Researchers at the University of Copenhagen
have discovered a natural process they describe as reverse
photosynthesis. In the process, the energy in solar rays breaks down,
rather than builds plant material, as is the case with photosynthesis.
The sunlight is collected by chlorophyll, the same molecule as used in
photosynthesis. Combined with a specific enzyme the energy of sunlight
now breaks down plant biomass, with possible uses as chemicals, bio-fuels
or other products, that might otherwise take a long time to produce. By
increasing production speed while reducing pollution, the discovery has
the potential to revolutionize industrial production. The research
results have now been published in Nature Communications.
The petrochemical industry is indispensable for the functioning of
society. However, it remains problematic for both environment and
climate. Danish researchers based at the University of Copenhagen have
now made a breakthrough with the potential to transform the way we use
our Earth's natural resources:
"This is a game changer, one that could transform the industrial
production of fuels and chemicals, thus serving to reduce pollution
significantly," says University of Copenhagen Professor Claus Felby, who
heads the research.
Faster production, decreased energy consumption and less pollution
"It has always been right beneath our noses, and yet no one has ever
taken note: photosynthesis by way of the sun doesn't just allow things
to grow, the same principles can be applied to break plant matter down,
allowing the release of chemical substances. In other words, direct
sunlight drives chemical processes. The immense energy in solar light
can be used so that processes can take place without additional energy
inputs," says Professor Claus Felby.
Postdoc David Cannella, a fellow researcher and discoverer, explains
that, "the discovery means that by using the Sun, we can produce bio-fuels and biochemicals for things like plastics -- faster, at lower
temperatures and with enhanced energy-efficiency. Some of the reactions,
which currently take 24 hours, can be achieved in just 10 minutes by
using the Sun."
What reverse photosynthesis is all about
Researchers have discovered that monooxygenases, a natural enzymes
also used in industrial bio-fuel production, multiply their effectiveness
when exposed to sunlight:
"We use the term "reverse photosynthesis" because the enzymes use
atmospheric oxygen and the Sun's rays to break down and transform carbon
bonds, in plants among other things, instead of building plants and
producing oxygen as is typically understood with photosynthesis," says
Postdoc Klaus Benedikt Møllers
Researchers do not yet know how widespread "reverse photosynthesis,"
using light, chlorophyll and monooxygenases, is in nature, but there are
many indications that fungi and bacteria use reverse photosynthesis as a
"Thor's hammer" to access sugars and nutrients in plants.
The breakthrough is the result of collaborative, multidisciplinary
research at the Copenhagen Plant Science Centre that spans the
disciplines of plant science, biotechnology and chemistry.
The future
"Reverse photosynthesis" has the potential to break down chemical
bonds between carbon and hydrogen, a quality that may be developed to
convert biogas-plant sourced methane into methanol, a liquid fuel, under
ambient conditions. As a raw material, methanol is very attractive,
because it can be used by the petrochemicals industry and processed into
fuels, materials and chemicals.
Additional research and development is required before the discovery
can directly benefit society, but its potential is, "one of the greatest
we have seen in years," according to Professor Claus Felby.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160404090545.htm
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