Biofilms consist of complex three-dimensional structures produced by fungi and bacteria at interfaces and are considered a severe hazard to human health. The biofilm formed on the surface of medical instruments leads to a major threat of dispersing microorganisms within the host and causing infection through the release of both single and clustered cells. The removal of biofilms is very challenging because of their resistance to antimicrobial therapies and high tolerance toward conventional antimicrobial agents. Therefore, it is necessary to treat biofilms more effectively and also important to understand the mechanism for biofilm formation. Addressing this key issue, this review begins with an outline of the process of biofilm formation and the associated therapeutic strategies, emphasizing the role of lysine oxidase in developing innovative antibiofilm materials for inhibiting and removing biofilms. Amino acid oxidases such as lysine oxidase and escapin are highlighted for their ability to produce hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), which exhibits antimicrobial properties against both planktonic bacteria and biofilm. It was demonstrated that the combined use of escapin intermediate products (EIP) and H 2 O 2 can prevent biofilm formation and disrupt established biofilms at micromolar concentrations by using an organism, Pseudomonas aeruginosa , as an experimental model. In addition was also observed the antifungal activity of lysine and the effects of poly-L-lysine (pLK) on bacterial biofilms. In Marinomonas mediterranea , the lysine oxidase AlpP homologue (LodA) mediates bacterial growth inhibition, DNA strand breakage, lipid peroxidation, and cell death through the accumulation of reactive species such as H 2 O 2 . Lysine alone lacked fungicidal activity, but it amplified the action of amphotericin B against C.andida albicans by inhibiting biofilm and hypha formation. Furthermore, pLK showed antimicrobial properties due to its cationic charges, effective against pathogens, including P. aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus . The review also includes the potential of synthetic mimics of antimicrobial peptides over natural peptides, which provide better stability and cost-effectiveness for treating biofilms associated with both ventilator-associated pneumonia and cystic fibrosis.
The biopharmaceutical industry is experiencing rapid growth, necessitating scalable optimization and control strategies to meet strict process objectives. Model predictive control (MPC) offers a robust framework for regulating complex bioprocesses; however, its performance critically depends on the availability of reliable process models. While mechanistic models are often preferred, practical limitations have accelerated the adoption of data-driven approaches. In this study, we evaluate the applicability of artificial neural networks (ANNs) and Gaussian process (GP) models in MPC for fed-batch cultivation of glycoengineered Pichia pastoris to produce human interferon alpha 2b (huIFN alpha 2b). Experiments were performed in a fermentation calorimeter with real-time monitoring of P. pastoris metabolism through metabolic heat rate, capacitance, and exhaust gas analysis. Comparative results demonstrate that GP-based MPC achieved superior process control, efficient substrate utilization, and a 1.1-fold increase in huIFN alpha 2b productivity relative to ANN-based MPC. Furthermore, GP-based adaptation of feeding strategies reduced methanol consumption by 14% compared with ANN-based control. These findings highlight the potential of GP-driven MPC as a promising tool for enhancing productivity and sustainability in industrial bioprocesses.
Climate change is evident in the form of a long-term shift in weather patterns and environmental catastrophes on a global scale. It has a direct impact on the agricultural sector, specifically on crop productivity and also to cope with various environmental stress conditions while maintaining crop yield. This is a major challenge and threat to food security and human health. Thus, given the present scenario, there is an urgent need for advanced techniques for improving crop productivity as well as soil biota. Nanotechnology is a developing technology that possesses vast applications in different scientific fields. Synthesis of nanofertilizers (NFs) via biological methods is discussed in the present review for improving crop yield. Hence, the present article is focused on the impact of climate change and conventional techniques on crop productivity. Role of green NF synthesis, application, and its challenges as a modern technique in the agricultural sector is explored to overcome the drawbacks of conventional fertilizer and to combat adverse climatic conditions.
