Boosting d-lactate production in engineered cyanobacteria using sterilized anaerobic digestion effluents

Whitney D. Hollinshead, Arul M. Varman, Le You, Zachary Hembree, Yinjie J. Tang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an environmentally friendly approach to waste treatment, which can generate N and P-rich effluents that can be used as nutrient sources for microalgal cultivations. Modifications of AD processes to inhibit methanogenesis leads to the accumulation of acetic acid, a carbon source that can promote microalgal biosynthesis. This study tested different AD effluents from municipal wastes on their effect on d-lactate production by an engineered Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (carrying a novel lactate dehydrogenase). The results indicate that: (1) AD effluents can be supplemented into the modified BG-11 culture medium (up to 1:4 volume ratio) to reduce N and P cost; (2) acetate-rich AD effluents enhance d-lactate synthesis by ~40% (1.2. g/L of d-lactate in 20. days); and (3) neutral or acidic medium had a deleterious effect on lactate secretion and biomass growth by the engineered strain. This study demonstrates the advantages and guidelines in employing wastewater for photomixotrophic biosynthesis using engineered microalgae.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)462-467
Number of pages6
JournalBioresource Technology
Volume169
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • D-lactate dehydrogenase
  • Municipal waste
  • Photomixotrophic
  • Synechocystis 6803

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Waste Management and Disposal

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Boosting d-lactate production in engineered cyanobacteria using sterilized anaerobic digestion effluents'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this