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A recent study conducted at Southeast University in Nanjing, China, has explored the use of a new arsenic-based nanomicelle platform for cancer immunotherapy. The researchers developed a multifunctional arsenic(III) allosteric inhibitor called Mech02, which induces cell pyroptosis and amplifies immunogenic cell death (ICD) effects. The study found that the nanomicelle Mech02-HA NPs can activate immune memory effects and enhance anti-tumor immunity. This research provides insights into the development of efficient multimodal tumor therapy agents. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Hebei Normal University in China explores the efficient biosynthesis of D/L-alanine in Escherichia coli. Alanine is an amino acid with various applications in industries such as biomedical, pharmaceutical, plastics, and food. The study utilized a biobrick approach to produce D/L-alanine in recombinant Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) by co-expressing three genes. Under optimized conditions, the concentration of D-alanine and L-alanine reached maximum values after 3.0 hours of reaction time. The study provides a simple and efficient biosynthesis process for D/L-alanine, which could have applications in large-scale industrial production. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Jiangnan University in Wuxi, China, explores the use of kynurenine formamidases as biocatalysts for the hydrolysis of N-formylkynurenine (NFK). Kynurenine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid that is found in various bioactive natural products and is involved in metabolism and related diseases. The researchers summarize recent investigations on the biocatalytic reactions, crystal structures, and mechanisms of kynurenine formamidases, as well as homologous enzymes with inferred kynurenine formamidase activity. The review aims to provide a better understanding of kynurenine formamidase and its potential applications in the synthesis of natural products and drug development. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China have developed a new method for genetically customizing microbial surfaces to create effective and robust whole cell biocatalysts. By utilizing three functional modules, the researchers were able to immobilize lipases onto the surface curli fibers of Escherichia coli, resulting in enhanced enzyme dosage, specific activity, and resistance to harsh environments. The genetically tailored whole cell catalysts were successfully used in the synthesis of fatty acid methyl esters, achieving an 87% yield with high relative activity after multiple batches. This study introduces a concept and technological platform for creating innovative and efficient biocatalysts and biotransformations. [Extracted from the article]

A research report from Seoul National University discusses the use of metabolically engineered microbial consortia as a production platform for polyamide monomers. The researchers combined an engineered Yarrowia lipolytica module with Escherichia coli modules to create a mixed strain microbial consortium that could efficiently transform n-alkanes into alpha,omega-diamines. By combining three modules in one pot, the consortium was able to produce 1,12-diaminododecane from n-dodecane. This research provides a greener alternative for the biosynthesis of various alpha,omega-diamines from n-alkanes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Northeast Forestry University in Heilongjiang, China, has developed a highly efficient and low-cost biosynthetic process for producing 7-methylxanthine (7-MX), a derivative of caffeine. The production of 7-MX has been challenging due to poor yields and high costs associated with isolation and chemical synthesis. By optimizing gene expression, constructing a cofactor regeneration system, and engineering Escherichia coli for high-density fermentation, the researchers were able to achieve an unprecedented production of 8.37 g/L of 7-MX. This study provides valuable insights into synthesizing other methylxanthines and represents the most efficient method for producing 7-MX from caffeine to date. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Miami University highlights new findings in biocatalysis, specifically in the field of tryptamine biosynthesis. The study focuses on two enzymes, TrpM and PsiD, involved in the production of tryptamines, including psilocybin and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). The researchers discovered that TrpM can N-methylate a non-native amino acid substrate, expanding the range of tryptamine biosynthetic products. However, PsiD was unable to use N,N-dimethyl-4-hydroxytryptophan as a substrate. This research contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop biosynthetic production routes for tryptamine drug candidates. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from AstraZeneca highlights the use of biocatalysis in drug development. The researchers focused on using thermostable cytochrome P450 enzymes in bacterial membranes to replicate the metabolic pathways seen in human liver microsomes. This approach allows for the production of diverse metabolite structures and avoids the use of environmentally damaging solvents and transition metal catalysts. The study concludes that bacterial membranes provide an analogous system to liver microsomes for metabolite generation, with the added benefit of accessing a greater diversity of metabolite structures. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Tianjin University of Science and Technology in China discusses the development of a biocatalytic system for the production of (S)-1,2,4-butanetriol from D-xylose. The researchers screened libraries of enzymes to obtain D-xylose dehydrogenase, D-xylonate dehydratase, 2-keto acid decarboxylase, and aldehyde reductase with high activity. They constructed a plasmid and introduced it into Escherichia coli to create a recombinant strain that could convert D-xylose to (S)-1,2,4-butanetriol with high yield and purity. The study suggests that this biocatalyst has potential industrial applications for the synthesis of (S)-1,2,4-butanetriol from renewable resources. