Astrobiological implications of the organic and inorganic cyanide utilization by a novel Antarctic hyperthermophilic Pyrococcus strain.

Organic and inorganic cyanides are widely distributed in nature, yet not much is known about the ability of microorganisms to use these compounds as a source of nitrogen and/or carbon at high temperatures (>80 °C). Here we studied the capacity of organic and inorganic cyanides to support growth of an hyperthermophilic Pyrococcus strain isolated from Deception Island, Antarctica. This microorganism was capable of growing with aromatic nitriles, aliphatic nitriles, heterocyclic nitriles, amino aromatic nitriles and inorganic cyanides as nitrogen and/or carbon source. This is the first report of an hyperthermophilic microorganism able to incorporate these compounds in its nitrogen and carbon metabolism. Based on enzymatic activity and genomic information, it is possibly that cells of this Pyrococcus strain growing with nitriles or cyanide, might use the carboxylic acid and/or the ammonia generated through the nitrilase enzymatic activity, as a carbon and/or nitrogen source respectively. This work expands the temperature range at which microorganisms can use organic and inorganic cyanides to growth, having important implications to understand microbial metabolisms that can support life on Earth and the possibility to support life elsewhere.

Evaluation of Antibiotic Biodegradation by a Versatile and Highly Active Recombinant Laccase from the Thermoalkaliphilic Bacterium Bacillus sp. FNT.

Laccases are industrially relevant enzymes that have gained great biotechnological importance. To date, most are of fungal and mesophilic origin; however, enzymes from extremophiles possess an even greater potential to withstand industrial conditions. In this study, we evaluate the potential of a recombinant spore-coat laccase from the thermoalkaliphilic bacterium Bacillus sp. FNT (FNTL) to biodegrade antibiotics from the tetracycline, ß-lactams, and fluoroquinolone families. This extremozyme was previously characterized as being thermostable and highly active in a wide range of temperatures (20-90 °C) and very versatile towards several structurally different substrates, including recalcitrant environmental pollutants such as PAHs and synthetic dyes. First, molecular docking analyses were employed for initial ligand affinity screening in the modeled active site of FNTL. Then, the in silico findings were experimentally tested with four highly consumed antibiotics, representatives of each family: tetracycline, oxytetracycline, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin. HPLC results indicate that FNTL with help of the natural redox mediator acetosyringone, can efficiently biodegrade 91, 90, and 82% of tetracycline (0.5 mg mL-1) in 24 h at 40, 30, and 20 °C, respectively, with no apparent ecotoxicity of the products on E. coli and B. subtilis. These results complement our previous studies, highlighting the potential of this extremozyme for application in wastewater bioremediation.

Rational Design of an α-1,3-Fucosyltransferase for the Biosynthesis of 3-Fucosyllactose in Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051a via De Novo GDP-l-Fucose Pathway.

3-Fucosyllactose (3-FL) is an important oligosaccharide and nutrient in breast milk that can be synthesized in microbial cells by α-1,3-fucosyltransferase (α-1,3-FucT) using guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP)-l-fucose and lactose as substrates. However, the catalytic efficiency of known α-1,3-FucTs from various sources was limited due to their low solubility. To enhance the microbial production of 3-FL, the efficiencies of α-1,3-FucTs were evaluated and in Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) chassis cells that had been endowed with a heterologous synthetic pathway for GDP-l-fucose, revealing that the activity of FucTa from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) was higher than that of any of other reported homologues. To further improve the catalytic performance of FucTa, a rational design approach was employed, involving intracellular evaluation of the mutational sites of M32 obtained through directed evolution, analysis of the ligand binding site diversity, and protein structure simulation. Among the obtained variants, the FucTa-Y218 K variant exhibited the highest 3-FL yield, reaching 7.55 g/L in the shake flask growth experiment, which was 3.48-fold higher than that achieved by the wild-type enzyme. Subsequent fermentation optimization in a 5 L bioreactor resulted in a remarkable 3-FL production of 36.98 g/L, highlighting the great prospects of the designed enzyme and the strains for industrial applications.

Recombinant expression and characterization of a new laccase, bioinformatically identified, from the Antarctic thermophilic bacterium Geobacillus sp. ID17.

