Abstract: The postingestion journey and bioconversion of wheat bran-bound ferulic acid, a known beneficial phytochemical, remain insufficiently understood. This study aims to systematically investigate its bioaccessibility, bioavailability, excretion, and colonic metabolism, both

Abstract: Abstract Background Lignin–carbohydrate complexes in lignocellulosic biomass act as a barrier to its biodegradation and biotechnological exploitation. Enzymatic dissociation between lignin and hemicellulose is a key process that allows the efficient bioconversion of both polymers. Glucuronoyl esterases of the Carbohydrate Esterase 15 family target the ester linkages between the glucuronic acid of xylan and lignin moieties, assisting enzymatic biodegradation of lignocellulose. Results In this study, two CE15 glucuronoyl esterases from the white-rot fungi Artolenzites elegans and Trametes ljubarskyi were heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris and biochemically characterized on the model substrate D-glucuronic acid ester with cinnamyl alcohol and a variety of pretreated lignocellulosic biomasses. The pretreatment method was shown to be a determining factor in revealing both the activity of the esterases on lignocellulose and their synergistic relationships with other hemicellulases. Ae GE15 and Tl GE15 demonstrated activity on pretreated biomass with high hemicellulose and lignin content, increasing saccharification by 57 ± 1 μM and 61 ± 3 μM of xylose equivalents, respectively. Furthermore, the synergy between these CE15 esterases and three xylanases from distinct glycoside hydrolase families (GH10, GH11 and GH30) was investigated on pretreated lignocellulosic samples, highlighting beneficial enzymatic interplays. Pretreated birchwood degradation by An Xyn11 was increased from 6% to approximately 10% by the esterases, based on xylose equivalents of unsubstituted xylooligomers. The GEs also promoted the glucuronoxylanase specificity of Tt Xyn30A, leading up to three-times higher release in aldouronic acids. Finally, a synergistic effect between Ae GE15 and Tm Xyn10 was observed on pretreated corn bran, increasing xylose and xylotriose release by 27 ± 8% and 55 ± 15%, respectively. Conclusions Both CE15 esterases promoted biomass saccharification by the xylanases, while there was a prominent effect on the GH30 glucuronoxylanase regarding the release of aldouronic acids. Overall, this study shed some light on the role of CE15 glucuronoyl esterases in the enzymatic biodegradation of plant biomass, particularly its (arabino)glucuronoxylan component, during cooperative activity with xylanases.

Abstract: A novel strategy for the bioproduction of the strategic building block 5CVA using the lignin-derived biphenyl dimer DDVA as the substrate.

Abstract: Highlights • C 1 gases offer a sustainable feedstock for biomanufacturing of fuels and chemicals. This work analyzed bioconversion methods, challenges, and safety, and emphasizes the need for improved technology to enable commercialization. This perspective describes the spectrum and sources of CO 2 , CO, and CH 4 and the emerging opportunities in microbial bioconversion and bioelectrochemical processes for these feedstocks. We also discuss existing challenges in bioprocess development that restrict the commercialization of C 1 biomanufacturing technologies. Details on different aerobic and anaerobic bioconversion avenues of C 1 feedstocks employing pure and mixed cultures and the suitability of each scenario for producing specific molecules are discussed. Besides strain engineering and bioprocess constraints the review also addresses otherwise overlooked factors that limit the generation of efficient and reliable bioprocesses associated with technology availability for research and safety considerations. We then discuss and recommend the required safety features and technological research tools for developing fast, safe, and efficient bioprocesses using gaseous feedstocks to support the scale-up and commercialization of C 1 biomanufacturing technologies. Single-carbon (C 1 ) substrates including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane are abundantly available from natural and anthropogenic sources and present potential feedstocks for biomanufacturing. Utilizing these C 1 gas feedstocks in bioprocesses for sustainable production of chemicals and fuels could prove pivotal in removing excess carbon from the atmosphere. This perspective describes the spectrum and sources of CO 2 , CO, and CH 4 and examines emerging opportunities in microbial bioconversion and bioelectrochemical processes for these feedstocks. We discuss existing challenges in bioprocess development that currently restrict the commercialization of C 1 biomanufacturing technologies. We detail different aerobic and anaerobic bioconversion approaches for C 1 feedstocks employing pure and mixed cultures and examine the suitability of each scenario for producing specific molecules. Beyond strain engineering and bioprocess constraints, we address often overlooked factors that limit the development of efficient and reliable bioprocesses, including technology availability for research and safety considerations. We then discuss and recommend the necessary safety features and technological research tools for developing fast, safe, and efficient bioprocesses using gaseous feedstocks to support the scale-up and commercialization of C 1 biomanufacturing technologies. This perspective provides an overview of the current scientific and industrial state of the art and offers insights into future technological needs that must be addressed to realize the potential of biomanufacturing from gaseous feedstocks. Synopsis: C 1 gases offer a sustainable feedstock for biomanufacturing of fuels and chemicals. This work analyzes bioconversion methods, challenges, and safety considerations, and emphasizes the need for improved technology to enable commercialization. Harnessing single-carbon waste gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane as feedstocks for biomanufacturing offers a transformative opportunity to address climate change by upcycling abundant waste into valuable chemicals and fuels, while advancing sustainable industrial practices and driving innovation in microbial and bioelectrochemical technologies.

