Methanol as a co-substrate with CO2 enhances butyrate production in microbial electrosynthesis

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Abstract

Abstract: Methanol is a promising feedstock for the bio-based economy as it can be derived from organic waste streams or produced electrochemically from CO2. Acetate production from CO2 in microbial electrosynthesis (MES) has been widely studied, while more valuable compounds such as butyrate are currently attracting attention. In this study, methanol was used as a co-substrate with CO2 to enhance butyrate production in MES. Feeding with CO2 and methanol resulted in the highest butyrate production rates and titres of 0.36 ± 0.01 g L−1 d−1 and 8.6 ± 0.2 g L−1, respectively, outperforming reactors with only CO2 feeding (0.20 ± 0.03 g L−1 d−1 and 5.2 ± 0.1 g L−1, respectively). Methanol acted as electron donor and as carbon source, both of which contributed ca. 50% of the carbon in the products. Eubacterium was the dominant genus with 52.6 ± 2.5% relative abundance. Thus, we demonstrate attractive route for the use of the C1 substrates, CO2 and methanol, to produce mainly butyrate. Key points: • Butyrate was the main product from methanol and CO2in MES • Methanol acted as both carbon and electron source in MES • Eubacterium dominating microbial culture was enriched in MES Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.)

Original languageEnglish
Article number372
JournalApplied Microbiology and Biotechnology
Volume108
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Keywords

  • Butyrate
  • CO utilisation
  • Electron donor
  • Methanol utilisation
  • Microbial electrosynthesis

Publication forum classification

  • Publication forum level 2

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

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