{"title":"Overview of resveratrol properties, applications, and advances in microbial precision fermentation.","authors":"Carlos E Costa, Aloia Romaní, Lucília Domingues","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2024.2424362","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07388551.2024.2424362","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Resveratrol is an antioxidant abundant in plants like grapes and peanuts and has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic applications. This review explores its chemical attributes, stability, and solubility, influencing its diverse applications and bioavailability. Resveratrol's multifaceted therapeutic roles encompass: antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-aging, and anticancer properties. While traditionally studied in preclinical settings, a surge in clinical trials underscores resveratrol's promise for human health. Over 250 recent clinical trials investigate its effects alone and in combination with other compounds. Commercially utilized in food, cosmetics, supplements, and pharmaceuticals, the resveratrol market is expanding, driven by microbial fermentation. Microbes offer advantages over plant extraction and chemical synthesis, providing cost-effective, pure, and sustainable production. Microbial biosynthesis can be attained from carbon sources, such as glucose or xylose, among others, which can be obtained from renewable resources or agro-industrial wastes. While <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> has been the most used host, non-conventional yeasts like <i>Yarrowia lipolytica</i> and bacteria like <i>Escherichia coli</i> have also demonstrated potential. Genetic modifications such as increasing acetyl-CoA/malonyl-CoA pools, boosting the shikimate pathway, or multi-copy expression of pathway genes, allied to the optimization of fermentation strategies have been promising in increasing titers. Microbial biosynthesis of resveratrol aligns with the shift toward sustainable and renewable bio-based compounds, exemplifying a circular bioeconomy. Concluding, microbial fermentation presents a promising avenue for efficient resveratrol production, driven by genetic engineering, pathway optimization, and fermentation strategies. These advances hold the key to unlocking the potential of resveratrol for diverse therapeutic applications, contributing to a greener and sustainable future.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"788-804"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142709330","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":"Astaxanthin biosynthesis for functional food development and space missions.","authors":"Xiulan Xie, Moyu Zhong, Xinxin Huang, Xinrui Yuan, Nasser Mahna, Cassamo Ussemane Mussagy, Maozhi Ren","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2024.2410364","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07388551.2024.2410364","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Astaxanthin (AXT), a natural carotenoid, has strong antioxidant and anti-ageing effects and can reduce ultraviolet light-induced damage to cells and DNA, stimulate the immune system, and improve cardiovascular disease prognosis. Despite its wide applications in the: nutraceutical, cosmetic, aquaculture, and pharmaceutical industries, AXT industrial production and application are hindered by natural source scarcity, low production efficiency, and high requirements. This review compares the qualitative differences of AXT derived from different natural sources, evaluates the upstream procedures for AXT expression in different chassis organisms, and investigates synthetic biology- and cell factory-based strategies for the industrial production of natural AXT. Synthetic biology is a promising novel strategy for reprogramming plants or microorganisms to produce AXT. Additionally, genetic engineering using cell factories extends beyond terrestrial applications, as it may contribute to the long-term sustainability of human health during space exploration and migration endeavors. This review provides a theoretical basis for the efficient and accurate genetic engineering of AXT from the microalga <i>Haematococcuspluvialis</i>, providing a valuable reference for future research on the biomanufacturing of AXT and other biological metabolites.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"923-937"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142459842","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}
Mayssa Hachem, Abdelmoneim H Ali, Mariam Hejou, Aliyaa Almansoori, Shamma Abulhassan, Fatimah Hussein, Rana Khalifa, Rayan Khalifa, Peter R Corridon
{"title":"Sustainable and biotechnological production of docosahexaenoic acid from marine protists and slaughterhouse waste.","authors":"Mayssa Hachem, Abdelmoneim H Ali, Mariam Hejou, Aliyaa Almansoori, Shamma Abulhassan, Fatimah Hussein, Rana Khalifa, Rayan Khalifa, Peter R Corridon","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2025.2499895","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07388551.2025.2499895","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) is an essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, abundant in the brain and eyes. DHA is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and physiological functions of these vital organs. Within the brain, DHA is concentrated in the gray matter, synaptic membranes, and hippocampus. Likewise, in the eyes, substantial quantities can be found in the retina, with lower levels in the cornea and lens. Previous studies have outlined the potential for culturing marine heterotrophic protists in ways that provide cost-effective and sustainable DHA biosynthesis. Similarly, our previous work on repurposing slaughterhouse waste has highlighted this underutilized source of brain and ocular tissue, which can support the extraction of valuable nutrients such as DHA. In this review, we will examine the current state of the art related to DHA production from these two sources, explore potential applications, and outline the possible benefits that may be generated from our approaches, with an emphasis on ocular diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144141696","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}
Yuyong Hou, Wenqiao Wang, Zhiyong Liu, Longjiang Yu, Lei Zhao