Geobacillus sp. ID17 is a gram-positive thermophilic bacterium isolated from Deception Island, Antarctica, which has shown to exhibit remarkable laccase activity in crude extract at high temperatures. A bioinformatic search using local databases led to the identification of three putative multicopper oxidase sequences in the genome of this microorganism. Sequence analysis revealed that one of those sequences contains the four-essential copper-binding sites present in other well characterized laccases. The gene encoding this sequence was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli, partially purified and preliminary biochemically characterized. The resulting recombinant enzyme was recovered in active and soluble form, exhibiting optimum copper-dependent laccase activity at 55 °C, pH 6.5 with syringaldazine substrate, retaining over 60% of its activity after 1 h at 55 and 60 °C. In addition, this thermophilic enzyme is not affected by common inhibitors SDS, NaCl and L-cysteine. Furthermore, biodecolorization assays revealed that this laccase is capable of degrading 60% of malachite green, 54% of Congo red, and 52% of Remazol Brilliant Blue R, after 6 h at 55 °C with aid of ABTS as redox mediator. The observed properties of this enzyme and the relatively straightforward overexpression and partial purification of it could be of great interest for future biotechnology applications.

Rational design of GDP­D­mannose mannosyl hydrolase for microbial L­fucose production.

BACKGROUND: L­Fucose is a rare sugar that has beneficial biological activities, and its industrial production is mainly achieved with brown algae through acidic/enzymatic fucoidan hydrolysis and a cumbersome purification process. Fucoidan is synthesized through the condensation of a key substance, guanosine 5'­diphosphate (GDP)­L­fucose. Therefore, a more direct approach for biomanufacturing L­fucose could be the enzymatic degradation of GDP­L­fucose. However, no native enzyme is known to efficiently catalyze this reaction. Therefore, it would be a feasible solution to engineering an enzyme with similar function to hydrolyze GDP­L­fucose. RESULTS: Herein, we constructed a de novo L­fucose synthetic route in Bacillus subtilis by introducing heterologous GDP­L­fucose synthesis pathway and engineering GDP­mannose mannosyl hydrolase (WcaH). WcaH displays a high binding affinity but low catalytic activity for GDP­L­fucose, therefore, a substrate simulation­based structural analysis of the catalytic center was employed for the rational design and mutagenesis of selected positions on WcaH to enhance its GDP­L­fucose­splitting efficiency. Enzyme mutants were evaluated in vivo by inserting them into an artificial metabolic pathway that enabled B. subtilis to yield L­fucose. WcaHR36Y/N38R was found to produce 1.6 g/L L­fucose during shake­flask growth, which was 67.3% higher than that achieved by wild­type WcaH. The accumulated L­fucose concentration in a 5 L bioreactor reached 6.4 g/L. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we established a novel microbial engineering platform for the fermentation production of L­fucose. Additionally, we found an efficient GDP­mannose mannosyl hydrolase mutant for L­fucose biosynthesis that directly hydrolyzes GDP­L­fucose. The engineered strain system established in this study is expected to provide new solutions for L­fucose or its high value­added derivatives production.

Advantages of Using Extremophilic Bacteria for the Biosynthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles and Its Potential for Rare Earth Element Recovery.

The exceptional potential for application that metallic nanoparticles (MeNPs) have shown, has steadily increased their demand in many different scientific and technological areas, including the biomedical and pharmaceutical industry, bioremediation, chemical synthesis, among others. To face the current challenge for transitioning toward more sustainable and ecological production methods, bacterial biosynthesis of MeNPs, especially from extremophilic microorganisms, emerges as a suitable alternative with intrinsic added benefits like improved stability and biocompatibility. Currently, biogenic nanoparticles of different relevant metals have been successfully achieved using different bacterial strains. However, information about biogenic nanoparticles from rare earth elements (REEs) is very scarce, in spite of their great importance and potential. This mini review discusses the current understanding of metallic nanoparticle biosynthesis by extremophilic bacteria, highlighting the relevance of searching for bacterial species that are able to biosynthesize RRE nanoparticles.

Extremophilic Oxidoreductases for the Industry: Five Successful Examples With Promising Projections.

