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Succinic acid (SA) is one of the top platform chemicals with huge applications in diverse sectors. The presence of two carboxylic acid groups on the terminal carbon atoms makes SA a highly functional molecule that can be derivatized into a wide range of products. The biological route for SA production is a cleaner, greener, and promising technological option with huge potential to sequester the potent greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide. The recycling of renewable carbon of biomass (an indirect form of CO2), along with fixing CO2 in the form of SA, offers a carbon-negative SA manufacturing route to reduce atmospheric CO2 load. These attractive attributes compel a paradigm shift from fossil-based to microbial SA manufacturing, as evidenced by several commercial-scale bio-SA production in the last decade. The current review article scrutinizes the existing knowledge and covers SA production by the most efficient SA producers, including several bacteria and yeast strains. The review starts with the biochemistry of the major pathways accumulating SA as an end product. It discusses the SA production from a variety of pure and crude renewable sources by native as well as engineered strains with details of pathway/metabolic, evolutionary, and process engineering approaches for enhancing TYP (titer, yield, and productivity) metrics. The review is then extended to recent progress on separation technologies to recover SA from fermentation broth. Thereafter, SA derivatization opportunities via chemo-catalysis are discussed for various high-value products, which are only a few steps away. The last two sections are devoted to the current scenario of industrial production of bio-SA and associated challenges, along with the author's perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical hydrogen compression is a promising alternative to conventional mechanical compression due to low maintenance costs and high one-stage compression ratios. The typically employed planar systems, however, are intrinsically difficult to operate in high differential pressure environments. Tubular systems are inherently advantageous for high differential pressure systems but require innovative membrane electrode assembly development. This study unveils the first tubular EHC featuring a membrane electrode assembly supported by a stainless steel 3D-printed porous anode. The membrane electrode assembly for gas-phase electrochemistry is produced by spray coating the porous anode with Pt/C as the catalyst and joining the anode with a tubular catalyst-coated membrane. Electrochemical characterization demonstrates the functionality of the tubular EHC at current densities up to 60 mAcm − 2 with a cell potential of 200 mV under non-pressurized conditions. Moreover, a pressure difference of 2 bar is achieved at 60 mAcm − 2 within the first 60 min in continuous mode. By demonstrating the proof-of-principle for the first tubular EHC, this work paves the way for new research avenues in electrochemical process engineering, offering a broad spectrum of applications, from enhancing EHC technologies to advancing electrochemical CO 2 reduction. • Tubular membrane electrode assembly for electrochemical hydrogen compression. • Metal 3D-printed tubular electrode with tunable porosity. • Electrochemical characterization of tubular module. • A maximum hydrogen compression of 2 bar at current densities up to 60 mA/cm2. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to develop an integrated Quality–Cost–Environmental (QCE) indicator for the selection of photovoltaic panels (PVps) offered to customers, considering the following criteria: (i) quality satisfaction; (ii) cost-effectiveness; and (iii) environmental impact throughout the life cycle. The proposed QCE indicator was developed within a framework that incorporated an FAHP (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process), cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), and life cycle assessment (LCA). The model test confirmed its effectiveness in choosing a PVp which combines environmental friendliness throughout its entire life cycle with satisfactory quality and a reasonable purchase price for customers. The proposed model can be utilized by individuals, businesses, and public entities for the selection of high-quality, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly PVps—thereby promoting sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air Taylor bubbles in a millichannel filled with water are characterized by an elongated shape, a bullet-shaped nose (head), and a comparatively flat tail. Many experimental and numerical investigations have been performed in the past. Yet, most of them consider Taylor bubbles in a straight channel with constant cross section. The effect of a local change in the channel geometry on both the bubble shape and the flow fields on each side of the gas–liquid interface is, however, difficult to predict. In this work, we present experimental data obtained in a vertical millichannel, where the flow is moderately obstructed by a constriction, whose ratio ranges from 10% to 36%. We find that the Taylor bubble takes an equilibrium position for downward liquid flow with 264.36 < Re < 529.67 and 