Enhanced Biological Fixation of CO2 Using Microorganisms

Abstract

Microbial fixation of carbon dioxide (CO2), represented by photosynthesis, is an important link of the global carbon cycle. It provides the majority of organic chemicals and energy for human consumption. With the great development and application of fossil resources in recent years, more and more CO2 has been released into the atmosphere, and the greenhouse effect is looming. Therefore, more efficient carbon fixation processes are urgently needed. In view of this, the microbial conversion of exhaust CO2 into valuable fuels and chemicals based on an efficient CO2 fixation pathway is very promising. With the rapid development of systems biology, more and more insights into the natural carbon fixation processes have become available. Many attempts have been made to enhance the biological fixation of CO2, by engineering the key carbon fixation enzymes, introducing natural carbon fixation pathways into heterotrophs, redesigning novel carbon fixation pathways, and even developing novel energy supply patterns. In this review, we summarize the great achievements made in recent years, and discuss the main challenges as well as future perspectives on the biological fixation of CO2.