Anaerobic Bacteria CO2 Sequestration and Organic Acid Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively capture and convert carbon dioxide into usable organic compounds for industrial applications, contributing to atmospheric CO2 increase and climate change.
Innovation Solution
A process utilizing anaerobic bacteria from the Order Thermotogales, specifically Thermotoga neapolitana, which captures CO2 by reacting it with an organic substrate under anaerobic conditions to produce organic compounds like lactic acid, using pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR), ferredoxin, acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase, and coenzyme A, with a reactor system for separation and collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional CO2 capture methods are used, then CO2 can be removed from atmosphere, but the converted organic compounds are not suitable for industrial applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the biochemical parameters of the fermentation process by using thermophilic bacteria (Thermotoga neapolitana) that operate at high temperatures (60-80°C) and produce specific organic acids (lactic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid) that are directly usable as industrial chemicals. This temperature and product composition change enables both effective CO2 capture and production of industrially valuable compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts CO2, a harmful greenhouse gas, into beneficial organic compounds through fermentation. The harmful factor (CO2 emissions) is transformed into useful products (organic acids for industry), simultaneously addressing climate change and providing industrial raw materials.
2Quantity of substance
If anaerobic fermentation is used to produce organic compounds, then organic products can be obtained, but CO2 is not effectively captured and converted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fermentation process multi-functional: it simultaneously produces organic compounds (lactic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid) as products and captures CO2 as a byproduct of the fermentation metabolism. The thermophilic bacteria's metabolic pathway is harnessed to achieve both productivity and CO2 sequestration in one process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where CO2 produced during fermentation is recaptured and fed back into the system to be converted into organic acids, which are then products. This creates a cyclic process where the waste product becomes the feedstock, enhancing both CO2 capture and organic compound production.
3Ease of manufacture
If high temperature fermentation is used with Thermotoga neapolitana, then organic compounds suitable for industry are produced, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an inert atmosphere (nitrogen or carbon dioxide) to maintain anaerobic conditions in the fermenter, preventing oxidation and ensuring proper fermentation. This controlled environment, while adding some complexity, is essential for producing the desired organic compounds and can be implemented using standard industrial gas handling equipment.
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
The process efficiently converts CO2 into organic compounds like lactic acid, which can be used in industries such as food, biomedical, and cosmetics, while also contributing to carbon sequestration and reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
Implementation Method 1
providing at least one bacterium of the taxonomic Order Thermotogales comprising pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR), ferredoxin, acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase, and coenzyme A
Implementation Method 2
reacting the resulting mixture under anaerobic conditions for at least 6 hours
Implementation Method 3
providing at least one bacterium of the taxonomic Order Thermotogales comprising pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR), ferredoxin, acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase, and coenzyme A
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A process is described for the use of biological components of anaerobic microorganisms, in particular cultures or enzymes of anaerobic bacteria, as agents for the capture and sequestration of carbon dioxide by reaction with an appropriate organic substrate. The products resulting from this reaction are organic molecules usable as raw materials in industries, such as food, biomedical, cosmetics and zootechnical industries.