Work

Renewable methanol and formate as microbial feedstocks

Year: 2019

Type: review

Abstract: Methanol and formate are attractive microbial feedstocks as they can be sustainably produced from CO2 and renewable energy, are completely miscible, and are easy to store and transport. Here, we provide a biochemical perspective on microbial growth and bioproduction using these compounds. We show that anaerobic growth of acetogens on methanol and formate is more efficient than on H2/CO2 or CO. We analyze the aerobic C1 assimilation pathways and suggest that new-to-nature routes could outperform their natural counterparts. We further discuss practical bioprocessing aspects related to growth on methanol and formate, including feedstock toxicity. While challenges in realizing sustainable production from methanol and formate still exist, the utilization of these feedstocks paves the way towards a truly circular carbon economy.

Source: Current Opinion in Biotechnology

DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.10.002

Authors: Charles AR Cotton, Nico J Claassens, Sara Benito-Vaquerizo, Arren Bar-Even

Institution: Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology

Language: English

Topic: Microbial Metabolic Engineering and Bioproduction

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,400