A methanotroph-based biorefinery: Potential scenarios for generating multiple products from a single fermentation. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Strong, P.J.; Kalyuzhnaya, M.; Silverman, J.; Clarke, W.P.
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 215(2016)
• Page Start: 314
• Page End: 323
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Biogas -- Biocatalysis -- Methanotroph -- PHB -- pMMO; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.04.099
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Methanotrophs can use renewable methane as a carbon source. Potential to generate multiple products from a single strain. Multiple products can enhance process economics and decrease organic waste. Growth rates and cell density strongly affect gas use and reactor volume. Abstract: Methane, a carbon source for methanotrophic bacteria, is the principal component of natural gas and is produced during anaerobic digestion of organic matter (biogas). Methanotrophs are a viable source of single cell protein (feed supplement) and can produce various products, since they accumulate osmolytes (e.g. ectoine, sucrose), phospholipids (potential biofuels) and biopolymers (polyhydroxybutyrate, glycogen), among others. Other cell components, such as surface layers, metal chelating proteins (methanobactin), enzymes (methane monooxygenase) or heterologous proteins hold promise as future products. Here, scenarios are presented where ectoine, polyhydroxybutyrate or protein G are synthesised as the primary product, in conjunction with a variety of ancillary products that could enhance process viability. Single or dual-stage processes and volumetric requirements for bioreactors are discussed, in terms of an annual biomass output of 1000 tonnes year −1 . Product yields are discussed in relation to methane and oxygen consumption and organic waste generation.