Developing biological products is a complex process that requires multiple steps to launch an effective product. Biological products are defined as products containing living microorganisms, such as probiotics or microbial inoculants used in agriculture. These steps include strain discovery to identify active ingredients for a target application, early research and development (R&D) to show efficacy and prove the mode of action for the active ingredient in the intended application, fermentation and formulation processes to scale properly from the laboratory to 10,000s of liters, shelf stability of the active ingredient and formulated product, an acceptable cost of goods from manufacturing to consumer, and application methods that preserve the active ingredient’s functional properties. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in strain discovery and engineering, driven by synthetic biology, to identify new genes or to produce molecules with desirable modes of action at the bench scale. Government funding and private funding have been more abundant for early-stage research. More recently, fermentation and its scale-up, referred to as biomanufacturing, are gaining more attention, and strategic investment in the last few years signals that innovation and capacity of the industry are moving in the right direction, although slowly. Bioformulation, which refers to the technologies, processes, and ingredients to keep the biological product stable from the time of manufacturing to the time of use, is critical for creating biological products. Research into formulation and application methods has been limited and often occurs through proprietary efforts within companies. Best practices in formulation, storage, and applications are still oriented toward synthetic chemical products. Keeping practices designed for chemistry and forcing biology to fit that practice can negatively impact biological product use and performance. This article seeks to lay out a roadmap for biological product development, highlighting the critical aspects of different stages and the associated knowledge and funding gaps that need to be considered.
Beyond enabling survival in extreme environments, tardigrades open new avenues for innovation across scientific fields. This review examines the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying tardigrade tolerance, namely cryptobiosis, damage-suppressor proteins, intrinsically disordered proteins, trehalose accumulation, and robust DNA repair pathways. Furthermore, it highlights their potential applications in cryopreservation, radioprotection, astrobiology, biotechnology, and medicine. In cryobiology, tardigrade-derived molecules offer strategies to improve the viability of cells, tissues, and organs during freezing and thawing. Their natural radioprotective mechanisms may inform the development of novel cancer therapies and advanced shielding materials. Insights into tardigrade survival in the vacuum of space provide valuable models for life-support systems and planetary protection in long-duration missions. Moreover, engineering tardigrade proteins into microbial or human cells holds promise for enhanced stress tolerance in industrial bioprocessing and therapeutic contexts. By unravelling these unique survival strategies, researchers can leverage tardigrades as a blueprint for designing next-generation solutions to pressing challenges in human health, food security, and space exploration.
Plant sensors have witnessed remarkable advancements, enabling precise and real-time monitoring of diverse plant parameters. Plant sensors empowered by artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and cloud-based analytics are able to monitor and increase the crop yield and productivity. The smart sensors encompass a wide range of functionalities, including but not limited to measuring soil moisture, nutrient levels, environmental conditions, plant health, and physiological responses. This article has given detailed elaboration of literature and patent status on sensors for plant phenotyping, plant biochemistry, plant physiology, and plant health assessment. It has also covered global patent player countries, major International Patent Classification class, and top economy drivers in the key areas. Plant sensors were aligned to achieve sustainable development goals such as 2, 6, 7, 12, and 13. As per our knowledge, this is the first time we are discussing plant sensors focusing on patent landscapes. This study will act as a guide for researchers and economists, helping them navigate the complex field of sensor-enabled plant analysis and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
With the growing global demand for affordable and sustainable energy, waste-to-energy technologies have emerged as a vital solution. In India, waste-to-energy offers dual benefits—producing renewable electricity from municipal solid waste (MSW) while simultaneously mitigating landfill dependency and improving waste management efficiency. This review addresses the escalating challenge of MSW management driven by rapid urbanization and industrialization. It emphasizes biological treatment approaches, particularly microbial processes that transform organic waste into value-added, eco-friendly products such as biogas and compost, thereby integrating energy recovery with environmental sustainability. These methods align with circular economy principles, aiming to minimize waste, recycle resources, and generate renewable energy. The review explores key biological treatments—biodegradation, composting, and anaerobic digestion—emphasizing the operational factors that impact their efficiency. It also examines the challenges associated with waste-to-energy conversion, including financial, policy, and environmental barriers, while highlighting the advantages of pollution reduction and energy production. However, the improper handling or inefficient operation of these processes can lead to fugitive emissions and the release of contaminants, posing potential risks to air quality and ecosystem health. By adopting eco-friendly waste management strategies, societies can leverage natural processes to mitigate waste-related impacts and foster sustainable resource utilization within the circular economy framework.
