China: Scientists turn CO2 into lycopene

A new bacteria-based technology could help combat climate change while producing a valuable antioxidant. Researchers from Qingdao Agricultural University in China’s Shandong province have developed this technological solution. 
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that the technology aims to capture carbon dioxide and utilize it to produce lycopene. The compound is a powerful antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables which gives tomatoes, watermelons, and peppers their reddish pigment. 

The new “synthetic biology technology” offers a more sustainable approach as compared to traditional methods. The team led by researcher Yang Jianming describes it as a low-cost, and easy-to-implement method for producing lycopene.

Use of bacteria for carbon fixation
The team harnessed the power of microorganisms to capture carbon dioxide and convert it into lycopene. This innovative process, known as carbon fixation, mimics the natural process plants use to create organic compounds. Reportedly, the technology relies on microorganisms that serve as bioreactors. This method can produce various products (such as materials or medicines) while lowering carbon emissions.

Particularly, Yang has been studying the production of lycopene using a naturally occurring bacterium called Rhodopseudomonas palustris. This bacterium can be found in various natural environments, such as marine sediments and pond water. Through advanced genetic engineering techniques, scientists have enhanced the microorganism’s ability to capture carbon. This process helps to produce valuable bio products. 

The current production methods that extract lycopene from plants have various limitations. These traditional methods are said to be inefficient, requiring substantial resources and producing impure products. Chemical synthesis is another option, but it is a complex and demanding process.
 
 The Chinese scientists’ approach offers a more sustainable alternative. The potential applications of lycopene are vast, extending beyond its use as a natural pigment. Its antioxidant properties make it a valuable compound in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Moreover, lycopene is thought to have protective properties against various diseases, such as heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. It may also support bone health. A 2020 paper from the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine highlights the growing interest in lycopene due to its potential uses in treating various human diseases.

The price of lycopene can be as high as 5 million yuan (USD 708,800) per ton, according to the SCMP. The China Science Daily reported that the Qingdao Agricultural University’s patent for their technology was sold to a local investment company for 1 million yuan. Interestingly, this patent deal set a new record for the highest price paid for a single patent in Shandong province.

“The investment company and the university plan to collaborate on future projects, including green bio manufacturing technology, to help achieve global carbon reduction goals,” SCMP reported. 

Various companies are coming up with ways to capture and remove planet-heating carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. One innovative approach being explored by start-ups in Hong Kong is the cultivation of algae. These start-ups are growing over millions of tiny algae in controlled environments. Algae are photosynthetic organisms that absorb carbon dioxide from the air as they grow. As research and development progress, this technology could play a significant role in mitigating climate change and promoting a more sustainable future.

Some complementary data