CO2 as a raw material source, via biotechnological processes

Biotechnology offers promising approaches for using carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a raw material, while having the potential to replace fossil carbon sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Yet many of these processes still need to be further developed and optimised for industrial use. Biological CO₂ fixation by microorganisms like bacteria, algae or fungi can absorb CO₂ and convert it into biomass like proteins, lipids or carbohydrates. These bio-based products can then be used as animal feed, fertilisers, bioplastics or biofuels. Through enzymatic conversion of CO₂ or enzymatic cascades, CO₂ can be turned into valuable chemical compounds like formic acid, hydrocarbons or polymers. This enzymatic recycling of CO₂ makes it possible to produce not only basic chemicals but also valuable materials from the greenhouse gas. Similar to natural photosynthesis, photo-biotechnological processes can use sunlight to convert CO₂ into energy-rich carbon compounds like sugar or lipids. Fermentation is also an established process. This involves bacterial strains being used along with hydrogen or carbon monoxide to ferment carbon dioxide into chemicals like acetic acid, ethanol or long-chain alkanes, thus enabling the biotechnological production of chemical raw materials and fuels from CO₂.

Biotechnological processes thus have the potential to supplement or even replace conventional chemical production processes. Fermentation processes, for example, make it possible to convert CO₂ from flue gas plants into alcohol and other chemicals. Greenhouse gases themselves become raw materials.

Biotechnological processes for recycling CO₂ can contribute to achieving the following SDGs: