A systematic multicriteria-based approach to support product portfolio selection in microalgae biorefineries

FEB-2024 Sustainability assessments of a supply chain can be complex. This study proposed a methodology for selecting products and biorefinery configurations, integrating technical, economic and environmental criteria in the decision-making process. As a case study, it selected portfolios of products derived from microalgae. Succinic, citric and acrylic acids were listed as the main bioproducts derived from carbohydrates. In addition, different combinations of strains and cultivation conditions were identified.

Plant structural and storage glucans trigger distinct transcriptional responses that modulate the motility of Xanthomonas pathogens

NOV-2023 Xanthomonas bacteria are pathogenic to a variety of relevant crops and possess a vast repertoire of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) of potential industrial use. This study investigated how different plant carbohydrates regulate the motility of this bacterium, which may have implications for the infection process of the host plant. We also investigated enzymes used to release glucose from cellulose and starch, providing inspiration for the development of industrial enzyme cocktails.

Bioenergy-livestock integration in Brazil: Unraveling potentials for energy production and climate change mitigation

OCT-2023 Meeting future food and energy demands while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is a challenge. This paper explores the spatially explicit potentials to produce food and energy in Brazil by expanding bioenergy-livestock integrated systems under land use restrictions. Integrated systems can co-produce food, feed and energy using less land than conventional systems. There is great potential to mitigate GHG emissions profitably while preserving biomes and biodiversity.

From enzyme to cell-factory: Economic and environmental assessment of biobased pathways to unlock the potential of long-haul transportation biofuels

JUL-2023 Biobased pathways are a promising alternative for the decarbonization of the long-haul transportation sector. This study evaluated the techno-economic and environmental impacts of Biobased pathways to obtain long-haul biofuels (hydrocarbons), aiming to identify opportunities for metabolic engineering. The results demonstrated that these pathways can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70%, at a competitive cost compared to fossil fuels.

Dimer-assisted mechanism of (un)saturated fatty acid decarboxylation for alkene production

JUL-2023 Alkene is an important chemical intermediate corresponding approximately to 70% of the petrochemicals sector. This work reports the discovery of the enzyme “OleTPRN” able to convert fatty acids of vegetal origin into alkenes. The identified enzyme opens a range of opportunities due to its compatibility with industrially relevant microorganisms and because it enables the use of a wide range of raw materials such as the ones rich in oleic acid, one of the most abundant fatty acids in nature.

Glycosidase mechanisms: Sugar conformations and reactivity in endo- and exo-acting enzymes

JUN-2023 Glycoside hydrolases are crucial enzymes for the depolymerization of complex polysaccharides and play a fundamental role in a myriad of biological and biotechnological processes involving plant biomass. In this work, we used computer simulations to determine how the topology of the active site and the mode of action influence the catalytic routes adopted by this class of enzymes, guiding the rational use of these biocatalysts for industrial processes.

Biomass yield, nutrient removal, and chemical composition of energy cane genotypes in Southeast Brazil

JUN-2023 Energy cane has been considered a promising crop for bioenergy production. However, there is limited information about this biomass’s potential production and chemical composition. In this study, it was observed that, compared to sugarcane, energy cane presents higher dry biomass yield (~25%), higher fiber (~40%), lower sucrose (~60%), lower extractives in stalks (~50%) and also uptake higher amounts of nutrients from the soil.

Enzymatic systems for carbohydrate utilization and biosynthesis in Xanthomonas and their role in pathogenesis and tissue specificity

MAY-2023 Xanthomonas are bacteria that cause diseases in several agricultural crops important for global food security and possess a rich repertoire of enzymes of great biotechnological interest, either for the saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass as well as for the synthesis of natural emulsifiers such as xanthan gum. This review article describes the current knowledge about the enzymatic systems used by these bacteria to depolymerize and assimilate plant polysaccharides and to produce exopolysaccharides such as xanthan gum, highlighting where is the frontier of knowledge within this theme.

Decentralization of sustainable aviation fuel production in Brazil through Biomass-to-Liquids routes: A techno-economic and environmental evaluation

MAY-2023 By 2040 it is expected that at least 50% of the fuel used in aviation will be sustainable. The present work aims at evaluating the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel through the gasification and Fischer-Tropsch route, by considering the main possible implementation strategies in the Brazilian sugarcane industry. The results provide insight into scenarios in which biofuels could compete and substitute fossil aviation kerosene.

