{"title":"Dancing to the tune of the light regime: from perception to secondary metabolite biosynthesis in plants.","authors":"Ashwani Punia, Satyakam, Vishal Saini, Monika Chouhan, Niranjan Chakraborty, Rajiv Kumar","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2619534","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2619534","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The orchestra of ambient light intensity and wavelengths are pivotal in regulating the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Hence, the implications of light on plants' secondary metabolites are an active area of research, and new information is slowly being accrued. Plants have inbuilt light-sensitive molecules, such as: phytochromes, cryptochromes, phototropins, UVR8, and zeitlupe family proteins. In particular, blue light absorbed by cryptochrome has positive effects on antioxidants and other bioactive compounds. However, far-red light perceived by phytochrome reduces anthocyanin biosynthesis in plants, whereas mixed light in varying proportions is more beneficial for secondary metabolite synthesis. This article reviews the current information on plants' perception of light, their downstream signaling, and the role of different light regimes on secondary metabolite biosynthesis and accumulation. It also examines the epigenetic regulation of secondary metabolite biosynthesis under various light regimes. Additionally the review examines the economic and medicinal aspects of manipulating/controlling/optimizing secondary metabolite synthesis by light modulation. Consequently, this review is expected to benefit any researchers involved in fundamental and applied research.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"541-561"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147343893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Challenges and progress toward real-time detection of airborne viral pathogens.","authors":"Michael Caffrey, Igor Paprotny, Rebecca Smith","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2628597","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2628597","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Airborne viruses pose significant health, social and economic threats to humans and animals. Moreover, zoonotic transfer of viruses among animals and humans is a concern. Detection methods to identify viruses present in air before causing outbreaks in humans or agricultural animals is highly desirable. In this review we discuss airborne viruses that currently threaten humans and the agricultural industry and the possibility of emerging and reemerging viruses. Examples of airborne viruses threatening human health include influenza and SARS-CoV2; examples of airborne viruses threatening agricultural animals include: influenza, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV), and Foot and Mouth Disease virus (FMDV). In addition, we discuss the potential of real-time detection of airborne viruses with a focus on current models, desired properties, current techniques, challenges, and progress to date. Finally, we discuss possible mitigation strategies and future opportunities.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"694-706"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147364459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Multifaceted roles of carboxyl compounds in antibiofilm potency and resistance modulation in <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>.","authors":"Bharath Reddy Boya, Jennessa Jacob, Olajide Sunday Faleye, Vinothkannan Ravichandran, Durga Mohan, Liangbin Hu, Jintae Lee, Satish Kumar Rajasekharan","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2628602","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2628602","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The escalating threat of multidrug-resistant (MDR) <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> is primarily driven by its robust biofilm-forming capacity and complex antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. This review comprehensively explores the pivotal role of the carboxyl functional group in modulating biofilm-associated virulence, quorum sensing (QS), and resistance pathways in <i>A. baumannii</i>. We emphasize the critical regulatory functions of the BfmRS two-component system and the AbaI/R QS system in biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, and immune evasion. A diverse range of carboxyl-functionalized compounds, including: fatty acids, terpenoids, benzoic acids, and cinnamic acids, are highlighted for their broad-spectrum antibiofilm, anti-resistance, and antimicrobial activities, achieved through mechanisms, such as: quorum quenching, efflux pump inhibition, membrane destabilization, and metal ion chelation. These compounds enhance antimicrobial efficacy and show promise as adjuvants that potentiate existing antibiotics while minimizing resistance development. Furthermore, the review discusses the carboxyl motif's role in targeting bacterial persisters, a major challenge in chronic infections, and the evolutionary constraints imposed by carboxyl-bearing compounds on resistance evolution. Despite challenges related to membrane permeability and metabolic liabilities, innovative drug design approaches and advanced delivery systems offer promising solutions. This review underscores the versatile potential of carboxyl scaffolds as multi-target therapeutic agents against MDR <i>A. baumannii</i> and other high-risk pathogens, advocating their integration into future antimicrobial and repurposing strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"673-693"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147343933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Prasanna J Patil, Muhammad Usman, Xiaoxiao Dong, Haroon Shah, Nagesh Manurkar, Chengnan Zhang, Akhtiar Ali, Xiuting Li
