Anaerobic Production of Isoprene by Engineered Methanosarcina Species Archaea

Design and analysis of fuel ethanol production from raw glycerol

Dentro de las enzimas antimicrobianas reportadas, las lisozimas y las enzimas tipo lisozimas procedentes de diversas fuentes naturales han mostrado actividad antibacteriana y antifúngica, haciéndolas atractivas como nuevas alternativas para controlar los microorganismos patógenos. Aunque las enzimas antimicrobianas se han propuesto ampliamente en la industria alimentaria y en la protección de cultivos, su uso implica algunas desventajas, como la inactivación por inhibidores o productos químicos o condiciones de procesamiento, los altos costos de producción y purificación, y problemas de solubilidad e inestabilidad. La tecnología de inmovilización enzimática es una herramienta prometedora capaz de reducir estos inconvenientes, particularmente cuando está destinada a trabajar en medios sólidos. Esta revisión muestra el estado del arte sobre la actividad de la lisozima contra bacterias y hongos, centrándose en los mecanismos de acción involucrados. Además, también se discuten los aspectos y características más mportantes de las lisozimas y su posible aplicación tecnológica, incluida la aplicación de matrices poliméricas a base de quitosano para la inmovilización de las enzimas antimicrobianas.

Chapter 6 - Biotechnological production of biofuels

7 - Biochemical catalytic production of biodiesel

Biodiesel is usually produced by transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats with chemical catalysts, especially in the presence of strong acidic or basic solutions, such as hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, sodium hydroxide, sodium methoxide and potassium hydroxide. Homogeneous alkali catalysts can convert triglycerides to their corresponding fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) with high yield, less time and low cost. However, separating the catalyst from the product mixture for recycling is technically difficult. After reaction, the catalyst should be neutralized or removed with a large amount of hot water, which will produce a large amount of industrial wastewater. Typical plant oils, such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil and palm oil, are the main edible oils. They are not suitable as raw materials, particularly in developing countries due to limited supply and high cost. Therefore, low-cost lipids, such as non-edible oils (e.g., Jatropha oil), animal fats and waste oils, are used as ideal feedstocks. Such oils usually contain some water and free fatty acids (FFAs) that will form soap when homogeneous base catalysts are used. On the other hand, homogenous acid catalysts are corrosive to equipment. Solid heterogeneous catalysts are used to overcome these problems, because they are noncorrosive, non-toxic, and easily-separated for recycling. Reusability of heterogeneous catalysts makes continuous fixed-bed operation possible. Such continuous process can minimize product separation and purification costs, make it economically viable to compete with commercial petroleum-based diesel fuel. This chapter describes solid heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production and their typical catalytic mechanism.

Despite the wide variety of potential applications of lipases within industrial processes, the high cost of production and purification is still their main limiting factor. The aim of this work is to optimize the production of Geotrichum candidum lipase (GCL) using submerged fermentation with a combination of statistical experimental design and surface methodology analysis, in order to give a higher production within a shorter time at the lowest possible cost and easy purification. Cottonseed oil, a low-cost by-product of cotton processing, was used as both an inducer and a carbon source. A maximum lipase activity of 27.17 IUmL-1 was achieved after 30h fermentation in a 5L stirred tank bioreactor under optimal conditions: 2.3% (m/v) of casein peptone, 0.8% (v/v) of cottonseed oil and 0.05% (m/v) of MgSO4 and NaNO3. The lipase purification in a single step by immobilization on PHB particles was verified. The combination of these two steps allowed a significant decrease in this lipase cost of production. Moreover, the produced lipase showed high specificity to hydrolyze long-chain fatty acids with cis-9 double bonds, such as oleic and linoleic acids, having an excellent potential for modifying oils in order to produce different bio-products in industrial applications.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), naturally-occurring biological polyesters that are microbially synthesized from a myriad of carbon sources, can be utilized as biodegradable substitutes for petroleum-derived thermoplastics. However, current PHA commercialization schemes are limited by high feedstock costs, the requirement for aseptic reactors, and high separation and purification costs. Bacteria indigenous to municipal waste streams can accumulate large quantities of PHA under environmentally controlled conditions; hence, a potentially more environmentally-effective method of production would utilize these consortia to produce PHAs from inexpensive waste carbon sources. In this study, PHA production was accomplished in sequencing batch bioreactors utilizing mixed microbial consortia from municipal activated sludge as inoculum, in cultures grown on real wastewaters. PHA production averaged 85%, 53%, and 10% of the cell dry weight from methanol-enriched pulp-and-paper mill foul condensate, fermented municipal primary solids, and biodiesel wastewater, respectively. The PHA-producing microbial consortia were examined to explore the microbial community changes that occurred during reactor operations, employing denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of 16S-rDNA from PCR-amplified DNA extracts. Distinctly different communities were observed both between and within wastewaters following enrichment. More importantly, stable functions were maintained despite the differing and contrasting microbial populations.

BackgroundBacterial siderophores are chelating compounds with the potential of application in agriculture, due to their plant growth-promoting (PGP) properties, however, high production and purification costs are limiting factors for their wider application. Cost-efficiency of the production could be increased by omitting purification processes, especially since siderophores accompanying metabolites (SAM) often also possess PGP traits. In this study, the metabolism versatility of Pseudomonas sp. ANT_H12B was used for the optimization of siderophores production and the potential of these metabolites and SAM was characterized in the context of PGP properties.ResultsThe metabolic diversity of ANT_H12B was examined through genomic analysis and phenotype microarrays. The strain was found to be able to use numerous C, N, P, and S sources, which allowed for the design of novel media suitable for efficient production of siderophores in the form of pyoverdine (223.50–512.60 μM). Moreover, depending on the culture medium, the pH of the siderophores and SAM solutions varied from acidic (pH < 5) to alkaline (pH > 8). In a germination test, siderophores and SAM were shown to have a positive effect on plants, with a significant increase in germination percentage observed in beetroot, pea, and tobacco. The PGP potential of SAM was further elucidated through GC/MS analysis, which revealed other compounds with PGP potential, such as indolic acetic acids, organic acids, fatty acids, sugars and alcohols. These compounds not only improved seed germination but could also potentially be beneficial for plant fitness and soil quality.ConclusionsPseudomonas sp. ANT_H12B was presented as an efficient producer of siderophores and SAM which exhibit PGP potential. It was also shown that omitting downstream processes could not only limit the costs of siderophores production but also improve their agricultural potential.

