CO2 waste valorisation to highly valuable biocompounds via systema biology and bioprocess development.
In response to the urgent need to mitigate the global climate crisis, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), has become a critical priority. CO2 can serve as a valuable carbon source for certain microorganisms, offering a potential solution for carbon utilisation. Acetogenic bacteria utilize the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway (WLP) to fix CO₂, reducing it with H₂ to form acetate. This low-energy, anaerobic process is attractive for industrial applications due to its efficiency, simplicity, scalability, and robustness. In a second aerobic stage, acetate serves as a carbon source for engineered Pseudomonas putida, to produce methyl ketones, precursors for aviation fuels, plasticizers, and as polymer building blocks. This study aims to optimize acetate production by acetogens and subsequently enhance methyl ketone synthesis in engineered P. putida through a two-staged fermentation process. This integrated strategy offers potential advantages in reducing purification costs and improving overall process efficiency for sustainable chemical production from CO2.
Collaborations
This work is in collaboration with Ebert Group and Monash University
Funding
Funded by RECARB Hub, ARC Research Hub for Carbon Utilisation and Recycling