also be useful for modeling any other process involving transport of nanoparticles through porous media. The results show that it is possible to propagate the nanodispersed catalyst suspension through sand beds without causing permeability damage but a small fraction of the injected particles are retained in the sand. It was found that much higher retention occurs in the entrance region of the bed and such retention was higher in the Athabasca sand beds than in clean silica sand with the same flow and suspension properties. A modified deep bed filtration model was developed to history match the macroscopic propagation behavior of suspended particles in sand beds. To best of our knowledge, this is the first experimental study on transport of nanoparticles dispersed in viscous oil through sand beds. It provides valuable information on propagation and retention behavior of nanoparticles. Considering the rapidly rising use of nanoparticles in industry, such transport will be encountered in many industrial applications and environmental problems.

Piu Das, Bapan Bairy, Sanjukta Ghosh et al.

Advances in Natural Sciences: Nanoscience and Nanotechnology • 2023

Abstract The green synthetic approaches are the alternative methods for the preparation of various types of nanoparticles to keep sustainable evolution. A novel green synthesis of gold- reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites was conducted through simple heating method using Alstonia scholaris (A. scholaris) bark extract. There are several techniques that confirm the formation of the nanocomposites for synthesis of gold nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (RGO), such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The size distributions of the gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) grown on RGO surface was measured using two different methods: particle distribution study and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image. These two methods provided similar size distribution which is around 5–8 nm. Subsequently, the catalytic performance was evaluated by 4-nitro aniline (4-NA). The photocatalytic activities were investigated using different organic hazardous dyes, such as methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO) and the change of photocatalytic behaviour was shown by varying the catalyst amount and pH. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) analyses for complete removal of organic dye were carried out using the two nanocomposite samples. To perceive the effect on different bacterial strains, antibacterial and antiprotozoal studies have been carried out with this nanocomposite.

Lu Lu, Zhida Li, Xi Chen et al.

SSRN Electronic Journal • 2020

The photoelectrochemical (PEC) CO2 reduction to syngas is an attractive strategy for solar to fuel conversion, however, the high overpotential, inadequate selectivity, and high cost call for alternative solutions. Here we demonstrate a hybrid microbial photoelectrochemical (MPEC) system which contains a microbial anode capable of oxidizing free waste organics in wastewater and reducing the oxidation potential by 1.1 V, compared to abiotic water oxidation on PEC anode. Moreover, the MPEC employs a power management circuit (PMC) to enable several low-energy producing reactions operated in the same solution medium to conquer high-overpotential reactions. The nanowire silicon photocathode integrated with a selective single-atom Nickel catalyst (Si NW/Ni SA) achieved up to ~80% Faradaic efficiency for CO generation with a highly tunable CO:H2 generation ratio (0.1 to 6.8). When the bioanode couple with the Si NW/Ni SA, up to 1.1 mA cm−2 spontaneous photocurrent density can be accomplished for syngas generation.

Hocheol Gwac, Yongwoo Jang, J. Moon et al.

Advanced Materials Technologies • 2024

Wearable ion‐selective potentiometric sensors have received considerable interest in enabling taste sensing in robots and for monitoring abnormal conditions, such as poor water quality, spoiled food (freshness), and microbial contamination. Despite advances in wearable ion‐selective sensors, the production of a stretchable and miniaturized ion‐selective sensor to detect various ions remains a challenge for practical applications. Herein, a stretchable multi‐ply potentiometric sensor is reported based on ion‐selective coiled yarn (ISCY) with Carbon nanotube. Three types of ISCYs show high sensitivity and selectivity toward a specific target ion, such as K+, Na+, and H+. The sensitivity and selectivity are maintained even at 27% strain and under mechanical deformation, such as being bent by 180° or tied into a knot. Furthermore, an attempt is made to miniaturize the sensor into a single fiber by plying three types of ISCYs and a reference electrode together. This multi‐ion potentiometric sensor is successfully woven into fabrics, such as clothes or gloves, and exhibits a functional sensing performance in various water‐based solutions (sea, river, tap, and distilled waters) and fruit juices as practical applications. These results suggest that this potentiometric sensor has a high potential application as a taste sensor and a monitoring sensor in an electronic tongue.

