Biochemical Production Research Articles

Carrageenan Raw Material Supply Projection in The Seaweed Production Center Area in Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi Province

Background: The seaweed industry has experienced rapid growth, especially in the production of food, feed, biofuels, and biochemicals. Indonesia has become the largest exporter of fresh, frozen, and dried seaweed; However, carrageenan derivative products are still limited. The demand for seaweed continues to increase, but the supply of seaweed raw materials for carrageenan-derived products has not met international standards, so it has failed to meet the demand in full. Seaweed production is exported as raw materials, and its added value has not been enjoyed by farmers, producers, local governments, and other stakeholders. The demand for carrageenan, especially as a raw material for the food industry, is increasing, which emphasizes the importance of seaweed supply.Purpose: This research aims to manage the supply of seaweed as raw material for carrageenan derivative products in the seaweed production center area in Laikang Village, Takalar Regency.Design/methodology/approach: This study uses qualitative analysis of interactive models Miles, Huberman, and Saldana. Techniques used include semi-structured interviews, where the implementation is more flexible to identify problems openly. Respondents were asked to provide more detailed information and ideas, which were then observedFindings/Results: The results of the study show that the management of seaweed supply in Laikang Village is sufficient in terms of quantity but still lacks in terms of quality according to the demand of the agroindustry.Conclusion: In order to improve seaweed quality through more inexpensive seeds, improved distribution, and eco-friendly practice training, government help is essential. Strategic planning in market research and supply management is emphasized in this study, which projects the seaweed supply for carrageenan derivatives in Laikang. While downstream processing regulations can optimize economic potential by minimizing the export of raw materials, effective supplyOriginality/value (State of the art): This study makes an original contribution by investigating a problem that is not clearly defined, poorly understood, or under-investigated (exploratory), thereby gaining a better understanding of the problems that exist in the supply of carrageenan raw materials in Laikang village., so that can provide an objective picture of the real conditions of the subjects being studied. Keywords: carrageenan, control, supply chain, production, quality of seaweed

Isolation of phosphate solubilizing bacteria from different medicinal aromatic plants and identification using MALDI TOF MS

Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, which are among the plant growth-promoting bacteria, dissolve insoluble phosphate in the soil by several pathways and promote plant growth. Therefore, it offers an alternative option instead of applying chemical fertilizers that disrupt soil chemistry and ecological balance. Although research on phosphate solubilizing bacteria has increased recently, the research on the peppermint and fennel rhizosphere is still limited. Investigating different rhizospheric local bacteria that can solubilize phosphate and replace chemical fertilizers is necessary. It was determined that 15 of the 53 bacterial isolates obtained from peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) rhizospheres formed a transparent (halo) region around the colonies on Pikovskaya Agar (PKA) medium using the MALDI-TOF MS method. The morphological, biochemical and IAA production of these isolates as well as quantitative measurements of phosphate solubilization by the isolates in NBRIP broth medium was evaluated. The highest efficiency was noted from Bacillus subtilis MMS-7 with solubilization value of 281.6 mg L-1. This was followed by Pseudomonas fluorescens MMS-11 with solubilization value of 263.4 mg L-1 and Bacillus thuringiensis MMS-3 with solubilization value of 172.1 mg L-1, respectively. Among the Phosphate solubilizing bacterial isolates, P solubilization index ranged 1.2-3.7 on PKA agar medium. Additionally, the highest IAA production was noted at 23.38 µg ml-1, using Bacillus subtilis MMS-7. This was followed by Pseudomonas fluorescens MMS-11 with value of 19.72 µg ml-1 and Bacillus thuringiensis using MMS-3 with value of 18.98 µg ml-1. This study demonstrated that selected local isolates can be used as effective phosphate-based microbial fertilizers.