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Sichuan University in Chengdu, China have published a new report on artificial enzymes for colorimetric biosensing. The researchers synthesized three different types of copper-organic frameworks with covalent structures and light-activable catalytic centers to serve as smart artificial enzymes. These artificial enzymes showed improved photocatalytic properties and peroxidase-like activity, allowing for highly sensitive and wide-range biocatalytic diagnosis. The researchers hope that this design will provide new insights into enzyme-like organic framework materials and unique systems for future biocatalytic applications. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Ocean University of China have developed an injectable hydrogel that can accelerate the healing of chronic diabetic wounds. The hydrogel, called PG-Fe, promotes all four phases of wound healing and exhibits desirable physical and biological properties. It has been found to shorten the closure time of normal and chronic diabetic wounds to 21 days. The research provides a novel strategy for fabricating injectable hydrogels that can effectively address the challenges of chronic diabetic wound healing. [Extracted from the article]

[Display omitted] • Efficient mass transfer of the methane substrate to biocatalysts. • Automatic product separation via spontaneous phase-transfer biocatalytic protocol. • Complete prevention of loss of whole-cell biocatalysts during μCSTR operation. We describe the phase-transfer biocatalytic process for methane-to-methanol conversion based on the spontaneous phase-separable membrane micro-CSTR (μCSTR). The developed system has several critical benefits for operating the conversion reaction, including (a) preventing the whole-cell biocatalyst loss while operating the reactor continuously, (b) introducing a powerful mixing effect to significantly improve the mass transfer efficacy of methane to the biocatalyst, (c) facilitating the product separation process by employing the spontaneous phase separation system, and (d) providing an excellent platform for more complex, high-value-added conversion reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Climate change is one of the major global concerns of 21st century, and the release of excessive greenhouse gases (GHG) is the foremost reason behind. It has become imperative to either capture excessive emission of GHG into the atmosphere or to develop advanced and efficient technologies for preventing further increase in its atmospheric concentration. Algal and microbial enzymes have been found to be effective in catalyzing the conversion of GHG to value-added products like biofuels, chemicals, polymers, biogas, and bioelectricity etc. However, these enzymes yield better catalytic activities when applied in combination with nano-materials having similar prowess for capturing and converting GHG. Replacing conventional chemical production through GHG capture and utilization affects emission of the same throughout the production chain (i.e., from cradle-to-gate). Herein, we analyze the technical potential of hybrid chemo-biocatalytic processes for GHG capture and their utilization to produce valuable industrial compounds. The study addresses the biosynthesis as well as genetic and metabolic engineering of different microbial enzymes for GHG sequestration and conversion. It also reviews recent literature of using different advanced materials for immobilization of enzymes and their subsequent application for GHG sequestration and conversion to valuable products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers at Henan University of Technology in Zhengzhou, China have conducted a study on Klebsiella, a type of Gram-Negative Bacteria. The study focused on the enzyme carveol dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the oxidation of carveol into carvone. Two dehydrogenase genes from Klebsiella sp. O852 were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, and the enzymes were characterized for their biocatalytic properties. The researchers found that the enzymes displayed optimal catalytic activity at different temperatures and pH levels, and could potentially catalyze the oxidation of other compounds as well. The study lays a foundation for further research on sustainable synthesis of carvone. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Tianjin University in China discusses the development of selenium-based metal polyphenol nanoparticles that can impede the pathological cross-talk between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation in sepsis. The nanoparticles, called TZn@CSe, have been found to neutralize various types of ROS, decrease the expression of inflammatory cytokines, and modulate oxidative stress and inflammatory response signaling pathways. In experiments with septic mice, TZn@CSe increased the survival rate by 50% and showed better therapeutic efficacy than the first-line clinical drug. This research provides a potential therapeutic method for alleviating sepsis by intercepting the interplay between ROS and inflammation. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Tianjin University in China have discovered that biocatalytic Au 10 clusters, protected by the ATT ligand, have potential in the treatment of sepsis. Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome that can lead to organ failure. The Au 10 clusters possess antioxidant capabilities and exhibit catalase-like activity, which can effectively clear inflammatory factors and protect vital organs. This research highlights the unique combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the Au 10 clusters for the management of sepsis. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application by ZYMtronix Catalytic Systems Inc. titled "Modular Glycan Production With Immobilized Bionanocatalysts" has been made available online. The invention aims to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of producing glycans, including human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which are important components of breast milk. The invention involves using magnetic materials and enzymes immobilized within bionanocatalysts (BNCs) embedded in scaffolds. These modular flow cells can be used in continuous flow processing to synthesize glycans, including complex and branched HMOs, in a customizable and efficient manner. The invention has the potential to enhance the production of complex carbohydrates while making them more accessible and affordable. