Structural and functional insights into recombinant β-glucosidase from Thermothelomyces thermophilus: Cello-oligosaccharide hydrolysis and thermostability.

β-glucosidases (BGLs) are key enzymes in the depolymerization of cellulosic biomass, catalyzing the conversion of cello-oligosaccharides into glucose. This conversion is pivotal for enhancing the production of second-generation ethanol or other value-added products in biorefineries. However, the process is often cost-prohibitive due to the high enzyme loadings required.

Design and Analysis of Fluorine-Free Mold Fluxes for Continuous Casting of Peritectic Steels.

Fluorine-based mold fluxes are critical for continuous casting of peritectic steels, controlling heat transfer and preventing cracks. However, environmental and health concerns associated with fluorine have spurred the search for alternative flux compositions. This study applied a factorial design to explore the effects of Na2O, TiO2, B2O3, and fluorine on key properties such as viscosity, crystallization temperature, and melting behavior.

Biochemical and inhibitor analysis of recombinant cellobiohydrolases from Phanerochaete chrysosporium.

The demand for greener energy sources necessitates the development of more efficient processes. Lignocellulosic biomass holds significant potential for biofuels production, but improvements in its enzymatic degradation are required to mitigate the susceptibility of enzymes by reaction products and pretreatment impurities. In this work, two cellobiohydrolases (CBHs) from the basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PcCel7C and PcCel7D) were heterologously expressed, characterized, and analyzed in the presence of their products (glucose and cellobiose) and harmful compounds commonly found in industrial processes (phenolics), as well as their adsorption to lignin and cellulose.

Light-driven Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenase Catalysis Mediated by Type I Photosensitizers.

The use of light as abundant, renewable, and clean energy source to boost lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) reactions represents an exciting and yet under-explored opportunity. Herein we demonstrated that photosensitizers, commonly used in photodynamic therapy, which act through the photocatalytic Type I mechanism can drive the oxidation of PASC by LPMOs, whereas Type II photosensitizers are not capable of promoting the LPMO activity. We analyzed Type I and Type II photosensitizers (methylene blue and tetraiodide salt of meso-tetrakis-(4-N-methylpyridyl) porphyrin, respectively) and demonstrated that, even without an addition of external reductant, Type I was capable of boosting Thermothelomyces thermophila MtLPMO9A activity in the presence of light.

Thermothelomyces thermophilus exo- and endo-glucanases as tools for pathogenic E. coli biofilm degradation.

The escalating prevalence of drug-resistant pathogens not only jeopardizes the effectiveness of existing treatments but also increases the complexity and severity of infectious diseases. Escherichia coli is one the most common pathogens across all healthcare-associated infections. Enzymatic treatment of bacterial biofilms, targeting extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), can be used for EPS degradation and consequent increase in susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics.

Dual Chemotherapeutic Loading in Oxalate Transferrin-Conjugated Polymersomes Incorporated into Chitosan Hydrogels for Site-Specific Targeting of Melanoma Cells.

In this work, we developed a smart drug delivery system composed of poly (ethylene glycol)--poly (ε-caprolactone) (PEG-PCL)-based polymersomes (Ps) loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) and vemurafenib (VEM). To enhance targeted delivery to malignant melanoma cells, these drug-loaded nanovesicles were conjugated to the oxalate transferrin variant (oxalate Tf) and incorporated into three-dimensional chitosan hydrogels. This innovative approach represents the first application of oxalate Tf for the precision delivery of drug-loaded polymersomes within a semi-solid dosage form based on chitosan hydrogels.

Homologous expression, purification, and characterization of a recombinant acetylxylan esterase from Aspergillus nidulans.

Acetylxylan esterases (AXEs) are essential enzymes that break down the acetyl groups in acetylated xylan found in plant cell walls polysaccharides. They work synergistically with backbone-depolymerizing xylanolytic enzymes to accelerate the degradation of complex polysaccharides. In this study, we cloned the gene axeA, which encodes the acetylxylan esterase from Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4 (AxeAN), into the pEXPYR expression vector and introduced it into the high protein-producing strain A.

