Re-introduction of endogenous pathways for propionyl-CoA, 1-propanol and propionate formation in Escherichia coli

In a previous study, we found that 2-ketobutyrate (2-KB) was seriously degraded in Escherichia coli. In the present investigation, we tried to clarify the products of that degradation process, and intriguingly reconfirmed that 2-KB is chopped up to form propionyl-CoA, 1-propanol and propionate. This short commentary re-introduces efficient endogenous pathways for production of value-added odd-chain compounds such as propionyl-CoA-derived chemicals.

nZVI Impacts Substrate Conversion and Microbiome Composition in Chain Elongation From D- and L-Lactate Substrates

Medium-chain carboxylates (MCC) derived from biomass biorefining are attractive biochemicals to uncouple the production of a wide array of products from the use of non-renewable sources. Biological conversion of biomass-derived lactate during secondary fermentation can be steered to produce a variety of MCC through chain elongation. We explored the effects of zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) and lactate enantiomers on substrate consumption, product formation and microbiome composition in batch lactate-based chain elongation. In abiotic tests, nZVI supported chemical hydrolysis of lactate oligomers present in concentrated lactic acid. In fermentation experiments, nZVI created favorable conditions for either chain-elongating or propionate-producing microbiomes in a dose-dependent manner. Improved lactate conversion rates and n-caproate production were promoted at 0.5–2 g nZVI⋅L–1 while propionate formation became relevant at ≥ 3.5 g nZVI⋅L–1. Even-chain carboxylates (n-butyrate) were produced when using enantiopure and racemic lactate with lactate conversion rates increased in nZVI presence (1 g⋅L–1). Consumption of hydrogen and carbon dioxide was observed late in the incubations and correlated with acetate formation or substrate conversion to elongated products in the presence of nZVI. Lactate racemization was observed during chain elongation while isomerization to D-lactate was detected during propionate formation. Clostridium luticellarii, Caproiciproducens, and Ruminococcaceae related species were associated with n-valerate and n-caproate production while propionate was likely produced through the acrylate pathway by Clostridium novyi. The enrichment of different potential n-butyrate producers (Clostridium tyrobutyricum, Lachnospiraceae, Oscillibacter, Sedimentibacter) was affected by nZVI presence and concentrations. Possible theories and mechanisms underlying the effects of nZVI on substrate conversion and microbiome composition are discussed. An outlook is provided to integrate (bio)electrochemical systems to recycle (n)ZVI and provide an alternative reducing power agent as durable control method.

Propionate Formation by Opitutus terrae in Pure Culture and in Mixed Culture with a Hydrogenotrophic Methanogen and Implications for Carbon Fluxes in Anoxic Rice Paddy Soil

ABSTRACT Propionate-forming bacteria seem to be abundant in anoxic rice paddy soil, but biogeochemical investigations show that propionate is not a correspondingly important intermediate in carbon flux in this system. Mixed cultures of Opitutus terrae strain PB90-1, a representative propionate-producing bacterium from rice paddy soil, and the hydrogenotrophic Methanospirillum hungatei strain SK maintained hydrogen partial pressures similar to those in the soil. The associated shift away from propionate formation observed in these cultures helps to reconcile the disparity between microbiological and biogeochemical studies.