Fermentation

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21 pages, 1326 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evolutionarily Distinct Enzymes Uncovered Through Sequence Similarity Network Analysis of De Novo Transcriptomes from Underexplored Protist Axenic Cultures

by Manabu W. L. Tanimura, Motoki Kayama and Kazumi Matsuoka

Fermentation 2026, 12(2), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation12020071 - 27 Jan 2026

Viewed by 540

Abstract

Protists represent a vast yet underexplored reservoir of enzymatic diversity across the eukaryotic tree of life. In this study, we established axenic strains of diverse protists from four major eukaryotic supergroups using single-cell isolation and generated de novo transcriptomes for each strain, as [...] Read more.

Protists represent a vast yet underexplored reservoir of enzymatic diversity across the eukaryotic tree of life. In this study, we established axenic strains of diverse protists from four major eukaryotic supergroups using single-cell isolation and generated de novo transcriptomes for each strain, as reference genomes or transcriptomes are not available for these strains. As a test case for industrial enzyme discovery, we targeted nine enzyme classes used in pulp processing and evaluated whether protist-derived sequences occupy underrepresented sequence space relative to major public databases. Functional annotation combined with Sequence Similarity Network analysis revealed multiple clusters composed exclusively of protist-origin sequences, indicating candidate enzymes with high sequence-level novelty. These results suggest that protists may provide a practical resource for expanding the repertoire of industrially relevant enzymes and prioritizing targets for further characterization. However, additional in silico analyses and experimental validation will be required to determine whether these sequence-divergent candidates exhibit properties that meet industrial requirements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Fermentation: Feature Papers in Section "Industrial Fermentation")

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14 pages, 1056 KB

Open AccessArticle

Kinetics of Lactic Acid, Acetic Acid and Ethanol Production During Submerged Cultivation of a Forest Litter-Based Biofertilizer

by Sophie Nafil, Lucie Miché, Loris Cagnacci, Martine Martinez and Pierre Christen

Fermentation 2026, 12(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation12010052 - 16 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Fermented forest litter (FFL) is a biofertilizer obtained by anaerobic fermentation of forest litter combined with agricultural by-products. Its production involves an initial one-month solid-state fermentation of oak litter mixed with whey, molasses and wheat bran, followed by a one-week submerged fermentation-called the [...] Read more.

Fermented forest litter (FFL) is a biofertilizer obtained by anaerobic fermentation of forest litter combined with agricultural by-products. Its production involves an initial one-month solid-state fermentation of oak litter mixed with whey, molasses and wheat bran, followed by a one-week submerged fermentation-called the “activation” phase-during which the solid FFL is fermented with sugarcane molasses diluted in water. This study aimed to evaluate the effects storage duration (6, 18 and 30 months), and temperature (ambient and 29 °C) on the activation phase. For this purpose, pH, sugar consumption and metabolite production dynamics were monitored. Under all experimental conditions, the pH dropped to values close to 3.5, sucrose was rapidly hydrolyzed, and glucose was preferentially consumed over fructose. Fructose was metabolized only after glucose was depleted, suggesting the involvement of fructophilic microorganisms. The time-course evolution of lactic acid (LA) concentration was adequately fitted by the Gompertz model (R² > 0.970). The highest LA_max concentration (6.30 g/L) and production rate (2.16 g/L·d) were obtained with FFL stored for 6 months. Acetic acid (AA) and ethanol were also detected reaching maxima values of 1.19 g/L and 0.96 g/L, respectively. Their profiles varied depending on the experimental conditions. Notably, the AA/LA ratio increased with the age of the FFL. Overall, sugar consumption and metabolite production were significantly slower at ambient temperature, than at 29 °C. These results contribute to a better understanding of the metabolic dynamics during FFL activation and highlight key parameters that should be considered to optimize future biofertilizer production processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Fermentation: Feature Papers in Section "Industrial Fermentation")

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20 pages, 5398 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bioaugmentation Versus pH Adjustment in High-Load Food Waste Anaerobic Digestion: Divergent Microbial Responses and Methanogenesis Regulation

by Chenyu Piao, Zhe Wang, Keqian Zhao, Mengfei Du and Ke Wang

Fermentation 2025, 11(12), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11120702 - 18 Dec 2025

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Abstract

High organic loading is known to destabilize anaerobic digestion (AD). This study compared bioaugmentation and pH adjustment under increasing organic loading rate (OLR: 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 gVS L⁻¹ d⁻¹), focusing on the responses of microbial structure, metabolic pathways, and [...] Read more.

