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Recent trends in methane to bioproduct conversion by methanotrophs
Aleksandra Gęsicka1, Piotr Oleskowicz-Popiel1, Mateusz Łężyk1
1Water Supply and Bioeconomy Division, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Energy, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznan, Poland.
Biotechnology Advances
|October 28, 2021
Summary
Methane-consuming bacteria (methanotrophs) can convert abundant methane into valuable bioproducts like bioplastics and biofuels. Research trends since 2015 show progress, despite commercialization challenges.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and an abundant, low-cost feedstock.
- Methanotrophs utilize methane for producing valuable chemicals via gas fermentation.
- Previous research focused on natural and engineered methanotrophs for bioproduct synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research trends in methanotrophic bioproducts since 2015.
- To highlight the potential of methane as a sustainable feedstock.
- To identify key bioproducts and advancements in their production.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on methanotrophic bioproducts since 2015.
- Analysis of research focusing on natural strains, engineered strains, and consortia.
- Examination of metabolic engineering approaches for novel chemical synthesis.
Main Results:
- Significant progress in producing bioplastics, biofuels, feed additives, and ectoine from methane.
- Demonstrated proof of concept for synthesizing a wider range of chemicals.
- Identification of key methanotrophic bioproducts and production strategies.
Conclusions:
- Methanotrophic bioproducts offer a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
- Further development is needed to overcome commercialization challenges.
- Ongoing research shows great promise for methane-based chemical production.
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