Bacterial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) promote growth and induce metabolic changes in rice

MAY-2023 Agrochemicals used in crops are usually derived from non-renewable sources and can cause several environmental impacts. An environmentally friendly strategy is the use of microbial bioactive molecules. For the first time, this article shows the growth promotion of rice by bacterial volatile molecules. In addition, several metabolic pathways were identified as potentially modulate by these molecules. These results can help in the development of bioproducts aiming a more sustainable agriculture.

From micro- to nano- and time-resolved x-ray computed tomography: Bio-based applications, synchrotron capabilities, and data-driven processing

MAY-2023 X-ray computed tomography is a versatile non-destructive technique that has been used extensively to investigate bio-based systems in multiple application areas. This review article presents applications of X-ray tomography to bio-based systems, synchrotron capabilities that are enabling nanotomography and time-resolved experiments, and the computational challenges and techniques that arise from the deluge of data generated in modern tomography beamlines.

Depolymerization of enzymatic hydrolysis lignin: Review of technologies and opportunities for research

MAY-2023 The advance of cellulosic ethanol, based on the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose, generates large volumes of lignin-rich residue. In this review article, enzymatic hydrolysis lignin is presented as a renewable feedstock with unique characteristics of cost, availability, transportability, purity, and reactivity. The depolymerization of this type of lignin opens opportunities for obtaining biochars, biochemicals, and liquid biofuels in a new platform of biorenewables.

Mechanism of high-mannose N-glycan breakdown and metabolism by Bifidobacterium longum

MAY-2023 This work elucidated key molecular mechanisms employed by bifidobacteria to feed on high-mannose N-glycans, complex carbohydrates found in glycoproteins from our intestinal lumen. Bifidobacteria are early colonizers of the human gut and this study expanded our knowledge on how they use complex carbohydrates as nutrients to survive in a competitive niche, bringing benefits to our health and inspiration for the development of new enzyme-based technologies.

The power of the smallest: The inhibitory activity of microbial volatile organic compounds against phytopathogens

MAY-2023 Agrochemicals used in crops are usually derived from non-renewable sources and can cause several environmental impacts. An environmentally friendly strategy is the use of bioactive molecules produced by microorganisms. This review demonstrates how some of these molecules can inhibit the growth of different phytopathogens, both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, their mechanisms of action are described, as well as some bottlenecks for the development of biological products based on these molecules.

Fate of silica phytoliths in the industrial crushing of sugarcane stalks

JAN-2023 Grasses such as sugarcane contain rigid and microscopic structures of biogenic silica (phytoliths) in their composition. This work employed imaging, fractionation, and ashing techniques to determine the fate of phytoliths in the industrial crushing of sugarcane stalks. The results show different degrees of disruption and integrity of plant tissues and phytoliths, contributing to the understanding of potential interferences in bagasse conversion processes and the potential for obtaining silica bioproducts.

How lignin sticks to cellulose—insights from atomic force microscopy enhanced by machine-learning analysis and molecular dynamics simulations

JAN-2023 Interactions between cellulose and lignin are key to transforming biomass into biorenewables. This work developed a new approach to investigate the forces between cellulose and lignin, using atomic force microscopy, analysis of force-distance curves with machine learning techniques, and molecular dynamics simulations. The results allow proposing new strategies to destabilize the interactions and improve the separation of cellulose and lignin.

Glycoside hydrolase subfamily GH5_57 features a highly redesigned catalytic interface to process complex hetero-β-mannans

DEC-2022 Glycoside hydrolases (GH) are the main class of enzymes responsible for the depolymerization of the plant cell wall. In this study, the three-dimensional structure of a new enzyme, along with biochemical assays and phylogenetic analysis, enabled the establishment of a novel GH subfamily, the GH5_57. This finding opens new perspectives for the processing of an important carbohydrate by mannanases, enzymes that have several industrial applications.