Effect of benzyl adenine, some amino acids and vitamins on multiplication and production of metabolic compounds of in vitro cultured Chrysanthemum hortorum

The study was carried out in the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory in the Department of Horticulture - College of Agriculture - University of Karbala with the aim of studying the effect of different concentrations of benzyl adenine BA, amino acids and vitamins added to the MS nutrient medium in multiplying and increasing the production of metabolic compounds in the vegetative parts of Chrysanthemum hortorum grown in vitro. One of the best ways to get rid of germs on vegetable parts was to soak them for 15 minutes in 2% NaOCl. The plants also grew more stems, leaves, and arms when they were given the same amount of 2 mg L-1. This is where the highest amounts of 2-Heptenal and Sitosterol (30.10 and 28.17%) were found. At 3 mg L-1, most of the Betaine, Heptadecenal, Hexadecanoic acid, Linoelaidic acid, Octadecanoic acid, Heneicosene, and Sitostenone were found. The plant grew more stems, longer limbs, and more leaves when the glycine amount was 300 mg L-1. At this quantity, there were also the most chemicals, including biochemical products like Betaine, 2-Heptenal, Heptadecenal, Linoelaidic acid, Heneicosene, and Sitosterol. There was one amount of thiamine that helped the plants grow the most leaves and limbs. It also made the stems longer. There was also a lot of Sitostenone, Heneicosene, Linoelaidic acid, Heptadecenal, and Hexadecanoic acid, all of which are metabolic products.

Evolutionary engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Crafting a synthetic methylotroph via self-reprogramming.

Methanol, as a non-edible feedstock, offers a promising sustainable alternative to sugar-based substrates in biochemical production. Despite progress in engineering methanol assimilation in nonmethylotrophs, the full transformation into methanol-dependent synthetic methylotrophs remains a formidable challenge. Here, moving beyond the conventional rational design principle, we engineered a synthetic methylotrophic Saccharomyces cerevisiae through genome rearrangement and adaptive laboratory evolution. This evolutionarily advanced strain unexpectedly shed the heterologous methanol assimilation pathway and demonstrated the robust growth on sole methanol. We discovered that the evolved strain likely realized methanol assimilation through a previously unidentified Adh2-Sfa1-rGly (ASrG) pathway, facilitating the concurrent assimilation of formate and CO2. Furthermore, the incorporation of electron transfer material C3N4 quantum dots obviously enhanced methanol-dependent growth, emphasizing the role of energy availability in the ASrG pathway. This breakthrough introduces a previously unidentified C1 utilization pathway and highlights the exceptional adaptability and self-evolving capacity of the S. cerevisiae metabolic network.

Efficient Multiplex Genome Editing of the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 via CRISPR-Cas12a.

Cyanobacteria have been genetically modified to convert CO2 into biochemical products, but efficient genetic engineering tools, including CRISPR-Cas systems, remain limited. This is primarily due to the polyploid nature of cyanobacteria, which hinders their effectiveness. Here, we address the latter by specifically (i) modifying the RSF1010-based replicative plasmid to simplify cloning efforts while maintaining high conjugation efficiency; (ii) improving the design of the guide RNA (gRNA) to facilitate chromosomal cleavage; (iii) introducing template DNA fragments as pure plasmids via natural transformation; and (iv) using sacB to facilitate replicative plasmid curing. With this system, the replicative plasmid containing both Cas12a and gRNA is introduced to Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 cells via conjugation to cleave the circular chromosomes. Template DNA plasmid that has meanwhile been assimilated will then repair it achieving the desired genetic modifications. This system was validated by successfully deleting various "neutral" chromosomal loci, both individually and collectively, as well as targeting an essential gene, sll1797. With the sacB-sucrose counter-selection, all deletions were simultaneously made markerless in < 4 weeks. Moreover, we also integrate YFP with various protein degradation tags into the chromosome, allowing for their characterization at the chromosomal level. We foresee this system will greatly facilitate future genome engineering in cyanobacteria.

