Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU)'s Professor Fei Qiang and his team, in collaboration with researchers from Northwest University and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, has made a groundbreaking achievement in low-carbon biosynthesis.

Their research led to the development of an innovative electrochemical-biological coupling system that converts greenhouse gases, including CO₂ and methane, into ectoine, a high-value raw material widely used in cosmetics, food preservation, and healthcare.

Ectoine, a naturally derived amino acid derivative, is valued for its hydration, repair, and protective properties. Traditionally, its production has relied on sugar-based substrates, which are costly and limited in sustainability. By making use of greenhouse gases, this new approach not only reduces production costs but also promotes the efficient use of renewable carbon resources, aligning with global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality and combat climate change.

To achieve this breakthrough, the research team synthesized a high-performance CuPc/BNCNT catalyst, enabling CO₂ to be efficiently converted into methane with a Faradaic efficiency of 73.5 percent. Using methane as a high-energy carbon source, they engineered methane-oxidizing bacteria to produce ectoine through biological transformation. By optimizing the integration of electrochemical and biological systems, the team established a scalable process that achieved a remarkable ectoine yield of 1,146 mg/L^-1, representing a tenfold improvement over traditional biosynthesis methods.

This innovative approach not only enhances carbon utilization but also significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, providing a sustainable pathway for manufacturing high-value products. The study demonstrates the feasibility and potential of electrified biosynthesis, offering new solutions for addressing global climate challenges and advancing green technologies.

The findings were published in the prestigious journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition under the title Scalable Electro-Biosynthesis of Ectoine from Greenhouse Gases.