264.36 < Re < 728.29 for 10.17% and 18.06% constriction ratios, respectively. In this area, an empirical correlation characterizing the bubble head is provided. Other flow regimes, such as bubble breakup, co- and countercurrent configurations, are identified and shown in the form of a regime map. The results, besides their relevance in process engineering, exhibit high reproducibility and will serve as a reference for future interface-resolving two-phase flow simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this era of industrial revolution and diminishing petroleum reserves, alternative options (woody biomass) for building next-generation fuels need to be critically explored. Here, process engineering aspects of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) from Bambusa bamboo in ionic liquid ([Bmim]Cl) in the presence of a catalyst, CrCl3, in batch reactor have been explored in great detail. 5-HMF upon hydrogenation liberates 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), which is a liquid fuel. To maximize the production of platform chemical-5-HMF, effects of different mixing speeds (150–1200 rpm) and temperatures (120–160 °C) were captured on the yield of 5-HMF and glucose. A highest 5-HMF yield (25%) was obtained at 120 °C and 1200 rpm within a reaction time of 6 h. Moreover, a kinetic analysis of transformation of biomass into 5-HMF was carried out using curve fitting to estimate kinetic constants k1, k2, and k3. Mixing at asymptotic limits, i.e., no mixing (0 rpm) and very high mixing (1200 rpm), enables us to devise mixing regimes: 0–400 rpm, mass transfer–limited regime; 400–1100 rpm, intermediate regime; and > 1100 rpm, reaction-limited regime. Thus, tremendous improvement in reaction rate constants (k1, k2, k3) was observed when operated at higher mixing conditions (reaction-limited regime). Mixing limitation for this IL-based system can be eliminated by operating the reactor above 800 rpm, whereas lower temperature restricts conversion of 5-HMF to LA and FA. Hence, higher mixing speeds, i.e., > 1100 rpm, and lower temperature, i.e., ≈ 120 °C, can be suggested as the optimum operating conditions for maximization of platform chemical-5-HMF in the catalytic conversion of Bambusa bamboo in batch reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advancement of quality and environmentally sustainable materials and products made from them has improved significantly over the last few years. However, a research gap is the lack of a developed model that allows for the simultaneous analysis of quality and environmental criteria in the life-cycle assessment (LCA) for the selection of materials in newly designed products. Therefore, the objective of the research was to develop a model that supports the prediction of the environmental impact and expected quality of materials and products made from them according to the design solution scenarios considering their LCA. The model implements the GRA method and environmental impact analysis according to the LCA based on ISO 14040. The model test was carried out for light passenger vehicles of BEV with a lithium-ion battery (LiFePO4) and for ICEV. The results indicated a relatively comparable level of quality, but in the case of the environmental impact throughout the life-cycle, the predominant amount of CO2 emissions in the use phase for combustion vehicles. The originality of the developed model to create scenarios of design solutions is created according to which the optimal direction of their development in terms of quality and environment throughout LCA can be predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancing the adoption of lithography‐based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) for structural applications requires understanding how processing parameters impact the printed material's flaw population and failure behavior. Exploratory studies on LCM alumina have mixed results regarding print parameter influence on strength and past fractography is insufficiently complete to guide process engineering for better performance. We perform four‐point flexural strength characterization and comprehensive fractography of LCM alumina to evaluate the impact of processing parameters including orientation, layer height, and curing energy on strength‐limiting defects. Characteristic strengths for fully dense, high‐purity LCM alumina are near or above conventionally processed alumina within the manufacturable range of print parameters studied in this work. Conversely, the Weibull modulus varies greatly (m = 3.8–19.5) depending on print parameters. The dominant strength‐controlling defects all have a printing‐based origin, but vary between delamination, surface texture, and bubbles depending on print orientation. Lowest performance results from alignment of the print axis along the bar length, yielding a low Weibull modulus associated with weak delamination flaws that are not appreciably improved by varying print layer height or curing energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L-cysteine is a proteogenic amino acid with many applications in the pharmaceutical, food, animal feed, and cosmetic industries. Due to safety and environmental issues in extracting L-cysteine from animal hair and feathers, the fermentative production of L-cysteine