Lignin Extraction and Characterization from Lavender Waste

Today, the vast majority of plastic products are produced from petroleum-based chemicals. This has led to a great dependence on non-renewable energy sources in the production of many commonly used products. As the world population increases, the demand for such products and therefore oil also increases. However, fossil fuel resources are limited and will inevitably be depleted over time. Lignocellulosic biomasses, which are the most abundant natural carbon sources on earth, are the best alternative to fossil fuel sources. Lignocellulosic biomass is important for reducing and utilizing agroforestry residues for potential use in the production of biochemicals, biofuels, biomaterials, and other value-added products. “Green” biomass fractionation methodologies are being developed to reduce environmental impact. In our study, NaOH-water and KOH-water mixtures of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 15% were used to extract lignin from waste lavender fibers. Characterization analyses of the isolated lignin were performed using thermal and spectroscopic techniques. Tdehyde , Tg and Tm values were measured from the DSC curves of the extracts. Decomposition temperature values of 5%, 10% and 25% of the TGA curves were calculated. The presence of functional groups in lignin was emphasized from the FTIR spectra. Absorbance values were also measured by UV-VIS spectroscopy. Lignin obtained from lavender waste is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative.

Treatment of Swine Wastewater Using the Domestic Microalga Halochlorella rubescens KNUA214 for Bioenergy Production and Carotenoid Extraction

The management of swine wastewater (SW) presents significant environmental challenges, requiring solutions that combine effective treatment with resource recovery. This study highlights the dual role of microalgae in wastewater remediation and bioenergy production. H. rubescens KNUA214 was cultivated in media containing varying concentrations of diluted swine wastewater (DSW; 0%, 25%, 50%, and 100%). Cultivating with Blue Green-11 (BG-11) medium + 50% DSW maximized biomass growth, the chlorophyll content, and carotenoid production. Nutrient removal efficiency in 100% DSW over 8 days demonstrated reductions of 59.3% in total nitrogen, 67.7% in ammonia nitrogen, and 40.7% in total phosphorus, confirming the species’ capacity for effective wastewater treatment. The carotenoid analysis using HPLC revealed that astaxanthin, lutein, canthaxanthin, and beta-carotene exhibited the highest levels in BG-11 + 50% DSW. Furthermore, the biomass analyses confirmed its potential for bioenergy applications, with high calorific values and significant polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations, enhancing its utility for bioenergy and biolubricant production. These findings position H. rubescens KNUA214 as an effective resource for integrating SW management with the sustainable production of high-value biochemicals, offering environmental and economic benefits.

Antibiotics-Free Steady Bioproduction of Valuable Chemicals from Organic Wastes by Engineered Vibrio natriegens through Targeted Gene Integration.

Bioproduction of chemicals by using engineered bacteria is promising for a circular economy but challenged the instability of the introduced plasmid by conventional methods. Here, we developed a two-plasmid INTEGRET system to reliably integrate the targeted gene into the Vibrio natriegens genome, making it a powerful strain for efficient and steady bioproduction without requiring antibiotic addition. The INTEGRET system allows for gene insertion at over 75% inserting efficiency and flexibly controllable gene dosages. Additionally, simultaneous gene insertion at four genomic sites was achieved at 54.3% success rate while maintaining stable inheritance of exogenous sequences across multiple generations. The engineered strain could efficiently synthesize PHB from the fermentation of diverse organic wastes, with an efficiency comparable to those with overexpressed plasmid. When the mixture of seawater and molasses was used as the feedstock, it achieved a high PHB yield of 39.41 wt %. An extended application of the INTEGRET system for imparting the riboflavin production ability to the bacterium was also demonstrated. Our work presents a reliable and efficient genomic editing tool to facilitate the development of sustainable and environmentally benign biological platforms for converting biomass wastes into valuable chemicals.

From plastic waste to bioprocesses: using Ethylene Glycol from Polyethylene Terephthalate biodegradation to fuel Escherichia coli metabolism and produce value-added compounds

From plastic waste to bioprocesses: using Ethylene Glycol from Polyethylene Terephthalate biodegradation to fuel Escherichia coli metabolism and produce value-added compounds

