Eliminating genes for a two-component system increases PHB productivity in Cupriavidus basilensis 4G11 under PHB suppressing, nonstress conditions.

Species of bacteria from the genus Cupriavidus are known, in part, for their ability to produce high amounts of poly-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) making them attractive candidates for bioplastic production. The native synthesis of PHB occurs during periods of metabolic stress, and the process regulating the initiation of PHB accumulation in these organisms is not fully understood. Screening an RB-TnSeq transposon library of Cupriavidus basilensis 4G11 allowed us to identify two genes of an apparent, uncharacterized two-component system, which when omitted from the genome enable increased PHB productivity in balanced, nonstress growth conditions.

Systems-informed genome mining for electroautotrophic microbial production.

Electromicrobial production (EMP) systems can store renewable energy and CO in many-carbon molecules inaccessible to abiotic electrochemistry. Here, we develop a multiphysics model to investigate the fundamental and practical limits of EMP enabled by direct electron uptake. We also identify potential electroautotrophic organisms and metabolic engineering strategies to enable electroautotrophy in organisms lacking the native capability.

Production of PHB From CO-Derived Acetate With Minimal Processing Assessed for Space Biomanufacturing.

Providing life-support materials to crewed space exploration missions is pivotal for mission success. However, as missions become more distant and extensive, obtaining these materials from resource utilization is paramount. The combination of microorganisms with electrochemical technologies offers a platform for the production of critical chemicals and materials from CO and HO, two compounds accessible on a target destination like Mars.

A Comprehensive Modeling Analysis of Formate-Mediated Microbial Electrosynthesis*.

Mediated microbial electrosynthesis (MES) represents a promising strategy for the capture and conversion of CO into carbon-based products. We describe the development and application of a comprehensive multiphysics model to analyze a formate-mediated MES reactor. The model shows that this system can achieve a biomass productivity of ∼1.