Green cell factories supply energy
Sustainable chemical processes
Prof Dr Robert Kourist from the junior research group Mikrobielle Biotechnologie and Dr Marc Nowaczyk from the Chair for Plant Biochemistry have succeeded in genetically modifying cyanobacteria, thus creating cells that produce enzymes for the manufacture of basic and fine chemicals. The bacteria also supply the energy required by the enzymes – by performing photosynthesis. A report on their work has been published in the renowned journal “Angewandte Chemie”.
No external supply of chemical energy necessary
To fulfil their function as biocatalysts, enzymes require chemical energy, which is typically supplied in form of sugar or other high-energy bonds. The researchers from Bochum, on the other hand, take advantage of the fact that, like plants, cyanobacteria perform photosynthesis. “During photosynthesis, light energy is initially converted into chemical energy. In the second step, that energy is mainly used for binding of carbon dioxide. However, a small percentage of the energy remains and can be directly utilised,” says Marc Nowaczyk. The approach adopted by the researchers is to decouple the supplied chemical energy from carbon fixation and to use it directly for chemical reactions.
No unwanted by-products
Using genetically modified living cyanobacteria as catalysts for photosynthesis driven biotransformations is a new approach. As the researchers point out, they have observed that cyanobacteria catalyse only the synthesis of the desired chemical product in their experiments and, consequently, that they function selectively. Many catalytic processes produce not just one product, but also a mirrored one, which has to be painstakingly filtered out. “The outstanding selectivity is crucial for deployment in industrial applications,” says Robert Kourist.
Broad application range
The experiments have, moreover, demonstrated that enzymes from other organisms can be successfully introduced into cyanobacteria. This means that the process can be used in a number of reactions. “The chemical industry has to become cleaner,” as Robert Kourist sums up the researchers’ ambitious objective. Utilising photosynthesis to catalyse chemical reactions is a promising step towards this aim.
Learn more: RUB researchers use cyanobacteria for the production of chemicals
The Latest on: Cyanobacteria for the production of chemicals
[google_news title=”” keyword=”cyanobacteria for the production of chemicals” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Cyanobacteria for the production of chemicals
- Ready Or Not: Global Chemical Industry Executives May Need To Get Prepared For A Resurgence In Merger & Acquisition Activityon May 2, 2024 at 11:21 am
After a couple of years of transactional inactivity, many chemical companies will likely need to rebuild their deal-making muscles. Here are some ways to get started.
- Studies assess feasibility of aquaculture wastewater treatment methodson May 2, 2024 at 9:21 am
Aquaculture production operations that help feed the world's growing population also generate polluted wastewater that harms the environment. Four studies published by Purdue University scientists ...
- Breaking the Oil Habit: How Synthetic Bacteria Could Revolutionize Chemical Productionon April 29, 2024 at 10:28 pm
The chemical industry primarily depends on fossil resources like crude oil to manufacture a range of chemicals, including plastics, dyes, and synthetic flavors. “Globally, it consumes 500 million tons ...
- A microalgae–material hybrid promotes carbon neutralityon March 25, 2024 at 2:01 pm
Microalgae, including cyanobacteria and green algae, represent the most important biological systems for producing biomass and high-value products. It is estimated that microalgae can fix about 90 ...
- Bio-Based Chemicals Production through Biological and Chemical Routes (IMAGE)on July 2, 2023 at 10:37 pm
Bio-based chemicals production through biological and chemical routes. This metabolic map describes representative chemicals that can be produced either by biological and/or chemical means.
- A step closer to new nitrogen-fixing cropson May 28, 2023 at 1:52 am
The transfer of genes that allow nitrogen to be fixed from the atmosphere into photosynthesizing cyanobacteria could ... supported by nitrogen-containing chemical fertilizers, but they are energy ...
- I've seen things you wouldn't believe, like an atom about to photosynthesizeon May 4, 2023 at 3:20 am
were directed at a specific protein used to catalyze the chemical reaction. The protein complex, dubbed Photosystem II, is used by organisms like cyanobacteria or algae to photosynthesize.
- Chemical Engineeringon September 24, 2022 at 6:22 pm
Chemical engineering involves the production and manufacturing of products through chemical processes. This includes designing equipment, systems, and processes for refining raw materials and for ...
- Chemical and Biomedical Engineeringon March 27, 2016 at 3:16 pm
Dr. Fan has led and worked on many projects in the areas of chemical production, clean energy generation and environmental protection, which have been supported by various domestic and international ...
- The Chemical Language of Algaeon March 29, 2015 at 11:11 pm
They communicate with a chemical language, and they use this communication to do a lot of things. For example, excessive growth of cyanobacteria ... we predict a decrease of cell growth and toxin ...
via Bing News