Exploring the compatibility between hydrothermal depolymerization of alkaline lignin from sugarcane bagasse and metabolization of the aromatics by bacteria

DEC-2022 Lignin is an aromatic macromolecule with potential for biorenewable chemicals production. In this work, sugarcane bagasse lignin was processed under hydrothermal conditions. A resulting bio-oil, rich in aromatic monomers, promoted the growth of bacteria from 9 species, with highlight to Pseudomonas sp. LIM05 and Burkholderia sp. LIM09. These results show a promising strategy for integration between hydrothermal process and bioconversion for lignin valorization.

Mechanism of high-mannose N-glycan breakdown and metabolism by Bifidobacterium longum

DEC-2022 This work elucidated key molecular mechanisms employed by bifidobacteria to feed on high-mannose N-glycans, complex carbohydrates found in glycoproteins from our intestinal lumen. Bifidobacteria are early colonizers of the human gut and this study expanded our knowledge on how they use complex carbohydrates as nutrients to survive in a competitive niche, bringing benefits to our health and inspiration for the development of new enzyme-based technologies.

Development of an economically competitive Trichoderma-based platform for enzyme production: Bioprocess optimization, pilot plant scale-up, techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment

DEC-2022 The enzymatic cocktail for the saccharification of sugarcane bagasse is crucial for the viability of cellulosic ethanol. Therefore, the optimization of the main operational parameters for growth and enzyme production on bench and pilot scale was performed using the fungal strain previously developed by LNBR/CNPEM. The assessment results showed that the platform is economically and environmentally competitive in comparison with literature and commercial alternatives.

Integrating carbon footprint to spatialized modeling: The mitigation potential of sugarcane ethanol production in the Brazilian Center-South

NOV-2022 This study demonstrates the use of an economic and environmental impact assessment platform, developed at CNPEM, which considers regional aspects in ethanol production, revealing potential environmental gains and revenue from Decarbonization Credits (CBIOS). The proposed georeferenced framework showed significant spatial variations that should be accounted for in future assessments in order to ensure the production of bio-renewables in a sustainable way.

Site-selective proteolytic cleavage of plant viruses by photoactive chiral nanoparticles

NOV-2022 Chiral nanoparticles can be used to reduce crop losses caused by tobacco mosaic virus with reduced environmental impacts when compared to common pesticides. The chemical developed is practically innocuous for the plant and the environment. This work proposes that it is possible to fight diseases specifically and efficiently by controlling the size and chirality of nanomaterials through their functionalization with chiral organic molecules.

RNA-seq based transcriptomic analysis of the non-conventional yeast Spathaspora passalidarum during Melle-boinot cell recycle in xylose-glucose mixtures

NOV-2022 Xylose-fermenting non-conventional yeasts are promising alternatives for second-generation ethanol production. Here, we evaluated the impact of the Melle-Boinot process on the physiology of the non-conventional yeast Spathaspora passalidarum. A metabolic reprogramming was observed which resulted in an increase in both ethanol yield and productivity. These results can guide future development of novel microorganisms to enable the production of renewable energy from lignocellulosic biomass.

Techno-economic and environmental assessment of polylactic acid production integrated with the sugarcane value chain

SEP-2022 Bio-based plastics can contribute to climate change mitigation. However, their use is still limited by the high cost compared to traditional fossil-based polymers. In this study, the production process of polylactic acid (PLA) derived from sugarcane juice is evaluated from the techno-economic and environmental perspectives. Its integration with the Brazilian sugarcane production chain is strategic to reduce production costs and improve PLA’s competitiveness.

Integration of first- and second-generation ethanol production: Evaluation of a mathematical model to describe sucrose and xylose co-fermentation by recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae

AUG-2022 Recombinant yeasts are valuable to optimize the development of bioprocesses for second-generation biofuels production. This work proposes kinetic models to describe the recombinant yeast metabolism in a co-fermentation of sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose and xylose) from sugarcane. The model allowed to evaluate the impact of cell concentration and different carbon sources on ethanol production in an integrated biorefinery.

