The utilization of natural gas typically proceeds by synthesizing methanol, an important precursor to many chemicals. Chemical approaches for building carbon-carbon bonds from methanol are high in capital expense and are not suitable for remote locations of methane. Biological conversion of methanol to longer carbon chain compounds is possible, however it is involved with carbon dioxide loss or ATP expenditure. We demonstrated a novel biochemical pathway, termed methanol condensation cycle (MCC) for methanol conversion to higher alcohols. By combining the Non-Oxidative Glycolysis with the Ribulose Monophosphate Pathway, we can acheive 100% theoretical conversion of methanol to acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) derivatives using enzymatic reactions in a carbon-conserved and ATP-independent system. This pathway opens up the possiblity of efficient methanol conversion using a cell-free system or an engineered host.

Building important molecules from methanol

249th National Meeting (2015)

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