Converting greenhouse gas methane to microbial Protein: The state-of-the-art and future prospects

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Food Science

Background:

• The global food crisis necessitates sustainable protein sources.
• Methane-based microbial protein (MP) production presents a viable alternative to traditional agriculture.
• Greenhouse gas mitigation is a key benefit of this technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of methane-based MP production.
• To highlight technological advancements and persistent challenges.
• To explore strategies for overcoming production limitations.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on methane-based MP production.
• Analysis of co-culture systems combining methanotrophs and autotrophic microorganisms.
• Examination of bioreactor innovations (hollow fiber membranes, two-phase partitioning).
• Investigation of nutrient recovery techniques (electrochemical ammonium extraction).
• Assessment of genetic engineering applications in optimizing methanotrophic metabolism.

Main Results:

• Co-culture systems improve carbon utilization and protein quality by broadening the amino acid profile.
• Advanced bioreactor designs enhance gas transfer efficiency.
• Electrochemical methods offer effective nutrient recovery from anaerobic digestate.
• Genetic engineering shows potential for optimizing microbial protein production.

Conclusions:

• Methane-based MP production is a promising sustainable food solution.
• Addressing carbon efficiency, protein quality, and nutrient costs are critical.
• Technological advancements in co-culturing, bioreactors, and genetic engineering are key to scaling production.