Carbohydrate Derived Value-added Products from Lignocelluloses

Chemistry is confronted with the pressing issues of depleting non-renewable fossil resources and the imperative to combat environmental pollution, which is crucial for a sustainable future. Biomass stands out as the sole organic carbon source in nature among the array of sustainable resources available, positioning it as a prime substitute for fossilderived chemicals and fuels. Extensive research has been conducted on the abundant lignocelluloses as a potential source for biofuels, bioenergy, and various valuable products, wherein, the incorporation of various processes in biomass fractionation to separate biopolymers (such as lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose) has the potential to enhance the overall value of the process. However, industrial demonstration of biomass utilization for commercial products has been limited due to the challenges posed by the recalcitrance and complexity of biomass. Therefore, there is a need for efficient reaction processes to enable the production of biochemicals and fuels from renewable lignocellulose. This review focuses on the latest chemical methods developed for producing value-added chemicals from biomass-derived cellulose as a renewable feedstock.

Application of Resin Adsorption Process for Mitigating Protocatechuic Acid Cytotoxicity in Corynebacterium Glutamicum Fermentation

Recent advances in biotechnology have brought about revolutionary changes across diverse industries, with microbial fermentation technology playing a important role in the production of high-value compounds. Among these, Corynebacterium glutamicum has emerged as a key strain for efficiently producing biochemicals like amino acids. While fermentation processes using C. glutamicum are widely adopted in industries due to their high productivity and cost-effectiveness, the cytotoxicity of protocatechuic acid (PCA), a metabolic product generated during fermentation, has been a significant hindrance to productivity. PCA, known for its potent electrochemical antioxidant properties and wide application in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, poses challenges when accumulated at high concentrations during fermentation, inhibiting cell growth and reducing productivity. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the feasibility of applying adsorption processes to enhance PCA productivity in C. glutamicum. Building on previous research, we investigated an approach to effectively remove PCA from fermentation broth using specific ion exchange resins to reduce cytotoxicity and increase overall PCA production. In this study, we improved C. glutamicum strains and optimized production media to enhance PCA production capacity. Subsequently, we analyzed the impact of adsorption processes using ion exchange resins on alleviating cytotoxicity and improving productivity. Through experimentation, we optimized PCA adsorption efficiency and conditions using ion exchange resins, resulting in the production of 3.97 g/L of PCA in fermentation. This research is expected to contribute to the improvement of high-value biochemical production processes based on microbial fermentation.

Agarase cocktail from agarolytic Alteromonas sp. Aga1552 converts homogenized Gelidium amansii into monosaccharide

Agarase cocktail from agarolytic Alteromonas sp. Aga1552 converts homogenized Gelidium amansii into monosaccharide

Co‐feeding CO2 for Methylfuran Aromatization over Bifunctional Zeolite‐supported ZnMoO4

Aromatization of biofuran offers promising approaches for sustainable biochemical production. However, this process is often hampered by low yields and severe coking on traditional zeolite catalysts. Herein, we report co‐feeding CO2 for 2‐methylfuran (MF) aromatization (CCMA) over bifunctional ZSM‐5 supported ZnMoO4. This bifunctional catalyst can achieve both MF and CO2 conversions of &gt;97%, generating &gt;85% carbon yield of target arenes and CO with negligible alkenes (0.05%). Meanwhile, coke formation is remarkably suppressed from 22.3% to 8.6%. ZnMoO4/ZSM‐5 is capable of selectively manipulating the reaction intermediates and pathways of the CCMA reactions, favoring the cyclopentenones‐ and alkenes‐based dehydro‐aromatization rather than the benzofurans‐based pathway. This finding challenges the prevailing understanding that MF aromatization follows a hydrocarbon pool mechanism. Moreover, the abundant surface oxygen vacancies of ZnMoO4 facilitate the adsorption of CO2 and its subsequent reaction with coke. These insights into reaction mechanism and catalyst design for co‐conversion of CO2 and biofuran can offer guidelines for process intensification in biomass utilization with a carbon‐negative manner.

Co-Feeding CO2 for Methylfuran Aromatization over Bifunctional Zeolite-Supported ZnMoO4.

