Microbial CO2 fixation and biotechnology in reducing industrial CO2 emissions

Arch Microbiol. 2022 Jan 21;204(2):149. doi: 10.1007/s00203-021-02677-w.

Abstract

The rapid acceleration in emissions of inevitably generated CO2 due to numerous activities mainly anthropogenic have devastating environmental effects leading to climatic concerns. Hence, significant, sustainable approaches should be developed for reduction of CO2 emission targets, balancing the existing needs of the current population. Biological carbon acquisition, storage and usage are considered crucial alternative strategies in assimilating inorganic carbon, manifested by diverse variety of microorganisms. Furthermore, central biochemical routes along with associated enzymes serve as considerable factors for understanding molecular microbial CO2 assimilation. Microorganisms exhibit an impeccable capability to facilitate evolved mechanisms in sequestering inorganic carbon at higher pace to produce biomaterials like biofuels, bioplastics etc. This review endorses the importance of microorganisms in reducing the concomitant release of CO2 by providing supervision in biotechnological applications (such as genetic engineering, microbial electrosynthesis, gas fermentation and protein engineering) to mitigate CO2 at an industrial scale.

Keywords: Biofuels; CO2 fixing microorganisms; CO2 sequestration; Genetic engineering.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biofuels
  • Biotechnology*
  • Carbon
  • Carbon Dioxide*
  • Fermentation

Substances

  • Biofuels
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Carbon