Biotechnology to convert carbon dioxide into biogas, bioethanol, bioplastic and succinic acid using algae, bacteria and yeast: a review

Global warming is partly due to excessive carbon dioxide emissions, calling for methods to capture carbon dioxide for conversion into value-added materials and fuels. Here we review the microbial conversion of carbon dioxide into biomethane, bioethanol, polyhydroxybutyrate and succinic acid by bacteria, algae and yeast. We also present genetic engineering and machine learning to improve carbon dioxide capture and conversion. Photoautotrophic biosynthesis, dark fermentation and biodegradation are detailed. We observed that Chlorella vulgaris and Cyanobacteria are able to capture more than 90% of carbon dioxide in their cells and yield about 0.45 g/L.d of biomass in a typical photobioreactor.

Automated summary

Global warming due to excessive carbon dioxide emissions can be mitigated by capturing and converting carbon dioxide into value-added materials and fuels. This review focuses on the microbial conversion of carbon dioxide by bacteria, algae, and yeast into biomethane, bioethanol, polyhydroxybutyrate, and succinic acid. Genetic engineering and machine learning strategies are also discussed for improving carbon dioxide capture and conversion. Notably, Chlorella vulgaris and Cyanobacteria can capture over 90% of carbon dioxide and produce around 0.45 g/L.d biomass in a typical photobioreactor.