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Updated: Jun 6, 2025

Medium Preparation for the Cultivation of Microorganisms under Strictly Anaerobic/Anoxic Conditions
Published on: August 15, 2019
Advanced aspects of acetogens
Anja Poehlein1, Benjamin Zeldes2, Maximilian Flaiz3
1Genomic and Applied Microbiology & Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany.
Abstract:
Acetogens are a diverse group of anaerobic bacteria that are capable of carbon dioxide reduction and have for long fascinated scientists due to their unique metabolic prowess. Historically, acetogens have been recognized for their remarkable ability to grow and to produce acetate from different one-carbon sources, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formate, methanol, and methylated organic compounds. The key metabolic pathway in acetogens responsible for converting these one-carbon sources is the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the latest discoveries that are related to acetogens. It delves into a variety of topics, including newly isolated acetogens, their taxonomy and physiology and highlights novel metabolic properties. Additionally, it explores metabolic engineering strategies that are designed to expand the product range of acetogens or to understand specific traits of their metabolism. Lastly, the review presents innovative gas fermentation techniques within the context of industrial applications.
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