NETL Develops Enriched Microbial Biocatalyst Technology to Convert CO2 into Acetate and Other Products Process Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Costs

NETL Develops Enriched Microbial Biocatalyst Technology to Convert CO₂ into Acetate and Other Products
Process Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Costs

Thu, 11/16/2023 - 12:00

U.S. Patent Pending (provisional patent application)

Opportunity

22N09 NETL has developed a unique biocatalyst that is robust to environmental challenges and adaptable to feedstock and condition variability.

To combat climate change and move towards a circular carbon economy, technologies are needed to capture, store, and/or convert waste carbon. Microbial gas fermentation is one approach that exploits the natural ability of microorganisms to capture and utilize gaseous waste feedstocks.

The NETL process uses an enriched microbial biocatalyst to convert carbon into acetate and other short-chain fatty acids. The innovation represents an improved way for direct conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and CO waste gases into value added products with a lower carbon footprint and energy inputs compared to current methods for production of commercial short-chain fatty acids.

The global acetic acid market is estimated to be $21.5 billion and projected to reach $34.2 billion by 2030.

The invention is available for license and/or CRADA.

Challenge
To combat climate change, slow CO₂ emissions, and move towards a circular carbon economy, technologies are needed to capture, store, and/or convert waste carbon. Microbial gas fermentation is one approach that exploits the natural ability of microorganisms to capture and utilize gaseous one-carbon waste feedstocks.

Overview

Reducing the flow of greenhouse gasses, such as CO₂, into the atmosphere is an important step in mitigating global warming. One strategy to utilize CO₂ involves its biological conversion into value-added compounds such as ethanol and acetic acid. NETL researchers found a way for microorganisms to use gaseous and liquid carbon substrates to produce a variety of value-added compounds. Using non-fossil-based, renewable feedstocks, this technology can be harnessed to reduce CO₂ emissions and provide an avenue towards a global circular carbon economy with needed marketable products.

Advantages
Currently, fossil fuels are the foundation of energy and chemical demands. To help alleviate greenhouse gas emissions and move towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly production, alternative strategies are required. Other feedstocks used in industrial fermentations are energy intensive and costly. Using carbon feedstocks from non-food and sustainable resources, such as industrial waste gases (CO₂, CO, syngas), and natural and shale gas (methane), provides an inexpensive and abundant feedstock that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help bridge the gap to a circular global carbon economy.

Applications

Conversion of CO₂ into acetic acid and other small chain organic compounds.
Conversion of carbon monoxide to acetic acid and other small chain organic compounds.
Conversion of liquid carbon molecules to value added products, such as formate conversion to acetate.
Other compounds that can be produced in addition to acetic acid include butyrate, isobutyrate, 2-methylbutanoic acid, isovalerate, and phenylacetic acid.

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