Current opinion in biotechnology最新文献

{"title":"Phage biocontrol in water treatment and reuse systems: a nascent field with significant innovation opportunities.","authors":"Pei-Ying Hong, Jacques Mathieu, Hong Cheng, Shaman Narayanasamy, Darwin A Castillo, Ramesh Goel, Pedro Jj Alvarez","doi":"10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103242","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103242","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>While the use of phages in the food and biomedical sectors occurs commercially, their application in the water sector is less common and is typically demonstrated at a lower technological readiness level. This is so despite the potential that phages have to enhance the control of problematic bacteria (including pathogens) and protect infrastructure within the water sector. Fulfilling the great potential of this nascent field requires more research and development. Here, we highlight innovation opportunities and discern critical knowledge gaps and research needs to facilitate the use of phages as precise biocontrol agents in the water sector. First, while the advent of sequencing technologies made it easier to identify bacterial communities and understand their functional roles, identifying and cultivating the appropriate phages that can be effective against the bacterial target requires more research. The large volumes of water to be spiked with phages also require optimizing the phage biocontrol strategy, minimizing the associated costs and enhancing scaling up. In addition, bacterial hosts may gain phage resistance after long-term exposure, which is common in most water-engineered systems, and strategies to minimize or delay resistance must be considered. In this opinion, we provide an overview of pertinent literature and bioinformatic tools that help identify appropriate bacterial hosts and phages for water systems applications. We then discuss strategies that can aid in prolonging the efficacy and enhancing the feasibility of phage biocontrol approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":10833,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in biotechnology","volume":"91 ","pages":"103242"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142876520","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":"Metabolic engineering of microorganisms for carbon dioxide utilization.","authors":"Jeageon Lee, Hye Eun Yu, Sang Yup Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103244","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103244","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The escalating climate crisis underscores the urgent need for sustainable development, with CO₂ utilization emerging as a pivotal approach to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Among various technological approaches, metabolic engineering of microorganisms for CO₂ utilization offers significant potential. This review covers the engineering of endogenous CO₂ fixation pathways, the construction of novel synthetic pathways, and strategies to optimize metabolic flux, enhance cofactor availability, and manipulate regulatory genes to improve CO₂ assimilation efficiency. It also explores the roles of evolutionary engineering, enzyme engineering, and CO₂ concentrating mechanisms in improving CO₂ fixation. Additionally, the review underscores advancements in converting CO₂ into valuable products such as biofuels, bioplastics, and chemicals using both native and synthetic autotrophic microorganisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":10833,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in biotechnology","volume":"91 ","pages":"103244"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142871196","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":"Engineering plant biosensors: recent advances in design and applications.","authors":"Oscar Castaneda-Méndez, Shammi Akter, Jesús Beltrán","doi":"10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103240","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103240","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Plants have evolved sophisticated molecular switches to perceive and respond to both endogenous and exogenous signals, enabling changes in form and function in response to environmental and developmental cues. As autotrophic, multicellular organisms, plants represent promising platforms for designing and engineering sense-and-report modules. Advances in protein engineering and functional screening have facilitated the reprogramming of native switches into biosensors capable of detecting novel small molecules. These sensors can be incorporated into plants to activate signaling cascades or to control new biological functions. This review highlights recent advancements in plant biosensor engineering for small molecules, discusses emerging applications, and provides insights into biotechnological uses. Additionally, it explores the challenges and opportunities of using plant-based biosensors in agriculture and environmental contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":10833,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in biotechnology","volume":"91 ","pages":"103240"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142853175","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":"The role of wetland restoration in mediating phosphorus ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes","authors":"Julie R. Deslippe,&nbsp;Shannon B. Bentley","doi":"10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103227","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103227","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phosphorus (P) is an essential plant nutrient that often limits agricultural