Advances in Biochemical Conversion of Natural Gas

One potential method for the sustainable utilization of natural gas is biochemical conversion which is a process that transforms natural gas into value-added products such as biofuels, chemicals, and biomaterials. The biochemical conversion of natural gas is achieved through the utilization of synthetic biocatalysts and microorganisms’ metabolic capacities. Researchers have created innovative processes and bioreactor systems that have effectively transform methane, the main component of natural gas into bio-based products. The main biochemical conversion pathways include methanotrophy, anaerobic digestion, and gas fermentation which are covered in this chapter along with new developments in metabolic engineering, enzyme engineering, and bioprocess optimization. The integration of biochemical conversion technologies into sustainable biorefinery models and scaling up these technologies are also covered along with the potential economic and environmental benefits of moving towards a bio-based economy.