Recombinant Escherichia for N2O Reduction via Enhanced NosZ Pathway

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biological denitrification methods for reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are limited, and existing chemical methods face challenges such as high energy and catalyst costs, secondary waste generation, and incomplete reduction processes, which do not effectively address the greenhouse gas and air pollution issues posed by N2O.

Innovation Solution

A recombinant microorganism of the genus Escherichia with genetic modifications that enhance the expression of nitrous oxide reductase pathway genes (nosZ, nosR, nosD, nosF, nosY, and apbE) is used to convert N2O to N2, leveraging these genes from denitrifying bacteria like Pseudomonas and Paracoccus to increase the efficiency of N2O reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If chemical reduction methods (SCR, SNCR) are used to remove nitrogen oxides, then NOx removal efficiency is improved, but N2O is generated as a secondary greenhouse gas due to incomplete reduction

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNOx removal efficiencyVSAvoidN2O generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful incomplete reduction process into a beneficial complete reduction process by using biological denitrification. Instead of allowing incomplete chemical reduction to generate N2O, the invention introduces microorganisms that completely reduce NOx to N2, transforming the harmful byproduct issue into a beneficial complete conversion process.

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical catalysis system (SCR, SNCR) with a biological system. Instead of using chemical catalysts and high-temperature processes, the invention employs microorganisms with denitrification capability to perform the reduction, substituting mechanical/chemical methods with biological processes that naturally produce N2 without N2O byproducts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If chemical catalysts and high temperature processes are used for NOx removal, then removal capability is improved, but energy consumption and catalyst costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNOx removal capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces high-temperature chemical processes with biological processes that occur under mild conditions. Instead of requiring high temperature and pressure equipment, the invention uses microorganisms that function at ambient temperatures, eliminating the need for energy-intensive heating systems and high-pressure equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters from extreme conditions (high temperature, high pressure) to mild biological conditions (ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure). By adjusting the system from chemical parameters to biological parameters, the process achieves NOx removal without requiring energy-intensive conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If chemical reduction methods are used, then NOx treatment is achieved, but secondary waste and wastewater are generated requiring additional treatment

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNOx treatment effectivenessVSAvoidsecondary waste generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the waste generation issue into a beneficial byproduct-free process. Instead of generating secondary wastes that require treatment, the biological denitrification process converts all nitrogen compounds into harmless N2 gas, transforming the waste management problem into a complete conversion solution.

Inventive Principle:

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

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 N2O concentrations in samples by enhancing the nitrous oxide reductase pathway, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical methods, with potential applications in industrial wastewater and gas treatment.

Implementation Method 1

a recombinant microorganism including a genetic modification that increases activity of a nitrous oxide reductase pathway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic reduction: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

Denitrifying bacteria reduce nitrogen oxide to N2 through a dissimilatory reductive process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiological reduction: Reduction

Data Source

PatentUS12024710B2Recombinant microorganism including genetic modification that increases activity of nitrous oxide reductase pathway and method of reducing concentration of nitrous oxide in sample by using the same

Publication Date: 2024.07.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A recombinant microorganism of the genus Escherichia, comprises a genetic modification that increases expression of a nosZ gene encoding NosZ, which is a nitrous oxide reductase, in the recombinant microorganism, wherein the recombinant microorganism comprises a nosR gene encoding NosR, a nosD gene encoding NosD, a nosF gene encoding NosF, a nosY gene encoding NosY, and an apbE gene encoding ApbE, and wherein the nosR gene, the nosD gene, the nosF gene, the nosY gene and the apbE gene are derived from a microorganism of the genus Pseudomonas, the genus Paracoccus, or a combination thereof.