BEIJING: Researchers from Qingdao Agricultural University in Shandong province, China, have developed a new bacteria-based technology that not only addresses climate change by capturing carbon dioxide but also produces lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its potential health benefits.
According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the new technology focuses on converting carbon dioxide into lycopene, a natural compound that gives fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, watermelons, and peppers their vibrant red color.
Lycopene is renowned for its antioxidant properties, which are believed to help protect against heart disease, certain types of cancer, diabetes, and may even support bone health.
The research team, led by Yang Jianming, describes their synthetic biology technology as a cost-effective and easily implementable method for producing lycopene. The approach harnesses microorganisms to capture carbon dioxide through a process called carbon fixation, mimicking the way plants naturally create organic compounds.
Utilizing the bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris, which thrives in various environments like marine sediments and pond water, the researchers have enhanced its carbon-capturing capabilities using advanced genetic engineering techniques.
This innovative biotechnological process not only produces lycopene but also holds potential for generating various bioproducts while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Traditional methods of extracting lycopene from plants face several challenges, including inefficiency, high resource consumption, and the production of impure products. Chemical synthesis, another option, is often complex and resource-intensive. In contrast, the Qingdao Agricultural University team’s method offers a more sustainable and streamlined alternative.
The applications of lycopene extend beyond its role as a natural pigment; its antioxidant qualities make it valuable in industries such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. A study from the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine has highlighted the increasing interest in lycopene for its potential therapeutic uses in treating various diseases.
The market value for lycopene is substantial, with prices reaching as high as 5 million yuan (approximately US$708,800) per ton. Recognizing the commercial potential of their innovation, the university has successfully sold a patent for this technology to a local investment firm for 1 million yuan, setting a record for the highest price paid for a single patent in Shandong province.