{"title":"Recent advances in hierarchically porous metal-organic frameworks mediated enzyme immobilization: progress and perspective.","authors":"Prasanna J Patil, Muhammad Usman, Xiaoxiao Dong, Haroon Shah, Nagesh Manurkar, Chengnan Zhang, Akhtiar Ali, Xiuting Li","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2621102","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2621102","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Enzymes are essential catalysts in numerous biological processes due to their efficiency, specificity, and selectivity. To enhance their stability and reusability, enzyme immobilization onto solid supports is crucial. Hierarchically porous metal-organic frameworks (HP-MOFs), with tunable meso- and macropores, have emerged as a promising solution for enzyme encapsulation, significantly improving catalytic performance. This review examines the development of various metal-based HP-MOFs, such as: iron, copper, zirconium, zinc, aluminum, and chromium, specifically designed for enzyme immobilization. The focus is on novel synthesis strategies, including functional group incorporation and hierarchical pore design, which optimize enzyme performance. Key advancements in immobilization techniques, such as: adsorption, covalent binding, <i>in situ</i> encapsulation, and post-synthetic infiltration, are also discussed. The review addresses the often-overlooked issue of HP-MOF toxicity, presenting both challenges and benefits. It also emphasizes the regulatory implications of HP-MOF applications, particularly in the food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical sectors, offering insights into how these materials can be safely integrated into these industries. Data from various studies demonstrate significant improvements in enzyme activity retention, stability, and efficiency in biocatalytic applications. Additionally, diverse applications in biocatalysis, biodiesel production, biosensing, and disease diagnosis are explored. A key feature of this review is the focus on advancing HP-MOF-enzyme composites toward higher technology readiness levels (TRLs), a topic not comprehensively covered in the literature. This review provides valuable insights for researchers aiming to optimize HP-MOFs for enzyme encapsulation and industrial biotechnological applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"582-632"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147497783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Autophagy and stress tolerance in plants: the central role of ATG18-a review.","authors":"Sishan Wei, Zexun Chen, Chenkai Xu, Xin Qian, Qiong Tang","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2621917","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2621917","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autophagy is an ancient, conserved system that underpins plant survival by recycling damaged organelles and nutrients under biotic and abiotic stress. This review synthesizes recent advances in three autophagic pathways in plants and the core ATG machinery that executes them. Among them, ATG18, functioning as a phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P) effector, is indispensable for plant survival under stress, underscoring its critical significance. By integrating biotic/abiotic signals <i>via</i> post-translational modifications, it dynamically regulates autophagy to clear damaged components, recycle nutrients, and enhance disease resistance. It provides a theoretical framework for elucidating plant resistance and suggests strategies such as promoter editing, allele pyramiding, and CRISPR-mediated expression tuning to exploit ATG18 for breeding crops with combined disease resistance and abiotic-stress tolerance, offering valuable perspectives for agricultural advancement.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"562-581"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146200463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jéssica Mulinari, Carolina Elisa Demaman Oro, Alessandra Cristina de Meneses, Guilherme Zin, Luciane Maria Colla, Marco Di Luccio, Rogério Marcos Dallago
{"title":"The development of active membranes: use of immobilized enzymes as fouling-reducing and self-cleaning agents.","authors":"Jéssica Mulinari, Carolina Elisa Demaman Oro, Alessandra Cristina de Meneses, Guilherme Zin, Luciane Maria Colla, Marco Di Luccio, Rogério Marcos Dallago","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2639607","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2639607","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Integrating of immobilized enzymes into membrane technology represents a significant advancement in the field of membrane science, particularly in addressing issues of fouling and self-cleaning. This review explores the development, techniques, and applications of enzymatic membranes, focusing on their fouling-degrading and self-cleaning properties. Enzymatic membranes combine catalytic and separation functions, offering environmentally friendly solutions with high selectivity and mild operating conditions. The review traces the historical development from early attempts in the 1970s using proteases in polymeric membranes to recent advancements involving a variety of enzymes and support materials. Various immobilization techniques, such as covalent bonding and physical adsorption, are discussed in relation to their impact on membrane performance. Applications span multiple industries, including food, biofuels, and wastewater treatment. Despite significant progress, the field continues to evolve with emerging technologies and novel enzyme immobilization strategies, presenting ongoing opportunities for research and industrial application.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"633-654"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147497801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Alcohol dehydrogenases catalyzed asymmetric reductions of \"difficult-to-reduce\" ketones and the involved mechanism of stereoselective recognition and regulation.","authors":"Xin Su, Jie Gu, Yan Xu, Yao Nie","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2638569","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2638569","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) are widely used to prepare chiral alcohols because of their environmental benefits, high-cost effectiveness, broad substrate acceptance, and high enantioselectivity. However, the stereoselective reduction of \"difficult-to-reduce\" ketones, which are characterized by bulky substituents, similar steric and electronic properties at the α, α'-positions, or complex structures, remains a significant challenge. Understanding the interaction between these ketones and enzymes is crucial for overcoming catalytic limitations. This review summarized recent research advances in the asymmetric reduction of \"difficult-to-reduce\" ketones. We specifically discuss the stereoselective recognition mechanisms and outline strategies for regulating enzyme selectivity based on enzyme-substrate interactions. Finally, we propose future perspectives on the rational design of ADHs for the synthesis of high-value chiral chemicals.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"655-672"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147497850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Thomas R V Collier, Patrick A da Roza, Hugh D Goold, Surinder Singh, Ian T Paulsen, Roy S K Walker, Isak S Pretorius