offers an attractive alternative using renewable feedstocks. Strategies to improve microbial production hosts like Pantoea ananatis, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Pseudomonas sp., and Escherichia coli are summarized. Concerning the metabolic engineering strategies, the overexpression of feedback inhibition-insensitive L-serine O-acetyltransferase and weakening the degradation of L-cysteine through the removal of L-cysteine desulfhydrases are crucial adjustments. The overexpression of L-cysteine exporters is vital to overcome the toxicity caused by intracellular accumulating L-cysteine. In addition, we compiled the process engineering aspects for the bioproduction of L-cysteine. Utilizing the energy-efficient sulfur assimilation pathway via thiosulfate, fermenting cheap carbon sources, designing scalable, fed-batch processes with individual feedings of carbon and sulfur sources, and implementing efficient purification techniques are essential for the fermentative production of L-cysteine on an industrial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production scheduling is a critical factor to enhancing productivity in manufacturing engineering and combinatorial optimization research. The complexity and dynamic nature of production systems necessitates innovative solutions. The Job Shop Flexible Programming Problem (FJSP) provides a realistic environment for production, where processing times are variable and uncertain, and multiple objectives need optimization. To solve the Multi-Objective Flexible Fuzzy Job Shop problem with partial flexibility (P-MOFfJSP), this paper proposes a hybrid metaheuristic approach that combines the Teaching–Learning-based Optimization (TLBO) algorithm with a Genetic Algorithm. The proposed algorithm of Adaptive TLBO (TLBO-A) uses two genetic operators (mutation and crossover) with an adaptive population reconfiguration strategy, ensuring solution space exploration and preventing premature convergence. We have evaluated the TLBO-A algorithm's performance on benchmark instances commonly used in programming problems with fuzzy variables. The experimental analysis indicates significant results, demonstrating that the adaptive strategy improves the search for suitable solutions. The proposed algorithm (TLBO-A) exhibits low variations (around 11%) compared to the best mono-objective heuristic for the fuzzy makespan problem, indicating its robustness. Moreover, compared with other heuristics like traditional TLBO, the variations decrease to around 1%. However, TLBO-A stands out as it aims to solve a multi-objective problem, improving the fuzzy makespan, and identifying good results on the Pareto frontier for the fuzzy average flow time, all within this low variation margin. Our contribution addresses the challenges of production scheduling in fuzzy time environments and proposes a practical hybrid metaheuristic approach. The TLBO-A algorithm shows promising results in solving the P-MOFfJSP, highlighting the potential of our proposed methodology for solving real-world production scheduling problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steroid hydroxylations belong to the industrially most relevant reactions catalysed by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP450s) due to the pharmacological relevance of hydroxylated derivatives. The implementation of respective bioprocesses at an industrial scale still suffers from several limitations commonly found in CYP450 catalysis, that is low turnover rates, enzyme instability, inhibition and toxicity related to the substrate(s) and/or product(s). Recently, we achieved a new level of steroid hydroxylation rates by introducing highly active testosterone‐hydroxylating CYP450 BM3 variants together with the hydrophobic outer membrane protein AlkL into Escherichia coli‐based whole‐cell biocatalysts. However, the activity tended to decrease, which possibly impedes overall productivities and final product titres. In this study, a considerable instability was confirmed and subject to a systematic investigation regarding possible causes. In‐depth evaluation of whole‐cell biocatalyst kinetics and stability revealed a limitation in substrate availability due to poor testosterone solubility as well as inhibition by the main product 15β‐hydroxytestosterone. Instability of CYP450 BM3 variants was disclosed as another critical factor, which is of general significance for CYP450‐based biocatalysis. Presented results reveal biocatalyst, reaction and process engineering strategies auguring well for industrial implementation of the developed steroid hydroxylation platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Data Analytics for Process Engineers; Prediction, Control, and Optimization" by Daniela Galatro and Stephen Dawe is a comprehensive book that explores an industry-focused data analytics approach for process engineers. The book covers various topics such as data acquisition, data visualization techniques, data-based modeling, control theory, and process optimization. It provides insights into the application of data analytics in process engineering and highlights the importance of evaluating data analysis, modeling, control, and optimization considering the physical aspects of phenomena within datasets. This book is recommended for researchers, undergraduate and graduate students, and professionals in the field of process engineering. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Evaluation of physical parameters and spectral characterization of the quality of soaps containing by-products from the food industry." The original article was published in Scientific Reports and can be found online. The correction addresses the omission of the Funding section in the original version of the article. The corrected version now includes information about the funding received from the Ministry of Education and Science in Poland. The authors of the article are Patrycja Łusiak, Renata Różyło, Jacek Mazur, Paweł Sobczak, and Arkadiusz Matwijczuk. [Extracted from the article]