Co-contamination of the environment with organic and inorganic pollutants (mainly heavy metals) is on the rise due to rapid urbanization and industrial growth. Bioremediation of co-contaminated systems is difficult as microbes must survive or perform efficiently under the combined toxicity of organics and metals. Additionally, the presence of one type of contaminant often hinders the removal of others, and vice versa. Hence, for bioremediation of such systems, microbial strains are required not only to tolerate the simultaneous presence of these toxicants but also to have the capability for their co-removal. Microbial strains endowed with adaptive and detoxification mechanisms toward both heavy metals and organics are of particular interest for the remediation of such co-contaminated matrices. Among the organic and heavy metal pollutants, phenol and hexavalent chromium (Cr) are noteworthy. Both are considered extremely toxic and highly mobile pollutants, and their co-presence is prevalent in various industrial effluents and natural contaminated systems. In the present review, recent approaches for using microorganisms in the co-remediation of phenol and Cr (VI) are presented. A broad perspective on toxicity and adaptive measures used by microorganisms to cope with individual toxicants and the effect of metal contaminants on the removal of organics and vice versa are also highlighted.
Inhibitors of pancreatic lipase have garnered significant interest as promising therapeutic agent candidates for addressing metabolic diseases, especially obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. Pancreatic lipase, the principal primary enzyme responsible for triglyceride hydrolysis, is crucial for lipid absorption; hence, its inhibition can noticeably reduce calorie consumption. Despite the clinical efficacy of traditional medications, such as orlistat, their wide use is often restricted due to gastrointestinal side effects. Recent research focusing on natural compounds and synthetic analogues, as well as interconnecting biotechnological approaches such as gene silencing, precise CRISPR-based editing, and beneficial probiotic introducing, is positioned at the forefront of therapeutic innovation. However, clinical translation remains limited by safety concerns, delivery challenges, and variability in patient response. The gut microbiome has been recognized as a significant player in the regulation of pancreatic lipase activity and fat absorption, offering new avenues for developing microbiome-targeted treatments. This review illuminates the physiological function of pancreatic lipase, the clinical significance of its inhibition, and the impact of molecular biology, biotechnology, and microbiome research on the development of targeted emerging therapies for the treatment of metabolic disorders.
Water scarcity and pollution continue to be crucial challenges globally. By 2030, it is expected that approximately 1.8 billion people will suffer from water scarcity worldwide. Hence, there is a need to shift toward sustainable methods of wastewater treatment, such as hydroponics, which not only treat wastewater but also facilitate the recovery of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, important for crop production. It enables nutrient recovery under controlled environmental conditions, resulting in both crop cultivation and environmental protection. This review highlights the mechanism and effectiveness of hydroponic systems in removing pollutants and nutrients such as nitrogen compounds, phosphates, heavy metals, organic pollutants, and pathogens from wastewater. Additionally, a novel hybrid system of hydroponics-plant-microbial fuel cell has also been proposed for simultaneous wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation. Further research is required to assess the adaptability of hydroponics wastewater systems on a large scale and to develop agronomic strategies that enhance their efficiency.
