A new bacteria-based technology developed by researchers at Qingdao Agricultural University in China’s Shandong province could help fight climate change while simultaneously producing a valuable antioxidant.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the newly developed “synthetic biology technology” utilizes microorganisms to capture carbon dioxide and convert it into lycopene, an antioxidant that gives fruits like tomatoes, watermelons, and peppers their reddish hue. Yang Jianming, who leads the research team at Qingdao Agricultural University, describes the technology as a low-cost, easy-to-implement solution for lycopene production.
The process is rooted in carbon fixation, a natural mechanism used by plants to convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds. The researchers have harnessed bacteria as bioreactors, allowing these microorganisms to efficiently capture carbon dioxide and transform it into lycopene. The bacterium used, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, is found in various environments, including marine sediments and pond water. Through advanced genetic engineering, the team has enhanced the bacteria’s ability to sequester carbon, creating a new and valuable bioproduct.
Yang’s team sees this technology as a promising alternative to traditional lycopene extraction methods. Current techniques for deriving lycopene from plants are inefficient, resource-intensive, and often yield impure results. Chemical synthesis, another method, is also complex and costly. In contrast, this bacteria-based approach is more sustainable and environmentally friendly, making it an attractive option for large-scale applications.
Lycopene’s uses go beyond its role as a natural pigment. It possesses potent antioxidant properties and has been shown to offer potential health benefits, including protection against heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. According to a 2020 paper from the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, there is growing interest in lycopene’s applications for treating various human diseases. Its price can reach as high as 5 million yuan (approximately US$708,800) per ton, making it a lucrative product in industries such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
This innovative bacteria-based technology has already drawn attention. The China Science Daily reported that Qingdao Agricultural University sold its patent for the technology to a local investment company for 1 million yuan, setting a new record for the highest price paid for a single patent in Shandong province.
The university and the investment firm plan to collaborate on future projects focused on green biomanufacturing technologies, which aim to contribute to global carbon reduction goals.