In the collaborative project SynBioTech, part of the innovation space BioBall, biogenic CO₂ is hydrated to methanol in a chemical process step. The methanol is then converted biotechnologically into biomass protein for the feed industry or acid derivatives for the chemical market. Methylobacterium is used for this purpose, as it can utilize methanol as an energy and carbon source.



• TU Darmstadt coordinates the consortium, builds a laboratory facility for methanol synthesis, and produces methanol for further use by the partners while evaluating various process concepts. 

• Infraserv Höchst contributes its industrial experience to the planning of the methanol synthesis plant. Additionally, it advises on potential CO₂ sources and supports absorption tests at its own biogas plant. 

• The DECHEMA Research Institute develops and optimizes biotechnological processes for synthesizing various products from methanol. 

• The University of Marburg explores new efficient genetic methods to construct stable production strains of Methylobacterium. 

• The MPI for Terrestrial Microbiology identifies alternative metabolic pathways for obtaining (branched) acid derivatives, develops corresponding production strains of Methylobacterium, and tests them under realistic production conditions. 

• Wacker Chemie AG develops processes for obtaining carboxylic acids from the culture broth and conducts studies on the reduction of dicarboxylic acids as well as polymerization tests. 

• Provadis Hochschule quantitatively analyzes the SynBioTech project regarding the respective material and energy flows and performs a comparative life cycle analysis and techno-economic analysis to assess the environmental impacts of the project.

Taherkhani, M., Hanau, N., Lehmpfuhl, R. and Ehret, R. (2024). Ecologic and Economic Evaluation of Combined Methanol Synthesis from CO2 and Biotechnological Upgrading to Value Products. Part 1: Environmental Impact. Chemistry engineer technology.

 https://doi.org/10.1002/cite.202400004