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Methane as a resource: can the methanotrophs add value?
P J Strong1, S Xie1, W P Clarke1
1Centre for Solid Waste Bioprocessing, School of Civil Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
Environmental Science & Technology
|February 28, 2015
Summary
Methanotrophic bacteria utilize methane for various biotechnological applications, producing valuable compounds and enabling bioremediation. These unique microbes offer sustainable solutions for energy and chemical production.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Methane is a widely available carbon source.
- Methanotrophs are bacteria that metabolize methane.
- Current research has not fully explored the biotechnological potential of methanotrophs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the diverse biotechnological applications of methanotrophic bacteria.
- To highlight the potential of methanotrophs in generating valuable products and services.
- To discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with using methanotrophs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on methanotrophic bacteria.
- Analysis of reported products and applications derived from methanotrophs.
- Discussion of genetic engineering and ex vivo enzyme applications.
Main Results:
- Methanotrophs can produce single-cell protein, biopolymers, nanotechnology components, metabolites (e.g., methanol, ectoine), lipids (biodiesel), growth media, and vitamin B12.
- Genetic engineering can enable production of novel compounds like carotenoids and farnesene.
- Enzymes from methanotrophs have high conversion efficiencies for methanol production or CO2 sequestration.
- Live cultures are applicable in bioremediation, chemical transformations, wastewater treatment, biosensors, and potentially direct electricity generation.
Conclusions:
- Methanotrophs and their consortia present significant potential for value generation using methane.
- Challenges in utilizing a low-solubility gas are outweighed by the benefits of methane utilization and greenhouse gas sequestration.
- Further research and development in methanotroph biotechnology are warranted.
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