Project Overview

The project builds on a FES project in which genetic engineering tools were developed for the modification of methanotrophic bacteria and bioreactor strategies were designed to improve methane bioconversion.

In the proposed project, the genetic tools will be used to iteratively modify the methanotroph Methylomicrobium album BG8 with the objective to introduce genes enabling the synthesis of pinene, a biojet fuel precursor, from methane and improve the metabolic flux in the MEP pathway to increase its production. We will then develop bioprocessing strategies building on our previous bioreactor work to improve productivity and yield levels to meet industrial requirements.

The work will be done in partnership with SynBioBlox, an Alberta-based start-up that aims to commercialize technologies converting greenhouse gases to sustainable bioproducts, with sustainable biojet fuel as their first target.