Researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough with the soil bacterium Cupriavidus necator. This bacterium converts renewable resources into useful products, like bioplastics.
The bacterium, however, has struggled to efficiently use formic acid. Currently, it first converts formic acid into carbon dioxide (CO2) before reprocessing it. This roundabout method wastes energy, according to microbiologist Nico Claassens.
In response, a team from Wageningen University & Research and the Max Planck Institute developed a direct biochemical pathway. This new approach allows C. necator to use formic acid efficiently, without unnecessary steps.
Beau Dronsella from the Max Planck Institute noted that lab tests showed a 15% to 20% increase in biomass production. Claassens pointed out that this improvement could determine whether a sustainable process is economically viable.
The researchers’ method involved precise genetic modifications, described by Claassens as a “metabolic heart transplant.” They disabled the bacteria’s original inefficient pathway and introduced new genetic instructions.
This process resembles upgrading robotic arms on a factory conveyor belt. The enhanced bacterium can now make the same product with fewer steps and less energy. C. necator can naturally produce compounds and accumulate bioplastics in its cells. Under right conditions, bioplastics can make up over half of its body weight.
The newly enhanced bacteria offer exciting potential for research. Claassens hopes to guide these bacteria to produce other valuable compounds in the future.
While the principle has been proven, the next step is to manufacture specific products. A startup is already interested in using these modified bacteria to create chemicals from formic acid.
This advancement may lead to more efficient methods for producing bioplastics and other sustainable products, promoting greener manufacturing processes overall.