High organic loading is known to destabilize anaerobic digestion (AD). This study compared bioaugmentation and pH adjustment under increasing organic loading rate (OLR: 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 gVS L⁻¹ d⁻¹), focusing on the responses of microbial structure, metabolic pathways, and energy metabolism. Results demonstrated that bioaugmentation maintained stable methane production of 400.54 ± 10.08 and 374.15 ± 24.32 mL·g-VS⁻¹ at 4.0 and 6.0 gVS L⁻¹ d⁻¹, respectively, whereas control and pH-adjusted reactors failed at 4.0 gVS L⁻¹ d⁻¹. The acidified system restored methane yield from 86.30 to 382.13 mL·g-VS⁻¹ after bioaugmentation, whereas pH adjustment and feeding cessation were ineffective, failing to produce methane within 25 days. Microbial analysis showed bioaugmentation enriched Methanosarcina, enhanced hydrogenotrophic/methylotrophic methanogenesis, and strengthened syntrophy with syntrophic propionate-oxidizing bacteria (SPOB), reducing volatile fatty acid accumulation via reinforced syntrophic propionate/butyrate oxidation. Upregulation of osmoregulatory (nha, kdp, proP) and energy metabolism genes (eha, mvh, hdr) maintained osmotic balance and energy supply under high load. In contrast, pH adjustment downregulated SPOB and propionate oxidation genes, causing persistent acid inhibition. This study elucidated the distinct regulatory effects of bioaugmentation and pH adjustment on high-load AD systems, providing actionable strategies for both maintaining operational stability in high-load reactors and recovering methanogenesis in acid-inhibited systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Fermentation: Feature Papers in Section "Industrial Fermentation")

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14 pages, 1021 KB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Haemophilus influenzae Type b Polysaccharide Productivity Through Continuous Culture for Pentavalent Vaccine Manufacturing

by Lucas Santos Solidade, Lucas Dias Vieira and Mickie Takagi

Fermentation 2025, 11(11), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11110622 - 31 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1094

Abstract

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes severe infections in children under five, especially in developing countries. Although vaccination using capsular polysaccharide by Hib (linear polymer 5-D-ribitol-(1→1)-β-D-ribose-3-phosphate) conjugated to tetanus toxoid is effective, its production is complex and costly. [...] Read more.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes severe infections in children under five, especially in developing countries. Although vaccination using capsular polysaccharide by Hib (linear polymer 5-D-ribitol-(1→1)-β-D-ribose-3-phosphate) conjugated to tetanus toxoid is effective, its production is complex and costly. This study aimed to develop a continuous production process for PRP to increase productivity, reduce batch numbers, and simplify manufacturing. Using a 1 L bioreactor, five dilution rates (0.13 to 0.32 h⁻¹) were tested, with the best performance observed at 0.23 h⁻¹, reaching a productivity of 167 mgL⁻¹·h⁻¹. Under optimized conditions, parameters such as free and immobilized PRP, glucose consumption, acetate formation, and biomass were monitored. The process yielded 874 mgL⁻¹ of PRP after 74.4 h, with 78% in the free form and a final productivity of 165 mgL⁻¹·h⁻¹, approximately six times higher than batch processes and twice as high as fed-batch processes. The continuous process proved more efficient and required less infrastructure to meet production demands. However, further optimization is needed to enhance product quality and assess overall feasibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Fermentation: Feature Papers in Section "Industrial Fermentation")

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22 pages, 4471 KB

Open AccessArticle

Continuous Fermentative Biohydrogen Production from Fruit-Vegetable Waste: A Parallel Approach to Assess Process Reproducibility

by Leonardo J. Martínez-Mendoza, Raúl Muñoz and Octavio García-Depraect

Fermentation 2025, 11(9), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11090545 - 19 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1070

Abstract

Dark fermentation (DF) has gained increasing interest over the past two decades as a sustainable route for biohydrogen production; however, understanding how reproducible the process can be, both from macro- and microbiological perspectives, remains limited. This study assessed the reproducibility of a parallel [...] Read more.