This paper introduces an innovative model designed to predict the optimal product prototype within the framework of sustainable development. The model takes into account both quality and environmental impact throughout the entire life cycle of the product, with a specific focus on light electric vehicles. By incorporating customer expectations using the Weighted Sum Model, the model assesses vehicle quality based on the importance of various criteria. Employing life cycle evaluations guided by the Pareto-Lorenz rule, environmental impact for vehicle prototypes is modeled. The resulting Quality-Environmental Indicator of LCA (QLCA) facilitates a qualitative environmental analysis, aiding in the selection of prototypes that align with customer expectations. The model proves effective in guiding decisions related to product development, providing a comprehensive approach to evaluating product value. Notable contributions to the scientific community include the introduction of the QLCA model, which integrates quality and environmental assessments, and underscores the significance of open innovation, sustainable development, and sensitivity analysis for organizational adaptation. Future research directions involve adapting the model to larger customer samples, exploring production costs, and assessing its applicability across diverse industries and contexts to enhance its universality and practical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With growing needs to develop and improve climate-friendly processes, optimization strategies are essential at all levels of decision-making in chemical and energy processes, including process development, process synthesis and design, as well as process operations, control, scheduling, and planning. Challenges include the formulation of well-posed and well-conditioned process models, and development and application of efficient, reliable optimization algorithms. Here we describe a synthesis of optimization concepts and algorithms that enable large-scale nonlinear programming, nonintrusive decomposition strategies and the inclusion of a wide class of surrogate models. All of these are crucial to address challenging nonconvex, multi-scale problems in Computer Aided Process Engineering (CAPE). These elements are demonstrated through dynamic optimization strategies for novel energy generation, demand-based optimization for specialty chemicals, and optimization with integrated heterogeneous models for carbon capture processes. • Overview of solvers recent developments NLP solvers. • Diagnostics and improved performance for Newton-based solvers. • Development and demonstration of Nested Schur Decomposition. • Development and demonstration of Trust Region Filter method for Surrogate Model Optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy oil reservoirs are widely distributed around the world and play an important role in offshore oil and gas development. For heavy oil reservoirs, industrial productivity can only be obtained by effectively reducing the viscosity. In addition, by improving the steam injection pipe string, the production degree of the heavy oil reservoir can be effectively improved. In this paper, with the development of offshore heavy oil reservoirs as the background, the heat transfer characteristics of concentric double pipes are studied. Considering the influence of carbon dioxide on the superheated steam, a concentric double pipe flow model is established. The typical flow characteristics and the influence of carbon dioxide content are analyzed. The conclusions are as follows: (a) In the sea water section, the overall heat conduction rate of the concentric double pipe is reduced from 70.5 J/s (at 0 m) to 67.8978 J/s (at 120 m). In the formation section, the overall heat conduction rate of the concentric double pipe is reduced from 67.8978 J/s (at 120 m) to 61.5368 J/s (at 290 m). (b) For the integral joint tubing, the pressure of the mixed fluid of carbon dioxide and superheated steam in the integral joint tubing drops from 4.7 MPa (0 m) to 4.2399 MPa (290 m). (c) For the annular space, the pressure of the mixed fluid of carbon dioxide and superheated steam in the annular space drops from 4.7 MPa (0 m) to 4.3247 MPa (290 m). • The heat transfer characteristics of concentric double pipes are studied. • A concentric double pipe model is established considering the influence of CO 2. • The typical flow characteristics and the influence of CO 2 content are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrilases represent a distinct