Spanish researchers use purple bacteria to make supplements from industrial waste

Bacteria convert waste to supplements

Researchers published their findings in the journal Environmental Science & Technology after testing eight specific bacterial strains. Six of these strains grew successfully when fed carbon dioxide and hydrogen under light conditions. One strain named Rhodospirillum rubrum DSM 107 produced the highest amount of CoQ10 at 9.6 milligrams per gram of dry cells. Another variant called R. rubrum DSM 467 generated 5.9 milligrams of the same compound while also consuming carbon monoxide.

Method avoids agricultural resources

Traditional commercial production relies on organic feedstocks like sugars which consume significant water and agricultural land. These purple phototrophic bacteria generate energy from light without splitting water or releasing oxygen into the air. They use compounds such as hydrogen sulfide or carbon dioxide to build cell material and useful chemicals instead. This process reduces the land footprint and water demand associated with conventional large-surface-area phototrophic systems for cultivation.

Study offers new options

The authors note that these bacteria can sustain high cell densities even under comparatively low light intensities. This capability allows for cultivation in compact photobioreactors which reduces the illuminated footprint required for production. The study demonstrates that unwanted industrial waste products can serve as feed to produce valuable bioactive compounds. These metabolites include isoprenoid and quinone-derived substances which are attractive platforms for converting carbon dioxide into high-value goods.