Microbial Cells Harboring a Mitochondrial Gene Are Capable of CO2 Capture

Abstract

Global warming is escalating with increased temperatures reported worldwide. Given the enormous land mass on the planet, biological capture of CO2 remains a viable approach to mitigate the crisis as it is economical and easy to implement. In this study, a gene capable of CO2 capture was identified via selection in minimal media. This mitochondrial gene named as OG1 encodes the OK/SW-CL.16 protein and shares homology with cytochrome oxidase subunit III of various species and PII uridylyl-transferase from Loktanella vestfoldensis SKA53. CO2 capture experiments indicate that {delta}13C was substantially higher in the cells harboring the gene OG1 than the control in the nutrition-poor media. This study suggests that CO2 capture using engineered microorganisms in barren land can be exploited to address the soaring CO2 level in the atmosphere, opening up vast land resources to cope with global warming.\n\nIMPORTANCEGlobal warming crisis is deteriorating with increased CO2 levels in the atmosphere each year. Action must be taken before catastrophic consequences occur in the not-so-distant future. Biological capture of CO2 is a feasible approach to alleviate the current crisis. We have identified a mitochondrial gene which demonstrated CO2 utilization capability. Data presented in this study suggest that CO2 capture using engineered microorganisms can be harnessed to address the ever-rising CO2 level in the atmosphere.