BiotecInsights

We investigated fucose and rhamnose biosynthesis in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, crucial for biotechnologically valuable EPS. Deleting fucS impaired both sugars. Surprisingly, deleting putative rfbC genes did not impair rhamnose, despite affecting EPS production, suggesting misannotation and complex pathways. Further elucidation is vital.

We performed a genome-scale CRISPR screen in CHO cells using paired guide RNAs, identifying 427 essential genomic regions, including unannotated "dark matter." Deleting these regions impairs cell survival, revealing critical regulatory functions and enabling advanced bioprocess engineering.

The MFa signal sequence is key for recombinant protein secretion in yeast. This review details its evolution, processing, and challenges like missorting and aggregation. Innovations include optimized MFa variants, hybrid sequences, and cell engineering, significantly boosting protein yield and quality for biotechnological and therapeutic applications.

This study investigates enzymatic hydrolysis of bio-based poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(pentamethylene 2,5-furanoate) (PPeF), their blends, and block copolymers. *Humicola insolens* cutinase achieved 100% degradation. Blends degraded faster than copolymers, offering routes for tailored sustainable recycling.

This study identifies MapADO, a novel alkene cleaving dioxygenase, offering unprecedented efficiency in synthesizing aldehydes like vanillin from renewable resources. It's co-enzyme-free, operates under mild conditions, and enables sustainable valorization of waste streams.

A Conversation on Resource-Saving Strategies for Biotech Manufacturing

This study validates a rapid affinity chromatography method for quantifying immunoglobulin G from human plasma. Utilizing POROS CaptureSelect FcXP resin, it achieves a 2.5-minute cycle time, excellent precision, and high accuracy. This efficient method is ideal for high-throughput applications in biopharmaceutical production, offering a superior alternative to nephelometry.

This study investigates pH-dependent flocculation in Komagataella phaffii. We found it peaks at pH 4.0 and is reversible. Flo5-1 critically affects this process, and Nrg1 negatively regulates it. Our findings offer vital insights for optimizing bioprocesses using this yeast host.

Carnivorous Nepenthes and Sarracenia pitcher fluids hydrolyze PET and PBAT polyesters. Nepenthesin, an aspartic proteinase, is a key enzyme, showing comparable activity to known cutinases. This study highlights carnivorous plants as a novel source for efficient polyester degrading enzymes in plastic recycling.

Flo8 knockout in Komagataella phaffii prevents pseudohyphal growth and reduces adherence. This study reveals it significantly elevates glucose-regulatable promoter activity, boosting recombinant protein yields up to 7-fold. This new host strain offers higher productivity per gene copy and improved process robustness for methanol-free bioproduction.Original Publication