Density Functional Theory with Implicit Solvents for Accurate Estimation of Aqueous and Organic Solvation Free Energies of Lignin Fragments

AUG-2022 Lignin is the main potential source of renewable aromatic chemicals, but solvation properties of lignin depolymerization fragments are not yet accurately and comprehensively described. This work modeled the solvation of lignin fragments in water and organic solvents using a quantum chemistry method. Unprecedented accuracy was achieved for a large set of lignin depolymerization fragments, a key advancement toward accurate computer modeling of lignin processing into renewable fuels and chemicals.

Simultaneous saccharification isomerization and Co-fermentation – SSICF: A new process concept for second-generation ethanol biorefineries combining immobilized recombinant enzymes and non-GMO Saccharomyces

AUG-2022 Integrated bioprocess strategies may facilitate ethanol production from both C5 and C6 fractions of lignocellulosic feedstocks. This work proposes a new process concept (SSICF), where sugarcane bagasse is hydrolyzed simultaneously with xylose isomerization and co-fermentation of C5 and C6 sugars. This is the first successful proof-of-concept of SSICF with enzyme recycling and non-GMO yeast, an innovative process with high potential for industrial use. Patent: BR1020200111221.

Paradigm shift in xylose isomerase usage: a novel scenario with distinct applications

AUG-2022 The development of renewable materials requires adequate use of renewable carbon sources. In this context, D-xylose usage is crucial as it is the second-most abundant sugar in nature. This review provides an overview of xylose isomerases, enzymes that enable the xylose metabolism by several microorganisms. It covers from their primary sources to the biochemical and structural features that influence their mechanisms of action.

Techno-economic and environmental assessment of bioenergy and livestock integrated systems in Brazil

AUG-2022 The integration of bioenergy and livestock production is a promising option to alleviate the pressure on land use. This study evaluated integrated systems, based on pasture intensification and use of biofuel subproducts as animal feed supplement. The results showed that integration contributes to improved greenhouse gas mitigation and to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is technically and economically feasible.

Implications of regional agricultural land use dynamics and deforestation associated with sugarcane expansion for soil carbon stocks in Brazil

APR-2022 The sugarcane sector in Brazil has contributed to energy security and climate change mitigation. This study evaluated the direct effects of sugarcane cultivation (2002 to 2016) on deforestation and soil carbon stocks, both nationally and in two watersheds. The evaluation showed little direct impact of cultivation on deforestation, and dynamics of land use change dependent on regional aspects, as well as the maintenance of carbon stocks in the watersheds evaluated.

Chiral phonons in microcrystals and nanofibrils of biomolecules

MAR-2022 Differences in tridimentional arrangement of some molecules can significantly modify their function and even cause harmful health effects. This work shows how chiral radiation at the Terahertz domain can help us to identify the composition and arrangement of proteins or aminoacid crystals, with applications in nutritional supplement quality control and also in the identification of harmful accumulation of biomolecules, such as insulin fibrils and kidney stones.

Polarization-sensitive optoionic membranes from chiral plasmonic nanoparticles

MAR-2022 The association of aminoacids and nanostructures can bring significant impacts on the development of optical devices. This work shows the development of a device, a nanomembrane covered wth gold nanoparticles modified with the aminoacid phenylalanine, capable of converting circularly polarized light into information. Besides helping the understanding of some natural optical processes, the sensitivity of this technique can be useful in the development of advanced semicondutors.

Addressing the contributions of electricity from biomass in Brazil in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals using life cycle assessment methods

FEB-2022 Achieving the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is essential for the future of our planet. This study proposes a methodology and uses it to compare the impacts on the SDGs of electricity from sugarcane biomass (EBC) with other technological options in the Brazilian electricity matrix. The results indicate, for example, that EBC performs better on the SDGs compared to electricity produced from coal and oil. The study also demonstrates key areas in EBC production that need to be improved to better contribute to achieving SDG targets, such as female participation in the workforce and better wages.

Gut microbiome of the largest living rodent harbors unprecedented enzymatic systems to degrade plant polysaccharides

FEB-2022 The microbial biodiversity present in the digestive tract of capybara, the largest living rodent, is an unexplored reservoir of enzymatic mechanisms for the breakdown of lignocellulosic biomass. Exploring this environment, by multi-omics strategies combined with carbohydrate enzymology, a new glycoside hydrolase family of β-galactosidases and a novel carbohydrate-binding module family involved in xylan binding were unveiled. These discoveries have potential applications for the production of biofuels, biochemicals, biomaterials and food.