class of enzymes that play a pivotal role in catalyzing the hydrolysis of nitrile compounds, leading to the formation of corresponding carboxylic acids. These enzymatic entities have garnered significant attention across a spectrum of industries, encompassing pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals. Moreover, their significance has been accentuated by mounting environmental pressures, propelling them into the forefront of biodegradation and bioremediation endeavors. Nevertheless, the natural nitrilases exhibit intrinsic limitations such as low thermal stability, narrow substrate selectivity, and inadaptability to varying environmental conditions. In the past decade, substantial efforts have been made in elucidating the structural underpinnings and catalytic mechanisms of nitrilase, providing basis for engineering of nitrilases. Significant breakthroughs have been made in the regulation of nitrilases with ideal catalytic properties and application of the enzymes for industrial productions. This review endeavors to provide a comprehensive discourse and summary of recent research advancements related to nitrilases, with a particular emphasis on the elucidation of the structural attributes, catalytic mechanisms, catalytic characteristics, and strategies for improving catalytic performance of nitrilases. Moreover, the exploration extends to the domain of process engineering and the multifarious applications of nitrilases. Furthermore, the future development trend of nitrilases is prospected, providing important guidance for research and application in the related fields. • The substrate promiscuity of nitrilases enhanced their versatility. • The catalytic characteristics and improvement strategies of nitrilase are overviewed. • The process engineering expanded the application scenarios of nitrilase. • The industrial and environmental applications of nitrilase are summarized. • Challenges and future research directions of nitrilase engineering are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast and accurate simulation of industrial-scale reactors is the first and critical step towards virtual process engineering. In this article, we show for the first time that a recently proposed mesoscience-based structural model, which treats the bubble phase and the emulsion phase as the two interpenetrating continua, is able to achieve fast and accurate simulation of the hydrodynamics of four industrial-scale bubbling fluidized beds, in terms of macroscopic distribution of parameters such as the bed expansion rate, the axial and radial profiles of solid concentration and velocity. On the other hand, due to the fact that the mesoscale bubbling structures have been averaged over during the model derivation and the mesh sizes used are comparative to or larger than the bubble diameter, it is impossible to correctly capture the evolution, coalescence and breakup of bubbles. Therefore, the mesoscience-based structural model is best used as a computational fluid dynamics based method for fast engineering simulations of gas-solid fluidization. • Four industrial-scale bubbling fluidized beds have been simulated. • Mesoscience-based structural model was validated. • Mesoscience-based structural model enables fast and accurate simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charge repulsion can be used to control and fine tune the supramolecular aggregation of amino acid substituted diketopyrrolopyrroles in water. This is a simple method to access a number of different aggregation states with distinct photophysical properties without the need for extensive synthetic tuning, process engineering, or solvent optimisation. Most importantly, these different aggregates show different optical gaps, HOMO-LUMO gaps, electroactivity, and exciton binding energies. These systems expand the absorbance range achieved from one chromophore unit and also create systems with large Stokes shifts. This work therefore answers the demand for tailoring aggregate structures by manipulating charge repulsion in an aqueous environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a foreword from the Proceedings of the Estonian Academy of Sciences. It introduces a special issue containing selected papers from the conference Modern Materials and Manufacturing 2023 (MMM2023), which included the 14th International DAAAM Baltic Conference and the 30th International Baltic Conference BALTMATTRIB 2023. The conference, organized by Tallinn University of Technology, attracted over 160 participants from 13 different countries and focused on topics such as Industry 4.0, robotics, additive manufacturing, and materials engineering. The foreword emphasizes the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and funding bodies, and highlights the conference as a platform for exchanging future visions and scientific research in the field of materials and manufacturing engineering. [Extracted from the article]

This article, published in ChemCatChem, explores the modification of zeolite morphology through NH4F etching for catalytic bioalcohol conversion. The researchers investigated the effects of fluoride etching on small and medium pore zeolites like FER, MOR, and ZSM-5, finding that it created mesoporosity while retaining structural integrity and acidic properties. However, they also observed adverse effects on large pore zeolites like FAU, leading to the breakdown of the microporous framework. The study highlights the complex relationship between zeolite framework, etching process, and catalytic efficiency. [Extracted from the article]

