Enzymatic biomethanol production: Future perspective

Abstract

The need for an alternative, renewable, and environment-friendly fuel is widely recognized across various energy sectors. Methanol emerged as a promising alternative fuel with numerous economic and environmental benefits. Methanol can be produced either synthetically using chemicals as a feedstock or through the utilization of renewable resources like waste biomass. Utilizing different thermochemical and biochemical routes, bio-methanol can be synthesized from waste biomass like agricultural wastes, food wastes, forest litter, clipping, etc. The conversion of waste biomass into biogas, which can then be used for bio-methanol production, relies on the involvement of methanotrophs. Methanotrophs have a specific enzyme known as methane monooxygenase (MMO) that enables the transformation of methane into methanol. Subsequently, methanol dehydrogenase (MDH) converts methanol to formaldehyde. By manipulating the culture media and using specific MDH inhibitors, large-scale production of bio-methanol can be achieved. This review explores the methodologies for utilizing biogas derived from waste biomass as a feedstock for methanol production. Apart from methanotrophs, the Pectin methylesterase (PME) enzyme also produces methanol, by demethylesterifying pectin. Additionally, the review identifies the shortcomings of the present research and prescribes a way for future studies to overcome these limitations and move towards a sustainable generation of eco-friendly bio-methanol. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.