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Uniwersytet Mikolaja Kopernika w Toruniu have conducted a study on the application of surfactants in pharmaceutical biocatalysis. The study focused on the effect of surfactants on lipase activity in various pharmaceutical reactions. The researchers found that non-ionic surfactants, such as Tween and Triton X-100, had a positive effect on lipase activity, while ionic surfactants, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, had varying effects. The study concluded that surfactants are important components in developing catalytic systems. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Guangdong Pharmaceutical University in China has discovered a new type of nanozyme called AgAu@QMIL-53, which has triple enzyme-like activities that can disinfect and promote wound healing. The nanozyme was found to be effective in killing bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and reducing oxidative stress in diabetic wounds. The researchers believe that this biomimetic enzyme-catalyzed strategy could lead to the development of self-antibacterial agents for efficient disinfection and wound healing. The study has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Michigan State University have presented data on paclitaxel therapy, specifically focusing on the biocatalytic and regioselective exchange of 2-o-benzoyl for 2-o-(m-substituted)benzoyl groups to create precursors for next-generation paclitaxel drugs. The study found that a taxane 2-O-benzoyltransferase (mTBT) biocatalyzed the dearoylation and rearoylation of taxane precursors, which are effective against multidrug-resistant cancer cells. The researchers also discovered that the 13-oxotaxanes were the most productive, and reducing the 13-oxo group to a hydroxyl yielded key modified baccatin III precursors of new-generation taxoids. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the development of paclitaxel therapy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in the Russian Federation explored the field of biocatalysis, specifically focusing on the modification of hyaluronidase, an enzyme involved in medical preparations. The study utilized computational models to investigate the interaction between hyaluronidase and glycosaminoglycan ligands. The findings revealed the importance of ligand binding in regulating enzyme functioning and highlighted the potential for experimental modification of hyaluronidase using chondroitin sulfate trimers. The study suggests that noncovalent or covalent reactions with chondroitin sulfate trimers could lead to the development of stabilized enzyme forms. For more information, the full article can be accessed through the provided link. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Zhejiang University of Technology in Hangzhou, China, has successfully achieved the continuous flow synthesis of purine nucleoside esters using lipase TL IM from Thermomyces lanuginosus. Purine nucleoside esters have antiviral and anticancer activities, making this research significant for the rapid synthesis of nucleoside drugs. The study found that the use of lipase TL IM offers advantages such as a green solvent, mild conditions, a simple work-up procedure, and a highly reusable biocatalyst. This research provides a new technique for the synthesis of anticancer and antiviral drugs and has implications for further drug screening. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Johannesburg in South Africa discusses the use of a modified membrane containing two enzymes, laccase and tyrosinase, for the removal of a model antiretroviral drug called nevirapine from water. The enzymes were immobilized as combined cross-linked aggregates using chitosan as a cross-linking agent. The study found that the modified membrane exhibited excellent removal efficiency of nevirapine, with a rate of 98.81% at pH 7. This research provides new insights into the potential use of biocatalysis for the degradation of antiviral drugs in water. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Wroclaw University of Science & Technology in Poland explores the use of biobased hydrogels as functional platforms in biocatalysis, nutrition, and medicine. These hydrogels, made from natural polymers, have high water-holding capacity and offer interesting physicochemical and biological properties. The article provides a brief review of the current development of matrix composition and properties of these hydrogels, supported by case studies from previous research papers and current projects. The research was funded by the National Science Centre in Poland and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A research report from the Chinese Academy of Sciences discusses the use of a novel single-atom nanozyme pyroptosis initiator called Cu-NS@UK@POx for immunotherapy. This nanozyme triggers pyroptosis, a form of cell death, to enhance the immunogenicity of tumor cells and remodel the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. By targeting pyruvate metabolism, this treatment strategy activates antitumor immunotherapy effects and shows promise for expanding immunotherapy options. The research was supported by various funding sources and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