V. Sanderford, B. Barna, R. Barrington et al.

Journal of Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology • 2020

Background The pathological consequences of interaction between environmental carbon pollutants and microbial antigens have not been fully explored. We developed a murine model of multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-elicited granulomatous disease which bears a striking resemblance to sarcoidosis, a human granulomatous disease. Because of reports describing lymphocyte reactivity to mycobacterial antigens in sarcoidosis patients, we hypothesized that addition of mycobacterial antigen (ESAT-6) to MWCNT might elicit activation in T cells. Methods Macrophage-specific peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) knock out (KO) mice were studied along with wild-type mice because our previous report indicated PPARγ deficiency in sarcoidosis alveolar macrophages. MWCNT+ESAT-6 were instilled into mice. Controls received vehicle (surfactant-PBS) or ESAT-6 and were evaluated 60 days post-instillation. As noted in our recent publication, lung tissues from PPARγ KO mice instilled with MWCNT+ESAT-6 yielded more intensive pathophysiology, with elevated fibrosis Results Inspection of mediastinal lymph nodes (MLN) revealed no granulomas but deposition of MWCNT. MLN cell counts were higher in PPARγ KO than in wild-type instilled with MWCNT+ESAT-6. Moreover, the CD4:CD8 T cell ratio, a major clinical metric for human disease, was increased in PPARγ KO mice. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells from PPARγ KO mice instilled with MWCNT+ESAT-6 displayed increased Th17 cell markers (RORγt, IL-17A, CCR6) which associate with elevated fibrosis. Conclusion These findings suggest that PPARγ deficiency in macrophages may promote ESAT-6-associated T cell activation in the lung, and that the MWCNT+ESAT-6 model may offer new insights into pathways of lymphocyte-mediated sarcoidosis histopathology.

Xuanzhe Du, Ping Li, Zhibin Guan et al.

ChemNanoMat • 2023

Abstract Harvesting energy from bubbles produced by seafloor microorganisms to power underwater devices is a promising method. However, the slow gas production rate under natural conditions hinders the practical application of this technology. Herein, we synthesized polyaniline/carboxyl multiwalled carbon nanotube/carbon felt (PANI/c‐MWCNT/CF) by dip‐coating and in‐situ chemical polymerization for accelerating gas production rate from underwater anaerobic digestion. The optimal WNCNTS addition dosage in modified CF was determined to be 0.5 g/L. Compared with the control group, the PANI/c‐MWCNT/CF improved the gas production yield and rate by 48% and 59%, respectively. Furthermore, after seven days of continuous experiments, the high gas production rate was maintained, demonstrating that the PANI/c‐MWCNT/CF is durable and stable. This study supplies enough gas for the underwater bubble energy harvester, removing environmental constraints on subsea in‐situ power generation and opening up a broad prospect for the power supply to underwater equipment.

M. Azizi, A. Shavandi, M. Hamidi et al.

Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics • 2023

Abstract Tissue engineering as an innovative approach aims to combine engineering, biomaterials and biomedicine to eliminate the drawbacks of conventional bone defect treatment. In the current study, we fabricated bioengineered electroactive and bioactive mineralized carbon nanofibers as the scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications. The scaffold was fabricated using the sol–gel method and thoroughly characterized by SEM imaging, EDX analysis and a 4-point probe. The results showed that the CNFs have a diameter of 200 ± 19 nm and electrical conductivity of 1.02 ± 0.12 S cm−1. The in vitro studies revealed that the synthesized CNFs were osteoactive and supported the mineral crystal deposition. The hemolysis study confirmed the hemocompatibility of the CNFs and cell viability/proliferation sassy using an MTT assay kit showed the proliferative activities of mineralized CNFs. In conclusion, this study revealed that the mineralized CNFs synthesized by the combination of sol–gel and electrospinning techniques were electroactive, osteoactive and biocompatible, which can be considered an effective bone tissue engineering scaffold. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Mingying Lin, Jiangwei Qin, Sha Lin et al.

Advanced Healthcare Materials • 2025

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a significant global public health challenge affecting millions of individuals every year. Cardiac tissue engineering (CTE), especially cardiac hydrogels, have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for MI. Formation of stiff and non-conductive fibrous scars in the infarcted area is a major cause of fatal ventricular arrhythmias and progressive heart failure. Therefore, restoration of cardiac electrical activity is an important research objective of CTE. Bioactive hydrogels are characterized by highly adjustable physicochemical properties, good biocompatibility, and excellent drug/material-loading capacity. Different types of bioactive hydrogels have been fabricated to improve heart function and restore electrophysiological integrity. This review describes pathophysiological changes after MI and summarizes the design principles and applications of various electroactive hydrogels that have been used to improve cardiac electronic activity after MI. The focus is on the importance of reactivating cardiac electronic activity and fabrication strategies for hydrogels based on the use of a variety of conductive biomaterials, including carbon-based nanomaterials, gold-based nanomaterials, and conductive polymers.

Zijie Meng, Bing Gu, Cong Yao et al.

