Utilizing Microbes to Upcycle Excess Carbon Dioxide

Microbes play a crucial role in our world, from causing illness to helping us survive. Scientists have engineered a microbe called Cupriavidus necator H16 to combat greenhouse gases by converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) into mevalonate, a valuable compound used in pharmaceuticals.

Greenhouse gases like CO₂ contribute to global warming, so it’s important to find ways to reduce emissions and remove existing CO_{2> from the atmosphere. One promising method involves using genetically modified microbes as “living factories” to capture and convert gases into useful molecules.}

C. necator H16 is ideal for this task because it can survive on CO₂ and hydrogen gas. However, the microbe often struggles to retain new genetic instructions for producing specific molecules. Researchers addressed this issue by linking the plasmid carrying the instructions to an enzyme called RubisCo, which is essential for utilizing CO_{2>. This ensured that cells unable to remember the instructions would die off, while those with better memory would thrive and replicate.}

Tests showed that the engineered microbes produced significant amounts of mevalonate, a key building block for various pharmaceutical compounds. This new method is more efficient and cost-effective than previous approaches, offering a promising solution for converting CO₂ into valuable products. The research was supported by funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council of the United Kingdom.



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Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson earned his degree in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University in the USA, specializing in precision agriculture and smart farming technologies. His work revolves around the development of automated systems that increase farm efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Michael is now a senior engineer at a leading agri-tech company, where he designs innovative solutions for modern agriculture.