α,ω-Dicarboxylic acids (α,ω-DCAs) have numerous applications, as raw materials for producing various commodities and polymers in chemical industry. For example, dodecanedioic acid (DDDA), a monomer of nylon 612 polymer is used for numerous applications such as plasticizers and adhesive. In this study, firstly the enzymatic production of DDDA from corresponding ω-hydroxy fatty acid was optimized using aldehyde reductase (AHR) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), and the cofactor imbalance and proficient regeneration thereof, is a major hurdle for the effective biosynthesis. To circumvent this, NAD(P)H oxidases (NOXs) from Lactobacillus brevis (LbrNOX), Brevibacterium glutamicum (BreNOX) and Lactobacillus reuteri (LreNOX) were examined for the AHR/ALDH/NOX cascade and LreNOX was identified as suitable enzyme. Moreover, LreNOX was fused with AHR and employing this fusion protein in Escherichia. coli (E. coli) holding ALDH, nearly complete conversion (>99%) into DDDA was achieved from 30 mM of 12-hydroxy dodecanoic acid within 12 h of whole-cell biotransformation (2.2-fold improvement in productivity) turning out to be beneficial. Finally, the synthesis of DDDA from corresponding free fatty acid (dodecanoic acid), was performed by employing combination of AHR/ALDH/NOX cascade with CYP153AL.m, where 2.3 mM (0.53 g/L) of DDDA was produced in one-pot one step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study from Indiana University explores the use of single component flavin-dependent halogenases (FDHs) for selective halogenation of alkenes and alkynes. The researchers found that the FDH AetF can catalyze halogenation of a range of 1,1-disubstituted styrenes and terminal alkynes with high stereoselectivity. These findings expand the scope of FDH catalysis and demonstrate the unique utility of single component FDHs for biocatalysis. The research was supported by various organizations including the NIH and Pfizer. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Bangladesh University of Textiles has explored the potential of using eco-enzymes derived from fruit peels for sustainable textile wastewater treatment. The researchers synthesized eco-enzymes from banana, pineapple, and orange peels and found that they exhibited significant protease, lipase, and amylase activity, making them effective for wastewater treatment. The study also revealed that orange peel-derived eco-enzymes showed the most potent antimicrobial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. When textile wastewater was treated with these eco-enzymes, there was a significant reduction in biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), and total suspended solids (TSS), as well as improvements in pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) content. The findings highlight the potential of eco-enzyme treatment for environmentally beneficial textile wastewater treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences in China have identified and characterized a potential enzyme, D-Allulose 3-epimerase (DAEase), from the Christensenellaceae bacterium that could be used for the production of D-Allulose, a low-calorie sweetener. The researchers found that the recombinant form of the enzyme exhibited optimal activity at pH 7.5°C and 55°C, and its catalytic activity could be increased by Co2+ supplementation. Through structure-guided mutagenesis, the researchers obtained a double-mutation variant of the enzyme that showed a 4.21-fold enhancement in catalytic activity compared to the wild-type enzyme. The researchers concluded that this enzyme could be a valuable biocatalyst for the production of D-Allulose and could have potential industrial applications. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the CSIR - Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine in Jammu, India have conducted a study on the synthesis of hydroxamic acids, which have the potential to inhibit metalloenzymes. The researchers aimed to develop a biocatalytic process for synthesizing hydroxamic acids using the resting cells of Bacillus smithii IIIMB2907. Through in silico analysis and in vitro validation, they found that one particular compound showed better interaction with class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) compared to an FDA-approved anti-cancer drug. This study proposes a novel process for synthesizing a potential drug candidate that may act as an HDAC inhibitor. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, India have developed a new method for stabilizing high-internal-phase emulsions (HIPEs) using a hydrogel. HIPEs are nonequilibrium systems with high loading capacities for pharmaceuticals, but they require large amounts of surfactants for stability. The researchers used a chiral G-quadruplex-based hydrogel to create a gel-immobilized HIPE (HIPEG) with dual-drug release behavior. The HIPEG showed synergistic antimicrobial effects on bacterial strains and could be used for 3D printing of soft medical devices. This research provides a step towards the development of biocompatible materials with customizable functionality. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Shenyang Pharmaceutical University in Liaoning, China, explores the use of nanozymes in tumor catalytic therapy. The researchers designed a copper-doped mesoporous polydopamine nanozyme modified with triphenylphosphine and hyaluronic acid as a mitochondrial oxidative stress amplifier. The nanozyme was found to induce apoptosis, promote immune responses, and amplify mitochondrial oxidative stress. The study suggests that this mitochondria-targeted nanozyme-based biocatalytic immunotherapy combined with mild photothermal therapy could be a promising strategy for cancer treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, explores the integration of reticular chemistry and biosystems. Reticular chemistry involves linking molecular building units to create extended crystalline structures with unique characteristics. The researchers highlight the advancements made in biocatalysis, nanomedicine, and biosensing through the combination of reticular chemistry and biosystems. They discuss self-assembly strategies, nano-bio interfaces, and biomedical applications, such as protein/drug delivery and on-site biosensing. The study concludes that further exploration of the synergies between reticular chemistry and biosystems will lead to significant advancements in nanomaterials and bioapplications. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Johannesburg in South Africa have conducted a study on the biocatalytic degradation of the antiviral drug efavirenz in wastewater. The study found that a combined activated sludge and biocatalytic degradation process was effective in removing efavirenz from wastewater. The researchers used a recirculating bioreactor containing Trametes versicolor laccase immobilized on Ti2NTx MXene biocatalyst, which showed improved activity at multiple pH ranges. The study concluded that the laccase-assisted degradation process achieved 85% degradation of efavirenz in 240 minutes. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the treatment of antiviral drugs in wastewater. [Extracted from the article]