In a global context where the development of more environmentally conscious technologies is an urgent need, the demand for enzymes for industrial processes is on the rise. Compared to conventional chemical catalysts, the implementation of biocatalysis presents important benefits including higher selectivity, increased sustainability, reduction in operating costs and low toxicity, which translate into cleaner production processes, lower environmental impact as well as increasing the safety of the operating staff. Most of the currently available commercial enzymes are of mesophilic origin, displaying optimal activity in narrow ranges of conditions, which limits their actual application under industrial settings. For this reason, enzymes from extremophilic microorganisms stand out for their specific characteristics, showing higher stability, activity and robustness than their mesophilic counterparts. Their unique structural adaptations allow them to resist denaturation at high temperatures and salinity, remain active at low temperatures, function at extremely acidic or alkaline pHs and high pressure, and participate in reactions in organic solvents and unconventional media. Because of the increased interest to replace chemical catalysts, the global enzymes market is continuously growing, with hydrolases being the most prominent type of enzymes, holding approximately two-third share, followed by oxidoreductases. The latter enzymes catalyze electron transfer reactions and are one of the most abundant classes of enzymes within cells. They hold a significant industrial potential, especially those from extremophiles, as their applications are multifold. In this article we aim to review the properties and potential applications of five different types of extremophilic oxidoreductases: laccases, hydrogenases, glutamate dehydrogenases (GDHs), catalases and superoxide dismutases (SODs). This selection is based on the extensive experience of our research group working with these particular enzymes, from the discovery up to the development of commercial products available for the research market.

Novel hyperthermophilic crenarchaeon Infirmifilum lucidum gen. nov. sp. nov., reclassification of Thermofilum uzonense as Infirmifilum uzonense comb. nov. and assignment of the family Thermofilaceae to the order Thermofilales ord. nov.

A novel hyperthermophilic crenarchaeon, strain 3507LTT, was isolated from a terrestrial hot spring near Tinguiririca volcano, Chile. Cells were non-motile thin, slightly curved filamentous rods. It grew at 73-93 °C and pH range of 5 to 7.5 with an optimum at 85 °C and pH 6.0-6.7. The presence of culture broth filtrate of another hyperthemophilic archaeon as well as yeast extract was obligatory for growth of the novel isolate. Strain 3507LTT is an anaerobic chemoorganoheterotroph, fermenting monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides (lichenan, starch, xanthan gum, xyloglucan, alpha-cellulose and amorphous cellulose). No growth stimulation was detected when nitrate, thiosulfate, selenate or elemental sulfur were added as the electron acceptors. The complete genome of strain 3507LTT consisted of a single circular chromosome with size of 1.63 Mbp. The DNA G+C content was 53.9%. According to the 16S rRNA gene sequence as well as conserved protein sequences phylogenetic analyses, strain 3507LTT together with Thermofilum uzonense formed a separate cluster within a Thermofilaceae family (Thermoproteales/Thermoprotei/Crenarchaeota). Based on phenotypic characteristics, phylogeny as well as AAI comparisons, a novel genus and species Infirmifilum lucidum strain 3507LTT (=VKM B-3376T = KCTC 15797T) gen. nov. sp. nov. was proposed. Its closest relative, Thermofilum uzonense strain 1807-2T should be reclassified as Infirmifilum uzonense strain 1807-2T comb. nov. Finally, based on phylogenomic and comparative genome analyses of representatives of Thermofilaceae family and other representatives of Thermoproteales order, a proposal of transfer of the family Thermofilaceae into a separate order Thermofilales ord. nov. was made.

Purification and characterization of two thermostable xylanases from a halotolerant Bacillus sp. Asc6BA isolated from Salar de Ascotán, Atacama Desert.

