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Over the past three decades, organic reactions catalyzed by lipase have been extensively studied. To overcome the drawbacks of free enzymes and develop new and sustainable biocatalysts, various insoluble forms of lipases were examined. Especially interesting are lipases immobilized on silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) due to their promising unique and advantageous physicochemical properties. Therefore, the present paper presents an overview of different organic functionalization methods of SiNP surfaces to create a more favorable microenvironment for lipase molecules. Given the high commercial value of lipases in biotechnological applications, the second part of this paper highlights the key industrial sectors utilizing these nanobiocatalysts. This review discusses the key industrial applications of silica-based lipase nanobiocatalysts, including biodiesel production, flavor ester synthesis, and pharmaceutical applications such as racemization. Special attention is given to emerging technologies, particularly the use of immobilized lipases in polymer biodegradation and polymerization reactions. These advances have paved the way for innovative solutions, such as self-degrading bioplastics, which hold significant promise for sustainable materials and environmental protection. This comprehensive overview underscores the transformative potential of lipase–SiNP nanobiocatalysts in both industrial and environmental contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing demand for clean energy power generation is a direct result of the rapid depletion of fossil fuel reserves, the volatility of fossil commodity prices, and the environmental damage caused by burning fossil fuels. Fuel cell vehicles, portable power supplies, stationary power stations, and submarines are just some of the applications where proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are a prominent technology for power generation. PEM fuel cells have several advantages over conventional power sources, including a higher power density, lower emissions, a lower operating temperature, higher efficiency, noiseless operation, ease of design, and operation. The catalyst layer of the membrane electrode assembly is discussed in this paper as a vital part of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Along with that, the platinum (Pt)-based catalyst, carbon support, and nafion ionomer found in the catalyst layer often degrade. Catalyst growth, agglomeration, Pt loss, migration, active site contamination, and other microscopic processes are all considered in the degradation process. Employing experimental and numerical research with a focus on enhancing the material properties was suggested as a possible solution to understanding the problem of catalyst layer degradation. Ultimately, this review aims to prevent catalyst layer degradation and lower the high costs associated with replacing catalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells through the recommendations provided in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feruloyl esterases (FAEs) play critical roles in industrial applications such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and paper production by breaking down plant cell walls and releasing ferulic acid. However, most bacterial FAEs function optimally in acidic environments, limiting their use in alkaline industrial processes. Additionally, FAEs with alkaline activity often lack the thermal stability required for demanding industrial conditions. In this study, an alkaline feruloyl esterase, PhFAE, from Pandoraea horticolens was identified that exhibits high catalytic activity but suffers from thermal instability, restricting its broader industrial applications. To address this limitation, molecular dynamics simulations were used to analyze enzyme stability, and FireProt, an automated computational tool, was employed to design stabilizing mutations. The engineered S155F mutant demonstrated a 7.8-fold increase in half-life at 60 °C and a 1.72-fold improvement in catalytic efficiency (Kcat/Km), corresponding to 680% and 72% enhancements, respectively, compared to the wild-type enzyme. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations revealed that these enhancements were likely due to increased hydrophobic interactions and altered surface charge, which stabilized the enzyme's structure. This study provides an effective strategy for improving the functional properties of FAEs and other industrial enzymes, broadening their applicability in diverse industrial processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ir-based catalysts are the best in terms of activity and stability for oxygen evolution reactions (OERs) in proton exchange water electrolysis. Due to their cost, efforts have been made to decrease their load without a loss of activity. In this paper, Ir nanoparticles measuring 2–3 nm were loaded on TiO2 anatase supports of submicrometric size in different amounts using the microwave polyol method to optimize their mass activity. Using anatase particles with a diameter of about 100 nm and titania nanotubes (TNTs), Ir/TiO2 catalysts with Ir contents of 5, 10, 20, and 40 wt.% were synthesized and characterized via structural and electrochemical techniques. It was shown that the amount of Ir must be regulated to obtain continuous coverage on titania with strong Ir–TiO2 interactions which, for the 100 nm diameter anatase, is limited to about 20 wt.%. A higher percentage of Ir over 40 wt.% can be dispersed over the TNTs. Exceeding one layer of coverage leads to a decrease in the catalyst's utilization. Ir/TiO2(10:90), Ir/TiO2(20:80), and Ir/TiO2(40:60) presented the highest pseudocapacitive currents per unit of Ir mass. The electrochemical active areas and mass activities for these later catalysts were also the highest compared to Ir/TiO2(05:95), Ir/TNT(40:60), and the unsupported catalysts and increased from 40 to 10 wt.% Ir. They also presented the lowest overpotentials of about 300 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for the OER, with Ir/TiO2(10:90) presenting the best specific activities and surface turnover frequencies, thus showing that the size of the support can be regulated to decrease the Ir content of the catalyst without a loss of activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a study on the effect of lipase on the methane fermentation of sewage sludge. The process was conducted at 37 °C for 20 days for five sludge mixtures. Excess sludge inoculated with digested sludge constituted the control sample. The other four samples are the aforementioned mixtures with the addition of lipase in amounts representing 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4% (w/w) with respect to sludge dry weight. The organic matter decomposition rate was 27.1% in the control sludge and from 33.5 to 46.7% in the disintegrated sludge. During the digestion of the control sludge, the total amount of biogas was 5802 mL·L−1. In sewage sludge enzymatically disintegrated by lipase, there was an increase in biogas from 15 to 26%. In the disintegrated sludge, an almost complete (95–100%) reduction in E. coli and Salmonella spp. was achieved. Therefore, enzymatic disintegration can be an effective alternative to physical and chemical disintegration methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) has emerged as a promising non-natural cofactor with significant potential to transform biocatalysis, synthetic biology, and therapeutic applications. By modulating NAD⁺ metabolism, NMN offers unique advantages in enzymatic reactions, metabolic engineering, and regenerative medicine. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of NMN's biochemical properties, mechanisms of action, and diverse applications. Emphasis is placed on its role in addressing challenges in multi-enzyme cascades, biofuel production, and the synthesis of high-value chemicals. The paper also highlights critical research gaps, including the need for scalable NMN synthesis methods, improved integration into enzymatic systems, and comprehensive toxicity studies for therapeutic use. Emerging technologies such as AI-driven enzyme design and CRISPR-based genome engineering are discussed as transformative tools for optimizing NMN-dependent pathways. Furthermore, the synergistic potential of NMN with synthetic biology innovations, such as cell-free systems and dynamic regulatory networks, is explored, paving the way for precise and modular biotechnological solutions. Looking forward, NMN's versatility as a cofactor positions it as a pivotal tool in advancing sustainable bioprocessing and precision medicine. Addressing current limitations through interdisciplinary approaches will enable NMN to redefine the boundaries of metabolic engineering and therapeutic innovation. This review serves as a roadmap for leveraging NMN's potential across diverse scientific and industrial domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]