Dark fermentation (DF) has gained increasing interest over the past two decades as a sustainable route for biohydrogen production; however, understanding how reproducible the process can be, both from macro- and microbiological perspectives, remains limited. This study assessed the reproducibility of a parallel continuous DF system using fruit-vegetable waste as a substrate under strictly controlled operational conditions. Three stirred-tank reactors were operated in parallel for 90 days, monitoring key process performance indicators. In addition to baseline operation, different process enhancement strategies were tested, including bioaugmentation, supplementation with nutrients and/or additional fermentable carbohydrates, and modification of key operational parameters such as pH and hydraulic retention time, all widely used in the field to improve DF performance. Microbial community structure was also analyzed to evaluate its reproducibility and potential relationship with process performance and metabolic patterns. Under these conditions, key performance indicators and core microbial features were reproducible to a large extent, yet full consistency across reactors was not achieved. During operation, unforeseen operational issues such as feed line clogging, pH control failures, and mixing interruptions were encountered. Despite these disturbances, the system maintained an average hydrogen productivity of 3.2 NL H₂/L-d, with peak values exceeding 6 NL H₂/L-d under optimal conditions. The dominant microbial core included Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Veillonella, Enterococcus, Eubacterium, and Clostridium, though their relative abundances varied notably over time and between reactors. An inverse correlation was observed between lactate concentration in the fermentation broth and the amount of hydrogen produced, suggesting it can serve as a precursor for hydrogen. Overall, the findings presented here demonstrate that DF processes can be resilient and broadly reproducible. However, they also emphasize the sensitivity of these processes to operational disturbances and microbial shifts. This underscores the necessity for refined control strategies and further systematic research to translate these insights into stable, high-performance real-world systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Fermentation: Feature Papers in Section "Industrial Fermentation")

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19 pages, 5733 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Production Optimization of a Thermostable Phytase from Bacillus subtilis SP11 Utilizing Mustard Meal as a Substrate

by Md. Al Muid Khan, Sabina Akhter, Tanjil Arif, Md. Mahmuduzzaman Mian, Md. Arafat Al Mamun, Muhammad Manjurul Karim and Shakila Nargis Khan

Fermentation 2025, 11(8), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11080452 - 3 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2970

Abstract

Phytate, an antinutritional molecule in poultry feed, can be degraded by applying phytase, but its use in low- and middle-income countries is often limited due to importation instead of local production. Here, inexpensive raw materials were used to optimize the production of a [...] Read more.

Phytate, an antinutritional molecule in poultry feed, can be degraded by applying phytase, but its use in low- and middle-income countries is often limited due to importation instead of local production. Here, inexpensive raw materials were used to optimize the production of a thermostable phytase from an indigenous strain of Bacillus subtilis SP11 that was isolated from a broiler farm in Dhaka. SP11 was identified using 16s rDNA and the fermentation of phytase was optimized using a Plackett–Burman design and response surface methodology, revealing that three substrates, including the raw material mustard meal (2.21% w/v), caused a maximum phytase production of 436 U/L at 37 °C and 120 rpm for 72 h, resulting in a 3.7-fold increase compared to unoptimized media. The crude enzyme showed thermostability up to 80 °C (may withstand the feed pelleting process) with an optimum pH of 6 (near pH of poultry small-intestine), while retaining 96% activity at 41 °C (the body temperature of the chicken). In vitro dephytinization demonstrated its applicability, releasing 978 µg of inorganic phosphate per g of wheat bran per hour. This phytase has the potential to reduce the burden of phytase importation in Bangladesh by making local production and application possible, contributing to sustainable poultry nutrition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Fermentation: Feature Papers in Section "Industrial Fermentation")

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13 pages, 2967 KB

Open AccessArticle

Production, Purification, and Application of a Biomolecule with Herbicidal Activity Produced by Fusarium fujikuroi in Submerged Cultivation

by Silvana Schmaltz, Clair Walker, Keli Souza da Silva, Renata Gulart Ninaus, Cláudia Braga Dutra, Luiza Andrea Schmidt, Gilson Zeni and Marcio Antonio Mazutti

Fermentation 2025, 11(7), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11070375 - 29 Jun 2025

Viewed by 847

Abstract

This study investigated the production, purification, and evaluation of a microbial metabolite with herbicidal activity produced by Fusarium fujikuroi via submerged fermentation. The purified compound (PC) was obtained through organic solvent extraction and chromatographic purification, and assessed in bioassays using Raphanus sativus and [...] Read more.

