SyntheticBiologyforEnhancedCarbonFixation

Synthetic biology for enhanced carbon fixation involves genetically engineering microbes, algae, or plants to more efficiently capture and convert atmospheric CO2 into biomass or useful compounds. This is achieved by optimizing existing photosynthetic pathways or introducing novel, more efficient carbon-fixing enzymes into organisms. Research leaders include the Weizmann Institute of Science, Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), and startups like Living Carbon. The technology is in the advanced research and early prototype stage, primarily in lab settings, focusing on proof-of-concept and optimizing metabolic pathways; in 2022, Living Carbon published results demonstrating poplar trees engineered to grow up to 53% faster, sequestering more carbon than unmodified trees, showcasing a significant breakthrough in biomass carbon capture. This approach aims to create "super-plants" or "super-microbes" that outperform natural systems in carbon removal, offering a biological alternative to mechanical capture.