Carbon Dioxide Sequestration and Single-Cell Protein Production: Opportunities and Challenges

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University in Raipur, India, have made significant discoveries in the field of biotechnology, highlighting the potential of microorganisms to sequester carbon dioxide and produce high-quality single-cell protein (SCP). This innovative method has been identified as a promising solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing a sustainable source of food, feed, and industrial applications.

Key Takeaways:

  • The increasing levels of carbon dioxide and growing demand for protein globally pose an environmental challenge, providing an opportunity for innovation in SCP production.
  • Microorganisms such as algae, cyanobacteria, and hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria have significant potential for CO2-based SCP production due to their ability to assimilate CO2 into cellular components.
  • Genetic engineering of microorganisms for enhanced uptake of CO2 and biomass yield, as well as innovations in bioreactor design, are key drivers in making this process more efficient and economically viable.
  • However, challenges remain regarding low CO2 conversion rates, high energy requirements, regulatory approval, and public acceptance, particularly in human food applications.
  • The authors outline future directions for research, including metabolic engineering, policy collaboration, and industry partnerships, which are necessary to overcome these barriers and realize the potential of CO2-based SCP production.

Statistics:

  • The global demand for protein is increasing, posing an environmental challenge.
  • Microorganisms like algae, cyanobacteria, and hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria have the potential to sequester CO2 and produce SCP.
  • Genetic engineering and bioreactor design innovations are crucial for making this process more efficient and economically viable.
  • Low CO2 conversion rates ( percentage of CO2 converted to SCP) is a significant challenge in this process.
  • Regulatory approval and public acceptance are key barriers to SCP production for human food applications.

Sources:

  • Carbon Dioxide Sequestration and Single-cell Protein Production: Opportunities and Challenges In Circular Economy. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2025;515.
  • Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, School of Studies in Biotechnology, Raipur 492010, India.
  • NewsRx. New Biotechnology Study Findings Recently Were Reported by Researchers at Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University (Carbon Dioxide Sequestration and Single-cell Protein Production: Opportunities and Challenges In Circular Economy). Biotech Week. July 9, 2025; p 677.