Micro-organism Enzymatic Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Aliphatic Acids

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for converting carbon dioxide into fuel molecules are inefficient, requiring high energy inputs, extreme conditions, and costly catalysts, with poor yields and limited production of longer chain aliphatic carboxylic acids, and existing biofuels face challenges such as 'food for fuel' issues and ecological damage.

Innovation Solution

A micro-organism, specifically Acetobacter lovaniensis, is developed to convert carbon dioxide into formic acid and then into aliphatic carboxylic acids with a chain length of five or more carbon atoms using hydrogenase and second enzyme systems, eliminating the need for fermentation and biomass production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If chemical methods are used to convert carbon dioxide to fuel molecules, then conversion can be achieved, but high energy input and extreme conditions are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy inputVSAvoidprocess conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical catalysis with a biological system (micro-organism) that performs the conversion of carbon dioxide to formic acid and then to aliphatic carboxylic acids through enzymatic pathways, eliminating the need for high energy input and extreme conditions required by chemical methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operating parameters from extreme conditions (high temperature, high pressure, strong chemicals) to mild biological conditions (ambient temperature, neutral pH, aqueous environment) by using a micro-organism with specific enzyme systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If chemical catalysts are used for carbon dioxide conversion, then reaction can proceed, but costly metals are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatalyst costVSAvoidcatalyst performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a biological system (micro-organism) that can be cultured and regenerated, replacing expensive metal catalysts with a renewable biological catalyst that performs the conversion through natural enzymatic pathways

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The micro-organism produces its own enzyme systems (hydrogenase and formate dehydrogenase) that catalyze the conversion reactions, eliminating the need for external expensive metal catalysts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If carbon dioxide is converted to fuel molecules, then energy storage is achieved, but yield is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion yieldVSAvoidfuel production

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a two-stage continuous conversion process where carbon dioxide is first converted to formic acid by hydrogenase, then formic acid is converted to aliphatic carboxylic acids by formate dehydrogenase, maintaining continuous productive action to maximize yield

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a preliminary step to convert carbon dioxide to formic acid before the main conversion to fuel molecules, creating a favorable intermediate that enhances the overall yield and efficiency of the process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If biomass production is used for biofuel, then renewable energy is produced, but food for fuel issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverenewable energy productionVSAvoidfood security impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts carbon dioxide (a harmful greenhouse gas) directly into useful fuel molecules (aliphatic carboxylic acids), transforming an environmental problem into a renewable energy solution without requiring agricultural crops that would compete with food production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The micro-organism performs multiple functions: it consumes carbon dioxide (environmental benefit), produces formic acid (intermediate product), and generates aliphatic carboxylic acids (fuel product), eliminating the need for separate biomass cultivation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

5Use of energy by moving object

If electro-catalysis is used for carbon dioxide conversion, then electrical energy can be utilized, but production cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy utilizationVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electro-catalysis with a biological system that can directly utilize hydrogen (which can be produced from renewable electrical energy) to reduce carbon dioxide, avoiding the need for expensive electro-catalytic equipment and high-quality metal electrodes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach enables the efficient conversion of carbon dioxide into a combustible fuel without biomass production, reducing environmental impact and operational costs, with the produced aliphatic carboxylic acids being suitable for energy use and industrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

a hydrogenase enzyme system which is capable of converting carbon dioxide into formic acid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic reduction: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

a second enzyme system which is capable of converting formic acid into aliphatic carboxylic acids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic conversion: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentUS9994879B2Method of producing formic acid

Publication Date: 2018.06.12 VERDANT BIOPRODS

AI summary

The invention relates to a micro-organism comprising a hydrogenase enzyme system which is capable of converting carbon dioxide into formic acid and a second enzyme system which is capable of converting formic acid into aliphatic carboxylic acids having a chain length of five or more carbon atoms. Also described are various methods for producing oil, as well as other aspects of the invention.