{"title":"Expanding the cryoprotectant toolbox in biomedicine by multifunctional antifreeze peptides","authors":"Shiva Hemmati","doi":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108545","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108545","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The global cryopreservation market size rises exponentially due to increased demand for cell therapy-based products, assisted reproductive technology, and organ transplantation. Cryoprotectants (CPAs) are required to reduce ice-related damage, osmotic cell injury, and protein denaturation. Antioxidants are needed to hamper membrane lipid peroxidation under freezing stress, and antibiotics are added to the cryo-solutions to prevent contamination. The vitrification process for sized organs requires a high concentration of CPA, which is hardly achievable using conventional penetrating toxic CPAs like DMSO. Antifreeze peptides (AFpeps) are biocompatible CPAs leveraging inspiration from nature, such as freeze-tolerant and freeze-avoidant organisms, to circumvent logistic limitations in cryogenic conditions. This study aims to introduce the advances of AFpeps with cell-penetrating, antioxidant, and antimicrobial characteristics. We herein revisit the placement of AFpeps in the biobanking of cancer cells, immune cells, stem cells, blood cells, germ cells (sperms and oocytes), and probiotics. Implementing low-immunogenic AFpeps for allograft cryopreservation minimizes HLA mismatching risk after organ transplantation. Applying AFpeps to formulate bioinks with optimal rheology in extrusion-based 3D cryobiopriners expedites the bench-to-beside transition of bioprinted scaffolds. This study advocates that the fine-tuned synthetic or insect-derived AFpeps, forming round blunt-shape crystals, are biomedically broad-spectrum, and cell-permeable AFpeps from marine and plant sources, which result in sharp ice crystals, are appropriate for cryosurgery. Perspectives of the available room for developing peptide mimetics in favor of higher activity and stability and peptide-functionalized nanoparticles for enhanced delivery are delineated. Finally, antitumor immune activation by cryoimmunotherapy as an autologous in-vivo tumor lysate vaccine has been illustrated.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8946,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnology advances","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 108545"},"PeriodicalIF":12.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143536406","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ziying Yao , Taiqing Liu , Jingwen Wang , Yunhai Fu , Jinhua Zhao , Xiaoyu Wang , Yinqi Li , Xiaodong Yang , Zhiyao He
{"title":"Targeted delivery systems of siRNA based on ionizable lipid nanoparticles and cationic polymer vectors","authors":"Ziying Yao , Taiqing Liu , Jingwen Wang , Yunhai Fu , Jinhua Zhao , Xiaoyu Wang , Yinqi Li , Xiaodong Yang , Zhiyao He","doi":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108546","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108546","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As an emerging therapeutic tool, small interfering RNA (siRNA) had the capability to down-regulate nearly all human mRNAs via sequence-specific gene silencing. Numerous studies have demonstrated the substantial potential of siRNA in the treatment of broad classes of diseases. With the discovery and development of various delivery systems and chemical modifications, six siRNA-based drugs have been approved by 2024. The utilization of siRNA-based therapeutics has significantly propelled efforts to combat a wide array of previously incurable diseases and advanced at a rapid pace, particularly with the help of potent targeted delivery systems. Despite encountering several extracellular and intracellular challenges, the efficiency of siRNA delivery has been gradually enhanced. Currently, targeted strategies aimed at improving potency and reducing toxicity played a crucial role in the druggability of siRNA. This review focused on recent advancements on ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and cationic polymer (CP) vectors applied for targeted siRNA delivery. Based on various types of targeted modifications, we primarily described delivery systems modified with receptor ligands, peptides, antibodies, aptamers and amino acids. Finally, we discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with siRNA delivery systems based on ionizable LNPs and CPs vectors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8946,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnology advances","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 108546"},"PeriodicalIF":12.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143522534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Weizhu Zeng , Hongbiao Li , Shike Liu , Zhengshan Luo , Jian Chen , Jingwen Zhou
{"title":"Biosynthesis and bioactivities of triterpenoids from Centella asiatica: Challenges and opportunities","authors":"Weizhu Zeng , Hongbiao Li , Shike Liu , Zhengshan Luo , Jian Chen , Jingwen Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108541","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108541","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Centella asiatica</em> (L.) Urban is an herbaceous perennial plant that has long been widely used in traditional medicine, due to its diverse wound-healing, neuroprotection, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The major functional bioactive secondary metabolites are the triterpenoids asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside and madecassoside, collectively known as centellosides. Current extraction methods for <em>C. asiatica</em> are unable to meet market demand for extracts and pure functional components. Biotechnological approaches based on synthetic biology and microbial cell factories are a promising alternative. This review summarises the major secondary metabolites and their biological activities, and the biosynthetic pathway of functional triterpenoids in <em>C. asiatica.</em> Biotechnological production of centellosides is also described, including <em>in vitro</em> plant cultures and construction of microbial cell factories. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives for sustainable production of centellosides are discussed, and guidelines for future engineering are proposed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8946,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnology advances","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 108541"},"PeriodicalIF":12.