productivity. Human activities, especially fertiliser use, have significantly altered the P cycle, causing eutrophication of aquatic systems. Restoring wetlands to agricultural landscapes can retain P, improving water quality and other ecosystem services. The effectiveness of P retention in restored wetlands varies with hydrology, soil properties, vegetation, and other factors. Challenges such as wetland P saturation, legacy P release, and plant invasions can limit P retention capacity. Furthermore, climate-related changes in temperature and hydrology have the potential to undermine long-term P retention. New methods such as Integrated Constructed Wetlands and new technologies that provide high-resolution temporal and spatial data enable managers to optimise multifunctionality in agricultural landscapes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10833,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in biotechnology","volume":"91 ","pages":"Article 103227"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142758922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Path to zero emission of nitrous oxide in sewage treatment: is nitrification controllable or avoidable?","authors":"Min Zheng ,&nbsp;James Lloyd ,&nbsp;Peter Wardrop ,&nbsp;Haoran Duan ,&nbsp;Tao Liu ,&nbsp;Liu Ye ,&nbsp;Bing-Jie Ni","doi":"10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103230","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103230","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Amid growing concerns over climate change, the need to reduce nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from sewage treatment is more urgent than ever. Sewage treatment plants are significant sources of N₂O due to its production as an intermediate in nitrification and its release into the air during aeration. Effective management of the nitrification process is therefore vital for controlling or eliminating these emissions. Despite substantial efforts to quantify and understand N₂O emissions from sewage treatment, success in reducing them has been limited. This review discusses and proposes promising solutions for reducing N₂O emissions in sewage treatment, evaluates the potential of various strategies, and identifies ways to accelerate their development and implementation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10833,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in biotechnology","volume":"91 ","pages":"Article 103230"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142758921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multifunctionality of alkaline phosphatase in ecology and biotechnology","authors":"Daniel E M Saavedra ,&nbsp;Federico Baltar","doi":"10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103229","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103229","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Multifunctional enzymes can significantly impact biotechnological applications by performing activities beyond their primary functions. This review explores the role of the multifunctionality of alkaline phosphatase, a key enzyme in the phosphorus cycle, focusing on the molecular mechanisms influencing its activity and its biotechnological potential. We argue that understanding these aspects can enhance the utility of alkaline phosphatase in research and industry, fostering innovations in enzyme engineering, environmental biotechnology, and metabolic engineering. By exploring enzyme promiscuity, we highlight alkaline phosphatase’s versatility, paving the way for advancements in sustainable agriculture, environmental remediation, and clinical diagnostics. Further research will unlock new applications and catalytic efficiencies, driving forward ecological and biotechnological progress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10833,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in biotechnology","volume":"91 ","pages":"Article 103229"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142748054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Toward a circular nitrogen bioeconomy: integrating nitrogen bioconcentration, separations, and high-value products for nitrogen recovery","authors":"Edward Apraku ,&nbsp;McKenna Farmer ,&nbsp;Chayse Lavallais ,&nbsp;Danna A Soriano ,&nbsp;Justin Notestein ,&nbsp;Keith Tyo ,&nbsp;Jennifer Dunn ,&nbsp;William A Tarpeh ,&nbsp;George F Wells","doi":"10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103225","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103225","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recovering nitrogen (N) from wastewater is a potential avenue to reduce reliance on energy-intensive synthetic nitrogen fixation via Haber-Bosch and subsequent treatment of N-laden wastewaters through nitrification–denitrification. However, many technical and economic factors hinder widespread application of N recovery, particularly low N concentrations in municipal wastewater, paucity of high-efficiency separations technologies compatible with biological treatment, and suitable products and markets for recovered N. In this perspective, we contextualize the challenges of N recovery today, propose integrated biological and physicochemical technologies to improve selective and tunable N recovery, and propose an expanded product portfolio for recovered N products beyond fertilizers. We highlight cyanophycin, an N-rich biopolymer produced by a diverse range of bacteria, as a potential target for N bioconcentration and downstream recovery from municipal wastewater. This perspective emphasizes the equal importance of integrated biological systems, physicochemical separations, and market assessment in advancing nitrogen recovery from wastewater.