Researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and UC Berkeley have made a significant breakthrough in sustainable manufacturing by engineering the bacterium Streptomyces to produce high-energy molecules known as cyclopropanes. This innovative approach leverages a novel reaction called carbene transfer, allowing for the integration of natural enzymatic reactions within bacterial cells to synthesize various carbon-based products. The findings, published in Nature, highlight a method that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes, particularly in the production of fuels and chemicals, which currently contribute to nearly 50% of global emissions.
Instead of relying on expensive and toxic chemical reactants typically used in chemical synthesis, the engineered bacteria utilize sugar to create the necessary precursors for these reactions in a more environmentally friendly manner. This method allows for scalable production without harmful solvents or gases. However, while promising, the technology is not yet ready for commercialization. The researchers emphasize the importance of ongoing efforts to explore greener biomanufacturing solutions, with a vision for reducing emissions in alignment with global climate goals. This work represents a step forward in addressing the challenges of sustainable chemical production and carbon footprint reduction.