The purpose of the study is to simulate the process of isobaric evaporative crystallization of sucrose to substantiate new ways of its industrial implementation. Using computer simulation, a three-stage crystallization technology for semi-continuous boiling of massecuites on a prepared crystalline base of a seed suspension (first stage) and a crystalline base of the preceding massecuite (second and third stages) was designed. A computer computational model of the express method for determining the molasses saturation coefficient has been created. By heating to a temperature of 50–55 °C, the molasses is transferred to an unsaturated state, then oscillating white sugar crystals are partially dissolved until saturation is reached while under conductometric control. The method makes it possible to determine the optimal parameters of standard molasses, taking into account the technical characteristics of crystallization equipment and centrifuges. On the basis of simulation modeling in the VisSim software environment, tests were carried out, and a justification was given for the technology of semi-continuous boiling of massecuite massecuites to increase the efficiency of crystallization in batch vacuum pans. • Express method for determining the saturation coefficient and viscosity of standard molasses. • Optimizing models for assessing the solids content and purity of standard molasses. • Computer simulation of semi-continuous technology of boiling massecuite. • The advantages of boiling massecuites by moving the crystalline mass in three steps. • Comparison of the mode of boiling massecuites with different initial set of crystal mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In marine oil production engineering, the collision of risers will produce negative impacts on production and marine environment, which is an urgent issue to be addressed. Considering the slender characteristics of flexible risers, this paper introduces the longitudinal axis and root mean square to improve the applicability of the Blevins wake model. Based on this, a two-dimensional vessel-riser array mathematical model is established considering the lift of the flow field. The time domain and frequency domain vibration analysis and collision analysis of the riser array are carried out considering various riser arrangement modes. It was found that increasing the spacing and top tension cannot effectively prevent collisions in the system. Moreover, in the case of cross arrangement, the system collisions are more frequent. Based on the above work, a group of boundary controllers is designed to achieve the control purpose considering the control overflow. Finally, through numerical simulation, it is verified that the controller set can effectively avoid system collisions, the vibration amplitude is reduced, and the motion spacing is significantly increased. The feasibility and effectiveness of the controller set are verified. • Based on the improved Blevins model, a 2-D model of the vessel-riser array system is established. • Dynamic response analysis of the riser array system is presented. • Propose a group of collision prevention controller that considers the vibration interaction of adjacent risers. • The feasibility of the controller group and its advantages over traditional methods are verified by numerical simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work explores the application of Bayesian Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks as surrogate models for process engineering systems. We illustrate the model's ability to adapt to parameter variations, making it a robust asset in optimizing real-world processes and decision-making. Specifically, we investigate the surrogate modeling of three distinct examples. In the first two case studies, we trained the Bayesian LSTM models on data corresponding to a nominal set of physical properties such as thermal diffusivity and kinematic viscosity. Subsequently, we leverage these trained models to predict the system's response when subjected to variations in this properties. Furthermore, in a third, distinct example, we extend our exploration to the realm of process systems, specifically Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) column. Here, we built a model trained on an extensive data set encompassing full operation cycles and by retraining the model using just one operation cycle with missing data, we successfully demonstrated its capability to extrapolate system behavior. • A Bayesian LSTM time series approach for handling the numerical solution of distributed parameters systems. • Measurement and modeling errors can be taken into account. • The Bayesian LSTM scheme allows to address process extrapolation behavior. • The full scheme was successfully applied to a Pressure-Swing CO 2 adsorption process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial biomanufacturing offers a promising, environment-friendly platform for next-generation chemical production. However, its limited industrial implementation