Renewable methanol and formate as microbial feedstocks

2019/11/12 by Charles AR Cotton, Charles A. R. Cotton, Nico J. Claassens +4 · 12 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Energy · #Algal biology and biofuel production #Microbial Metabolic Engineering and Bioproduction #Microbial metabolism and enzyme function

paper · pdf · doi:10.1016/j.copbio.2019.10.002

openalex publication_date 2019/11/12 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31

Abstract

Methanol and formate are attractive microbial feedstocks as they can be sustainably produced from CO2 and renewable energy, are completely miscible, and are easy to store and transport. Here, we provide a biochemical perspective on microbial growth and bioproduction using these compounds. We show that anaerobic growth of acetogens on methanol and formate is more efficient than on H2/CO2 or CO. We analyze the aerobic C1 assimilation pathways and suggest that new-to-nature routes could outperform their natural counterparts. We further discuss practical bioprocessing aspects related to growth on methanol and formate, including feedstock toxicity. While challenges in realizing sustainable production from methanol and formate still exist, the utilization of these feedstocks paves the way towards a truly circular carbon economy.

Citations

• Challenges in the Greener Production of Formates/Formic Acid, Methanol, and DME by Heterogeneously Catalyzed CO₂Hydrogenation Processes

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