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A group of UK scientists has discovered a protein inside methanotrophic bacteria (methanotrophs) that allows them to safely store copper ions to aid the consumption of the harmful greenhouse gas methane. These organisms use a copper-enzyme to transform methane into methanol, providing carbon and energy for the bacteria. By exploiting this process, it may be possible to develop new and more economical means of both mitigating release of this gas into the atmosphere and simultaneously producing effective biofuels.
There are already available non-biological methods of oxidising methane and turning it into methanol; however current methods are too costly to be workable. But if scientists can learn how to capitalise on the natural systems by which bacteria carry out this process, then it may be possible to transform this greenhouse gas into a viable biofuel.
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