Material challenges in green hydrogen ecosystem

This paper reviews the critical role of renewable energy in addressing climate change, examining how alternative energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As global carbon emissions reach unprecedented levels, renewable energy technologies have emerged as viable solutions to mitigate environmental impacts while fostering sustainable development. By replacing fossil fuels, renewable energy sources not only reduce carbon emissions but also minimize air pollution, decrease dependency on non-renewable resources, and promote energy security. This study highlights recent advancements in renewable technologies, including cost reductions, improved efficiency, and enhanced scalability, which have accelerated their adoption globally. It also addresses the challenges associated with renewable energy deployment, such as intermittent supply, storage limitations, and high initial costs. Policy interventions, government incentives, and global cooperation are discussed as crucial elements in overcoming these barriers. Furthermore, the paper explores the socio-economic benefits of renewable energy, including job creation and economic diversification, particularly in developing regions vulnerable to climate change impacts. This comprehensive analysis underscores the potential of renewable energy as a transformative force in global climate action and calls for sustained investment, research, and policy alignment to achieve climate goals. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for continued innovation and collaborative efforts to expand the renewable energy landscape, supporting a transition toward a low-carbon future and resilient ecosystems.

Mechanization in forestry implantation demands high energy, time, and high operational and production costs. Thus, studies related to the influence of variables on the efficiency of these activities are essential to reduce costs and optimize operations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the operational and cost performance of mechanized forest implantation operations in Eucalyptus sp. Data were collected from eucalyptus plantations located in the northern region of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The analysis of operational performance determined the distribution of operating times, mechanical availability, degree of utilization, operational efficiency, and productivity of the machines. The cost analysis estimated the operating costs in forestry implantation activities. The forest planting operations were: waste removal, subsoiling, digging with fertilization, planting, chemical weeding, and covering fertilization. According to the results, planting (39.20%) and waste removal (15.99%) represented the longest operating cycle times, the shortest production times (51.48% and 53.64%), and finally the longest maintenance times (32.95% and 29%). Chemical weeding and subsoiling showed the lowest maintenance times (4.64% and 3.47%). The cover fertilization was the operation that presented the highest productivity (2.99 ha he-1), and the removal of residues had the lowest (0.97 ha he-1). The highest costs per effective hour (R$13.57 he-1) and lowest production costs (R$81.59 ha-1) occurred at planting. Subsoiling had the highest production cost (R$112.80 ha-1). The lowest operating cost was obtained in the fertilizing operation. Operating costs had the greatest weight in labor, fuel, and maintenance and repairs.

Vaccination is the most suitable and persuasive healthcare program for the prohibition of various deadly diseases. However, the higher production cost and purification strategies are out of reach for the developing nations. In this scenario, development of edible vaccine turns out to be the most promising alternative for remodeling the pharmaceutical industry with reduced production and purification costs. Generally, oral route of vaccination is mostly preferred due to its safety, compliance, low manufacturing cost and most importantly the ability to induce immunity in both systemic and mucosal sites. Genetically modified microorganisms and plants could efficiently be used as vehicles for edible vaccines. Edible vaccines are supposed to reduce the risk associated with traditional vaccines. Currently, oral vaccines are available in the market for several viral and bacterial diseases like cholera, hepatitis B, malaria, rabies etc. Herein, the review focuses on the breakthrough events in the area of edible vaccines associated with dietary microbes and plants for better control over diseases.

Abstract. Rahayu HSP, Muchtar, Saidah. 2019. The feasibility and farmer perception of true shallot seed technology in Sigi District, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Asian J Agric 3: 16-21. Shallot is one of horticultural commodities that plays a significant role in both national and regional economy. A fluctuating supply of shallot influences the inflation level. Shallot production is currently still facing many problems, including high production cost. The high shallot production cost mostly goes to expenses for labor and seed while Indonesian shallot is mainly produced from the bulbs seed. This high-cost production causes a lower shallot competitiveness. Therefore, introduction of True Shallot Seed (TSS) technology, which lowers the cost for shallot seed, could be an ideal option to improve the shallot competitiveness in Indonesia. However, the shallot farming feasibility and the farmer’s perception of this technology are two critical aspects that need to be considered in the adoption of this new technology. This research aimed to study the potency of true shallot seed development in Central Sulawesi based on the TSS’s farming feasibility and farmer perception on TSS. The research was conducted in Sigi District, Central Sulawesi. The results showed that the farming of shallot using TSS was feasible, and within 14.9 t.ha-1 productivity, the Revenue-Cost Ratio was 3.15 while the Benefit-Cost Ratio was 2.15. The perception was examined based on three aspects namely technical, economic, and social aspects. The results showed that farmers were interested in planting true seed of shallot based on its high productivity, lower production cost, and market acceptance of the product; while in the social aspect, the extension and farmer group’s support still need to be improved for development of TSS.

RETRACTED: Hydrogen role in energy transition: A comparative review

The economic burden of injury: Health care and productivity costs of injuries in the Netherlands