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have emerged as significant environmental contaminants due to their persistent nature and incomplete removal by conventional wastewater treatment systems. These micropollutants, which include antibiotics, hormones, analgesics, and personal care additives, pose ecological and health risks even at trace concentrations. Traditional treatment technologies such as activated sludge and membrane filtration often fail to fully eliminate PPCPs, necessitating innovative and sustainable alternatives. Microalgae have demonstrated promising capabilities for PPCP removal through mechanisms such as bioadsorption, bioaccumulation, and enzymatic degradation. Their ability to thrive under diverse environmental conditions, sequester carbon dioxide, and produce value-added biomass further enhances their appeal as an eco-friendly solution. This review explores the occurrence and impacts of PPCPs in industrial effluents, elucidates the biological mechanisms by which microalgae facilitate contaminant removal, and evaluates key technological and operational parameters affecting their performance. It also discusses current cultivation systems, integration strategies with existing infrastructure, economic and scalability challenges, and future directions involving genetic engineering and biorefinery integration. Microalgae-based systems, with proper optimization, offer a transformative approach for sustainable wastewater treatment and environmental remediation, by simultaneously removing nutrients and pollutants, producing valuable biomass, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in an energy-efficient and eco-friendly manner. See Graphical abstract.
The increasing discharge of organic pollutants, including dyes and pharmaceuticals, into water bodies poses a severe environmental threat. Industrial activities alone contribute to 17–20% of global water pollution through the release of untreated dye effluents. Recent advancements demonstrate that biochar-reinforced metal oxide photocatalysts (BSPs) enhanced efficiency for pollutant degradation, achieving removal rates up to 99.2% for dyes like methylene blue and 94% for pharmaceuticals such as malachite green under visible-light irradiation. However, challenges remain in scaling up BSP applications due to inconsistent feedstock properties, poor stability, and limited regeneration capacity. This review identifies these critical gaps and provides a comparative analysis of BSP compositions, synthesis methods, and photocatalytic efficiencies. Furthermore, it recommends future studies to focus on optimizing pyrolysis parameters, designing multifunctional composites to improve charge separation, and integrating BSPs into solar-driven reactor systems for sustainable treatment solutions. The review also advocates for comprehensive ecotoxicity and life-cycle assessments prior to field deployment.
The increasing contamination of soil and water by heavy metals (HMs) has potentially detrimental effects on the environment and human health, especially in areas impacted by industrial and mining activities. Fungal consortia, which use synchronous and diverse assemblages of fungal species, have been proposed as the next environmentally friendly, sustainable agent for bioremediation of HM pollution. Compared with single-strain systems, fungal consortia provide enhanced efficiency through synergistic interactions, functional diversity, and improved adaptability to complex contaminated environments. This review identifies and discusses recent trends, novel methodologies, and challenges concerning the use of fungal consortia for HM removal. Fungi can also survive and accumulate HMs through biosorption, bioaccumulation, extracellular precipitation, enzymatic transformation, and more. Integrated approaches that utilize molecular technologies, immobilization strategies, and multispecies biofilms have dramatically increased the metal-removal efficiencies. Yet significant challenges remain, not the least of which is the current lack of understanding of complex and unique microbial/microbiome interactions in the field, the inconsistency of field performance, and hurdles such as scalability and regulation. Working through these limitations requires cooperation between interdisciplinary collaborators focused on understanding the operational parameters and development of customized consortia for specific contaminated sites. When traditional knowledge is combined with advancements in biotechnologies, fungal consortia represent an exciting opportunity and a potential pathway forward for more environmentally friendly and sometimes cost-effective processes needed for sustainable HMs.
COVID-19 pandemic has established the importance of molecular biology-based detection systems for confirmatory diagnosis of diseases. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a molecular technique used for early detection of various infections caused by bacterial and viral agents. Bst DNA polymerase is a critical reagent used in LAMP. In order to produce this reagent in bulk, a batch fermentation process was developed in a bioreactor. E. coli is a bacterial host expression system commonly used for cost-effective production of recombinant proteins. Here, recombinant Bst DNA polymerase was cloned, and expressed in E. coli. Cultures were grown till mid-log phase and induced with isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside for recombinant protein expression. Effect of inducer concentration and cultivation media was studied in order to enhance the expression of recombinant Bst DNA polymerase. After process optimization, batch fermentation process was done for scale-up of the enzyme production. After cell harvesting and cell disruption, immobilized metal affinity chromatography was carried out to purify recombinant Bst DNA polymerase and resulted in 13.2 mg protein per liter of bioreactor culture. Purity of this enzyme was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. LAMP further confirmed its utility for confirmatory diagnosis of diseases. The present study established that the indigenously produced Bst DNA polymerase may be used for the diagnosis of diseases using LAMP in laboratories during any disease outbreak scenario, as well as in food safety testing and environmental monitoring in agriculture and forestry.