International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing • 2024

The inherent complexities of excitable cardiac, nervous, and skeletal muscle tissues pose great challenges in constructing artificial counterparts that closely resemble their natural bioelectrical, structural, and mechanical properties. Recent advances have increasingly revealed the beneficial impact of bioelectrical microenvironments on cellular behaviors, tissue regeneration, and therapeutic efficacy for excitable tissues. This review aims to unveil the mechanisms by which electrical microenvironments enhance the regeneration and functionality of excitable cells and tissues, considering both endogenous electrical cues from electroactive biomaterials and exogenous electrical stimuli from external electronic systems. We explore the synergistic effects of these electrical microenvironments, combined with structural and mechanical guidance, on the regeneration of excitable tissues using tissue engineering scaffolds. Additionally, the emergence of micro/nanoscale bioelectronics has significantly broadened this field, facilitating intimate interactions between implantable bioelectronics and excitable tissues across cellular, tissue, and organ levels. These interactions enable precise data acquisition and localized modulation of cell and tissue functionalities through intricately designed electronic components according to physiological needs. The integration of tissue engineering and bioelectronics promises optimal outcomes, highlighting a growing trend in developing living tissue construct-bioelectronic hybrids for restoring and monitoring damaged excitable tissues. Furthermore, we envision critical challenges in engineering the next-generation hybrids, focusing on integrated fabrication strategies, the development of ionic conductive biomaterials, and their convergence with biosensors.

Hemant Sarin

Toxicity of Nanoparticles - Recent Advances and New Perspectives • 2024

Bioengineered nanoparticles, and the inorganic fume agglomerates and detritus mineral ores include soft and hard particulates that differ in size distribution, surface properties and metabolites, and in dissolution kinetics. The subtypes of detritus-class microparticulates include the polyhedrally-bonded and ionic mineral- containing, inaddition to the other transition metal -oxide or -silicon oxide forms. Exposure to particle cumuli and any effect modifiers will result in the particulate matter-related disease. The initial observations on exposure-related effects of incompletely combusted products, while the remainder of earlier evidence on the association stems from epidemiologic studies. Both native and combustion composition particulates are associated with pathology, chemically synthesized nanoparticles have been designed for capillary type interstitium-pore selective passive theranostic applicability and high-affinity targeted binding to cell surface proteins with the aim of exterior biocompatibility. In this chapter, the existing knowledge on methodologies for in vitro characterization of particulate matter, systemic biodistribution modeling of pharmacodynamic toxicokinetics and assessment of small molecule chemoxenobiotics efficacy, determination of environmental particulate matter exposure-related causation, standards for air sampling and exposure limits, surveillance monitoring and implementation of bioengineering controls, is covered.

M. Bhumika, Dr. Rupal Purena

Futuristic Trends in Biotechnology Volume 3 Book 24 • 2024

Genetically engineered animals are revolutionizing in various public sectors including disease diagnosis, gene therapy in various diseases, environmental sector, and animal based food products. Genetic engineering are crucial for developing new techniques for disease diagnosis and cure for various human diseases, and drug production, offering clinical and health benefits. They improve human health through genetic modifications and drug development, they also provide food security by production of healthier meat, milk and animal products. Livestock are more efficient at converting feed to animal protein, reducing waste production. Genetic engineering enhances animal welfare by providing disease resistance and overall health. Microorganisms play a crucial role in food product improvement, eliminating carcinogenic compounds, inhibiting pathogenic bacteria, producing healthier natural sweeteners, and synthesizing beneficial compounds like carotinoids.

Krishna P. Katuri, Sirisha Kamireddy, Paul Kavanagh et al.

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) • 2020

Abstract Surface chemistry is known to influence the formation, composition and electroactivity of electron-conducting biofilms with however limited information on the variation of microbial composition and electrochemical response during biofilm development to date. Here we present voltammetric, microscopic and microbial community analysis of biofilms formed under fixed applied potential for modified graphite electrodes during early (90 h) and mature (340 h) growth phases. Electrodes modified to introduce hydrophilic groups (−NH 2 , −COOH and −OH) enhance early-stage biofilm formation compared to unmodified or electrodes modified with hydrophobic groups (−C 2 H 5 ). In addition, early-stage films formed on hydrophilic electrodes were dominated by the gram-negative sulfur-reducing bacterium Desulfuromonas acetexigens while Geobacter sp. dominated on −C 2 H 5 and unmodified electrodes. As biofilms mature, current generation becomes similar, and D. acetexigens dominates in all biofilms irrespective of surface chemistry. Electrochemistry of pure culture D. acetexigens biofilms reveal that this microbe is capable of forming electroactive biofilms producing considerable current density of > 9 A/m 2 in a short period of potential induced growth (~19 h followed by inoculation) using acetate as an electron donor. The inability of D. acetexigens biofilms to use H 2 as a sole source electron donor for current generation shows promise for maximizing H 2 recovery in single-chambered microbial electrolysis cell systems treating wastewaters. Highlights Anode surface chemistry affects the early stage biofilm formation. Hydrophilic anode surfaces promote rapid start-up of current generation. Certain functionalized anode surfaces enriched the Desulfuromonas acetexigens . D. acetexigens is a novel electroactive bacteria. D. acetexigens biofilms can produce high current density in a short period of potential induced growth D. acetexigens has the ability to maximize the H 2 recovery in MEC. Abstract Figure TOC – Graphical abstract

