New study explores the potential of cyanobacteria for carbon-neutral technologies

As the need for sustainable technologies grows, cyanobacteria—organisms known for their role in oxygenic photosynthesis—emerge as key players in carbon-neutral and even carbon-negative production systems. A newly published paper, supported by PROMICON, highlights the unique capabilities of cyanobacterial biofilms to transform carbon dioxide and sunlight into value-added compounds, paving the way for promising applications in industries like agriculture, wastewater treatment, and bioremediation.

Cyanobacterial biofilms offer a major advantage over traditional suspended cultures, boasting greater robustness, higher cell densities, and improved efficiency. These biofilms could serve as "solar cell factories," converting CO2 into valuable products in an environmentally friendly manner, potentially reducing the need for fossil fuel-derived materials significantly.

Written by researchers from the Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research and Uppsala University, the paper discusses various innovative applications of cyanobacterial biofilms, including bioremediation, production of biofuels, and natural fertilisers. It also addresses the challenges and future directions for scaling up these technologies, highlighting the need for improved reactor systems, a better understanding of biofilm dynamics, and advanced engineering strategies to fully harness the potential of cyanobacteria in industrial applications.

For more insights on the exciting possibilities cyanobacteria hold for green technologies, check out the full article here.

Steps involved in surface- and non-surface-attached biofilm formation and possible application fields