Unveiling the Variability and Multiscale Structure of Soybean Hulls for Biotechnological Valorization

FEB-2022 Soybean hulls (SBH) are an important agroindustrial residue and potential feedstock for biorenewables. This article confirms the low recalcitrance of SBH, demonstrating high yields (e.g., 80% glucose) in enzymatic conversion without pretreatment. The article also presents a multiscale structural basis for understanding SBH variability and recalcitrance.

Bacterial volatile organic compounds induce adverse ultrastructural changes and DNA damage to the sugarcane pathogenic fungus Thielaviopsis ethacetica

FEB-2022 The importance of biotechnology in agriculture is increasing. Therefore, this study demonstrates the potential of bacterial bioactive metabolites, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), to be used as an alternative to agrochemicals in the control of disease in crops. The results show that the VOCs treatment inhibit the primary metabolism, triggers morphological alterations and DNA damage in the phytopathogen, resulting in its death.

Advanced technologies for electricity production in the sugarcane value chain are a strategic option in a carbon reward policy context

DEC-2021 Sustainable bioenergy production is required to meet the growing demand and environmental concerns. This study compares typical and advanced options for biomass-based electricity generation in Brazilian sugarcane mills. The assessed strategies may help to guide the feasibly deploy of advanced technologies for electricity production from biomass, meeting the future demands for sustainable electricity.

Techno-economic assessment of HTL integration to the Brazilian sugarcane industry: An evaluation of different scenarios

OCT-2021 The transportation sector has a lack of liquid biofuels with higher calorific value for long distances, e.g., hauls performed by airplanes, ships, and trucks. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) has been identified as one of the most promising thermochemical technologies to produce liquid biofuels. The present study carried out a techno-economic analysis to understand the economic performance of HTL in the Brazilian context, indicating its potential to be economically viable if integrated into a sugarcane mill.

A novel social life cycle assessment method for determining workers’ human development: a case study of the sugarcane biorefineries in Brazil

OCT-2021 The social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) methodology is important for sustainability analysis but needs to advance in its methodological development. This study proposes an indicator, inspired by the Human Development Index (HDI), which can be applied in many sectors and production chains. The proposed metric for measuring social impacts, was tested by performing a case study from the sugarcane industry in Brazil.

Paradigm shift in xylose isomerase usage: a novel scenario with distinct applications

OCT-2021 Xylose isomerases are enzymes that induce chemical changes in sugars such as xylose without affecting the original molecular formula. This paper provides a comprehensive review on the biological, biochemical, structural and thermodynamic aspects of known xylose isomerases. This paper also discusses the enzymes use in synergy with the development of bioprocess engineering and synthetic biology strategies, expanding the portfolio of biorenewables that can be obtained from xylose.

Simultaneous saccharification isomerization and Co-fermentation – SSICF: A new process concept for second-generation ethanol biorefineries combining immobilized recombinant enzymes and non-GMO Saccharomyces

OCT-2021 Integrated bioprocess strategies can facilitate ethanol production from the sugars glucose and xylose, present in lignocellulosic material. This paper proposes a new concept of simultaneous saccharification, isomerization and co-fermentation (SSCIF) of sugarcane bagasse. The process involves a multi-enzyme system immobilized on iron nanoparticles, and the use of yeast without genetic modification, allowing the reuse of recombinant enzymes that are attracted by a magnet. The process has a patent application (INPI – BR 1020200111221).

Unraveling the potential of sugarcane electricity for climate change mitigation in Brazil

SEP-2021 The integral use of biomass is essential in the search for sustainable development. In this study, we mapped the potential for harvesting sugarcane straw in the Center-South of Brazil for energy use, while keeping a minimum amount on the ground for its conservation and for the benefit of sugarcane yields. The mapping showed that without increasing any hectare of sugarcane, 62% of the straw can be strategically harvested, which could potentially generate more than 100 TWh of electricity, enough to supply more than 80% of the residential demand in the country. In addition, this electricity would annually mitigate about 13% of the Brazilian energy sector’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Loss of function of a DMR6 ortholog in tomato confers broad-spectrum disease resistance

AUG-2021 Worldwide, plant diseases are the main cause of yield loss in the agricultural sector. In this work, headed by collaborators from the University of California, the inactivation of a tomato susceptibility gene was explored as an approach to increase its resistance against phytopathogens. Besides presenting a promising strategy for engineering agricultural crops resistant to various diseases, this work also contributed to elucidate the role of the susceptibility gene in the homeostasis of salicylic acid, a central modulator of immunity in plants.

