Researchers at the Institute of Science Tokyo have found that reducing carbon dioxide concentration to around 1.4% by volume significantly improves microbial production of the biodegradable plastic P(3HB) using the bacterium Ralstonia eutropha. The study, published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, shows that lower CO2 levels trigger more efficient carbon conversion inside the cells, leading to higher polymer accumulation. The process uses a nonflammable gas mixture, making it safer than conventional high hydrogen systems. This approach could allow industrial processes to convert low concentration CO2 sources like exhaust gas into biodegradable plastics. The researchers also found that boosting the enzyme carbonic anhydrase further improved production under low CO2 conditions. The work points to a safer, more efficient path for carbon recycling and could support a circular carbon economy by turning waste CO2 into renewable materials.
