Direct Biocatalytic Processes for CO2 Capture as a Green Tool to Produce Value-Added Chemicals

Abstract

Direct biocatalytic processes for CO2 capture and transformation in value-added chemicals may be considered a useful tool for reducing the concentration of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Among the other enzymes, carbonic anhydrase (CA) and formate dehydrogenase (FDH) are two key biocatalysts suitable for this challenge, facilitating the uptake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in complementary ways. Carbonic anhydrases accelerate CO2 uptake by promoting its solubility in water in the form of hydrogen carbonate as the first step in converting the gas into a species widely used in carbon capture storage and its utilization processes (CCSU), particularly in carbonation and mineralization methods. On the other hand, formate dehydrogenases represent the biocatalytic machinery evolved by certain organisms to convert CO2 into enriched, reduced, and easily transportable hydrogen species, such as formic acid, via enzymatic cascade systems that obtain energy from chemical species, electrochemical sources, or light. Formic acid is the basis for fixing C1-carbon species to other, more reduced molecules. In this review, the state-of-the-art of both methods of CO2 uptake is assessed, highlighting the biotechnological approaches that have been developed using both enzymes.

Assessing various CO2 utilization technologies: a brief comparative review

“…This specificity can lead to more efficient and selective conversion of CO 2 into desired products. 93 Despite these advantages, enzymatic conversion of CO 2 faces challenges such as high production costs and difficulties in scaling up processes for industrial applications.…”

Synergetic effects on the capture and release of CO2 using guanidine and amidine superbases

“…9-12 CO 2 is also essential in industrial scale synthesis of cyclic carbonates, polycarbonates, non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPU), and salicylic acid. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Different technologies have been developed to capture CO 2 from different sources, whether this is direct air capture (DAC) or from point sources such as ue gas. 20,21 Inorganic sorbents have been used to capture CO 2 using the calcium oxide-calcium carbonate loop.…”

“…9–12 CO 2 is also essential in industrial scale synthesis of cyclic carbonates, polycarbonates, non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPU), and salicylic acid. 13–19…”