Biohydrogen production via dark fermentation with mixed microbial cultures is a promising strategy for sustainable waste valorization and renewable energy generation. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of advancements and emerging trends in mixed-culture dark fermentation for biohydrogen production over the past two decades through a detailed bibliometric approach. A structured search query was developed, and relevant publications published between 2005 and 2025 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Bibliometric analysis and network visualization were conducted using the Bibliometrix package (RStudio) and VOSviewer software. The results reveal substantial scientific progress in this field, with an average annual growth rate of approximately 25.48%. Contributions originated from 83 countries, with China, India, and Brazil ranking among the leading contributors. In total, 1,177 institutions and 3,231 authors participated in this research domain, indicating the development of a broad and increasingly interconnected global network. The University of S & atilde;o Paulo was identified as the most productive institution. A strong and statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.9295; p < 0.05) was observed between publication volume and citation impact, reflecting both quantitative expansion and increasing scholarly influence. Keyword analysis further indicates that current research primarily emphasizes process optimization, waste valorization strategies, and the integration of dark fermentation into sustainable and hybrid bioenergy systems. Overall, this study offers a structured overview that facilitates the identification of key research trends, influential contributors, and leading institutions in mixed-culture dark fermentation for biohydrogen production.
Landfill leachate wastewater (LLW) is a highly polluted effluent rich in organic matter and nutrients but difficult to treat due to high turbidity, salinity, and recalcitrant compounds. This study investigated an integrated strategy combining chemical pretreatment and nutrient stoichiometry optimization to enhance simultaneous wastewater remediation and lipid production by Scenedesmus sp. Raw LLW was subjected to different pretreatment methods, including polyaluminum chloride, Ca(OH)(2) coagulation, and Fenton oxidation followed by Ca(OH)(2) neutralization. Among them, Ca(OH)(2) pretreatment provided the most favorable growth conditions, supporting a maximum biomass concentration of 0.85 g/L and a specific growth rate of 0.60 day(-1), while effectively reducing turbidity, chloride, and organic load. Fenton-Ca(OH)(2) pretreatment further enhanced lipid accumulation (up to 23% dry weight) but slightly inhibited biomass growth due to residual H2O2. Subsequent optimization of the molar nitrogen-to-phosphorus (N:P) ratio in Ca(OH)(2)-pretreated LLW revealed that an N:P ratio of 35:1 maximized algal performance, yielding 2.15 g/L dry weight and 26.7% lipid content, along with high pollutant removal efficiencies (74% chemical oxygen demand, 78% biochemical oxygen demand, 85% total nitrogen, and 92% total phosphorus). Fatty acid methyl ester analysis showed dominance of palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0) acids (approximate to 80-90% of total fatty acids), indicating a lipid profile highly suitable for hydroprocessed esters and fatty acid-based sustainable aviation fuel production. Overall, this study demonstrates that coupling LLW pretreatment by Ca(OH)(2) with nutrient ratio optimization enables efficient phycoremediation and the generation of high-quality lipid feedstock, supporting a circular and sustainable bioenergy pathway.