Aromatization of biofuran offers promising approaches for sustainable biochemical production. However, this process is often hampered by low yields and severe coking on traditional zeolite catalysts. Herein, we report co-feeding CO2 for 2-methylfuran (MF) aromatization (CCMA) over bifunctional ZSM-5 supported ZnMoO4. This bifunctional catalyst can achieve both MF and CO2 conversions of >97 %, generating >85 % carbon yield of target arenes and CO with negligible alkenes (0.05 %). Meanwhile, coke formation is remarkably suppressed from 22.3 % to 8.6 %. ZnMoO4/ZSM-5 is capable of selectively manipulating the reaction intermediates and pathways of the CCMA reactions, favoring the cyclopentenones- and alkenes-based dehydro-aromatization rather than the benzofurans-based pathway. This finding challenges the prevailing understanding that MF aromatization follows a hydrocarbon pool mechanism. Moreover, the abundant surface oxygen vacancies of ZnMoO4 facilitate the adsorption of CO2 and its subsequent reaction with coke. These insights into reaction mechanism and catalyst design for co-conversion of CO2 and biofuran can offer guidelines for process intensification in biomass utilization with a carbon-negative manner.

Physical–Chemical–Biological Pretreatment for Biomass Degradation and Industrial Applications: A Review

Lignocellulosic biomass, including agricultural, forestry, and energy crop waste, is one of Earth’s most abundant renewable resources, accounting for approximately 50% of global renewable resources. It contains cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, making it crucial for biofuels and bio-based chemicals. Due to its complex structure, single-pretreatment methods are inefficient, leading to the development of combined pretreatment technologies. These methods enhance cellulose accessibility and conversion efficiency. This paper analyzes the principles, advantages, and disadvantages of various combined pretreatment methods and their practical benefits. It highlights recent research achievements and applications in biofuel, biochemical production, and feed. By integrating multiple pretreatment methods, biomass degradation efficiency can be significantly improved, energy consumption reduced, and chemical reagent use minimized. Future advancements in combined physical, chemical, and biological pretreatment technologies will further enhance biomass utilization efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and protect the environment, providing robust support for sustainable renewable energy development and ecological protection.

Duckweed: Growth factor and applications in nonfood, food, and health

AbstractDuckweeds are aquatic plants and mainly constitute of five genera, Lemna, Spirodela, Wolffia, Wolffiella, and Landoltia. These are the smallest plants yet having a rapid growth rate. Hence, duckweeds are sustainable food sources for humans and animals, as well as sustainable feedstocks for biochemical production. Previously, duckweeds were discovered for their vital role in water purification by metabolizing chemicals and waste. However, many recent studies have discovered that duckweeds have a high amount of nutrients, which makes them a great substitute in human diets and animal feed. Their nutrient composition and growth rate are greatly affected by environmental factors. Hence, this review summarizes the characteristics of duckweeds, growth rate factors, and their applications in nonfood, food, and health. Duckweeds could improve health due to their large amounts of macro‐ and micronutrients. Future studies on the safety measures and duckweed culture are strongly recommended to safeguard the quality of the plants. Besides that, duckweeds have great potential to be used as heavy metals or contaminants absorbent, as well as a sustainable feedstock for biofuel production.

A comparative assessment of specified nutrients and biochemicals in kimchi before and after freeze drying and powdering

