Methanotroph-embedded hydrogels as platforms for methane removal

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a short atmospheric lifetime, making its removal critical for mitigating climate change. Methanotrophic microorganisms enzymatically oxidize methane at ambient temperatures, offering a biological route for mitigation. However, conventional liquid-based bioreactors face mass transfer limitations and scalability challenges. Here, we review studies of methanotrophic biofilms and explore their embedding within hydrogel matrices, which can enhance gas diffusion, support stable biofilm growth, and improve methane uptake rates, as a biotechnology for methane removal. These hydrogel-embedded methanotrophic systems combine biocompatibility and structural advantages to facilitate efficient methane uptake and removal. This approach holds promise for scalable, cost-effective bioreactors capable of reducing methane emissions from diverse sources, thereby contributing to near-term climate change mitigation efforts.