Biodegradable Polymers from Gas-Eating Bacteria

Project Summary

The process of producing biomaterials from gas, particularly biopolymers such as Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), can be a reality to sequester carbon. These biopolymers have gained attention due to their biodegradable nature and potential use as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. In this context, direct conversion of gases such as biogas (a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide) and syngas (a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and a small amount of carbon dioxide) to polymers has been achieved.

This process involves the use of certain microorganisms, such as the bacteria Cupriavidus necator (C. necator) or various methylotrophs, which can metabolize these gases and convert them into biopolymers. The appeal of direct conversion lies in its simplicity. The one-step reactor configuration means that the gases are directly fed into a bioreactor containing the bacteria, which then convert the gases into biopolymers. This simplicity potentially simplifies the scale-up process, making it easier to apply at an industrial level.

However, this is a relatively new area of research and while the concept has been proven, the production rates and yields are currently low. Further research and development are needed to enhance the efficiency of the process and make it commercially viable.