Innovative Ethanol Production from Pollution

A company has developed a groundbreaking method for producing ethanol from carbon emissions, particularly from steel plants. By leveraging unique bacteria, specifically C. autothanogenum, they convert harmful gases like carbon monoxide into ethanol, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional ethanol sources derived from food crops. This approach not only tackles pollution but also addresses issues related to food supply and prices associated with increased agricultural output for fuel. The transformative process involves optimizing the bacteria through directed evolution, enabling them to efficiently produce ethanol instead of the naturally favored acetate.