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have significant potential to address three of the world's most pressing sustainability challenges concurrently: energy security, global warming, and waste management. MFCs serve as an interdisciplinary platform for study at the intersection of natural and engineering disciplines. The variety of factors affecting MFC performance has attracted attention since the start of the century. The present investigation demonstrates the facile synthesis of an eco-friendly proton-exchange membrane (PEM) for use in MFC applications. The PEM is fabricated by blending sulfonated water hyacinth biochar with chitosan and agar, followed by coating with phosphatidylcholine (PC) extracted from soybean lecithin. The as-synthesized membrane (biochar:chitosan:agar ratio of 2:1:1) possesses physicochemical properties, along with the presence of PC in its carbonaceous structure, leading to improved electrochemical properties. The resulting polymer exhibited favorable physicochemical characteristics, including an ion exchange capacity of (4.7 +/- 0.58) & times; 10-2 meq g-1, a proton mass transfer coefficient of (5.01 +/- 0.98) & times; 10-5 cm s-1, and a maximum power density of 3.41 +/- 0.58 mW m-2. The application of the developed PEM in MFCs resulted in a voltage output of 887 +/- 20.5 mV and a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 51.5 +/- 10.26%. The investigation findings support the use of the developed polymer as a PEM for MFC applications on the field scale. The PEM addresses the issues of fouling and enhances the efficiency of MFCs for wastewater treatment, making it a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to synthetic membranes.
Cadmium, a malleable heavy metal found in zinc ore, can pollute the groundwater and soil by various natural as well as anthropogenic means and enter different trophic levels. Several physical separation and chemical methods have been used to reduce cadmium contamination and to maintain biosafety. These methods are slow, cost- and time-intensive, and also generate toxic by-products. Phytoremediation has emerged as a sustainable and inexpensive mode to eliminate heavy metals via diverse mechanisms such as phytoextraction, phytostabilization, rhizofiltration, and phytovolatilization. Several reports are available for the pollutants' exclusion from contaminated resources using plants such as Ceratophyllum demersum, Phragmites australis, Hydrangea macrophylla, and Iris pseudacorus, etc. The approach is promising in removing a huge amount of pollutants and retaining it for a longer period. However, it also suffers from issues such as post-treatment valorization of biomass and a slow operation process. Overall, the phytoremediation approach can be considered as safer and sustainable process to eliminate the heavy metals such as cadmium not only at lab scale but also at industry or commercial scale, which is clear with pilot-scale trials. Integration of artificial intelligence/machine learning and nano-phytoremediation approaches further improves the efficiency. The purpose of this article is to summarize the recent advancements in phytoremediation for cadmium removal, application of plants, and integration of nanomaterials and AI-ML models in commercialization of the treatment process.
This study evaluated the performance of two distinct biocarriers-plastic brush (bristle-containing toothbrush heads) and polyethylene sponge-for enriching anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) bacteria under realistic (nonsteady state) conditions. Over a 130-day period, three sequencing batch reactors (R1-R3) were operated with a mixed seed inoculum (anaerobic, activated, and anammox sludge; 1:1:0.5). R1 served as the control (no carrier), while R2 and R3 used sponge and brush carriers, respectively. All reactors were operated at ambient temperatures, without dissolved oxygen (DO) control, under varying nitrogen loading rates (NLRs) (20-60 g N m(-3) d(-1)). Performance evaluation across operational phases revealed a statistically significant difference during Phase III (p < 0.05): R1 showed the lowest total nitrogen removal efficiency (similar to 12%), R2 moderate (similar to 65%), and R3 the highest (similar to 83%), despite declining ambient temperatures. However, 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed contrasting microbial communities. R1 was dominated by Bacillus (70.29%) and Lactobacillus (7.92%), suggesting poor anammox enrichment. R2 fostered a more diverse community, including Acinetobacter (14.77%), Flavobacterium (11.72%), and a threefold increase in Candidatus Kuenenia (0.18-0.54%), confirming successful anammox enrichment. R3 was dominated by denitrifiers such as Stenotrophomonas (25.48%) and Pseudomonas (24.9%), implying total nitrogen removal was primarily via heterotrophic denitrification. Overall, polyethylene sponge proved more suitable for anammox enrichment, while brush-type carriers supported heterotrophic denitrification. Notably, this study demonstrates the first use of plastic toothbrush heads as biocarriers under realistic conditions, offering a novel comparison with conventional sponge carriers for nitrogen removal.
