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Methane Valorization to Antioxidant Polysaccharides by Methanotrophic Bacteria
Shen Li1, Yuan Liu2, Zixi Gao1
1Xi'an Key Laboratory of C1 Compound Bioconversion Technology, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|April 24, 2025
Summary
Scientists converted methane into a novel polysaccharide using bacteria. This new bioproduction method reduces greenhouse gas emissions and offers an alternative to plant-based polysaccharides.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Environmental Science
Background:
- Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and its emissions require mitigation strategies.
- Current polysaccharide production relies on plant or sugar feedstocks, facing limitations.
- Bioconversion offers a sustainable alternative for polysaccharide synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for producing polysaccharides from methane.
- To characterize the properties of methane-derived polysaccharides (MePS).
- To evaluate MePS as a strategy for methane emission reduction.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of methanotrophic bacterium *Alkalicoccus glycogenes* WONF2802.
- Bioconversion of methane to produce MePS.
- Structural characterization of MePS using biochemical assays.
- Assessment of antioxidant capacities in vitro and in cell models.
Main Results:
- Successfully produced novel MePS from methane.
- MePS is a branched-chain glucan with a molecular weight of 283.2 kDa.
- MePS demonstrated significant antioxidant capacities.
Conclusions:
- Methane bioconversion is a viable route for polysaccharide production.
- MePS offers a sustainable alternative to traditional polysaccharide sources.
- This approach contributes to methane emission reduction and resource sustainability.
