Electrosynthesis of organic compounds from carbon dioxide is catalyzed by a diversity of acetogenic microorganisms.

TitleElectrosynthesis of organic compounds from carbon dioxide is catalyzed by a diversity of acetogenic microorganisms.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsNevin KP, Hensley SA, Franks AE, Summers ZM, Ou J, Woodard TL, Snoeyenbos-West OL, Lovley DR
JournalAppl Environ Microbiol
Volume77
Issue9
Pagination2882-6
Date Published2011 May
ISSN1098-5336
KeywordsAcetobacterium, Carbon Dioxide, Clostridium, Electrodes, Electrons, Moorella, Organic Chemicals, Oxidation-Reduction, Veillonellaceae
Abstract

Microbial electrosynthesis, a process in which microorganisms use electrons derived from electrodes to reduce carbon dioxide to multicarbon, extracellular organic compounds, is a potential strategy for capturing electrical energy in carbon-carbon bonds of readily stored and easily distributed products, such as transportation fuels. To date, only one organism, the acetogen Sporomusa ovata, has been shown to be capable of electrosynthesis. The purpose of this study was to determine if a wider range of microorganisms is capable of this process. Several other acetogenic bacteria, including two other Sporomusa species, Clostridium ljungdahlii, Clostridium aceticum, and Moorella thermoacetica, consumed current with the production of organic acids. In general acetate was the primary product, but 2-oxobutyrate and formate also were formed, with 2-oxobutyrate being the predominant identified product of electrosynthesis by C. aceticum. S. sphaeroides, C. ljungdahlii, and M. thermoacetica had high (>80%) efficiencies of electrons consumed and recovered in identified products. The acetogen Acetobacterium woodii was unable to consume current. These results expand the known range of microorganisms capable of electrosynthesis, providing multiple options for the further optimization of this process.

DOI10.1128/AEM.02642-10
Alternate JournalAppl. Environ. Microbiol.
PubMed ID21378039