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143454927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Alpha-ketoacid decarboxylases: Diversity, structures, reaction mechanisms, and applications for biomanufacturing of platform chemicals and fuels","authors":"Khanh Ha , Seunghyun Ryu , Cong T. Trinh","doi":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108531","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108531","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In living cells, alpha-ketoacid decarboxylases (KDCs, EC 4.1.1.-) are a class of enzymes that convert alpha-ketoacids into aldehydes through decarboxylation. These aldehydes serve as either drop-in chemicals or precursors for the biosynthesis of alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, and alkanes. These compounds play crucial roles in cellular metabolism and fitness and the bioeconomy, facilitating the sustainable and renewable biomanufacturing of platform chemicals and fuels. This review explores the diversity and classification of KDCs, detailing their structures, mechanisms, and functions. We highlight recent advancements in repurposing KDCs to enhance their efficiency and robustness for biomanufacturing. Additionally, we present modular KDC-dependent metabolic pathways for the microbial biosynthesis of aldehydes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, and alkanes. Finally, we discuss recent developments in the modular cell engineering technology that can potentially be applied to harness the diversity of KDC-dependent pathways for biomanufacturing platform chemicals and fuels.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8946,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnology advances","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 108531"},"PeriodicalIF":12.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143424944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abdullah Arsalan , Yuvaraj Ravikumar , Xinrui Tang , Zijing Cao , Mei Zhao , Wenjing Sun , Xianghui Qi
{"title":"Chimeric enzymes in the pulp and paper making industry: Current developments","authors":"Abdullah Arsalan , Yuvaraj Ravikumar , Xinrui Tang , Zijing Cao , Mei Zhao , Wenjing Sun , Xianghui Qi","doi":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108530","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108530","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The pulp and paper (P&P) industry plays a vital role in supporting the social and economic progress of a country by supplying essential commodities. Conventional P&P processing often consumes significant energy and use chemical agents to produce hazardous intermediates. The use of enzymes in the P&P industry has significantly reduced both the chemical and energy demands during processing. A variety of enzyme combination cocktails are used to perform multiple functions in a single step, but often fail to operate synergistically because of significant differences in operational conditions. This lack of synergy under various operating conditions highlights the need for engineered chimeric enzymes. Moreover, enzyme engineering approaches enable enzymes to perform catalysis in sub-optimal environment. Enzymes have been engineered to improve their catalytic properties and enhance operational stability. Designing multifunctional or chimeric enzymes can function simultaneously across diverse operational conditions. Chimeric enzymes enable effective synergistic action of multiple enzymes in the P&P industry. This review aims to provide clear insights into the selective development of chimeric enzymes using enzyme engineering approaches for their effective use in the P&P industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8946,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnology advances","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 108530"},"PeriodicalIF":12.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143395144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Post-translational assembly of multi-functional antibody","authors":"Baizhen Gao , Qing Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108533","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108533","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The advent of multi-specific antibodies has introduced a significant advantage over traditional monoclonal antibody therapeutics by engaging multiple targets and pathways. This review delves into the post-translational assembly techniques for multi-specific antibodies, highlighting the innovations and challenges associated with approaches of chemical conjugation, oligonucleotide-mediated assembly, and protein-protein interactions. Chemical conjugation methods have evolved to enhance the assembly process's specificity and flexibility, enabling transient engagement and versatile antibody formats. Meanwhile, oligonucleotide-mediated assembly leverages the precision of Watson–Crick base pairing, granting unmatched control over the antibody's structure and functional orientation. Additionally, protein-protein interaction strategies, notably through SpyTag/SpyCatcher systems, present a direct assembly approach without necessitating ancillary modifications, streamlining the production process. This review summarizes the significance of these methodologies in generating antibodies with diverse structures and multi-target engagement capabilities, underscoring their potential in improving therapeutic efficacy and reducing production complexity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8946,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnology advances","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 108533"},"PeriodicalIF":12.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143390059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sisi Zhu , Hongquan Xu , Yuhong Liu , Yanfeng Hong , Haowen Yang , Changli Zhou , Lin Tao
{"title":"Computational advances in biosynthetic gene cluster discovery and prediction","authors":"Sisi Zhu , Hongquan Xu , Yuhong Liu , Yanfeng Hong , Haowen Yang , Changli Zhou , Lin Tao","doi":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108532","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108532","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) are groups of clustered genes found in bacteria, fungi, and some plants and animals that are crucial for synthesizing secondary metabolites. In recent years, genome mining of BGCs has emerged as a prominent research focus, particularly in natural product discovery and drug development. Compared to traditional experimental methods, applying computational techniques has significantly enhanced the efficiency of BGC identification and annotation, thereby facilitating the discovery of novel metabolites. The advent of artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning models and more advanced deep learning algorithms, has significantly enhanced both the speed and precision of BGC mining. This review offers a comprehensive introduction to currently developed BGC databases and prediction tools, highlighting the potential of machine learning technologies in BGC mining. Additionally, it summarizes the challenges computational methods face in this area and discusses future research directions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8946,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnology advances","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 108532"},"PeriodicalIF":12.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143381662","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Syarifa Ilhami , Siti Nur Syaza Abdul Rahman , Muhammad Iqhrammullah , Zhafran Hamid , Yee Ho Chai , Man Kee Lam