Josh Eichman, Jack Brouwer, Scott Samuelsen

Journal of Fuel Cell Science and Technology • 2010

Barriers to fuel cell commercialization are often introduced as general challenges, such as cost and durability, without definition of the terms and usually without prioritizing the degree to which each of these barriers hinder the development of fuel cell technology. This work acts to objectively determine the importance of technology barriers to fuel cell commercialization and to develop a list of appropriate actions to overcome these barriers especially as they relate to the California market. Using previous fuel cell roadmaps and action plans along with feedback from the fuel cell community, benchmarks (i.e., the current technology status), and milestones (i.e., the desired technology status) for fuel cell technology are explored. Understanding the benchmarks and milestones enables the development of a list of fuel cell commercialization barriers. These barriers or gaps represent issues, which if addressed will enhance the market feasibility and acceptance of fuel cell technologies. The research process determined that the best technique to address these barriers, and bridge the gaps between fuel cell benchmarks and milestones, is to develop specific research projects to address individual commercialization barriers or collections of barriers. This technique allows for a high resolution of issues while presenting the material in a form that is conducive to planning for organizations such as industry, regulatory bodies, universities, and government entities that desire to pursue the most promising projects. The current analyses resulted in three distinct research and development areas that are considered most important based on the results. The first and most important research and development area is associated with technologies that address the connection and interaction of fuel cells with the electric grid. This R&D area is followed in importance by the production, use, and availability of opportunity fuels in fuel cell systems. The third most important category concerned the development and infrastructure required for transportation related fuel cell systems. In each of these areas the fuel cell community identified demonstration and deployment projects as the most important types of projects to pursue since they tend to address multiple barriers in many different types of markets for fuel cell technology. Other high priority types of projects are those that addresses environmental and grid-related barriers. The analyses found that cost/value to customer, system integration, and customer requirements were the most important barriers that affect the development and market acceptance of fuel cell technology.

Fankang Meng, William M. Shaw, Yui Kei Keith Kam et al.

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) • 2024

Abstract Coordination of behaviour in multicellular systems is one the main ways that nature increases the complexity of biological function in organisms and communities. While Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast is used extensively in research and biotechnology, it is a unicellular organism capable of only limited multicellular states. Here we expand the possibilities for engineering multicellular behaviours in yeast by developing modular toolkits for two key mechanisms seen in multicellularity, contact-dependent signalling and specific cell-to-cell adhesion. MARS ( M ating-peptide A nchored R esponse S ystem) is a toolkit based on surface-displayed fungal mating peptides and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signalling which can mimic juxtacrine signalling between yeasts. SATURN ( S accharomyces A dhesion T oolkit for multicell U lar patte RN ing) surface displays adhesion-proteins pairs on yeasts and facilitates the creation of cell aggregation patterns. Together they can be used to create multicellular logic circuits, equivalent to developmental programs that lead to cell differentiation based on the local population. Using MARS and SATURN, we further developed JUPITER ( JU xtacrine sensor for P rotein-protein In TER action), a genetic sensor for assaying protein-protein interactions in culture, demonstrating this as a tool to select for high affinity binders among a population of mutated nanobodies. Collectively, MARS, SATURN, and JUPITER present valuable tools that facilitate the engineering of complex multicellularity with yeast and expand the scope of its biotechnological applications.

Atsushi Kuwahara, K. Ikebukuro, R. Asano

Applied Physics Reviews • 2023

Antibody fragments without the Fc region are attracting attention in the pharmaceutical industry due to their high ability to penetrate solid tissues, cost-effective expression using microbial expression systems, and distinctive modes of action compared to those of full-size antibodies. Based on these characteristics, several antibody fragment agents have been approved. However, developing platform engineering methodologies to accelerate their development is important. In this review, we summarize and discuss protein engineering strategies for preparing therapeutic antibody fragments composed of antibody variable domains. Three (introduction of high-solubility tag systems, complementarity-determining region grafting, and domain arrangements) and two (introduction of purification tag systems and mutagenesis studies for protein L- or protein A-binding) protein engineering strategies have been reported for the cultivation and purification processes, respectively. Fusion tags might negatively impact molecular folding, function, immunogenicity, and final yield. If the production behavior of antibody fragments is not improved through complementarity-determining region grafting, domain arrangements, or human sequence-based mutagenesis, using additional fusion tag systems should be considered, with careful attention to the points described above. This summarized knowledge regarding protein engineering strategies for effectively producing antibody fragments will further accelerate therapeutic antibody fragment development.