Two extracellular xylanases, denominated X2 and X3, were purified and characterized from the halotolerant bacterium Bacillus sp. Asc6BA isolated from "Salar de Ascotán" in the Atacama Desert. Xylanases were purified by anion exchange, cation exchange and size exclusion liquid chromatography. Xylanase X2 and X3 were purified ~ 690-fold and ~ 629-fold, respectively, compared to the concentrated extracellular fraction with a final specific activity of 169 and 154 u mg-1, respectively. Optimal conditions of pH and temperature of xylanolytic activity were 6.0 and 60 °C for X2 and 7.0 and 60 °C for X3. Half-life of X2 xylanase was 30 min at 50 °C, while X3 xylanase was remarkably more thermostable, retaining more than 70% of its activity after 32 h of incubation at 50 °C. X2 exhibited Km, Vmax and kcat values of 7.17 mg mL-1, 1.28 mM min-1 mg-1 and 425.33 s-1, respectively. X3 exhibited Km, Vmax and kcat values of 6.00 mg mL-1, 19.25 mM min-1 mg-1 and 82,515 s-1, respectively. In addition to their thermal stabilities, these enzymes were shown to be resistant to freeze-drying. These stability properties, in addition to the ability of these enzymes to be active in a wide range of temperatures and pHs, make these xylanases good candidates for industrial applications.

A novel and highly active recombinant spore-coat bacterial laccase, able to rapidly biodecolorize azo, triarylmethane and anthraquinonic dyestuffs.

Laccases are enzymes able to catalyze the oxidation of a wide array of phenolic and non-phenolic compounds using oxygen as co-substrate and releasing water as by-product. They are well known to have wide substrate specificity and in recent years, have gained great biotechnological importance. To date, most well studied laccases are from fungal and mesophilic origin, however, enzymes from extremophiles possess an even greater potential to withstand the extreme conditions present in many industrial processes. This research work presents the heterologous production and characterization of a novel laccase from a thermoalkaliphilic bacterium isolated from a hot spring in a geothermal site. This recombinant enzyme exhibits remarkably high specific activity (>450,000 U/mg) at 70 °C, pH 6.0, using syringaldazine substrate, it is active in a wide range of temperature (20-90 °C) and maintains over 60% of its activity after 2 h at 60 °C. Furthermore, this novel spore-coat laccase is able to biodecolorize eight structurally different recalcitrant synthetic dyes (Congo red, methyl orange, methyl red, Coomassie brilliant blue R250, bromophenol blue, malachite green, crystal violet and Remazol brilliant blue R), in just 30 min at 40 °C in the presence of the natural redox mediator acetosyringone.

From the Discovery of Extremozymes to an Enzymatic Product: Roadmap Based on Their Applications.

With the advent of the industrial revolution, the use of toxic compounds has grown exponentially, leading to a considerable pollution of the environment. Consequently, the development of more environmentally conscious technologies is an urgent need. Industrial biocatalysis appears as one potential solution, where a higher demand for more robust enzymes aims to replace toxic chemical catalysts. To date, most of the commercially available enzymes are of mesophilic origin, displaying optimal activity in narrow ranges of temperature and pH (i.e., between 20°C and 45°C, neutral pH), limiting their actual application under industrial reaction settings, where they usually underperform, requiring larger quantities to compensate loss of activity. In order to obtain novel biocatalysts better suited for industrial conditions, an efficient solution is to take advantage of nature by searching and discovering enzymes from extremophiles. These microorganisms and their macromolecules have already adapted to thrive in environments that present extreme physicochemical conditions. Hence, extremophilic enzymes stand out for showing higher activity, stability, and robustness than their mesophilic counterparts, being able to carry out reactions at nonstandard conditions. In this brief research report we describe three examples to illustrate a stepwise strategy for the development and production of commercial extremozymes, including a catalase from an Antarctic psychrotolerant microorganism, a laccase from a thermoalkaliphilic bacterium isolated from a hot spring and an amine-transaminase from a thermophilic bacterium isolated from a geothermal site in Antarctica. We will also explore some of their interesting biotechnological applications and comparisons with commercial enzymes.

Improvement of polyhydroxybutyrate production by deletion of csrA in Escherichia coli

BACKGROUND: Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) can be efficiently produced in recombinant Escherichia coli by the overexpression of an operon (NphaCAB) encoding PHB synthetase. Strain improvement is considered to be one of critical factors to lower the production cost of PHB in recombinant system. In this study, one of key regulators that affect the cell growth and PHB content was confirmed and analyzed. RESULT: S17-3, a mutant E. coli strain derived from S17-1, was found to be able to achieve high cell density when expressing NphaCAB with the plasmid pBhya-CAB. Whole genome sequencing of S17-3 revealed genetic alternations on the upstream regions of csrA, encoding a global regulator cross-talking between stress response, catabolite repression and other metabolic activities. Deletion of csrA or expression of mutant csrA resulted in improved cell density and PHB content. CONCLUSION: The impact of gene deletion of csrA was determined, dysfunction of the regulators improved the cell density of recombinant E. coli and PHB production, however, the detail mechanism needs to be further clarified.