{"title":"Polyhydroxyalkanoates production from microalgae for sustainable bioplastics: A review","authors":"Syarifa Ilhami , Siti Nur Syaza Abdul Rahman , Muhammad Iqhrammullah , Zhafran Hamid , Yee Ho Chai , Man Kee Lam","doi":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108529","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108529","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microalgae have emerged as a promising and sustainable source for polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), which are increasingly recognized for their potential in bioplastics production. However, the widespread application of microalgae-derived PHA faces challenges related to economic feasibility and scalability. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in the cultivation and optimization of microalgae for PHA production, highlighting the critical role of nutrient limitation, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, in enhancing PHA accumulation. This review also explores the effectiveness of various cultivation systems, including autotrophic, heterotrophic, and mixotrophic approaches, in maximizing PHA yields. Environmental factors such as light intensity, salinity, and pH are examined for their influence on PHA synthesis pathways. Additionally, it identifies key technical and economic challenges that must be addressed to commercialize microalgae-based bioplastics to fully harness the potential of microalgae in sustainable bioplastic production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8946,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnology advances","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 108529"},"PeriodicalIF":12.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143373633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Putu Teta Prihartini Aryanti , Febrianto Adi Nugroho , Yudith Yunia Kusmala
{"title":"Heparin and heparin-like modifications in hemodialysis membranes: Current innovations and future directions","authors":"Putu Teta Prihartini Aryanti , Febrianto Adi Nugroho , Yudith Yunia Kusmala","doi":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108527","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108527","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heparinized hemodialysis membranes represent a significant advancement in improving the biocompatibility and anticoagulant properties of dialysis treatments. This review explores the current challenges and innovations in developing these membranes, focusing on the incorporation of heparin and heparin-like substances to reduce protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, and clot formation. The methods for heparin immobilization, including covalent bonding, layer-by-layer assembly, and blending, offer promising results in enhancing membrane performance. However, issues such as long-term stability, large-scale production, and cost-effectiveness remain critical barriers to their widespread adoption. The review also highlights the role of surface activation techniques and nanotechnology in improving the functionality of heparinized membranes. Advanced methods like plasma treatment and polymer grafting provide better heparin attachment, while nanomaterial integration allows for improved blood compatibility and controlled heparin release. Despite these innovations, challenges such as heparin degradation, uneven coating, and the complexity of scaling up remain unresolved. Future research should focus on optimizing heparin distribution, enhancing durability, and making the production process more cost-efficient. This paper outlines potential interdisciplinary approaches, such as bioinspired materials and nanotechnology applications, to address these challenges and pave the way for next-generation hemodialysis membranes that are safer, more effective, and more accessible.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8946,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnology advances","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 108527"},"PeriodicalIF":12.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143373620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dianqi Yang , Hong Liang , Xuxu Li, Chenyu Zhang, Zewei Lu, Xiaoqiang Ma
{"title":"Unleashing the potential of microbial biosynthesis of monoterpenes via enzyme and metabolic engineering","authors":"Dianqi Yang , Hong Liang , Xuxu Li, Chenyu Zhang, Zewei Lu, Xiaoqiang Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108525","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108525","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Monoterpenes (MTPs) are valuable isoprenoids widely used in cosmetics, food flavorings, pharmaceuticals, etc. Compared to plant extraction and chemical synthesis, microbial biosynthesis offers superior sustainability and efficiency in producing natural MTPs, overcoming the limitations of raw material dependency, environmental impact, and racemic mixtures inherent in these methods. This review comprehensively discusses the development of natural or non-natural biosynthetic pathways for producing regular and irregular MTPs, emphasizing the importance of enzyme and metabolic engineering to optimize monoterpene synthases (MTPSs) in various engineered microbial cell factories (MCFs). The advances in functional expression of MTPS to enhance enzyme activity, substrate channeling of MTPS with critical biosynthesis enzymes, protein engineering of MTPS, targeted localization of MTPS in the subcellular organelle, and other favorable engineering strategies are discussed in detail. Leveraging these technologies, the engineered microbes will achieve the production of the defined product profile with higher titer/yield/productivity and improved industrial adaptability. Furthermore, we highlight the important development direction for optimizing MTPS performance and biosynthetic pathways, ensuring the microbial production of natural MTPs in a more efficient and application-specific manner.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8946,"journal":{"name":"Biotechnology advances","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 108525"},"PeriodicalIF":12.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143373637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}