Mohammadhadi Jazini, Christoph Herwig

Engineering in Life Sciences • 2014

One‐compartment processing (OCP) includes cultivation of a microorganism in a single bioreactor. It is conventionally used for the production of heterologous proteins in Pichia pastori s. However, two‐compartment processing (TCP) (cultivation in a single reactor coupled to a plug flow reactor) has been proposed as a novel approach for the production of recombinant HRP. All possible process modes must be evaluated when a process is being designed. In this work, a simple methodology was used to evaluate different production scenarios. The methodology includes sizing of the main equipment to produce a certain amount of product. The calculations showed that TCP needed 40% smaller reactor volume, 20% smaller chromatography column diameter, and 40% less buffer consumption than OCP for the annual production of 8 kg HRP. In turn, implementation of TCP into a process, which was designed based on OCP, could increase the annual production up to 9 kg. In addition, it could improve the protein quality by factor of two. The methodology, presented in this work, provides a straightforward procedure to evaluate different production scenarios in terms of investment and revenue. It confirmed TCP as an attractive production mode for HRP.

Yacheng Xu, Yixuan Gao, Dong Liu

Fermentation • 2025

Facing global climate change, resource shortages, and the urgent need for carbon neutrality goals, microbial protein production has demonstrated significant potential in the fields of food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications [...]

Engineering: Open Access • 2023

Concepts and Applications of Metabolic Engineering for Metabolites Production Engineering: Open Access New avenues for a deeper knowledge of the organism's physiology and metabolism have been made possible with the advancement in molecular biology tools and access to the whole genome sequencing data that open the doors for metabolic engineers and sped up the metabolic engineering application. It is pertinent to say that without molecular biology which has numerous applications in modern biotechnology, metabolic engineering couldn’t be in its present bloomy position. Metabolic engineering permits the introduction of novel, beneficial features such as drought and salt tolerance in plant biotechnology, assisting the discovery of disease-causing genes and their therapy in medical biotechnology. Nikel & de Lorenzo, (2021) accentuated the use of metabolic engineering for the degradation of recalcitrant compounds in environmental biotechnology. Metabolic engineering can fabricate the coveted metabolite using renewable resources by altering the endogenous pathways or employing the heterologous biosynthetic pathways in microbes. Thus, microbes perform as a cell factory for producing different metabolites using several native and non-native enzymes. Due to this, metabolic engineers and synthetic biologists can produce a plethora of metabolites in cell factories in a jiff.

Antoine Danchin

Microbial Biotechnology • 2024

Abstract The emergence of new techniques in both microbial biotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI) is opening up a completely new field for monitoring and sometimes even controlling the evolution of pathogens. However, the now famous generative AI extracts and reorganizes prior knowledge from large datasets, making it poorly suited to making predictions in an unreliable future. In contrast, an unfamiliar perspective can help us identify key issues related to the emergence of new technologies, such as those arising from synthetic biology, whilst revisiting old views of AI or including generative AI as a generator of abduction as a resource. This could enable us to identify dangerous situations that are bound to emerge in the not‐too‐distant future, and prepare ourselves to anticipate when and where they will occur. Here, we emphasize the fact that amongst the many causes of pathogen outbreaks, often driven by the explosion of the human population, laboratory accidents are a major cause of epidemics. This review, limited to animal pathogens, concludes with a discussion of potential epidemic origins based on unusual organisms or associations of organisms that have rarely been highlighted or studied.

Xinying Ren, Richard M. Murray

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) • 2018

Abstract Engineering microbial consortia is an important new frontier for synthetic biology given its efficiency in performing complex tasks and endurance to environmental uncertainty. Most synthetic circuits regulate populational behaviors via cell-to-cell communications, which are affected by spatially heterogenous environments. Therefore, it is important to understand the limits on controlling system dynamics that are determined by interconnections among cell agents and provide a control strategy for engineering consortia. Here, we build a network model for a fractional population control circuit in two-strain consortia, and characterize the cell-to-cell communication network by topological properties, such as symmetry, locality and connectivity. Using linear network control theory, we relate the network topology to system output’s tracking performance. We analytically and numerically demonstrate that the minimum network control energy for accurate tracking depends on locality difference between two cell population’s spatial distributions and how strongly the controller node contributes to communication strength. To realize a robust consortia, we can manipulate the communication network topology and construct strongly connected consortia by altering chemicals in environments. Our results ground the expected cell population dynamics in its spatially organized communication network, and inspire directions in cooperative control in microbial consortia.

