Bacterial CO 2 conversion: Harnessing nature’s pathways for sustainable carbon utilization

As the global demand for sustainable solutions to climate change grows, bacterial CO2 conversion technologies have emerged as promising strategies for carbon capture and utilization (CCU). These systems utilize bacterial metabolic pathways to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable products, including biofuels, chemicals, and biomass, thereby contributing to a more sustainable, circular carbon economy. This article explores various bacterial systems employed in CO2 conversion, including hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria, acetogenic and methanogenic bacteria, electroactive bacteria (microbial electrosynthesis), and photo-driven systems. The evaluation reveals that while hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria offer a sustainable pathway for protein production and CO2 utilization, acetogenic and methanogenic bacteria show promise in the production of biofuels and biogas. Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) and photo-driven systems present high innovation potential but face challenges in scalability due to issues such as system integration and cost efficiency. Furthermore, the article discusses the need for engineering improvements to enhance efficiency, productivity, and large-scale applications. Despite challenges, bacterial CO2 conversion technologies hold significant potential in mitigating climate change and contributing to a carbon-neutral future.