{"title":"Boosting microalgae-based carbon sequestration with the artificial CO<sub>2</sub> concentration system.","authors":"Yuyong Hou, Wenqiao Wang, Zhiyong Liu, Longjiang Yu, Lei Zhao","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2025.2498464","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07388551.2025.2498464","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Global warming caused by CO<sub>2</sub> emissions has been considered as one of the major challenges of this century. In an endeavor to control and reduce CO<sub>2</sub> emissions, a series of <i>C</i>arbon dioxide <i>C</i>apture, <i>U</i>tilization, and <i>S</i>torage (CCUS) technologies have been developed specifically for the sequestration of CO<sub>2</sub> from atmospheric air. Microalgae, as versatile and universal photosynthetic microorganisms, represent a promising avenue for biological CO<sub>2</sub> sequestration. Nevertheless, further advancements are necessary to optimize microalgae-based carbon sequestration technology in terms of light reaction and dark reaction. This review discusses the current status of microalgae-based artificial CO<sub>2</sub> sequestration technique, with a particular focus on the selection of CO<sub>2</sub>-resistant species, optimization of cultivation for CO<sub>2</sub> sequestration, design of carbon concentration reactor, and the potential of synthetic biology to enhance CO<sub>2</sub> solubility and biofixation efficiency. Furthermore, a discussion of Life cycle assessment and Techno-economic analysis regarding microalgae-based carbon capture was performed. The aim of this comprehensive review is to stimulate further research into microalgae-based CO<sub>2</sub> sequestration, addressing challenges and opportunities for future development.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"1-19"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144076448","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":"<i>Bacillus</i> lipopeptides as versatile antimicrobial weapons: looking toward antiviral activity.","authors":"Henrique Ataide Isaia, Naiara Jacinta Clerici, Adriano Brandelli","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2025.2499152","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07388551.2025.2499152","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Viral outbreaks are a topic of worldwide concern, resulting in a significant impact in health systems, a large number of deaths, and huge economical losses. The damage caused by Covid-19 has further highlighted the importance of prospecting for new molecules that can be applied in the prevention and treatment of viral infections. Many studies describe the remarkable antimicrobial activity of lipopeptides produced by <i>Bacillus</i> spp., especially against fungi and bacteria. However, research regarding the antagonistic effects on viruses is less frequent. Despite that, the antiviral activity of lipopeptides produced by <i>Bacillus</i> spp. has been demonstrated, indicating that these molecules could be potential candidates to control viral diseases. In this article, a compilation of reports with consistent data regarding the antiviral effect of <i>Bacillus</i> lipopeptides and the mechanisms involved in this process are presented. Moreover, the immunomodulatory role and toxicity profile of these molecules are discussed. <i>Bacillus</i> lipopeptides may exert an indirect antiviral effect, since they are able to positively induce humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Moreover, their antiviral effect was observed <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> at nontoxic concentrations, offering a safe perspective for possible clinical application of these molecules. Finally, the challenges related to optimization and increasing production yield are addressed. This is the first critical review dedicated exclusively to antiviral activity of <i>Bacillus</i> lipopeptides.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144076444","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":"Biogenesis mechanisms, regulatory strategies, and applications of bacterial extracellular vesicles.","authors":"Chao Huang, Wenyan Cao, Shenghu Zhou, Yu Deng","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2025.2496300","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07388551.2025.2496300","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs) are produced by both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. These EVs are composed of lipid bilayers and various components derived from parent bacteria, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Previous studies have indicated the significant role of bacterial EVs in interactions between bacteria and between bacteria and hosts. Moreover, bacterial EVs are emerging as promising delivery vectors capable of transporting drug molecules over long distances to tissues. Therefore, understanding the biogenesis of bacterial EVs and how to regulate their production holds great importance for expanding their applications. In this review, we provide an overview of bacterial EVs, especially focusing on the distinct mechanisms of EVs biogenesis and the regulation of EVs production in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Additionally, we discuss various methods for cargos loading into bacteria EVs, as well as their diverse applications in vaccines, cancer therapy, and drug delivery. We anticipate that this review will advance the field of bacterial EVs, contributing to both the enhancement of existing applications and the emergence of novel applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144076445","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":"Algae: the game-changers in biohydrogen sector.","authors":"Thummala Chandrasekhar, Puli Chandra Obul Reddy, Battana Swapna, Lebaka Veeranjaneya Reddy, Vankara Anuprasanna, Lomada Dakshayani, Pamuru Ramachandra Reddy, Madhava C Reddy","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2024.2387176","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07388551.2024.2387176","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biohydrogen (H<sub>2</sub>) is an efficient form of renewable energy generated from various biological organisms. Specifically, primitive plants such as algae which are photosynthetic organisms can produce several commercial products, including biofuels due to their simple form, short life span, efficient photosynthetic capacity, and ability to grow in non-potable water sources. But these algae are often neglected and considered waste. Several studies have revealed the importance and role of algal species in generating biofuels, especially biohydrogen. Considerable research has been conducted in order to understand hydrogen production from algal sources. This review emphasizes the photolysis of water-based hydrogen production in algae apart from the metabolites fermentation process. The influence of physico-chemical factors, including oxygen scavengers, nanoparticles, and hydrogenases, was highlighted in this review to enhance H<sub>2</sub> production from algal species. Also, several algal species used for hydrogen production are summarized in detail. Overall, this review intends to summarize the developments in hydrogen production from algal species keeping in view of excellent prospects. This knowledge certainly would provide a good opportunity for the industrial production of hydrogen using algal species, which is one of the most concerned areas in the energy sector.