Machinery traffic in sugarcane straw removal operation: Stress transmitted and soil compaction

AUG-2021 The productive potential of biomass in Brazil, such as sugarcane, is impacted by intense machine traffic during harvest operations. This study measured the impacts on soil physical indicators by estimating the stress transmitted by a set of machines for sugarcane straw removal. Straw baling, along with raking and transport operations, resulted in higher levels of stress transmitted into the soil, thus intensifying the soil physical degradation that may compromise the sustainability of biomass production.

Exploring metal ion metabolisms to improve xylose fermentation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

AUG-2021 Synthetic biology and metabolic engineering approaches allow the rational design of microorganisms capable of converting renewable raw material to produce biochemicals and biofuels. This study explores the rational engineering of metabolisms involved in metal homeostasis in the yeast S. cerevisiae, resulting in a 10X increase in xylose consumption rate, a component of biomass. Two genes were identified as new targets for rational engineering procedures. In this study, a detailed temporal profile of gene expression is explored, pointing unique aspects of xylose fermentation.

Xyloglucan processing machinery in Xanthomonas pathogens and its role in the transcriptional activation of virulence factors

JUL-2021 Among the hemicellulose polysaccharides, xyloglucan is a significant fraction in most terrestrial plants, with great biotechnological potential. The bacteria Xanthomonas possess dozens of enzymes that degrade different polysaccharides, and this paper describes the discovery of a family of enzymes, a carbohydrate esterase (CE20), which is one of the links in the xyloglucan depolymerization and uptake machinery. Normally sugars are carbon sources for microorganisms, but in this case, the bacterium went further, using the sugars from xyloglucan depolymerization as inducers of protein expression that assist the microorganism to break the cell wall and modulate the plant’s natural defense mechanisms.

Implications of regional N2O–N emission factors on sugarcane ethanol emissions and granted decarbonization certificates

JUL-2021 Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from N fertilizers are the main sources of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted from sugarcane ethanol. This study derived regional N₂O emission factors (EFs) from N fertilizers and evaluated how the use of such EFs affects ethanol emissions and the earning of decarbonization certificates (CBIOs). Regional N₂O EFs reduced by 19% the GHG emissions from sugarcane ethanol compared with those using the IPCC default value. Regional-specific data provide more realistic indicators to account for GHG emissions of sugarcane ethanol and generate economic benefits with extra CBIOs for biofuel producers.

Sustainability analysis of bioethanol production in Mexico by a retrofitted sugarcane industry based on the Brazilian expertise

JUL-2021 In 2012, Mexico began a transition to the use of renewable energy with the strategy of adopting a 10% blend of ethanol in gasoline, with an estimated annual demand of 3 billion liters to be produced mainly from sugarcane. This article analyzes how it is possible to use part of the experience acquired by Brazil during its transition from sugar mills to advanced biorefineries for the Mexican case, presenting technical-economic, social, and environmental analysis for retrofit scenarios of Mexican sugar mills.

C4 Bacterial Volatiles Improve Plant Health

JUN-2021 The search for sustainable agriculture also involves the study of microorganisms with the potential to improve plant growth and health. This review involves small metabolites produced by bacteria, the bacterial volatile compounds (BVC), that are able to activate the plant immune system, to promote plant growth and to act as biological control agents. The review also covers the positive action of BVC-conjugant on plants and the potential of some BVC as substrate for production of bioproducts.

Inorganics in sugarcane bagasse and straw and their impacts for bioenergy and biorefining: A review

JUN-2021 Valorization of sugarcane bagasse and straw has been hampered by the quality of these biomasses, mainly regarding their inorganic content. This paper reviews the types of inorganics and their variability, and the impacts of inorganics in several biorefinery processes and products. In the article’s view, understanding the role of inorganics is key for the design of biorefineries of grasses such as sugarcane.