Our diet and its impact on the human gut microbiota in terms of composition and function are key determinants of human health across the life-course(1). Fermented vegetables can have enhanced functional and nutritional properties through substrate transformation by microbes and production of biochemicals during the fermentation process(2). Kimchi is a traditional Korean vegetable ferment produced via spontaneous lactic acid bacteria fermentation. Plant nutrients and biochemicals, microbial metabolites and microbial cell components are present in kimchi(3). As live products, fermented vegetables present challenges to commercial producers who need shelf/ transport stability to deliver consistent products to consumers. We hypothesise that fermented vegetable health advantages will be preserved by freeze-drying, while enabling product stability, extended shelf and storage life, stable transportation and utility as food ingredients.Utilising existing kimchi physiochemical data, we identified kimchi biochemicals (KBs) (benefit health but not essential to it) and kimchi nutrients (KNs) (essential to health). We quantified these components in 3-day old fresh kimchi (T3) and in 3-day old fresh kimchi that had been freeze-dried and powdered (T3 FDP). We sampled technical triplicates and calculated P values using an unpaired 2 tailed t-test.The hypothesis that KBs and KNs in T3 FDP are preserved at levels not statistically significantly different to those in (T3) (P &gt; 0.005) was disproved. Components of kimchi were affected differently by the FDP process, with decreases in some and increases in others. As a result, the overall profile of KBs and KNs in T3 FDP was different to T3. Based on a daily portion of fresh kimchi being ∼50 g, there was 2.64 g KBs and KNs in 50 g T3 and 2.28 g KBs and KNs in equivalent portion T3 FDP (7.5 g), a reduction of 13.64% after FDP in KBs and KNs combined. Unexpectedly, soluble fibre and iron were significantly lower in equivalent sample T3 FDP compared to T3 (P = 0.003 and P &lt; 0.0001 respectively) and vitamin B9 was significantly higher in T3 FDP compared to T3 (P &lt; 0.0001). For KBs, acetic acid and lactic acid were significantly lower in T3 FDP (P = 0.020 and P = 0.046 respectively), but propionic acid was undetectable in T3 and the equivalent sample T3 FDP contained 1.44 g. Capsaicinoids were not detectable in T3, but were notably present in T3 FDP.This study represents a critical first step in understanding the extent to which the functionality of fresh kimchi is preserved in its freeze dried and powdered form (termed a FermentceuticalTM). Improving health through fermented foods is a critical concept for consumers, food manufacturers and healthcare professionals, alike.

Hydrothermal Valorization of Biosugars with Heterogeneous Catalysts: Advances, Catalyst Deactivation, Mitigation Strategies and Perspectives.

Sustainable production of valuable biochemicals and biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass necessitates the development of durable and high-performance catalysts. To assist the next-stage catalyst design for hydrothermal treatment of biosugars, this paper provides a critical review of (1) recent advances in biosugar hydrothermal valorization using heterogeneous catalysts, (2) the deactivation process of catalysts based on recycling tests of representative biosugar hydrothermal treatments, (3) state-of-the-art understandings of the deactivation mechanisms of heterogeneous catalysts, and (4) strategies for preparing durable catalysts and the regeneration of deactivated catalysts. Based on the review, challenges and perspectives are proposed. Some remarkable achievements in heterogeneous catalysis of biosugars are highlighted. The understanding of catalyst durability needs to be further enhanced based on full examination of the catalytic performance based on the conversion of substrates, the yield, and selectivity of products. Further, a full examination of the physiochemical changes based on multiple characterization techniques is required to eclucidate the relationships between treatment variables and catalyst durability. Collectively, a clear understanding of the relationships between chemical reaction pathways, treatment variables, and the physiochemistry of catalysts is encouraged to be gained to advise the development of heterogeneous catalysts for long-term and efficient hydrothermal upgrading of biosugars.

Accessing monomers from lignin through carbon-carbon bond cleavage.

Lignin, the heterogeneous aromatic macromolecule found in the cell walls of vascular plants, is an abundant feedstock for the production of biochemicals and biofuels. Many valorization schemes rely on lignin depolymerization, with decades of research focused on accessing monomers through C-O bond cleavage, given the abundance of β-O-4 bonds in lignin and the large number of available C-O bond cleavage strategies. Monomer yields are, however, invariably lower than desired, owing to the presence of recalcitrant C-C bonds whose selective cleavage remains a major challenge in catalysis. In this Review, we highlight lignin C-C cleavage reactions, including those of linkages arising from biosynthesis (β-1, β-5, β-β and 5-5) and industrial processing (5-CH2-5 and α-5). We examine multiple approaches to C-C cleavage, including homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, photocatalysis and biocatalysis, to identify promising strategies for further research and provide guidelines for definitive measurements of lignin C-C bond cleavage.

Effect of time series on the degradation of lignin by Trametes gibbosa: Products and pathways

Effect of time series on the degradation of lignin by Trametes gibbosa: Products and pathways