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10833,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in biotechnology","volume":"91 ","pages":"Article 103225"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142720487","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":"Tissue engineering in the agri-food industry: current status, socio-economic overview and regulatory compliance","authors":"Brian Senyange ,&nbsp;Joshua Wesana ,&nbsp;Guido Van Huylenbroeck ,&nbsp;Xavier Gellynck ,&nbsp;Hans De Steur","doi":"10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103228","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103228","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The growing global demand for sustainable and safe food is a major challenge that increases the need for advanced alternatives such as tissue engineering (TE). TE offers promising solutions by improving yields, nutritional value and resilience of crops while also producing cultivated meat that reduces the environmental impact of livestock farming. The market potential for TE in meat production is considerable, and significant growth is expected. However, the regulatory framework for these innovations is developing slowly, and approval procedures vary across regions. This overview critically assesses the current applications of TE in the agri-food sector, their socio-economic potential and the regulatory challenges. It emphasises the need for harmonised, flexible and adaptive policies to effectively integrate engineered foods into the market.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10833,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in biotechnology","volume":"91 ","pages":"Article 103228"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142706305","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":"A biotechnological perspective on sand filtration for drinking water production","authors":"Francesc Corbera-Rubio,&nbsp;Roos Goedhart,&nbsp;Michele Laureni,&nbsp;Mark CM van Loosdrecht,&nbsp;Doris van Halem","doi":"10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103221","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103221","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gravity-driven sand filters are the dominant groundwater treatment technology for drinking water production. In the past, physicochemical reactions were often assumed to play the main role in the removal of contaminants, but recent breakthroughs showcase the vital role of microorganisms. In this <em>Current Opinion</em>, we thoroughly assess the current understanding of biology in sand filters and explore the potential benefits of shifting toward designs aimed at promoting biological reactions. We highlight the main bottlenecks and propose key areas to be explored toward the next generation of sustainable, resource-efficient groundwater biofilters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10833,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in biotechnology","volume":"90 ","pages":"Article 103221"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142616200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"National phosphorus planning for food and environmental security","authors":"Will J Brownlie ,&nbsp;Peter Alexander ,&nbsp;Dana Cordell ,&nbsp;Mark Maslin ,&nbsp;Genevieve S Metson ,&nbsp;Mark A Sutton ,&nbsp;Bryan M Spears","doi":"10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103226","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103226","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The dependence of countries on phosphorus fertilisers derived from phosphate rock to maintain crop yields and ensure food security is well established. Yet, exposure of national food systems to constrained reserves of phosphate rock and supply chain complexities still pose risks to farmers’ access to this critical nutrient in many countries. Whilst phosphorus scarcity can threaten food security, suboptimal fertiliser use and poor wastewater treatment can lead to pollution of freshwaters and coasts, causing eutrophication. This impacts biodiversity, drinking water and aquatic food production. In some countries, national plans targeting the recycling of phosphorus losses back into food production are being considered, offering environmental and socio-economic benefits. Here, we review the literature on assessing risks to food security and water quality associated with national reliance on phosphate rock as the primary source of phosphorus for fertilisers. The scientific community has developed data and tools to enable countries to assess exposure in food systems from phosphorus supply and management and in the environment from pollution. However, current assessment approaches often overlook economic vulnerability, a key gap that hinders our understanding of the urgency and severity of impacts from inaction. Exposure assessments could be used to develop National Sustainable Phosphorus Plans embedding priority actions and financial instruments across existing policy frameworks. Actions include identifying local to national sources and sites for phosphorus recycling, identifying catchments and ecosystems where the benefits of reducing phosphorus pollution are greatest, and establishing an infrastructure development plan to enable greater recycling and reduced pollution. We discuss four integrated actions that will enable countries to take the first steps towards a circular phosphorus economy in the context of a challenging global situation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10833,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in biotechnology","volume":"90 ","pages":"Article 103226"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142616206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}