Mismanaged plastics,upon entering the environment,undergo degradation through physicochemical and/or biological processes.This process often results in the formation of microplastics(MPs),the most prevalent form of pl...Mismanaged plastics,upon entering the environment,undergo degradation through physicochemical and/or biological processes.This process often results in the formation of microplastics(MPs),the most prevalent form of plastic debris(<1 mm).MPs pose severe threats to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems,necessitating innovative strategies for effective remediation.Some photosynthetic microorganisms can degrade MPs but there lacks a comprehensive review.Here we examine the specific role of photoautotrophic microorganisms in water and soil environments for the biodegradation of plastics,focussing on their unique ability to grow persistently on diverse polymers under sunlight.Notably,these cells utilise light and CO_(2) to produce valuable compounds such as carbohydrates,lipids,and proteins,showcasing their multifaceted environmental benefits.We address key scientific questions surrounding the utilisation of photosynthetic microorganisms for MPs and nanoplastics(NPs)bioremediation,discussing potential engineering strategies for enhanced efficacy.Our review highlights the significance of alternative biomaterials and the exploration of strains expressing enzymes,such as polyethylene terephthalate(PET)hydrolases,in conjunction with microalgal and/or cyanobacterial metabolisms.Furthermore,we delve into the promising potential of photo-biocatalytic approaches,emphasising the coupling of plastic debris degradation with sunlight exposure.The integration of microalgal-bacterial consortia is explored for biotechnological applications against MPs and NPs pollution,showcasing the synergistic effects in wastewater treatment through the absorption of nitrogen,heavy metals,phosphorous,and carbon.In conclusion,this review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on the use of photoautotrophic cells for plastic bioremediation.It underscores the need for continued investigation into the engineering of these microorganisms and the development of innovative approaches to tackle the global issue of plastic pollution in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.展开更多
Light-regulated gene expression systems allow controlling gene expression in space and time with high accuracy.Contrary to previous synthetic light sensors that incorporate two-component systems which require localiza...Light-regulated gene expression systems allow controlling gene expression in space and time with high accuracy.Contrary to previous synthetic light sensors that incorporate two-component systems which require localization at the plasma membrane,soluble one-component repression systems provide several advantageous characteristics.Firstly,they are soluble and able to diffuse across the cytoplasm.Secondly,they are smaller and of lower complexity,enabling less taxing expression and optimization of fewer parts.Thirdly,repression through steric hindrance is a widespread regulation mechanism that does not require specific interaction with host factors,potentially enabling implementation in different organisms.Herein,we present the design of the synthetic promoter P_(EL)that in combination with the light-regulated dimer EL222 constitutes a onecomponent repression system.Inspired by previously engineered synthetic promoters and the Escherichia coli lacZYA promoter,we designed P_(EL)with two EL222 operators positioned to hinder RNA polymerase binding when EL222 is bound.P_(EL)is repressed by EL222 under conditions of white light with a light-regulated repression ratio of five.Further,alternating conditions of darkness and light in cycles as short as one hour showed that repression is reversible.The design of the P_(EL)EL222 system herein presented could aid the design and implementation of analogous one-component optogenetic repression systems.Finally,we compare the P_(EL)-EL222 system with similar systems and suggest general improvements that could optimize and extend the functionality of EL222-based as well as other one-component repression systems.展开更多
基金financial support by the University of Graz(Open Access Publishing Agreement)ARS would like to acknowledge the support given through ED431C2021/46-GRC attributed to Universidade de Vigo by Xunta de Galicia and IJC2020-044197-I through the Universidade de Vigo,MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033+2 种基金the European Union through“Next-GenerationEU/PRTR”This article/publication is based upon work from COST Action CA20101 Plastics monitoRIng detection RemedIaTion recoverY-PRIORITY,supported by COST(European Cooperation in Science and Technology),www.cost.euThis work was partially supported the University of Wolverhampton Research Investment Fund(RIF4).The figures were created with BioRender.com.
文摘Mismanaged plastics,upon entering the environment,undergo degradation through physicochemical and/or biological processes.This process often results in the formation of microplastics(MPs),the most prevalent form of plastic debris(<1 mm).MPs pose severe threats to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems,necessitating innovative strategies for effective remediation.Some photosynthetic microorganisms can degrade MPs but there lacks a comprehensive review.Here we examine the specific role of photoautotrophic microorganisms in water and soil environments for the biodegradation of plastics,focussing on their unique ability to grow persistently on diverse polymers under sunlight.Notably,these cells utilise light and CO_(2) to produce valuable compounds such as carbohydrates,lipids,and proteins,showcasing their multifaceted environmental benefits.We address key scientific questions surrounding the utilisation of photosynthetic microorganisms for MPs and nanoplastics(NPs)bioremediation,discussing potential engineering strategies for enhanced efficacy.Our review highlights the significance of alternative biomaterials and the exploration of strains expressing enzymes,such as polyethylene terephthalate(PET)hydrolases,in conjunction with microalgal and/or cyanobacterial metabolisms.Furthermore,we delve into the promising potential of photo-biocatalytic approaches,emphasising the coupling of plastic debris degradation with sunlight exposure.The integration of microalgal-bacterial consortia is explored for biotechnological applications against MPs and NPs pollution,showcasing the synergistic effects in wastewater treatment through the absorption of nitrogen,heavy metals,phosphorous,and carbon.In conclusion,this review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on the use of photoautotrophic cells for plastic bioremediation.It underscores the need for continued investigation into the engineering of these microorganisms and the development of innovative approaches to tackle the global issue of plastic pollution in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
基金the fluorescence spectrum of EL222,and Adam Wegelius is gratefully acknowledged for experimental assistance.AJ acknowledges funding from FP7-ICT-610730(EVOPROG)FP7-KBBE-613745(PROMYS)+2 种基金H2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions 642738(MetaRNA)Biotechnology and Biological Biological Sciences Research Council(BBSRC)BB/P020615/1(EVO-ENGINE),Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council-Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council(EPSRC-BBSRC)BB/M017982/1(WISB centre),and the departmental allocation from the School of Life Sciences(U.Warwick)PL acknowledges funding from the Knut och Alice Wallenbergs Stiftelse(project MoSE,No.2011.0067)and the Swedish Energy Agency(No.11674-5).
文摘Light-regulated gene expression systems allow controlling gene expression in space and time with high accuracy.Contrary to previous synthetic light sensors that incorporate two-component systems which require localization at the plasma membrane,soluble one-component repression systems provide several advantageous characteristics.Firstly,they are soluble and able to diffuse across the cytoplasm.Secondly,they are smaller and of lower complexity,enabling less taxing expression and optimization of fewer parts.Thirdly,repression through steric hindrance is a widespread regulation mechanism that does not require specific interaction with host factors,potentially enabling implementation in different organisms.Herein,we present the design of the synthetic promoter P_(EL)that in combination with the light-regulated dimer EL222 constitutes a onecomponent repression system.Inspired by previously engineered synthetic promoters and the Escherichia coli lacZYA promoter,we designed P_(EL)with two EL222 operators positioned to hinder RNA polymerase binding when EL222 is bound.P_(EL)is repressed by EL222 under conditions of white light with a light-regulated repression ratio of five.Further,alternating conditions of darkness and light in cycles as short as one hour showed that repression is reversible.The design of the P_(EL)EL222 system herein presented could aid the design and implementation of analogous one-component optogenetic repression systems.Finally,we compare the P_(EL)-EL222 system with similar systems and suggest general improvements that could optimize and extend the functionality of EL222-based as well as other one-component repression systems.
