Recent progress in the engineering of C1-utilizing microbes. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bae, Jiyun; Jin, Sangrak; Kang, Seulgi; Cho, Byung-Kwan; Oh, Min-Kyu
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in biotechnology. Volume 78(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102836
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0958-1669

Abstract

Abstract : The global climate crisis has led to the transition toward the sustainable production of chemicals and fuels with a low carbon footprint. Microbial utilization of one-carbon (C1) substrates, such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, formate, and methanol, may be a promising replacement for the current fossil fuel-based industry. However, natural C1-utilizing microbes are currently unsuitable for industrial applications because of their slow growth and low carbon conversion efficiency, which results in low productivity and yield. Here, we review the recent achievements in engineering C1-utilizing microbes with improved carbon assimilation efficiency and describe the development of synthetic microorganisms by introducing natural C1 assimilation pathways in non-C1-utilizing microbes. Finally, we outline the future directions for realizing the industrial potential of C1-utilizing microbes. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: C1 substrates are low-cost feedstocks supplied in abundance from waste sources. Microbial utilization of C1 substrates provides a sustainable conversion platform. Recent progress on engineering microbes to improve C1 assimilation is discussed. Synthetic C1-utilizing microbe was created by introducing C1 assimilation pathways.