Valorization of industrial CO2 emissions to methanol: A novel biotechnological approach

Project team: Io Antonopoulou (project leader)

Duration: 2022-2024

Funded by Kempestiftelserna

In this project we are developing a novel cascade of enzymatic reactions for the valorization of carbon dioxide-rich industrial emissions to produce renewable methanol. We will employ three oxidoreductases to produce methanol by: reducing CO2 to formate, followed by the reduction of formate to formaldehyde, and subsequently reducing formaldehyde to methanol. We will address factors that have previously contributed to low methanol productivity during enzymatic catalysis. For this purpose, we will implement an enzymatic CO2 separation step to enable CO2 solubilization and make the substrate more accessible for the other enzymes. Additionally, we will identify new oxidoreductases with high stability that can be applied in CO2 reduction. Finally, we will apply state-of-the-art enzyme and process improvement techniques to enhance methanol yield, productivity, and product recovery. This project offers a green and sustainable solution for converting CO2 from industrial emissions into a high-value product. Effective and stable biocatalysts, enzymes, enable the process to occur under mild conditions with exceptional product selectivity and efficient product recovery. This project will generate valuable knowledge about new sustainable methods for harnessing CO2 and thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions, a crucial step towards achieving Sweden's goal of a climate-neutral society by 2045.