NAME: ADEPEGBA IREMIDE GOODNESS

MATRIC NO: 170231003

DATE: 27TH MARCH 2023
TOPIC : ADVANCES OF BIOCHEMICAL CONVERSION IN
NATURAL GAS.

ADVANCES OF BIOCHEMICAL CONVERSION IN NATURAL GAS

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is primarily composed of methane, with trace amounts of other

hydrocarbons and impurities. It is commonly used as a source of energy for heating and

electricity generation, as well as for industrial processes. However, natural gas is also a

promising source of chemicals and materials, particularly through biochemical conversion.

Biochemical conversion is the use of microorganisms to transform natural gas into other

valuable products. This process has been studied for decades, but recent advances in

biotechnology and genetic engineering have greatly improved its efficiency and versatility. In

this article, we will discuss some of the recent advances in biochemical conversion of natural

gas.

Methane oxidation

Methane is the primary component of natural gas, and it is also a potent greenhouse gas.

Methane is more than 25 times as effective as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the

atmosphere, making it a major contributor to global warming. Methane oxidation is the

process of converting methane into carbon dioxide and water using bacteria. This process can

occur naturally in the environment, but it is typically slow and inefficient. Recent research

has focused on improving the efficiency of methane oxidation through genetic engineering of

bacteria. One example of this is the development of synthetic methane-oxidizing bacteria.

Researchers have identified the genes responsible for methane oxidation in naturally

occurring bacteria, and have inserted these genes into other bacteria that are easier to grow
and manipulate in the lab. These synthetic bacteria are able to oxidize methane at a much

faster rate than natural bacteria, making methane conversion more efficient.

Methane fermentation

Methane fermentation is the process of converting methane into other chemicals and fuels

using microorganisms. One promising approach is the use of methanotrophic bacteria, which

are able to convert methane into methanol. Methanol is a valuable feedstock for the

production of chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetic acid, and olefins. Methanol can also be

used as a fuel, either directly or as a precursor to other fuels such as gasoline and diesel.

Recent advances in genetic engineering have enabled the development of methanotrophic

bacteria that are able to produce higher yields of methanol than natural bacteria. These

engineered bacteria have been shown to produce up to 50% more methanol than natural

bacteria, making methane fermentation a more efficient and viable process for producing

chemicals and fuels.

Bioelectrochemical conversion

Bioelectrochemical conversion is the use of microorganisms to catalyze electrochemical

reactions. This approach can be used to convert methane into other chemicals and fuels, as

well as to generate electricity directly from methane. Bioelectrochemical conversion is

particularly promising because it can be carried out at ambient temperatures and pressures,

without the need for expensive catalysts or high-energy inputs. One example of

bioelectrochemical conversion is the use of methanotrophic bacteria in microbial fuel cells.

Methanotrophic bacteria are able to oxidize methane at the anode of a fuel cell, producing

electrons that are transferred to the cathode and generate electricity. This approach has been

shown to be effective in laboratory studies, and there is ongoing research to optimize the

efficiency and scalability of bioelectrochemical conversion for commercial applications.

Biochemical conversion of natural gas is a promising approach for the production of

chemicals, materials, and energy. Recent advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering

have greatly improved the efficiency and versatility of this process, making it a more viable

alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based processes. As the demand for sustainable and

renewable sources of chemicals and energy continues to grow, biochemical conversion of

natural gas will likely play an increasingly important role in meeting these needs.