How do nitrogen fertilization and cover crop influence soil C-N stocks and subsequent yields of sugarcane?

APR-2021 Legumes fix nitrogen (N) from the atmosphere, making them excellent options for providing N to the agricultural system and indirectly mitigating greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the demand for synthetic fertilizers. Sugarcane cultivation requires N, but there are no reports of the impacts of its cultivation on C-N stocks. This paper proved that nitrogen fertilization and crop rotation with legumes increased sugarcane yield by 12%, increased N stocks and soil microbial biomass, but did not affect soil carbon (C) stocks.

Multilocation changes in soil carbon stocks from sugarcane straw removal for bioenergy production in Brazil

APR-2021 The soil is the main carbon (C) pool of the terrestrial ecosystem and, depending on the land use, it can act as a source or drain of atmospheric CO2. The sugarcane straw is an important C input for soils and also has a high potential for bioenergy production. This study evaluated the impacts of straw removal on soil C stocks under different soil and climate conditions in Brazil. It has been confirmed that excessive straw removal decreases soil C stocks, and these impacts are more negative on sandy soils. It is concluded that the adverse impacts on the soil must be included in life cycle assessment of bioenergy produced from straw.

Electrostatic Interactions Optimization Improves Catalytic Rates and Thermotolerance on Xylanases

APR-2021 Designing enzymes with more sophisticated catalytic machineries than those found in nature streamline the generation of new enzymes and its use for diverse biotechnological applications. This work describes a novel and efficient computation-guided method capable of rationally ‘customizing’ enzymes with improved catalytic rates and thermotolerance. This new technology has potential impact on the development of industrially relevant products.

Structure of the class XI myosin globular tail reveals evolutionary hallmarks for cargo recognition in plants

APR-2021 Understanding the molecular mechanisms for the transport of cellular components is important in the production of biorenewables, as they are involved from the secretion of fungal enzyme to plant growth. This work unveils the high-resolution structure of an important protein domain that determines what type of components will be transported by the molecular motor myosin. The work also applied a new method of experimental phasing based on libraries of short fragments, which broadened the spectrum of experimental approaches to elucidate new protein structures.

Identifying suitable areas for expanding sugarcane ethanol production in Brazil under conservation of environmentally relevant habitats

APR-2021 It is not enough to be renewable, it is necessary to be sustainable. This study showed that Brazil has about 20 million hectares to produce sugarcane or other biomass, intensifying the environmental advantages arising not only from the replacement of fossils, but also the rational use of natural resources, going beyond the mitigation of greenhouse gases. Areas were mapped for expansion considering the preservation of native vegetation, biodiversity and food production.

Untrafficked furrowed seedbed sustains soil physical quality in sugarcane mechanized fields

MAR-2021 The abundant production of biomass in Brazil suffers from the intense traffic of agricultural machinery that compact and degrade the soil structure, which reduces its productive potential. This work observed, in five years of study, that the use of seedbeds recovers the soil physical and structural quality without the need for mechanical tillage practices. The use of seedbeds system improves root growth and the biological activity of the soil and makes sugarcane production more sustainable, mainly due to the better soil physical quality.

Developing fibrillated cellulose as a sustainable technological material

FEV-2021 Cellulose from plant biomass can be isolated as fibrils of nanometric diameter, generating building blocks for the development of a new family of renewable technological materials. This work discusses future research directions and highlights key questions for the development of fibrillated cellulose as a platform of novel sustainable biomaterials.

Two distinct catalytic pathways for GH43 xylanolytic enzymes unveiled by X-ray and QM/MM simulations

JAN-2021 Glycosidases are enzymes involved in lignocellulose breakdown and are central for agro-industrial residues valorization and industrial biotechnology. To enable these enzymes to convert a substrate into the product, several conformational changes occur (catalytic itinerary). This work shows a glycosidase that operates via two distinct catalytic itineraries, breaking the paradigm of the existence of only one possible route for the substrate conversion. The discovery opens new horizons on the molecular functioning of these enzymes and immediately impacts the development of novel biocatalysts.