This study investigated the production, purification, and evaluation of a microbial metabolite with herbicidal activity produced by Fusarium fujikuroi via submerged fermentation. The purified compound (PC) was obtained through organic solvent extraction and chromatographic purification, and assessed in bioassays using Raphanus sativus and Triticum aestivum as bioindicator plants. A concentration of 23 mg mL⁻¹ completely inhibited seed germination in 96-well plate assays, while the crude extract (EXT) and cell-free broth (CFB) allowed radicle protrusion but resulted in abnormal seedlings with chlorosis and reduced growth. Mathematical models estimated that concentrations of 16.0 mg mL⁻¹ for radish and 0.9 mg mL⁻¹ for wheat were sufficient to suppress germination with the PC. In substrate experiments, the PC at 6.4 and 64.0 mg mL⁻¹ did not inhibit germination but caused anomalies in radish and significantly reduced wheat seedling growth. In naturally infested soil, the PC maintained phytotoxicity symptoms for 21 days, and after 28 days, a concentration of 64.0 mg mL⁻¹ significantly reduced radish seedling growth. The results highlight the potential of the compound as a bioherbicide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Fermentation: Feature Papers in Section "Industrial Fermentation")

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13 pages, 1826 KB

Open AccessArticle

Applied Bioelectrochemistry: Plastic Degradation and Energy Generation Using Klebsiella oxytoca in Microbial Fuel Cells

by Rojas-Flores Segundo, Cabanillas-Chirinos Luis, Nélida Milly Otiniano, Magaly De La Cruz-Noriega, Nancy Soto-Deza, Anibal Alviz-Meza and Ángel Darío González-Delgado

Fermentation 2025, 11(6), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11060341 - 12 Jun 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2114

Abstract

Plastic pollution remains a critical global environmental challenge, with conventional disposal methods contributing to ecosystem degradation. Simultaneously, energy scarcity affects numerous rural communities, limiting development opportunities. This study presents an innovative approach that integrates microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with Klebsiella oxytoca to simultaneously [...] Read more.

Plastic pollution remains a critical global environmental challenge, with conventional disposal methods contributing to ecosystem degradation. Simultaneously, energy scarcity affects numerous rural communities, limiting development opportunities. This study presents an innovative approach that integrates microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with Klebsiella oxytoca to simultaneously degrade plastic waste and generate bioelectricity. The monitoring results over 40 days revealed optimal performance on day 28, with a peak voltage of 0.714 ± 0.026 V and an electric current of 3.149 ± 0.124 mA. The biocatalyst exhibited an electrical conductivity of 140.466 ± 5.180 mS/cm and an oxidation-reduction potential of 109.519 ± 5.35 mV, indicating efficient electron transfer. Furthermore, the MFCs achieved a maximum power density of 11.391 ± 0.814 mW/cm² with a current density of 5.106 mA/cm², demonstrating their potential for sustainable energy production. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed structural modifications in the plastic, with decreased vibrational peaks indicative of polymer degradation. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed porosity and surface cracks, highlighting Klebsiella oxytoca’s biodegradation capacity. These findings establish the viability of bioelectrochemical systems for simultaneous waste remediation and renewable energy generation, paving the way for scalable applications in environmental biotechnology. By coupling microbial degradation with electricity production, this research supports the development of sustainable solutions aligned with the principles of circular economy and climate change mitigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Fermentation: Feature Papers in Section "Industrial Fermentation")

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14 pages, 2995 KB

Open AccessArticle

Utilization of Enhanced Asparagus Waste with Sucrose in Microbial Fuel Cells for Energy Production

by Rojas-Flores Segundo, Cabanillas-Chirinos Luis, Magaly De La Cruz-Noriega, Nélida Milly Otiniano and Moisés M. Gallozzo Cardenas

Fermentation 2025, 11(5), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11050260 - 6 May 2025

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Abstract

The rapid increase in agricultural waste in recent years has led to significant losses and challenges for agro-industrial companies. At the same time, the growing demand for energy to support daily human activities has prompted these companies to seek new and sustainable methods [...] Read more.

