Result description
In the pursuit of carbon-neutral energy solutions, biohydrogen offers an alternative to fossil fuels, combining sustainability with zero emissions. Biohydrogen production, particularly via phototrophic microorganisms, offers a sustainable alternative using solar energy and microbial metabolism. However, biohydrogen production processes usually require significant energy and nutrient (e.g., organic carbon and nitrogen source) inputs, limiting their scalability and climate benefits. To overcome that, strategies of truly carbon-neutral hydrogen systems are needed to reduce energy consumption, nutrient inputs and emissions.
Advances in biotechnology have favoured the engineered microbial systems to enhance hydrogen yield under phototrophic conditions (Hwang et al., 2014). However, achieving carbon-neutral biohydrogen systems with less nutrient input is still attracting and challenging. This policy brief explores synthetic phototrophic microbial consortia for bioenergy production.
Our investigation demonstrates a novel synthetic phototrophic microbial consortium, combining Rhodopseudomonas palustris and genetically engineered Synechocystis that enables biohydrogen and fatty acid production while simultaneously fixing carbon dioxide and atmospheric nitrogen. Using light regulation, particularly circadian and infrared illumination, the system maintained low oxygen levels to support nitrogenase activity and significantly enhanced hydrogen and lipid yields. This work presents a promising biotechnology pathway for low-emission, energy-efficient hydrogen production with integrated carbon capture and nutrient recycling, advancing the development of climate-resilient bioenergy systems (Pan et al., 2024).
Reference:
Pan, M., Colpo, R.A., Roussou, S., Ding, C., Lindblad, P. and Krömer, J.O. 2024. Engineering a Photoautotrophic Microbial Coculture toward Enhanced Biohydrogen Production. Environmental Science & Technology.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- To raise awareness and possibly influence policy
We are looking for strategic investment and interdisciplinary collaboration to develop and scale our biohydrogen technologies that integrate low-energy nitrogen fixation and CO₂ capture. We seek support for research funding, and regulatory frameworks that promote sustainable biotechnology innovations aligned with EU Green Deal and carbon neutrality goals.
- EU and Member State Policy-makers
Result submitted to Horizon Results Platform by HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM FUR UMWELTFORSCHUNG GMBH – UFZ