{"title":"Microbial lipids for a sustainable future: the growing potential of synthetic microbial engineering for consumer oils.","authors":"Thomas R V Collier, Patrick A da Roza, Hugh D Goold, Surinder Singh, Ian T Paulsen, Roy S K Walker, Isak S Pretorius","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2615047","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2615047","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biologically derived consumer oils and lipids are critical for the manufacture of an extensive array of products, including food, nutraceuticals, plastics, animal feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and fuels. However, a significant growth in demand has led to an unsustainable dependence on resource-intensive crops, further exacerbating deforestation, eutrophication, and the destruction of natural habitats. The ascendency of synthetic biology offers new opportunities to harness the potential of microbes as sustainable sources of microbial lipids. Recent advances in synthetic yeast genomics and the development of automated biofoundries could help secure the future of the sustainable lipid-based oil industry. This article outlines novel approaches to implement a sustainable future of consumer oils and lipids, which may help the transition to a practical microbial biomanufacturing economy.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"477-500"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146200467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sanghun Park, Gyutae Park, Sehyuk Oh, Sol-Hee Lee, Jungseok Choi
{"title":"Advances in primary cell isolation, sorting, and preservation from livestock for cultured meat applications.","authors":"Sanghun Park, Gyutae Park, Sehyuk Oh, Sol-Hee Lee, Jungseok Choi","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2618192","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2618192","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cultured meat production relies on the efficient: isolation, purification, expansion, and preservation of livestock-derived primary cells with robust proliferation and differentiation potential. Satellite cells and fibro-adipogenic progenitors from muscle and adipose tissues are key cellular sources for the <i>in vitro</i> reconstruction of meat-like structures. This review critically examines current methodologies used for primary cell processing in cultured meat scalable bioprocessing research. Tissue dissociation strategies are classified as enzymatic, non-enzymatic, and hybrid protocols and compared in terms of yield, scalability, and preservation of cell functionality. Cell purification techniques include: density gradient centrifugation, pre-plating, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS), each offering different levels of specificity, throughput, and compatibility with food-grade applications. Long-term storage <i>via</i> cryopreservation is essential for establishing reliable cell banks. However, challenges remain in minimizing cryoinjury, selecting optimal cryoprotective agents, and maintaining post-thaw viability. Emerging alternatives, such as temperature-responsive cell sheet technology and biochemical protection strategies, are highlighted for their potential to improve cell recovery and functionality. Unlike existing reviews that often focus on isolated aspects, this article integrates dissociation, purification, and preservation into one framework. It highlights how optimized protocols can overcome current bottlenecks in cell processing. This review emphasizes the importance of standardized and food-safe platforms. Such advances will support commercialization and sustainable delivery of cultured meat products.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"522-540"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146212368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Priyadarshini Pratikshya Nayak, Tinashe Andrew Gona, Sinesipho Galada, Ngwekazi Nwabisa Mehlomakulu, Gargi Dey, Elna Maria Buys, Sandeep Kumar Panda
{"title":"Scope for vitamin B deficiency redressal through microbial vitamins with reference to India and South Africa.","authors":"Priyadarshini Pratikshya Nayak, Tinashe Andrew Gona, Sinesipho Galada, Ngwekazi Nwabisa Mehlomakulu, Gargi Dey, Elna Maria Buys, Sandeep Kumar Panda","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2616412","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07388551.2026.2616412","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>B vitamins are the most widely used supplements for women and children to maintain good health conditions. Vitamin B deficiency is prevalent in many countries including India and South Africa. Synthetic vitamins (such as folic acid) are administered orally to vulnerable groups to address the vitamin B deficiency. B vitamin-fortified foods have also been adopted as the mandate of the governments of India and South Africa. However, the policies have not been able to bring any sustainable solutions to vitamin B deficiency. This article describes the natural production of B vitamins by cultured microorganisms. Furthermore, this article describes the scope of microbial B vitamin availability in India and South Africa through dietary interventions (foods obtained from microbial processing/fermented food products). The article also elucidates the different fermented foods of India and South Africa and the increment of different B vitamins, namely riboflavin (vitamin B2), folate (vitamin B9), and cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) during the fermentation. The technoeconomical feasibility and commercial aspects have been discussed in the article.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"380-398"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146225764","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}