Unlocking the Potential of Carbon-Consuming Bacteria

Rhodobacter capsulatus's iron nitrogenase is three times more efficient at reducing CO2 than its molybdenum counterpart, producing methane and formic acid. The bacteria's preference for CO2 over nitrogen presents a promising avenue for sustainable bioproduction.

Surprisingly, methane and formic acid were produced even in the absence of additional CO2, suggesting internally sourced CO2 was adequate. This discovery indicates that one-carbon substrates' availability could shape microbial communities across various environments, challenging existing perceptions of nitrogenases and emphasizing their potential in eco-friendly biomanufacturing.