Bio-valorization of C1 gaseous substrates into bioalcohols: Potentials and challenges in reducing carbon emissions

C1 gaseous substrates (CH4, CO2, and CO) derived from natural gas, biogas, and syngas, are of interest due to their threats to the environment or inefficient utilization. Benefiting from advanced genetic editing tools and bioconversion strategies, metabolically engineered C1-gas-utilizing microorganisms (CGUM), such as methanotrophs, cyanobacteria, and acetogens, are capable of utilizing C1 gaseous feedstocks as the sole substrates for cell growth and synthesis of chemicals and biofuels. In this paper, we critically review metabolic pathways related to the assimilation of C1 gaseous substrates for alcohol biosynthesis in several model CGUM. Metabolic engineering approaches utilized to enhance the carbon conversion efficiency, microbial growth and biosynthesis of desired alcohols are summarized, including the regulation of C1 gaseous substrates activation and electron and energy supply, the accumulation of key intermediates, and the manipulation of target gene expression to optimize carbon flux to bioalcohols. In addition, challenges in the efficient microbial conversion of C1 gaseous substrates are explored and discussed. The strategies of bioalcohol biosynthesis presented here could guide the development of a variety of efficient biological routes for CH4, CO2, and CO utilization in the future.

Automated summary

This paper critically reviews metabolic pathways related to alcohol biosynthesis in C1-gas-utilizing microorganisms (CGUM) and summarizes metabolic engineering approaches used to enhance carbon conversion efficiency, microbial growth, and biosynthesis of desired alcohols. Challenges in efficient microbial conversion of C1 gaseous substrates are also explored and discussed. The strategies presented here could guide the development of efficient biological routes for CH4, CO2, and CO utilization.