Bioresour Technol. 2026 Jun 23:135231. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135231. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Biofilms catalysis has broad application prospects in the biocatalysis due to its high cellular stability, strong reusability, and operational simplicity. However, the naturally limited biofilm-forming ability of Escherichia coli restricts its performance in catalytic processes. In this study, we developed a rational engineering strategy to enhance E. coli-based biofilms catalysis by overexpressing adhesion-related genes in combination with carrier materials. Specifically, adhesin gene overexpression enhances cell adhesion and biofilm formation while decreasing planktonic cell number. Furthermore, biofilm biomass in the ecpA- and proQ-overexpressing strains increased by 563.88% and 550.36%, respectively (p < 0.001). In addition, after the addition of hydrophilic polyurethane fiber carriers, rutin conversion rate of 97.81% and isoquercitrin yield of 90.11% were achieved using biofilms catalysts formed by the ecpA-overexpressing strain (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that adhesin gene overexpression combined with hydrophilic polyurethane fibers as carriers is an effective strategy for constructing robust E. coli biofilms catalysts and enhancing biofilm-mediated biocatalysis.

PMID:42336110 | DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135231