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Industrial applicability of enzymatic and whole-cell processes for the utilization of C1 building blocks

Author

Listed:
  • Giovanni Davide Barone

    (University of Graz)

  • Ina Somvilla

    (University of Greifswald)

  • Hannah Pia Franziska Meier

    (University of Groningen)

  • Anna Christina R. Ngo

    (Ruhr University Bochum)

  • Thomas Bayer

    (University of Greifswald)

  • Fabio Parmeggiani

    (Polytechnic of Milan)

  • Viktoria Rehbein

    (University of Graz)

  • Johann A. Hlina

    (University of Graz)

  • Pablo Domínguez de María

    (Sustainable Momentum SL)

  • Uwe T. Bornscheuer

    (University of Greifswald)

  • Dirk Tischler

    (Ruhr University Bochum)

  • Sandy Schmidt

    (University of Groningen)

Abstract

Chemicals produced through enzymatic reactions play a key role in the transition from a linear petrol-dependent to a circular bioeconomy. One promising approach is the conversion of single carbon (C1) molecules by biocatalysts to value-added products. Although progress has been made, current biological methods remain less cost-competitive than established chemical processes. Here, we review how single and multi-enzyme transformations, natural C1-trophic microorganisms, and organisms with transplanted synthetic C1 assimilation pathways can synergize to strengthen the competitiveness of C1-based biomanufacturing. To explore the current state-of-the-art and assess the potential of C1 biomanufacturing, we highlight the aforementioned bio-based methodologies and evaluate their industrial applicability through an overview of granted patents.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovanni Davide Barone & Ina Somvilla & Hannah Pia Franziska Meier & Anna Christina R. Ngo & Thomas Bayer & Fabio Parmeggiani & Viktoria Rehbein & Johann A. Hlina & Pablo Domínguez de María & Uwe T. B, 2025. "Industrial applicability of enzymatic and whole-cell processes for the utilization of C1 building blocks," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60777-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60777-3
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