Optimization of methanol biosynthesis from methane using Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b

Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b oxidized methane to methanol in the presence of a high concentration of Cu2+. Further oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde was prevented by adding 200 mM NaCl which acted as a methanol dehydrogenase H inhibitor. The bacterium, 0.6 mg dry cell ml(-1), in methane/air (1:4, v/v) at 25 degrees C in 12.9 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7) containing 20 mM sodium formate and 200 mM NaCl accumulated 7.7 mM methanol over 36 h.