A group led by Prof. Volker Sieber at the TUM Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability (TUMCS) has actually been successful in producing the amino acid L-alanine, an essential structure block in proteins, from the ecologically harmful gas CO2. The brand-new approach transforms this intermediate into L-alanine in a multi-stage process using synthetic enzymes; the approach is very effective and generates extremely high yields. L-alanine is one of the most crucial components of protein, which is important to the nutrition of both humans and animals.
Growing need for food worldwide
Biotechnological procedure by means of methanol as intermediate item
Less ground required than for plant cultivation
Scientists at the Technical University of Munich have developed a sustainable approach to produce the vital amino acid L-alanine from CO2 This procedure uses artificial photosynthesis, converting CO2 to methanol and then to L-alanine. This new approach requires less space than conventional farming, highlighting the potential of combining bioeconomy and hydrogen economy for a more sustainable future.
Researchers produce crucial amino acid from greenhouse gas CO2.
Guaranteeing the supply of food to the continuously growing world population and protecting the environment at the same time are typically conflicting objectives. Now scientists at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have successfully established an approach for the artificial manufacture of dietary protein using a kind of artificial photosynthesis. The animal feed market is the main motorist of high need for big volumes of dietary protein, which is likewise appropriate for usage in meat alternative items.
A group led by Prof. Volker Sieber at the TUM Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability (TUMCS) has actually been successful in producing the amino acid L-alanine, an essential foundation in proteins, from the environmentally hazardous gas CO2. Their indirect biotechnological procedure includes methanol as an intermediate. Till now, protein for animal feed has actually been normally produced in the southern hemisphere with massive farming area requirements and negative consequences for biodiversity.
Artificial photosynthesis for eco-friendly food production, from left: PhD student Vivian Willers und Prof. Volker Sieber. Credit: Otto Zellmer/ TUM
The CO2, which is eliminated from the atmosphere, is first developed into methanol using green electricity and hydrogen. The new method converts this intermediate into L-alanine in a multi-stage process using artificial enzymes; the approach is extremely efficient and generates extremely high yields. L-alanine is one of the most essential parts of protein, which is necessary to the nutrition of both humans and animals.
Prof. Sieber, of the TUM Professorship for Chemistry of Biogenic Resources, describes: “Compared to growing plants, this approach requires far less area to produce the very same quantity of L-alanine, when the energy used comes from solar or wind power sources.
Prof. Sieber, of the TUM Professorship for Chemistry of Biogenic Resources, explains: “Compared to growing plants, this approach needs far less area to produce the exact same quantity of L-alanine, when the energy utilized originates from solar or wind power sources. The more effective use of area suggests a sort of artificial photosynthesis can be used to produce the exact same quantity of foods items on considerably fewer acres. This paves the way for a smaller ecological footprint in farming.”
Bioeconomy and hydrogen economy in combination
The manufacture of L-alanine is just the very first action for the researchers. “We also want to produce other amino acids from CO2 using eco-friendly energy and to additional increase performance in the realization process,” states co-author Vivian Willers, who developed the process as a doctoral prospect at the TUM Campus Straubing. The researchers include that the job is a good example of how bioeconomy and hydrogen economy in mix can make it possible to accomplish more sustainability.
Referral: “Cell-free enzymatic L-alanine synthesis from green methanol” by Vivian Pascal Willers, Manuel Döring, Barbara Beer and Volker Sieber, 23 January 2023, Chem Catalysis.DOI: 10.1016/ j.checat.2022.100502.
