Acetone Production via Genetically Modified Acetogenic Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for acetone production, such as the ABE fermentation process, rely on complex carbon sources and are inefficient, with limitations in genetic modification of acetogenic bacteria, which hinders the use of ubiquitously available carbon sources like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
Innovation Solution
Genetically modified acetogenic cells are used to produce acetone anaerobically from carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, enhancing enzyme activities to increase acetone yield significantly, with the cells being capable of forming acetone under anaerobic conditions and reducing climate-damaging carbon dioxide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If genetically modified acetogenic cells are used to produce acetone from carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, then acetone yield and use of simple carbon sources are improved, but genetic modification limitations and technical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the metabolic parameters of acetogenic cells through genetic modification to enable efficient acetone production from CO/CO2. Specific enzyme activities are enhanced and metabolic flux is redirected toward acetone synthesis, transforming the cell's biochemical parameters to achieve high productivity from simple carbon sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary enzymes and metabolic pathways as mediators between the simple carbon sources (CO/CO2) and acetone production. These intermediary biochemical components facilitate the conversion process, enabling the cell to utilize ubiquitous carbon sources effectively while producing acetone.
2Productivity
If classic ABE fermentation process is used with Clostridium acetobutylicum, then acetone production is achieved, but substrate costs increase and chemical synthesis becomes more competitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the acetogenic cells universally capable of utilizing multiple simple carbon sources (CO, CO2, and other ubiquitous carbon sources) for acetone production. This multi-functionality in substrate utilization reduces dependency on expensive specialized substrates like molasses, making the process economically competitive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts potentially harmful or waste carbon sources (CO, CO2) into valuable acetone product. By utilizing these simple carbon sources that are often considered waste or low-value materials, the process transforms them into high-value chemical products, reducing substrate costs while producing acetone.
3Use of energy by moving object
If acetogenic cells are cultivated anaerobically, then energy consumption is reduced, but acetone production efficiency must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the metabolic parameters of acetogenic cells to maintain high acetone production efficiency under anaerobic conditions. Through genetic modification, the cells' energy metabolism is reconfigured to support productive acetone synthesis without requiring aerobic conditions, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This process achieves a substantial increase in acetone production from carbon dioxide and hydrogen, operating anaerobically with reduced energy consumption and utilizing waste carbon sources, thereby improving yield and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
acetogenic cell, which is capable of forming acetone by means of anaerobic respiration
Implementation Method 2
the cell has increased activity of at least one of the following enzymes compared to its wild type: an enzyme E1, which catalyzes the conversion of acetyl coenzyme A to acetacetyl coenzyme A; an enzyme E2, which catalyzes the conversion of acetacetyl-coenzyme A to acetoacetate; an enzyme E3, which catalyzes the conversion of acetoacetate to acetone
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of the invention are cells and a method for the production of acetone.