The rapid increase in agricultural waste in recent years has led to significant losses and challenges for agro-industrial companies. At the same time, the growing demand for energy to support daily human activities has prompted these companies to seek new and sustainable methods for generating electric energy, which is crucial. Sucrose extracted from fruit waste can act as a carbon source for microbial fuel cells (MFCs), as bacteria metabolize sucrose to generate electrons, producing electric current. This research aims to evaluate the potential of sucrose as an additive to enhance the use of asparagus waste as fuel in single-chamber MFCs. The samples were obtained from CUC SAC in Trujillo, Peru. This study utilized MFCs with varying sucrose concentrations: 0% (Target), 5%, 10%, and 15%. It was observed that the MFCs with 15% sucrose and 0% sucrose (Target) produced the highest electric current (5.532 mA and 3.525 mA, respectively) and voltage (1.729 V and 1.034 V) on the eighth day of operation, both operating at slightly acidic pH levels. The MFC with 15% sucrose exhibited an oxidation-reduction potential of 3.525 mA, an electrical conductivity of 294.027 mS/cm, and a reduced chemical oxygen demand of 83.14%. Additionally, the MFC-15% demonstrated the lowest internal resistance (128.749 ± 12.541 Ω) with a power density of 20.196 mW/cm² and a current density of 5.574 A/cm². Moreover, the microbial fuel cells with different sucrose concentrations were connected in series, achieving a combined voltage of 4.56 V, showcasing their capacity to generate bioelectricity. This process effectively converts plant waste into electrical energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigating methane emissions from the traditional anaerobic decomposition of such waste. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Fermentation: Feature Papers in Section "Industrial Fermentation")

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22 pages, 2478 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimized Spirulina Fermentation with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus: Bioactive Properties and Pilot-Scale Validation

by Akif Emre Kavak, Didem Balkanlı, Osman Sagdıc, Akın Özdemir and Enes Dertli

Fermentation 2025, 11(5), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11050248 - 1 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2873

Abstract

Sustainable bio-based products derived from fermentation are gaining increasing interest. The present study was designed to determine the interaction of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 23.2 bacteria with spirulina in a 3 L glass bioreactor and the effect of aeration and agitation speed on the final [...] Read more.

Sustainable bio-based products derived from fermentation are gaining increasing interest. The present study was designed to determine the interaction of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 23.2 bacteria with spirulina in a 3 L glass bioreactor and the effect of aeration and agitation speed on the final product biomass and antioxidant capacity. The fermentation medium contained only glucose, an inorganic salt mixture, and spirulina powder. The estimated biomass and antioxidant activity were found to be 3.74 g/L and 84.72%, respectively, from the results of the optimization model. Scale-up was performed with the obtained optimization data, and three pilot-scale fermentations were carried out in a 30 L stainless steel bioreactor. As a result of pilot production, the obtained bioactive products were freeze-dried, and their antibacterial, antioxidant, total phenolic properties, and cytotoxic activity were investigated. The pilot production results showed that the increase in bacterial cell number was around 3–4 log after 24 h of fermentation. An inhibitory effect against pathogenic bacteria was observed. A strong radical scavenging effect was found in antioxidant analyses. Total phenolic substance content was 26.5 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) g⁻¹, which was the highest level in this study. Cytotoxic activity showed that bioactive products had a cytotoxic effect against Caco-2 adenocarcinoma cells. This study emphasizes the potential of Arthrospira platensis biomass as a substrate for the production of lactic acid bacteria (LAB)-based bioproducts. It is thought that the results obtained from this study may position potential innovative strategies in the food, pharmaceutical, agriculture, and cosmetic industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Fermentation: Feature Papers in Section "Industrial Fermentation")

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16 pages, 2335 KB

Open AccessArticle

Utilization of Cheese Whey for Energy Generation in Microbial Fuel Cells: Performance Evaluation and Metagenomic Analysis

by Rojas-Flores Segundo, Cabanillas-Chirinos Luis, Nélida Milly Otiniano, Magaly De La Cruz-Noriega and Moises Gallozzo-Cardenas

Fermentation 2025, 11(4), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11040176 - 26 Mar 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2109

Abstract

The dairy industry generates large volumes of whey as a byproduct of cheese production, with a high organic load. Its untreated discharge contaminates water bodies, reduces dissolved oxygen, and damages aquatic ecosystems. In Peru, especially in the rural areas of the Andes, thousands [...] Read more.