Kay Yeoman, Beatrix Fahnert, David Lea-Smith et al.

Microbial Biotechnology • 2020

This chapter focuses on the application of synthetic biology to biotechnology. Despite being a poorly defined field, synthetic biology is a technology with the potential to transform microbial biotechnology as it allows for the development of organisms that can produce a wide variety of useful compounds. The chapter focuses on bacteria, fungi and microalgae alongside the issues with technology in the field of synthetic biology. It also looks at how flux balance analysis can be used to model the effect of modifying the organism, environment, or nutrient inputs. Moreover, gene synthesis can be used to construct novel sequences of DNA.

Xinyu Liu, Yali Fan, Xinyu Zhang et al.

Biotechnology and Bioengineering • 2024

Engineered bacteria‐based cancer therapy has increasingly been considered to be a promising therapeutic strategy due to the development of synthetic biology. Wherein, engineering bacteria‐mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT)‐immunotherapy shows greater advantages and potential in treatment efficiency than monotherapy. However, the unsustainable regeneration of photosensitizers (PSs) and weak immune responses limit the therapeutic efficiency. Herein, we developed an engineered bacteria‐based delivery system for sequential delivery of PSs and checkpoint inhibitors in cancer PDT‐immunotherapy. The biosynthetic pathway of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) was introduced into Escherichia coli, yielding a supernatant concentration of 172.19 mg/L after 10 h of growth. And another strain was endowed with the light‐controllable releasement of anti‐programmed cell death‐ligand 1 nanobodies (anti‐PD‐L1). This system exhibited a collaborative effect, where PDT initiated tumor cell death and the released tumor cell fragments stimulated immunity, followed by the elimination of residual tumor cells. The tumor inhibition rate reached 74.97%, and the portion of activated T cells and inflammatory cytokines were reinforced. The results demonstrated that the engineered bacteria‐based collaborative system could sequentially deliver therapeutic substance and checkpoint inhibitors, and achieve good therapeutic therapy. This paper will provide a new perspective for the cancer PDT‐immunotherapy.

Jamie Haystead

Access Microbiology • 2019

Poor soil conditions limit the building of new infrastructure, which is needed for an ageing and expanding population. Current soil strengthening techniques such as chemical grouting have detrimental effects on the environment from greenhouse gas production, soil pH modification and groundwater contamination, therefore there is demand for a sustainable approach to this process. Microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICCP) is a technique that utilises the ability of bacteria to precipitate calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ), which can be used for a variety of applications including binding adjacent soil particles and filling the pore spaces of soils to increase mechanical properties. Commonly used bacteria include Sporosarcina pasteurii and Bacillus subtilis . A range of factors influences MICCP which presents challenges with process optimisation. These factors need to be optimised in the laboratory before they can be applied for engineering purposes. The overall aims of my research are to optimise urease production in S. pasteurii and B. subtilis and to investigate the distribution and binding of these bacteria with various sand particles, by means of syringe and glass column set ups. These bacteria will be compared with engineered bacteria which can overproduce urease to investigate the impact on precipitation efficiency. Factors to control bacteria biofilm formation to influence the morphology of CaCO 3 will be investigated to determine the impact of various crystal shapes on soil properties. Ultimately, raw data generated from the project will be used for predicting biocementing at a lab scale for building computational models.

Rodica Elena Ionescu

Electroanalysis • 2023

Abstract A rapid and cost‐effective method to specifically identify and quantify pathogenic Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) bacteria in aqueous samples and food products is highly recommended to avoid the degradation of human health that can unfortunately lead to fatal cases. To overcome these borderline situations, portable and easy‐to‐use screening devices are needed for the non‐expert public and confirmed by medical personnel/physicians who can quickly guide/prescribe antibiotic treatments. In such a context, nanotechnologies are very promising and useful tools due to the remarkable optical, chemical and physical properties of biocompatible nanomaterials deposited or synthesized on traditional solid electrodes that greatly improve the detection limit and the selectivity of nanostructured‐based biosensors. With this in mind, this review summarizes the latest advances in the bioelectrochemical detection of E. coli and its related products using different biosensor configurations in saline buffers and spiked real samples, namely food products (milk, fruits, vegetables), body fluids (blood, urine, swine feces) and river water.