is attributed to the slow production rates of target compounds and the time-intensive engineering of high-yield strains. This review highlights how metabolomics expedites bioproduction development, as demonstrated through case studies of its integration into microbial strain engineering, culture optimization, and model construction. The Design–Build–Test–Learn (DBTL) cycle serves as a standard workflow for strain engineering. Process development, including the optimization of culture conditions and scale-up, is crucial for industrial production. In silico models facilitate the development of strains and processes. Metabolomics is a powerful driver of the DBTL framework, process development, and model construction. [Display omitted] • Metabolomics accelerates bioproduction via strain, culture, and model improvement. • Metabolomics is a powerful driving force for the DBTL-based strain engineering. • Metabolomics can reveal pathway bottlenecks and metabolic mechanisms. • Machine learning expedites the processing and analysis of metabolome data. • Case studies show metabolomics impact on strain engineering and process development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biopolymers produced as microbial carbon storage systems, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), offer potential to be used in place of petrochemically derived plastics. Low-value organic feedstocks, such as food waste, have been explored as a potential substrate for the microbial production of PHAs. In this review, we discuss the biosynthesis, composition and producers of PHAs, with a particular focus on the genetic and process engineering efforts to utilise non-native substrates, derived from food waste from across the entire supply chain, for microbial growth and PHA production. We highlight a series of studies that have achieved impressive advances and discuss the challenges of producing PHAs with consistent composition and properties from mixed and variable food waste and by-products. [Display omitted] • Native PHA producers and biosynthesis mechanisms. • Food waste feedstocks and metabolic engineering for improved monomer utilisation. • Genetic and process engineering approaches to improved PHA production. • Future perspectives on the role of genetic engineering to achieve economically viable PHAs from food waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaline electro-activation was successfully used to produce a lactulose-rich whey with a lactose conversion yield to lactulose of 35%. The unique particularities of the used electro-activation reactor to generate acidic solution in the anolyte were exploited to carry out the subsequent neutralization of the alkaline electro-activated whey. To achieve this objective, the alkaline electro-activated whey was neutralized down to pH 7 following three methods: by using the acidic anolyte solution of the anodic compartment, by investing the electrodes and by using the central compartment of the reactor. The obtained results showed that all these neutralizing methods are effective. However, the most promising for process engineering application are the neutralization by investing the electrodes and the use of the central compartment of the reactor. The rate of neutralization was dependent of time and electric current intensity. Technologically, the powders produced from the neutralized electro-activated whey exhibited complete solubility and high wettability in water at ambient temperature. • Electro-activation process was successfully used to produce lactulose-rich whey. • Electro-activated whey (EAW) has initially alkaline pH 12 and needs neutralization. • Electro-activation reactor was successfully used for in situ EAW neutralization. • Neutralized EAW in the reactor has enhanced properties compared to regular whey. • The electro-activation technology is suitable for sustainable process development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu-based gas diffusion electrodes for the electrocatalytic conversion of CO 2 to high-value-added multi-carbon products is a promising technology. However, it is in urgent demand to develop high-efficiency electrode and electrolyzer to promote its poor reaction kinetics and product selectivity, which have seriously hindered its industrial application. Herein, the hydrophobicity property and the pore size distribution of microporous layer (MPL) and the hydrophobicity property of carbon fiber substrate (CFS) were studied to adjust electron transfer, CO 2 transfer, and water transfer, which creates a microenvironment more suitable for the production of multi-carbon products. It is shown, by this strategy, ampere-level current density (1.36 A/cm2) is obtained using a gas diffusion electrode based entirely on commercially available materials, with partial current density of 0.697 A/cm2 and 0.885 A/cm2 for ethylene and C 2+ products at −1.44V vs. RHE. Further characterizations show that the CO 2 transfer via CFS and MPL to catalyst layer (CL) and water transfer determine CL local CO 2 concentration and wettability to further influence the gas-liquid ratio and the coverage of *CO 2 , *H, and *CO on the catalyst surface to promote C C coupling and thus yield an optimal selectivity of C 2+ products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]