Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology最新文献

Biocatalysis provides access to synthetically challenging molecules and commercially and pharmaceutically relevant natural product analogs while adhering to principles of green chemistry. Cytochromes P450 (P450s) are amongst the most superlative and versatile oxidative enzymes found in nature and are desired regio- and stereoselective biocatalysts, particularly for structurally complex hydrocarbon skeletons. We used 10 genome-sequenced Streptomyces strains, selected based on their preponderance of P450s, to biotransform the bioactive diterpenoid abietic acid. We isolated and structurally characterized seven oxidized abietic acid derivatives from three different strains, including four products that are new bacterial biotransformants or enzymatic products. Oxidations (hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, and aromatization) were seen on both the B and C rings of abietic acid and five products had multiple modifications. Notable conversions observed in the study was that of abietic acid to 15-hydroxy-7-oxo-8,11,13-abietatrien-18-oic acid, 7, which involves multiple hydroxylation reactions and dehydrogenation. The findings from this study will lead to identifying P450s or other enzymes that may act as general biocatalysts to modify abietanes and other labdane-type diterpenoid skeletons.

In a world where concrete structures face constant degradation from environmental forces, a revolutionary solution has emerged: bio-self-healing concrete. This innovation involves embedding dormant bacteria within the concrete mix, poised to spring into action when cracks form. As moisture seeps into the cracks, these bacterial agents are activated, consuming nutrients and converting them into calcium carbonate, a natural substance that fills and repairs the fractures, restoring the material's integrity. This fascinating process represents a cutting-edge approach to maintaining concrete infrastructure, turning once-vulnerable materials into self-sustaining systems capable of healing themselves. The ongoing research into bio-self-healing concrete is focused on selecting bacterial strains that can withstand the extreme conditions within concrete, including its highly alkaline environment. The bacteria must also form resilient spores, remaining viable until they are needed for repair. Additionally, the study explores various challenges associated with this technology, such as the cost of production, the bacteria's long-term viability, and their potential environmental impact. Advancements in genetic engineering and smart technology are being explored to enhance these bacterial strains, making them more efficient and robust in their role as microscopic repair agents. This review delves into the potential of bio-self-healing concrete to revolutionize how we approach infrastructure maintenance, offering a glimpse into a future where concrete structures not only endure but actively repair themselves, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for costly repairs.

One-sentence summary: Bio-self-healing concrete utilizes bacteria that activate upon crack formation to repair structures by producing calcium carbonate, offering a sustainable solution to prolong the lifespan of concrete infrastructure.

Microbial isolates from sugar crop processing facilities were tested for sensitivity to several industrial antimicrobial agents to determine optimal dosing. Hydritreat 2216 showed broad-spectrum activity against all bacterial isolates as well as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sodium hypochlorite showed broad-spectrum activity against all isolates, but at much higher effective concentrations. Hops BetaStab XL was effective against Gram-positive isolates. Magna Cide D minimum inhibitory concentration was lowest for S. cerevisiae and Zymomonas mobilis but was less effective against Gram-positive bacterial strains. Based on laboratory experiments, factory losses of sucrose from a single microbial species in the absence of antimicrobials could range from 0.13 to 0.52 kg of sucrose per tonne of cane. Additional improvements in sugar yield are anticipated from agents with broad-spectrum activity. A cost analysis was conducted considering sucrose savings due to antimicrobial application to provide estimates for break-even costs, which ranged from approximately $0.50 to $2.00/L for a given antimicrobial agent.

One-sentence summary: Application of antimicrobial agents at minimal inhibitory doses for microbes results in optimal inhibition of microbial growth and sucrose consumption.

In this review, we focus on how purple non-sulfur bacteria can be leveraged for sustainable bioproduction to support the circular economy. We discuss the state of the field with respect to the use of purple bacteria for energy production, their role in wastewater treatment, as a fertilizer, and as a chassis for bioplastic production. We explore their ability to serve as single-cell protein and production platforms for fine chemicals from waste materials. We also introduce more Avant-Garde technologies that leverage the unique metabolisms of purple bacteria, including microbial electrosynthesis and co-culture. These technologies will be pivotal in our efforts to mitigate climate change and circularize the economy in the next two decades.

One-sentence summary: Purple non-sulfur bacteria are utilized for a range of biotechnological applications, including the production of bio-energy, single cell protein, fertilizer, bioplastics, fine chemicals, in wastewater treatment and in novel applications like co-cultures and microbial electrosynthesis.

Despite their prevalent use in drug discovery and protein biochemistry, non-canonical amino acids are still challenging to synthesize through purely chemical means. In recent years, biocatalysis has emerged as a transformative paradigm for small-molecule synthesis. One strategy to further empower biocatalysis is to use it in combination with modern chemical reactions and take advantage of the strengths of each method to enable access to challenging structural motifs that were previously unattainable using each method alone. In this Mini-Review, we highlight several recent case studies that feature the synergistic use of chemical and enzymatic transformations in one pot to synthesize novel non-canonical amino acids.

One-sentence summary: This Mini-Review highlights several recent case studies that feature the synergistic use of chemical and enzymatic transformations in one pot to synthesize novel non-canonical amino acids.