Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026
07:34
Author Spotlight: Scaling Microalgal Biotechnology for Enhanced Biomethane Production
Published on: March 22, 2024
3.5K
Syngas Biorefinery and Syngas Utilization.
Sashini De Tissera1, Michael Köpke1, Sean D Simpson1
1LanzaTech, 8045 Lamon Avenue, Suite 400, Skokie, IL, 60077, USA.
Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology
|June 21, 2017
Summary
Autotrophic acetogenic bacteria convert waste gases into ethanol via gas fermentation, a commercially advancing process. Their true potential lies in engineering these microbes for diverse chemical and fuel production.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Industrial Biotechnology
Background:
- Autotrophic acetogenic bacteria utilize carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) via gas fermentation.
- These bacteria can grow on industrial waste gases (e.g., steel, oil refining, coal, natural gas) and renewable syngas.
- Acetogenic gas fermentation offers a sustainable method for ethanol production, independent of food and land resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of acetogenic bacteria beyond ethanol production.
- To discuss the metabolic engineering required for producing other chemicals and fuels.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of acetogen species, bioenergetics, genetic tools, culture techniques, and commercialization.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on acetogenic bacteria and gas fermentation.
- Analysis of metabolic pathways and genetic engineering strategies for enhanced production.
- Discussion of culture techniques and fermenter configurations for industrial application.
Main Results:
- Gas fermentation by acetogens is a viable and advancing technology for ethanol production.
- Acetogens possess significant untapped potential for producing a wider range of chemicals and fuels.
- Metabolic pathway redesign is crucial for optimizing acetogen performance in manufacturing.
Conclusions:
- Acetogenic gas fermentation is a sustainable and geographically versatile platform for biofuel and chemical production.
- Further metabolic engineering of acetogens is key to unlocking their full potential for diverse industrial applications.
- The chapter provides a comprehensive resource on acetogen biology, engineering, and commercialization prospects.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
1.3K
Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
1.3K
00:46Bioremediation
22.6K
Bioremediation is the use of prokaryotes, fungi, or plants to remove pollutants from the environment. This process has been used to remove harmful toxins in groundwater as a byproduct of agricultural run-off and also to clean up oil spills.
22.6K
01:20Fates of Pyruvate
11.5K
Pyruvate is the end product of glycolysis, where glucose is oxidized to pyruvate, simultaneously reducing NAD+ to NADH. Two molecules of ATP are also produced by substrate-level phosphorylation.
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...
11.5K
01:25Lipid Catabolism
1.2K
Triglycerides serve as crucial long-term energy storage molecules in microorganisms, providing a dense source of metabolic energy. Their breakdown is mediated by lipases, which hydrolyze triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. Each of these components follows distinct metabolic pathways, ultimately contributing to ATP synthesis and cellular energy homeostasis.Glycerol MetabolismGlycerol, released from triglyceride hydrolysis, is phosphorylated by glycerol kinase to form...
1.2K