Project number #16103
Integrated sustainable process for ionic liquid-based carbon dioxide capture and its subsequent biotransformation into fuels and chemicals from extremophiles
Global Challenge: CO₂ Emissions and Climate Change
The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere is a major driver of the greenhouse effect and climate change. High-emission industrial sectors significantly contribute to this problem, creating an urgent need for innovative strategies that reduce their carbon footprint while remaining technologically and economically viable.
Engineering Approaches for CO₂ Capture and Utilization
In response to this challenge, there has been rapidly growing interest in the development of advanced engineering solutions for:
› Efficient CO₂ capture and storage (CCS)
› Conversion of captured CO₂ into industrially relevant fuels and chemicals
Particular attention is currently given to integrated CO₂ capture and conversion processes, which eliminate the need for long-term CO₂ storage and enable direct utilization of carbon dioxide as a feedstock.
The CO₂BION Concept: Integrated Capture and Bioconversion
CO₂BION proposes an innovative, integrated process that combines:
› Ionic liquid–based membrane systems for efficient CO₂ capture
› Non-photosynthetic microbial CO₂ bioconversion using extremophilic bacteria
These microorganisms are capable of utilizing CO₂ as their primary carbon source, enabling the sustainable production of biofuels and value-added chemicals.
Non-photosynthetic CO₂ bioconversion has gained significant momentum in metabolic engineering and industrial biotechnology. Unlike conventional biomass-based microbial processes, this approach:
Avoids dependence on agricultural feedstocks
Reduces competition with food and nutrition resources
Enables more sustainable carbon utilization pathways
This makes it a promising alternative to traditional bio-based production routes.
Non-Photosynthetic CO₂ Bioconversion as an Alternative Pathway
Alignment with HFRI Strategy and Scientific Priorities
The project addresses a critical environmental issue through engineering-driven solutions, contributing to:
Renewable energy production (biofuels)
Development of specialized chemicals
Sustainable industrial technologies