Study of an Antarctic thermophilic consortium and its influence on the electrochemical behavior of aluminum alloy 7075-T6.

Common alloys used for the manufacture of aircrafts are subject to different forms of environmental deterioration. A major one is corrosion, and there is a strong body of evidence suggesting that environmental microorganisms initiate and accelerate it. The development of an appropriate strategy to reduce this process depends on the knowledge concerning the factors involved in corrosion. In this work, a biofilm forming bacterial consortium was extracted in situ from the corrosion products formed in an aircraft exposed to Antarctic media. Two thermophilic bacteria, an Anoxybacillus and a Staphylococcus strain, were successfully isolated from this consortium. Two extracellular enzymes previously speculated to participate in corrosion, catalase and peroxidase, were detected in the extracellular fraction of the consortium. Additionally, we assessed the individual contribution of those thermophilic microorganisms on the corrosion process of 7075-T6 aluminum alloy, which is widely used in aeronautical industry, through electrochemical methods and surface analysis techniques.

Isolation of a Psychrotolerant and UV-C-Resistant Bacterium from Elephant Island, Antarctica with a Highly Thermoactive and Thermostable Catalase.

Microorganisms present in Antarctica have to deal not only with cold temperatures but also with other environmental conditions, such as high UV radiation, that trigger the generation of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, Antarctic microorganisms must have an important antioxidant defense system to prevent oxidative damage. One of these defenses are antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, which is involved in the detoxification of hydrogen peroxide produced under oxidative conditions. Here, we reported the isolation and partial characterization of an Antarctic bacterium belonging to the Serratia genus that was resistant to UV-C radiation and well-adapted to cold temperatures. This microorganism, denominated strain I1P, was efficient at decreasing reactive oxygen species levels produced after UV-C irradiation. Genomic and activity assays suggested that the enzymatic antioxidant defense mechanisms of strain I1P, especially its catalase enzyme, may confer UV resistance. This catalase was active in a wide range of temperatures (20-70 °C), showing optimal activity at 50 °C (at pH 7.0), a remarkable finding considering its psychrotolerant origin. In addition, this enzyme was thermostable, retaining around 60% of its activity after 6 h of incubation at 50 °C. The antioxidant defense systems of strain I1P, including its surprisingly thermoactive and thermostable catalase enzyme, make this microorganism a good source of biocompounds with potential biotechnological applications.

Isolation and characterization of violacein from an Antarctic Iodobacter: a non-pathogenic psychrotolerant microorganism.

Violacein is an intensely purple pigment synthesized by various genera of bacteria that has been discovered to have a wide range of interesting biological activities which range from anticarcinogenic to antibacterial. One of the hindrances for its real-life application is that the first microorganisms found to produce the compound may act as opportunistic pathogens. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of violacein from a non-pathogenic Antarctic Iodobacter strain. Its anti-microbial properties were also tested. The method proposed here for the purification of violacein shows high yields, indicating that this Antarctic microorganism could be a valuable source for this important pigment. This is the first characterization of violacein from an Antarctic Iodobacter strain and here we also present a viable method to obtain this pigment for potential biotechnological applications.

Reconstruction of the Functional Ecosystem in the High Light, Low Temperature Union Glacier Region, Antarctica.