Abstract: The conversion of lignocellulose into value-added chemicals provides a promising solution for replacing petrochemical resources, reducing environmental impact, and promoting the transition to green production. The hydrolysis products of lignocellulosic biomass are abundant in glucose, xylose, and arabinose, and the efficient conversion of these sugars through various biotechnological processes is crucial for maximizing the economic and environmental benefits of lignocellulosic biomass as a renewable resource. In this work, we engineered a strain of Pseudomonas chlororaphis that efficiently produces phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA), a biopesticide registered in China as 'Shenqinmycin', from corn stover hydrolysates. The genome-scale metabolic model of P. putida (iJN1462) was adapted for P. chlororaphis GP72 by incorporating two additional pathways. Using this adapted model, we engineered the strain P. chloriraphis GP72, which completely consumed all the sugars in corn stover hydrolysate and converted them into PCA, with a yield of 384.2 mg/L. This is the first report to display the full utilization of sugars in corn stover hydrolysate for PCA production. This work demonstrates the potential of P. chlororaphis in utilizing corn stover hydrolysate for PCA biosynthesis and provides valuable references for the biosynthesis of other value-added chemicals in lignocellulosic biomass using Pseudomonas.

Abstract: Abstract The display of enzymes on bacterial surfaces is an interesting approach for immobilising industrially important biocatalysts. In recent years, non-recombinant surface display using food-grade bacteria, such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB), have gained interest because of their safety, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness. β-Xylosidase is one of the many biocatalytic enzymes targeted for immobilisation due to its key role in the complete saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass, including xylan hemicellulose. Recently, the xylose-tolerant β-xylosidase, LfXyl43, was identified in Limosilactobacillus fermentum. LfXyl43 is capable of producing xylose from the degradation of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) and beechwood xylan. This study aimed to immobilise this new biocatalyst on the surface of LAB-derived bacteria-like particles (BLP) and investigate its applicability and reusability in the degradation of xylan hemicellulose. Additionally, the influence of the anchor position and the presence of linker peptides on the display and activity of the β-xylosidase was investigated. Four expression vectors were constructed to express different anchor-xylosidase fusion proteins. Upon expression and purification, all anchor-xylosidase fusion proteins were active towards the artificial substrate p -nitrophenyl-β-D-xylopyranoside. In addition, all anchor-xylosidase fusion proteins were successfully displayed on the surface of BLP. However, only the β-xylosidases with linker peptide showed hydrolytic activity after immobilisation on BLP. BLP displaying β-xylosidases demonstrated high activity against XOS and beechwood xylan, thereby producing high amounts of xylose. Moreover, the immobilised enzyme demonstrated reusability across several bioconversion cycles. Overall, this study highlights the potential industrial application of surface-displayed β-xylosidase for the effective degradation of lignocellulosic biomass.

