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Published on: August 14, 2020
The potential of CO2-based production cycles in biotechnology to fight the climate crisis
Simone Bachleitner1, Özge Ata1,2, Diethard Mattanovich3,4
1University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Vienna, 1190, Austria.
Abstract:
Rising CO2 emissions have pushed scientists to develop new technologies for a more sustainable bio-based economy. Microbial conversion of CO2 and CO2-derived carbon substrates into valuable compounds can contribute to carbon neutrality and sustainability. Here, we discuss the potential of C1 carbon sources as raw materials to produce energy, materials, and food and feed using microbial cell factories. We provide an overview of potential microbes, natural and synthetic C1 utilization pathways, and compare their metabolic driving forces. Finally, we sketch a future in which C1 substrates replace traditional feedstocks and we evaluate the costs associated with such an endeavor.
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