Enzymatic approaches for diversifying bioproducts from cellulosic biomass.

Cellulosic biomass is the most abundantly available natural carbon-based renewable resource on Earth. Its widespread availability, combined with rising awareness, evolving policies, and changing regulations supporting sustainable practices, has propelled its role as a crucial renewable feedstock to meet the escalating demand for eco-friendly and renewable materials, chemicals, and fuels. Initially, biorefinery models using cellulosic biomass had focused on single-product platform, primarily monomeric sugars for biofuel.

Recombinant GH3 β-glucosidase stimulated by xylose and tolerant to furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural obtained from Aspergillus nidulans.

The β-glucosidase gene from Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4 was cloned and overexpressed in the A. nidulans A773. The resulting purified β-glucosidase, named AnGH3, is a monomeric enzyme with a molecular weight of approximately 80 kDa, as confirmed by SDS-PAGE.

Exploring xylan removal via enzymatic post-treatment to tailor the properties of cellulose nanofibrils for packaging film applications.

Hemicellulose plays a key role in both the production of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and their properties as suspensions and films. While the use of enzymatic and chemical pre-treatments for tailoring hemicellulose levels is well-established, post-treatment methods using enzymes remain relatively underexplored and hold significant promise for modifying CNF film properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of enzymatic xylan removal on the properties of CNF film for packaging applications.

Evaluating the reinforcing potential of enzymatic cellulose nanocrystals in polypropylene nanocomposite.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) produced through enzymatic hydrolysis exhibit physicochemical properties that make them attractive as eco-friendly reinforcing agents in polymer composites. However, the extent of their efficacy within a polymeric matrix is yet to be fully established. This study investigated the reinforcing capabilities of enzymatic CNC (approximately 3 nm in diameter) isolated from bleached eucalyptus Kraft pulp (BEKP), focusing on its application in polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites produced by injection molding.

Recombinant cellobiose dehydrogenase from Thermothelomyces thermophilus: Its functional characterization and applicability in cellobionic acid production.

The fungus Thermothelomyces thermophilus is a thermotolerant microorganism that has been explored as a reservoir for enzymes (hydrolytic enzymes and oxidoreductases). The functional analysis of a recombinant cellobiose dehydrogenase (MtCDHB) from T. thermophilus demonstrated a thermophilic behavior, an optimal pH in alkaline conditions for inter-domain electron transfer, and catalytic activity on cellooligosaccharides with different degree of polymerization.

From production to performance: Tailoring moisture and oxygen barrier of cellulose nanomaterials for sustainable applications - A review.

Barrier materials are crucial in preserving product quality, safety and longevity across numerous applications, thereby contributing to sustainability, reducing waste and advancing technology. Among these materials, cellulose nanomaterials (CNs) have emerged as promising alternatives for traditional petroleum-based polymers. However, the wide range of sources and the different methods used to isolate and process CN-based materials can result in significant variations in moisture and oxygen barrier performance.

Simple one-step treatment for saccharification of mango peels using an optimized enzyme cocktail of Aspergillus niger ATCC 9642.

Developing efficient microbiological methods to convert polysaccharide-rich materials into fermentable sugars, particularly monosaccharides, is vital for advancing the bioeconomy and producing renewable chemicals and energy sources. This study focused on optimizing the production conditions of an enzyme cocktail from Aspergillus niger ATCC 9642 using solid-state fermentation (SSF) and assessing its effectiveness in saccharifying mango peels through a simple, rapid, and efficient one-step process. A rotatable central composite design was employed to determine optimal conditions of moisture, time, and pH for enzyme production in SSF medium.

Cross-linked cellulose beads as an eco-friendly support for ZnO/SnO/carbon xerogel hybrid photocatalyst: Exploring the synergy between adsorption and photocatalysis under simulated sunlight.

