Metabolic engineering to improve production of 3-hydroxypropionic acid from corn-stover hydrolysate in Aspergillus species.

Background: Fuels and chemicals derived from non-fossil sources are needed to lessen human impacts on the environment while providing a healthy and growing economy. 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) is an important chemical building block that can be used for many products. Biosynthesis of 3-HP is possible; however, low production is typically observed in those natural systems.

Kevlar-like Aramid Polymers from Mixed PET Waste.

This work describes the synthetic approaches, spectroscopic and thermal characterization of aramid polymers prepared from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) via sustainable and scalable processes. Direct depolymerization of PET with aliphatic diamines under melt conditions resulted in decomposition without substantial formation of any aramid polymer. The Higashi-Ogata methodology or direct polycondensation of terephthalic acid (TPA) derived from PET waste and -phenylenediamine, resulted in oligomerization and formation of aramids with a low degree of polymerization.

Itaconic acid production is regulated by LaeA in .

The global regulator LaeA controls secondary metabolism in diverse Aspergillus species. Here we explored its role in regulation of itaconic acid production in . To understand its role in regulating metabolism, we deleted and overexpressed and assessed the transcriptome, proteome, and secreted metabolome prior to and during initiation of phosphate limitation induced itaconic acid production.

Solvent-Induced Selectivity of Isoprene From Bio-Derived Prenol.

In this work we demonstrate the selective catalytic conversion of prenol, which is an allylic alcohol that can be prepared from renewable resources to isoprene. The catalyst is an inexpensive molybdenum complex (Molyvan L) designed and used as an additive for lubricants. Isoprene is generated under relatively mild reaction parameters at 130-150°C, for 2 h, under vapor pressure conditions that do not exceed 50 psi.

Integration of Proteomics and Metabolomics Into the Design, Build, Test, Learn Cycle to Improve 3-Hydroxypropionic Acid Production in .

Biological engineering of microorganisms to produce value-added chemicals is a promising route to sustainable manufacturing. However, overproduction of metabolic intermediates at high titer, rate, and yield from inexpensive substrates is challenging in non-model systems where limited information is available regarding metabolic flux and its control in production conditions. Integrated multi-omic analyses of engineered strains offers an in-depth look at metabolites and proteins directly involved in growth and production of target and non-target bioproducts.

Valorizing a hydrothermal liquefaction aqueous phase through co-production of chemicals and lipids using the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica.

Hydrothermal liquefaction is a promising technology to upgrade wet organic waste into a biocrude oil for diesel or jet fuel; however, this process generates an acid-rich aqueous phase which poses disposal issues. This hydrothermal liquefaction aqueous phase (HTL-AP) contains organic acids, phenol, and other toxins. This work demonstrates that Y.

Anaerobic digestion of organic fraction from hydrothermal liquefied algae wastewater byproduct.

The wastewater stream from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) process used in biofuel production, contains a large amounts of organic compounds where several can be regarded as environmentally hazardous and requires significant treatment before disposal. In this study, semi-continuous anaerobic digestion is used to degrade the organic fraction of wastewater streams from HTL of the algae Tetraselmis (AgTet) and Chlorella (AgChlr). Results indicated high methane yields at 20-30% (v/v) HTL wastewater together with clarified manure, producing 327.

Biological conversion of the aqueous wastes from hydrothermal liquefaction of algae and pine wood by Rhodococci.

In this study, R. opacus PD630, R. jostii RHA1, R.

Characterization of lignin derived from water-only and dilute acid flowthrough pretreatment of poplar wood at elevated temperatures.

Background: Flowthrough pretreatment of biomass is a critical step in lignin valorization via conversion of lignin derivatives to high-value products, a function vital to the economic efficiency of biorefinery plants. Comprehensive understanding of lignin behaviors and solubilization chemistry in aqueous pretreatment such as water-only and dilute acid flowthrough pretreatment is of fundamental importance to achieve the goal of providing flexible platform for lignin utilization.

Results: In this study, the effects of flowthrough pretreatment conditions on lignin separation from poplar wood were reported as well as the characteristics of three sub-sets of lignin produced from the pretreatment, including residual lignin in pretreated solid residues (ReL), recovered insoluble lignin in pretreated liquid (RISL), and recovered soluble lignin in pretreatment liquid (RSL).