Nirmala Akoijam, S. R. Joshi

Genome Editing in Bacteria (Part 2) • 2024

Genetic engineering involves the manipulation of DNA to either improve, enhance or repair a function by using recombinant DNA technology, which has contributed greatly to the fields of medicine and agriculture. In recent times, the CRISPR-Cas system of gene editing has come to the forefront of genome engineering, transforming disease treatment strategies and the production of modified crops. Industrial activities cause environmental pollution by releasing heavy metal-containing xenobiotic compounds into the environment and affect animal health by causing organ dysfunction and even cancer. Although plants utilize heavy metals from soil in small quantities for their growth, excessive exposure leads to disruption of plant cell machinery and reduces productivity. Similarly, heavy metals degrade soil health by interfering with microbial processes that contribute to soil fertility. Apart from existing methods available for the remediation of contaminated sites, bioremediation is emerging as a potent technique due to its high efficacy, cost-effectiveness and ecofriendly nature. Microbes possess a number of physiological and biochemical properties that have been exploited for the removal and detoxification of metal pollutants. This chapter elaborates on the approaches of gene editing and the development of genetically engineered bacteria to modify the expression of specific genes coding for enzymes that take part in the degradative or detoxification pathway of metals and xenobiotic compounds. It is crucial to address the scope as well as limitations involved in the use of genetically engineered microbes to ensure a safe and cost-effective method for the bioremediation of heavy metal contaminants.

Sangeeta Patil

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT • 2025

Abstract: Biotechnology has become a transformative force in the textile industry, fostering sustainability, innovation, and enhanced functionality throughout the value chain. This review examines the critical role of biotechnology in revolutionizing fiber production, textile processing, dyeing, wastewater treatment, and advanced applications by leveraging biological systems, organisms, and their derivatives. Key advancements include the development of genetically modified fibers like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton and bioengineered colored cotton, enzymatic processes that replace harmful chemicals, and microbial pigments that offer sustainable alternatives to synthetic dyes. The discussion extends to textile waste valorization, transforming waste into valuable products such as bioethanol and bioplastics, and innovations in wastewater treatment through microbial fuel cells and membrane bioreactors. Additionally, integrating smart and wearable textiles featuring biosensors and adaptive biopolymers highlights the potential of biotechnology to redefine both the functionality and sustainability of textile products. Biotechnology emerges as a cornerstone for the textile industry's sustainable future by tackling environmental challenges and supporting a circular economy. Keywords: Bio-polymer, Effluent treatment, Enzyme immobilization, Sustainable processing, Wastewater treatment

J. Lee, Daniel J. Kao, Corey S. Worledge et al.

Gut Microbes • 2025

ABSTRACT The gut microbiota transforms energy stored as undigestible carbohydrates into a remarkable number of metabolites that fuel intestinal bacterial communities and the host tissue. Colonic epithelial cells at the microbiota–host interface depend upon such microbiota-derived metabolites (MDMs) to satisfy their energy requisite. Microbial dysbiosis eliciting MDM loss contributes to barrier dysfunction and mucosal disease. Recent work has identified a role for microbiota-sourced purines (MSPs), notably hypoxanthine, as an MDM salvaged by the colonic epithelium for nucleotide biogenesis and energy balance. Here, we investigated the role of MSPs in mice during disease-modeled colonic energetic stress using a strain of E. coli genetically modified for enhanced purine nucleobase release (E. coli Mutant). E. coli Mutant colonization protected against DSS-induced tissue damage and permeability while promoting proliferation for wound healing. Metabolite and metagenomic analyses suggested a colonic butyrate-purine nucleobase metabolic axis, wherein the E. coli Mutant provided purine substrate for Clostridia butyrate production and host purine salvage, altogether supplying the host substrate for efficient nucleotide biogenesis and energy balance.

M. Castañeda-Chávez, Angel de Jesús Isidoro-Pio, F. Lango-Reynoso et al.

International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering • 2022

Abstract Notwithstanding the benefits that oil provides as a source of energy, society also recognizes the environmental problems caused by its use. We evaluated eight coastal sites in the central area of the Gulf of Mexico. At these sites, 14 hydrocarbons were detected which belong to compounds formed by carbons ranging from C9 to C27. The hydrocarbons with the highest concentrations were n-nonane (3.07 ± 1.60 mg L−1), carbazole (0.93 ± 0.12 mg L−1) and benzo [a] pyrene (1.33 ± 0.71 mg L−1). The hydrocarbons found belong mostly to medium fraction hydrocarbons, which are mostly found in fuels such as diesel. Therefore, this fuel was used as a carbon source or substrate in bubble column bioreactors. The capacity of non-genetically modified organisms to degrade microbial hydrocarbons was evaluated using a mineral medium for a period of 14 days. Suspended solids increased from 0.8 to 2.94 g L−1. Diesel consumption was achieved in 12 days of operation.

Seungwoo Baek, Hyeryeong Lee, Yoo Seok Lee et al.

