Innovating carbon-capture biotechnologies through ecosystem-inspired solutions

• Rising atmospheric carbon concentrations affect global health, the economy, and overall quality of life. We are fast approaching climate tipping points that must be addressed, not only by reducing emissions but also through new innovation and action toward carbon capture for sequestration and utilization (CCSU). In this perspective, we delineate next-generation biotechnologies for CCSU supported by engineering design principles derived from ecological processes inspired by three major biomes (plant-soil, deep biosphere, and marine). These are to interface with existing industrial infrastructure and, in some cases, tap into the carbon sink potential of nature. To develop ecosystem-inspired biotechnology, it is important to identify accessible control points of CO2 and CH4 within a given system as well as value-chain opportunities that drive innovation. In essence, we must supplement natural biogeochemical carbon sinks with new bioengineering solutions. © 2020 The Authors Atmospheric carbon emissions are driving global tipping points that must be addressed by reducing emissions in combination with carbon capture for sequestration and utilization. We outline that there is much to be gained by translating ecological processes that underpin global carbon cycles into engineering principles that harness plant-soil, deep biosphere and marine microbiomes for creation of new value chains and access to Earth's major carbon storage pools. Rapid innovation is required, and biotechnology has a certain role to play. © 2020 The Authors

Ämnesord

LANTBRUKSVETENSKAPER  -- Bioteknologi med applikationer på växter och djur (hsv//swe)

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES  -- Agricultural Biotechnology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

algae

carbon capture and sequestration CCS

carbon capture and utilization CCU

deep biosphere

Green Shift

marine microbiome

rhizosphere

soil

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)