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"509-529"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141981915","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":"Airborne microbes: sampling, detection, and inactivation.","authors":"Saisai Yan, Qing Liu, Bing Liang, Miao Zhang, Wujun Chen, Daijun Zhang, Chao Wang, Dongming Xing","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2024.2377191","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07388551.2024.2377191","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The human living environment serves as a habitat for microorganisms and the presence of ubiquitous airborne microbes significantly impacts the natural material cycle. Through ongoing experimentation with beneficial microorganisms, humans have greatly benefited from airborne microbes. However, airborne pathogens endanger human health and have the potential to induce fatal diseases. Tracking airborne microbes is a critical prerequisite for a better understanding of bioaerosols, harnessing their potential advantages, and mitigating associated risks. Although technological breakthroughs have enabled significant advancements in accurately monitoring airborne pathogens, many puzzles about these microbes remain unanswered due to their high variability and environmental diffusibility. Consequently, advanced techniques and strategies for special identification, early warning, and efficient eradication of microbial contamination are continuously being sought. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the research status of airborne microbes, concentrating on the recent advances and challenges in sampling, detection, and inactivation. Particularly, the fundamental design principles for the collection and timely detection of airborne pathogens are described in detail, as well as critical factors for eliminating microbial contamination and enhancing indoor air quality. In addition, future research directions and perspectives for controlling airborne microbes are also suggested to promote the translation of basic research into real products.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"556-590"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141916252","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":"Application of protein engineering to ene-reductase for the synthesis of chiral compounds through asymmetric reaction.","authors":"Jiacheng Feng, Huiru Ye, Changxin Lu, Linyan Pan, Hanchi Chen, Linjiang Zhu, Xiaolong Chen","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2024.2382957","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07388551.2024.2382957","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ene-reductase (ER) has been widely applied for asymmetrical synthesis of chiral intermediates due to its substrate promiscuity, photoexcited reactivity, and excellent property with producing two chiral centers at a time. Natural ERs often exhibit the same stereoselectivity, and they need to be engineered for opposite configuration of chiral compounds. The hydrogenation process toward activated alkenes by ERs is composed of reductive half reaction and oxidative half reaction, which are dependent upon two cofactors NAD(P)H and flavin mononucleotide. The catalytic activity of ERs will be affected by the size of the substrate, the activating strength of the electron-withdrawing groups, redox potential of cofactors, and the loop flexibility around catalytic cavity. Currently, protein engineering to ERs has been successfully employed to enhance various catalytic properties, including photoexcited asymmetric synthesis. This review summarizes the approaches to reverse the stereoselectivity and enhance catalytic activity of ERs and new applications of the engineered ERs in photobiocatalytic asymmetric synthesis, besides the discussion with the existing molecular mechanisms of mutants regarding the improved catalytic performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"665-682"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141970750","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":"Synthesis of C-N bonds by nicotinamide-dependent oxidoreductase: an overview.","authors":"Tianfu Wu, Wanqing Wei, Changzheng Gao, Jing Wu, Cong Gao, Xiulai Chen, Liming Liu, Wei Song","doi":"10.1080/07388551.2024.2390082","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07388551.2024.2390082","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Compounds containing chiral C-N bonds play a vital role in the composition of biologically active natural products and small pharmaceutical molecules. Therefore, the development of efficient and convenient methods for synthesizing compounds containing chiral C-N bonds is a crucial area of research. Nicotinamide-dependent oxidoreductases (NDOs) emerge as promising biocatalysts for asymmetric synthesis of chiral C-N bonds due to their mild reaction conditions, exceptional stereoselectivity, high atom economy, and environmentally friendly nature. This review aims to present the structural characteristics and catalytic mechanisms of various NDOs, including imine reductases/ketimine reductases, reductive aminases, EneIRED, and amino acid dehydrogenases. Additionally, the review highlights protein engineering strategies employed to modify the stereoselectivity, substrate specificity, and cofactor preference of NDOs. Furthermore, the applications of NDOs in synthesizing essential medicinal chemicals, such as noncanonical amino acids and chiral amine compounds, are extensively examined. Finally, the review outlines future perspectives by addressing challenges and discussing the potential of utilizing NDOs to establish efficient biosynthesis platforms for C-N bond synthesis. In conclusion, NDOs provide an economical, efficient, and environmentally friendly toolbox for asymmetric synthesis of C-N bonds, thus contributing significantly to the field of pharmaceutical chemical development.</p>","PeriodicalId":10752,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":"702-726"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142125086","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}