Bacterioferritin-Enhanced Microorganisms for Low-Energy NOx Denitrification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological denitrification methods for nitrogen oxide removal face challenges such as high energy costs, generation of secondary wastes, and the potential production of additional greenhouse gases, necessitating the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly processes.
Innovation Solution
A recombinant microorganism with a genetic modification that increases the expression of an iron storage protein (ISP) with a heme structure, specifically bacterioferritin, is used to reduce nitrogen oxides to nitrogen gas, enhancing the activity of nitric oxide reductase and nitrous oxide reductase enzymes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chemical reduction methods (SCR, SNCR) are used to remove nitrogen oxides, then nitrogen oxide removal efficiency is improved, but energy consumption and catalyst costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical reduction methods (SCR, SNCR) with a biological process using recombinant microorganisms. The microorganisms naturally reduce nitrogen oxides to nitrogen gas through metabolic processes, eliminating the need for high-temperature reactors, catalysts, and associated energy consumption while maintaining effective nitrogen oxide removal
Solution Approach 2:
The recombinant microorganisms possess endogenous enzymatic systems (nitric oxide reductase, nitrous oxide reductase) that enable them to autonomously reduce nitrogen oxides without external energy input or catalyst assistance. The biological system serves itself by using its own metabolic pathways to accomplish nitrogen oxide removal
2Productivity
If chemical reduction methods are used to remove nitrogen oxides, then nitrogen oxide removal efficiency is improved, but secondary waste generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the biological metabolic process, which naturally produces nitrogen gas as a harmless end product, into a nitrogen oxide removal system. Unlike chemical methods that generate secondary wastes requiring additional treatment, the biological process transforms nitrogen oxides directly into nitrogen gas, turning a potential waste stream into a beneficial environmental outcome
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the waste-generating components of chemical reduction methods by using a biological system that naturally produces only nitrogen gas. The harmful secondary wastes associated with chemical catalysts and reagents are completely removed from the process
3Productivity
If chemical reduction methods are used to remove nitrogen oxides, then nitrogen oxide removal efficiency is improved, but additional greenhouse gas (N2O) may be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the risk of N2O generation by using recombinant microorganisms with enhanced expression of iron storage proteins that facilitate complete reduction of nitrogen oxides to nitrogen gas. The biological system naturally progresses through complete reduction pathways, converting potentially harmful intermediates into benign nitrogen gas, thereby eliminating greenhouse gas emissions
4Use of energy by moving object
If biological denitrification is used to remove nitrogen oxides, then energy consumption is reduced, but denitrification efficiency needs improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physiological parameters of the microorganisms by genetically modifying them to overexpress iron storage proteins (ferritin, bacterioferritin). This genetic modification alters the cellular iron storage capacity and redox state, which in turn enhances the activity of nitrogen oxide reducing enzymes, thereby improving denitrification efficiency while maintaining low energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite functional systems within the microorganisms by combining enhanced iron storage protein expression with nitrogen oxide reductase and nitrous oxide reductase activities. The iron storage proteins act as cellular reservoirs that regulate iron availability to the enzymes, creating a synergistic system that improves catalytic efficiency without requiring additional external energy input
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 recombinant microorganism effectively reduces nitrogen oxides to nitrogen gas, improving denitrification efficiency and minimizing the generation of secondary wastes while operating under milder conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an iron storage protein (ISP) with a heme structure
Implementation Method 2
enhancing the activity of nitric oxide reductase and nitrous oxide reductase enzymes
Implementation Method 3
Denitrification microorganisms reduce nitrogen oxides to N2 through a dissimilatory reduction process
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a recombinant microorganisms having a genetic modification that increases the expression of bacterioferritin, a composition comprising the recombinant microorganism for use in reducing a nitrogen oxide concentration in a sample, and a method of reducing a nitrogen oxide concentration in a sample.