This paper explores the application of cross-linked cellulose beads as a sustainable and cost-effective support for the ZnO/SnO/carbon xerogel hybrid photocatalyst. The application of the developed photocatalytic beads, named CB-Cat, was directed at a simultaneous adsorption/photocatalysis process, which was carried out under simulated sunlight. The characterization of the CB-Cat indicated a good dispersion of the photocatalyst of choice throughout the cellulose matrix, confirming its incorporation into the cellulose beads.

Hydrophobic enzymatic cellulose nanocrystals via a novel, one-pot green method.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are a rapidly growing bionanomaterial with remarkable properties that have been harnessed in various applications, including mechanical reinforcement, biomedical materials, and coatings. However, for non-water-based applications, hydrophobization of CNCs while preserving their integrity is crucial. In this study, we propose a new eco-friendly, one-pot surface esterification method for hydrophobizing enzymatic CNCs in aqueous suspension without solvent exchange.

Reusing wastewater from Coffea arabica processing to produce single-cell protein using Candida sorboxylosa: Optimizing of culture conditions.

Coffee is a crop of significant socioeconomic importance, and the reuse of agri-food by-products and biowaste has great potential across several industries. Coffee wastewater (CWW) is a valuable resource containing essential nutrients that can be utilized by Candida sorboxylosa for single-cell protein (SCP) production. This utilization contributes to mitigating the negative impacts of agro-industrial waste.

The emergence of hybrid cellulose nanomaterials as promising biomaterials.

Cellulose nanomaterials (CNs) are promising green materials due to their unique properties as well as their environmental benefits. Among these materials, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and nanocrystals (CNCs) are the most extensively researched types of CNs. While they share some fundamental properties like low density, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low toxicity, they also possess unique differentiating characteristics such as morphology, rheology, aspect ratio, crystallinity, mechanical and optical properties.

Staphylococcus aureus microbial biofilms degradation using cellobiose dehydrogenase from Thermothelomyces thermophilus M77.

This work reports biochemical characterization of Thermothelomyces thermophilus cellobiose dehydrogenase (TthCDHIIa) and its application as an antimicrobial and antibiofilm agent. We demonstrate that TthCDHIIa is thermostable in different ionic solutions and is capable of oxidizing multiple mono and oligosaccharide substrates and to continuously produce HO. Kinetics measurements depict the enzyme catalytic characteristics consistent with an Ascomycota class II CDH.

Oxidative Machinery of basidiomycetes as potential enhancers in lignocellulosic biorefineries: A lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases approach.

Basidiomycetes are renowned as highly effective decomposers of plant materials, due to their extensive array of oxidative enzymes, which enable them to efficiently break down complex lignocellulosic biomass structures. Among the oxidative machinery of industrially relevant basidiomycetes, the role of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMO) in lignocellulosic biomass deconstruction is highlighted. So far, only a limited number of basidiomycetes LPMOs have been identified and heterologously expressed.

Endoglucanase pretreatment aids in isolating tailored-cellulose nanofibrils combining energy saving and high-performance packaging.

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) have emerged as a potential alternative to synthetic polymers in packaging applications owing to their oxygen and grease barrier performance, as well as their strong mechanical properties. However, the performance of CNF films relies on the inherent characteristics of fibers, which undergo changes during the CNF isolation process. Understanding these variations in characteristics during CNF isolation is crucial for tailoring CNF film properties to achieve optimum performance in packaging applications.

Endoglucanase effects on energy consumption in the mechanical fibrillation of cellulose fibers into nanocelluloses.

Enzymatic processing is considered a promising approach for advancing environmentally friendly industrial processes, such as the use of endoglucanase (EG) enzyme in the production of nanocellulose. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the specific properties that make EG pretreatment effective in isolating fibrillated cellulose. To address this issue, we investigated EGs from four glycosyl hydrolase (GH) families (5, 6, 7, and 12) and examined the roles of the three-dimensional structure and catalytic features, with a focus on the presence of a carbohydrate binding module (CBM).