Antarctica is covered by multiple larger glaciers with diverse extreme conditions. Microorganisms in Antarctic regions are primarily responsible for diverse biogeochemical processes. The identity and functionality of microorganisms from polar glaciers are defined. However, little is known about microbial communities from the high elevation glaciers. The Union Glacier, located in the inland of West Antarctica at 79°S, is a challenging environment for life to survive due to the high irradiance and low temperatures. Here, soil and rock samples were obtained from three high mountains (Rossman Cove, Charles Peak, and Elephant Head) adjacent to the Union Glacier. Using metagenomic analyses, the functional microbial ecosystem was analyzed through the reconstruction of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur metabolic pathways. A low biomass but diverse microbial community was found. Although archaea were detected, bacteria were dominant. Taxa responsible for carbon fixation were comprised of photoautotrophs (Cyanobacteria) and chemoautotrophs (mainly Alphaproteobacterial clades: Bradyrhizobium, Sphingopyxis, and Nitrobacter). The main nitrogen fixation taxa were Halothece (Cyanobacteria), Methyloversatilis, and Leptothrix (Betaproteobacteria). Diverse sulfide-oxidizing and sulfate-reducing bacteria, fermenters, denitrifying microbes, methanogens, and methane oxidizers were also found. Putative producers provide organic carbon and nitrogen for the growth of other heterotrophic microbes. In the biogeochemical pathways, assimilation and mineralization of organic compounds were the dominant processes. Besides, a range of metabolic pathways and genes related to high irradiance, low temperature and other stress adaptations were detected, which indicate that the microbial communities had adapted to and could survive in this harsh environment. These results provide a detailed perspective of the microbial functional ecology of the Union Glacier area and improve our understanding of linkages between microbial communities and biogeochemical cycling in high Antarctic ecosystems.

Characterization of a novel thermostable (S)-amine-transaminase from an Antarctic moderately-thermophilic bacterium Albidovulum sp. SLM16.

Amine-transaminases (ATAs) are enzymes that catalyze the reversible transfer of an amino group between primary amines and carbonyl compounds. They have been widely studied in the last decades for their application in stereoselective synthesis of chiral amines, which are one of the most valuable building blocks in pharmaceuticals manufacturing. Their excellent enantioselectivity, use of low-cost substrates and no need for external cofactors has turned these enzymes into a promising alternative to the chemical synthesis of chiral amines. Nevertheless, its application at industrial scale remains limited mainly because most of the available ATAs are scarcely tolerant to harsh reaction conditions such as high temperatures and presence of organic solvents. In this work, a novel (S)-ATA was discovered in a thermophilic bacterium, Albidovulum sp. SLM16, isolated from a geothermal Antarctic environmental sample, more specifically from a shoreline fumarole in Deception Island. The transaminase-coding gene was identified in the genome of the microorganism, cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli for biochemical characterization. The activity of the recombinant ATA was optimal at 65 °C and pH 9.5. Molecular mass estimates suggest a 75 kDa homodimeric structure. The enzyme turned out to be highly thermostable, maintaining 80% of its specific activity after 5 days of incubation at 50 °C. These results indicate that ATA_SLM16 is an excellent candidate for potential applications in biocatalytic synthesis. To the best of our knowledge, this would be the first report of the characterization of a thermostable (S)-ATA discovered by means of in vivo screening of thermophilic microorganisms.

Capping of silver nanoparticles by anti-inflammatory ligands: Antibacterial activity and superoxide anion generation.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely recognized as antibacterial agents. However, its stability and activity over time have been poorly studied. In this work, the properties and characteristics of differently stabilized AgNPs were evaluated during a span of time. The surface capping agents were diclofenac (d), and ketorolac (k), which currently are used as anti-inflammatory in human medicine. On evaluating the size variation over time, it was observed that the AgNPs-k are the most stable, unlike the non-capped nanoparticles agglomerate and precipitate. UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis showed that the absorbance during time decreases for the three types of nanoparticles, but the decrease is less marked for the two types of anti-inflammatory-capped AgNPs. The rapid loss of the optical prop- erties of bare AgNPs, is mainly due to oxidation, agglomeration, and precipitation of this nanoparticles. The potential cytotoxicity of the AgNPs, evaluated through the formation of the superoxide anion using XXT, showed that both, AgNPs-k and AgNPs-d, generate the radical anion when the samples are irradiated with UV light at 365 nm. This effect appears associated with the capping agents, since the bare nanoparticles did not promote the formation of the superoxide anion. The antibacterial activity of the AgNPs throughout time, against two microorganisms (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus), was also evaluated. The results showed that capping agents played a decisive role in the antibacterial ability of AgNPs and also in enhancing the antibacterial activity over time.