An integrated approach to obtain xylo-oligosaccharides from sugarcane straw: From lab to pilot scale

OCT-2020 The use of crop residues to obtain products with high added value is an important aspect of sustainable development. This work brings new perspectives to value sugarcane straw to bioproducts other than for the production of heat and bioelectricity. It shows the potential of sugarcane straw to produce xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS), a prebiotic substance, and the use of xylanase enzymes to hydrolyze XOS. The study covered the laboratory and pilot-scale (LNBR Pilot Plant) of production.

A rationally identified marine GH1 Beta-glucosidase has distinguishing functional features for simultaneous saccharification and fermentation

AUG-2020 New solutions to produce biofuels from sugarcane residues can come from unexpected environments, such as the marine. This work demonstrated the potential use of a marine enzyme β-glucosidase (GH1), rationally identified, in the production of cellulosic ethanol with simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. With activity in celo-oligosaccharides and efficiency in milder temperatures, this enzyme can be used in industrial biotechnological processes that involve the deconstruction of lignocellulosic material.

Enzymes knuckle down to the job

JUN-2020 Discovery of new enzymes for health, nutrition, biofuels, and other industrial biotechnological applications. Inspired by the molecular biodiversity of microorganisms this work has deepened the knowledge about new enzymatic strategies for the polysaccharides β-1,3-glucans processing, discovering a new mechanism of polysaccharide recognition and new mode of enzymatic action.

Technoeconomic and life-cycle analysis of single-step catalytic conversion of wet ethanol into fungible fuel blendstocks

JUN-2020 Sustainable biofuels are important for decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation, shipping and heavy-duty road transportation. The low cost of ethanol and large production capacity make it attractive to be converted into a hydrocarbon fuel, which is typically done in three steps. This work goes further and describes an economic and environmental analysis of a renewable aviation fuel obtained from a single-step catalytic process using ethanol from biomass as raw material, reducing the need for external hydrogen.

Rational engineering of the Trichoderma reesei RUT-C30 strain into an industrially relevant platform for cellulase production

MAY-2020 Sustainable biofuels are important for decarbonization of light-vehicle road transportation. Synthetic biology was used to develop a microbial platform for cellulase production to reduce the cost of cellulosic ethanol production. This work describes a Brazilian technology validated at industrial operating conditions, which employs rational design of a public domain strain for cellulosic on-site manufacture of enzymes for ethanol production from sugarcane residues.

Engineering aspects of hydrothermal pretreatment: From batch to continuous operation, scale-up and pilot reactor under biorefinery concept

MAR-2020 Sustainable biofuels are important for decarbonization of light-vehicle road transportation. Hydrothermal pre-treatment is considered one of the most promising technologies for cellulosic ethanol production. This review provides comprehensive information on hydrothermal pretreatment, including performance at semi-industrial scale (LNBR pilot plant) and discusses integrated process design.

Improvement of homologous GH10 xylanase production by deletion of genes with predicted function in the Aspergillus nidulans secretion pathway

MAR-2020 Filamentous fungi are important microbial platforms for biotechnological applications. One challenge is to achieve high protein production titers. In this work, the large-scale transcriptional analysis was used to identify genes involved in protein secretion pathways. Genetic modifications of these target genes resulted in strains with improved protein production, demonstrating it is an interesting strategy for the development of industrially relevant strains.

Functional genomic analysis of bacterial lignin degraders: diversity in mechanisms of lignin oxidation and metabolism

FEB-2020 The valorization of biomass whole constituents is important for the development of new bioproducts and for decarbonization of the economy. In this work, genomic analyzes were used to identify several mechanisms employed by bacteria for the metabolism of lignin. These bacterial pathways may inspire the development of biotechnological applications to convert lignin into value-added products.

Comparison of Biofuel Life Cycle Analysis Tools

DEC-2019 Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool to assess the environmental impacts of a product. LCA model differences challenge credibility of individual evaluations applied to greenhouse gas mitigation targets. This work, in partnership with the International Energy Agency, compares greenhouse gas emissions for cellulosic ethanol production using internationally accepted LCA models from Brazil, Canada, USA and the EU. It provides recommendations to promote transparency and harmonization of LCA models.