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces • 2024

A biofuel cell is an electrochemical device using exoelectrogen or biocatalysts to transfer electrons from redox reactions to the electrodes. While wild-type microbes and natural enzymes are often employed as exoelectrogen and biocatalysts, genetically engineered or modified organisms have been developed to enhance exoelectrogen activity. Here, we demonstrated a redox-enzyme integrated microbial fuel cell (REI-MFC) design based on an exoelectrogen-enhancing strategy that reinforces the electrogenic activity of Shewanella oneidensis MR1 by displaying an extra redox enzyme on the cell surface. We constructed the cell-surface display system for Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 by porting the autotransporter of Escherichia coli into the MR-1 strain. The functionality of the display system was validated by examining the various enzymes displayed on the cell surface of S. oneidensis MR-1. The implementation of the REI-MFC design was accomplished by an engineered MR-1 strain displaying a redox enzyme originating from swine NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase 3 (B5R3). At the polarization test of enhanced exoelectrogen in an operating MFC environment, the current generation (ΔIa, peak: 10.4 ± 1.9 μA) of the MR-1 displaying B5R3 was 4.7-fold higher than that of wild-type MR-1 (2.2 ± 0.3 μA). The maximum charge transfer resistance (Rct) under the optimized electrochemical test conditions was 70% lower than the wild-type MR-1. The cell surface display system for S. oneidensis MR-1 exploited in this study facilitated the exoelectrogen activity in the REI-MFC design.

Christopher Charlier, Egizio Valceschini

The Regulation of Genetically Modified Organisms: Comparative Approaches • 2010

Abstract Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is an attempt to estimate a monetary value for environmental or public health degradation. In a regulatory context, it should be seen as a complementary tool to risk assessment for the purposes of public decision-making. CBA should, therefore, be particularly relevant in the governance of modern biotechnology. GMOs, however, provide a ‘textbook case’ of the complexity which results from any attempt to conduct CBA in relation to innovation, this being a function of their novelty, the ethical concerns which they raise, their economic importance, the danger of potentially irreversible effects on biodiversity, the absence of scientific unanimity in risk assessment, and consumer fear. This chapter underlines the importance of CBA in the regulation of GMOs and highlights the specific difficulties with which such analysis is confronted. It argues that these difficulties should not be considered as a reason to dispense with economic evaluation.

Gidi M

Open Access Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology • 2023

A living organism is considered a genetically modified organism (GMO) when a new foreign DNA segment or transgene is inserted into it to create a new trait. The field of biotechnology is currently developing at a rapid pace, with more traits and applications emerging every day. Due to concerns about the environment and living organisms, societies have not yet accepted this technology. Countries adhere to a strict biosafety protocol to reduce their fear of this issue and detect DNA and GMO protein molecules using a variety of mechanisms to ensure biotechnology products are free of foreign material or contain it at a level below the threshold, if it is present. Based on the quantity and quality of DNA and protein in these samples, these detections are made. Quantitative detection is crucial for determining the GMO threshold for each sample. The DNA-based detection of GMOs using various PCRs, either qualitatively or quantitatively is one of these detection techniques. The second most popular technique for determining how much a protein is expressed in a side organism is protein-based detection. DNA microarray, biosensors, chromatography, and DNA sequencing can all be used to find GMOs. The availability of accurate and sensitive GMO detection techniques allows us to control the presence of GMOs in crops, foods, and ingredient sources.

Maria Lee

The Regulation of Genetically Modified Organisms: Comparative Approaches • 2010

Abstract Authority for the regulation of GMOs in the European Union is far from straightforward. Profound and long-lasting disagreement over the proper role for agricultural biotechnology led to legislation that attempts to share authority and avoid hierarchy. However, the disagreement is such that compromise and accommodation is not proving possible through the mechanisms of consultation, transparency, and deliberation provided in the legislation. In these circumstances, there is a reversion to hierarchy, and the Commission ultimately takes responsibility for moving GMOs through the regulatory process. Yet, such turn to hierarchy is not straightforward either: decisions are slow and contested, and disagreement rumbles on. These difficult circumstances force us to face squarely the proper place for authoritative decision making on GMOs. The current approach, including the Commission's misguided efforts to centralize authority, simply postpones that process.

Karen Morrow

The Regulation of Genetically Modified Organisms: Comparative Approaches • 2010

Abstract This chapter considers the concept of risk as it applies to the regulation of GMOs. In so doing, it examines the oftentimes problematic, yet still dominant, hybrid scientific and political character of risk regulation in the arena of agricultural biotechnology and its legal ramifications. The dominance of technocracy and difficulties of constructing viable inter-disciplinary dialogue are also discussed. Further, the chapter considers the problems experienced in attempting to invoke greater public participation as a regulatory response to engaging with and determining acceptable levels of risk, something that is increasingly viewed as a contested concept. A central point of discussion is the role of law in dealing with the disputes that inevitably arise in so controversial a field.