The dairy industry generates large volumes of whey as a byproduct of cheese production, with a high organic load. Its untreated discharge contaminates water bodies, reduces dissolved oxygen, and damages aquatic ecosystems. In Peru, especially in the rural areas of the Andes, thousands of tons of industrial dairy waste are produced annually, representing an environmental and economic challenge. The lack of sustainable technologies for its management drives the need for innovative solutions, such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which combine waste treatment with renewable energy generation. This research uses MFC technology with whey as a substrate to observe its potential to generate electrical energy and treat contaminants. Three liters of whey from a dairy company in Trujillo, Peru, were used and stored at 10 °C. Each MFC contained 800 mL of whey and employed activated carbon as the anode and zinc as the cathode. A maximum voltage of 0.867 ± 0.059 V was reached, with a maximum current of 4.114 ± 0.239 mA recorded on the 11th day. The maximum power density was 1.585 ± 0.061 mW/cm², with a current density of 4.448 A/cm², and the internal resistance of the MFCs was 16.847 ± 0.911 Ω. The initial pH of the whey was approximately 3.0, increasing to 4.135 ± 0.264 on the 11th day, and the electrical conductivity increased from 19.101 ± 1.025 mS/cm on the first day to 170.062 ± 9.511 mS/cm on the 11th day. The oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) increased to 104.287 ± 4.058 mV at the peak of electricity generation (day 11). Additionally, a 70% reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) was achieved, dropping from 4650.52 ± 10.54 mg/L to 1400.64 ± 23.25 mg/L on the last day. Metagenomic analysis identified two dominant bacterial phyla: Bacteroidota at 48.47% and Proteobacteria at 29.83%. The most abundant families were Bacteroidaceae (38.58%) and Acetobacteraceae (33.39%). The study validates the potential of MFCs to transform whey into an energy resource, aligning with sustainability and circular economy goals, especially in regions with high dairy production, like Peru. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Fermentation: Feature Papers in Section "Industrial Fermentation")

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Review

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42 pages, 8148 KB

Open AccessReview

Revitalizing Urban Rivers with Biotechnological Strategies for Sustainability and Carbon Capture

by Igor Carvalho Fontes Sampaio, Virgínia de Lourdes Carvalho dos Santos, Isabela Viana Lopes de Moura, Geisa Louise Moura Costa, Estela Sales Bueno de Oliveira, Jailton Azevedo and Paulo Fernando de Almeida

Fermentation 2026, 12(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation12010040 - 9 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1297

Abstract

Urban rivers are essential resources for human societies; however, their degradation poses serious public health, economic, and environmental risks. Conventional physical remediation methods can partially mitigate pollution by targeting specific contaminants, but they are often limited in scope, lack long-term sustainability, and fail [...] Read more.

Urban rivers are essential resources for human societies; however, their degradation poses serious public health, economic, and environmental risks. Conventional physical remediation methods can partially mitigate pollution by targeting specific contaminants, but they are often limited in scope, lack long-term sustainability, and fail to restore ecological functions. In contrast, biotechnological approaches integrated with ecological engineering offer sustainable and nature-based solutions for river depollution, conservation, and revitalization. Although these strategies are supported by a solid theoretical framework and successful applications in other aquatic systems, their large-scale implementation in urban rivers has only recently begun to gain momentum. This review critically examines strategies for the revitalization of polluted urban rivers, progressing from conventional remediation techniques to advanced biotechnological interventions. It highlights real-world applications, evaluates their advantages and limitations, and discusses policy frameworks and management strategies required to promote the broader adoption of biotechnological solutions for sustainable urban river restoration. The goal is to demonstrate the transformative potential of integrated biotechnological, eco-engineering, and data-driven approaches—particularly microbial, phytoplankton-based, and biofilm systems—to reduce energy demand and carbon emissions in urban river restoration while highlighting the need for scalable designs, adaptive management, and supportive regulatory frameworks to enable their large-scale implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Fermentation: Feature Papers in Section "Industrial Fermentation")

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