Abstract: Waste management and rising energy demand are two of the most pressing global challenges facing humanity. The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) offers a promising dual solution to both issues. As a key organism within the circular bioeconomy, BSF larvae (BSFL) convert organic waste into valuable biomass, producing high-value compounds such as lipids, proteins, and chitin. These bioconversion products have potential applications across multiple sectors, highlighting the insect's role in sustainable resource management and waste valorization. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that optimizing vegetable-based diets- particularly through supplementation with carbohydrate-rich bread-can improve BSFL survival, bioconversion efficiency, and lipid yield for biodiesel production, demonstrating the feasibility of managing vegetable waste while simultaneously producing biodiesel. Specifically, BSFL were reared on various vegetable waste substrates, with diets strategically enriched with bread to enhance performance. This dietary adjustment resulted in high larval survival rates, exceptionally high lipid yields of up to 60 %, and a significant increase in the saturated fatty acid content of the extracted lipids-yielding biodiesel that meets standard quality parameters. Furthermore, we report comprehensive bioconversion metrics, including larval growth, substrate reduction, and survival rates, to assess how different vegetable-based diets influence BSFL performance. To verify the industrial feasibility of our approach, we also conducted larger-scale experiments on BSFL rearing and lipid extraction, highlighting the key parameters that need to be controlled during scale-up. Overall, this study demonstrates a tailored diet formulation for maximizing biodiesel yield, showcasing the potential of BSFL to simultaneously address organic waste management and renewable fuel production. It presents a dual opportunity: waste management companies can significantly cut disposal costs, while biofuel producers gain access to a sustainable, cost-effective feedstock.

Abstract: Artificial colorants raise health and environmental concerns, creating demand for sustainable natural alternatives. Blue pigments are particularly scarce due to their structural complexity and instability, with actinorhodin standing out among Streptomyces metabolites. A major challenge for actinorhodin production is to improve yields and reduce costs to enhance process feasibility. Discarded potato, an abundant and underutilized agricultural byproduct, is a nutrient-rich, low-cost substrate for microbial processes. Recently, a Streptomyces lydicus strain was reported to convert this byproduct into actinorhodin, but with relatively low production compared to traditional media and other Streptomyces species. This study aimed to optimize the conversion of discarded potato into actinorhodin-related blue pigments by S. lydicus PM7 and to evaluate biochemical responses that influence pigment production. A Plackett–Burman design identified temperature, agitation, pH, and KH2PO4 supplementation as significant factors among 11 tested variables. Optimization using a central composite face-centered design (CCD) within the framework of response surface methodology (RSM) increased pigment production up to 8000 mg L− 1. Model validation using point prediction identified optimal conditions of 30 °C, 180 rpm, an initial pH of 9, and 0.15 g L− 1 KH2PO4. Growth kinetics under optimized conditions revealed two exponential phases and shifts in α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities, indicating a possible sequential use of carbohydrates. Catalase activity coincided with the onset of exponential growth and pigment production. The optimized process yielded an 8.5-fold increase in pigment production, supporting the use of potato byproducts as an effective and low-cost fermentation substrate. The biochemical responses of S. lydicus PM7 provide initial insight into metabolic features associated with pigment formation. Overall, the findings establish a laboratory-scale proof of concept and a basis for future bioreactor-scale and application-oriented studies on microbial blue pigments by Streptomyces spp.

Abstract: The fermentation process in alcoholic beverage production converts sugars into ethanol and CO2, releasing significant amounts of greenhouse gases. Here, Cupriavidus necator DSM 545 was grown autotrophically using gas derived from alcoholic fermentation, using a fed-batch bottle system. Nutrient starvation was applied to induce intracellular accumulation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), a bioplastic polymer, for bioconversion of CO2-rich waste gas into PHB. Grape marc, another by-product of wine production, was evaluated as a low-cost carbon source for the heterotrophic growth of C. necator, which was subsequently used as an inoculum for autotrophic cultures. The effect of agitation, CO2 headspace composition, and nitrogen concentration was tested, obtaining a maximum PHB concentration of 0.69 g/L, with an average CO2 uptake rate of 1.14 ± 0.41 mmol CO2 L-1h-1 and 65 % efficiency of CO2 consumption. These findings lay the groundwork for developing carbon mitigation strategies in alcoholic fermentation processes coupled with sustainable biopolymer production.