This dispatch will likely seem enormously cluttered and redundant; but, given the subject matter and it's open contradictions of popular concepts, and it's refutation of generally accepted and unquestioned public "knowledge", we are compelled to be as thorough and meticulous as possible.
In sum: Carbon Dioxide - - as it arises in only a very small way relative to natural sources of emission, such as the Earth's inexorable processes of planetary volcanism, from our economically essential use of Coal in the generation of abundant and truly affordable electric power - - is a valuable raw material resource.
We can collect CO2 from whatever convenient source, and, then, through the metabolic intercession of certain microorganisms, efficiently convert that CO2 into Methane.
We first remind you of an earlier report, now accessible via:
West Virginia Coal Association | California Bugs Convert CO2 into Methane | Research & Development; concerning: "United States Patent Application 20110171711 - Methods and Compositions for Production of Methane Gas; Inventor: Daniel Koshland; Date: July, 2011; (Presumed eventual Assignee of Rights: University of California at Berkeley); Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for sustained methane production from atmospheric CO2 and solar energy from the sun. In general the methods involve culturing cyanobacteria in a first culture vessel and collecting and diverting the photosynthesis products, including glucose or acetic acid, to a second culture vessel including methanogenic bacteria. The photosynthesis products are then used as nutrients by the methanogenic bacteria in the second culture vessel in the production of methane. The methane produced is subsequently collected and used as a clean energy source. The invention also features compositions, including genetically modified cyanobacteria and systems for use in the methods of the invention".
Unfortunately, as too often happens and as we have previously alerted you, official United States Patent and Trademark Office links to their web-accessible records, especially those records of US Patent Applications, often prove unreliable and unstable, reconnecting with unrelated documents; and, such is the case with the official USPTO link that now appears in that report on the West Virginia Coal Association's Research and Development web site.
We assure you that "United States Patent Application 20110171711 - Methods and Compositions for Production of Methane Gas" is quite real, and still active. And, following are additional links to it, including a fresh one to the USPTO's records:
Patent US20110171711 - Methods and Compositions for Production of Methane Gas - Google Patents;
United States Patent Application: 0110171711; and:
Methods and Compositions for Production of Methane Gas - The Regents of the University of California.
That out of the way, it turns out that Application 20110171711 actually represents a refinement of, or at least a variation on, a somewhat earlier, but closely related technology, also devised by Daniel Koshland at the University of California, for utilizing both "cyanobacteria", perhaps better known as blue-green algae, and "methanogenic" bacteria, in a coupled process that first converts Carbon Dioxide into a suite of intermediate products; and, then, subsequently, if desired, converts those intermediate products into Methane gas.
As seen in excerpts from the initial link in this dispatch to the identically-titled:
"United States Patent 7,807,427 - Methods and Compositions for Production of Methane Gas
Patent US7807427 - Methods and compositions for production of methane gas - Google Patents
Methods and compositions for production of methane gas - The Regents of the University of California
Date: October, 2010
Inventor: Daniel Koshland, Jr., CA
Assignee: The Regents of the University of California, Oakland
Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for sustained methane production from atmospheric CO2 and solar energy from the sun. In general the methods involve culturing cyanobacteria in a first culture vessel and collecting and diverting the photosynthesis products, including glucose or acetic acid, to a second culture vessel including methanogenic bacteria. The photosynthesis products are then used as nutrients by the methanogenic bacteria in the second culture vessel in the production of methane. The methane produced is subsequently collected and used as a clean energy source. The invention also features compositions, including genetically modified cyanobacteria and systems for use in the methods of the invention.
Claims: A method for production of methane, comprising: culturing a photosynthetic cyanobacteria in a first vessel in the presence of carbon dioxide (CO2) and visible light, wherein the culturing provides for photosynthetic fixation of CO2 to produce photosynthesis products, and wherein the photosynthetic cyanobacteria comprises at least one expression cassette comprising at least one gene that encodes for pyruvate decarboxylase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase or acetyl-CoA kinase, wherein the at least one expression cassette provides for modification of the photosynthesis products to products that can passively diffuse out of the cell, collecting and diverting the photosynthesis product in the absence of the photosynthetic cyanobacteria to a second vessel comprising methanogenic bacteria, and culturing said methanogenic bacteria to produce methane.(Cyanobacteria - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; "Cyanobacteria (aka) blue-green algae, ... is a (type) of bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis."
Expression cassette - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; "An expression cassette is a part of ... DNA used for cloning ... . In each successful transformation, the expression cassette directs the cell's machinery to make RNA and protein. Some expression cassettes are designed for modular cloning of protein-encoding sequences so that the same cassette can easily be altered to make different proteins. Is made up of one or more genes and the sequences controlling their expression. Three components comprise an expression cassette: a promoter sequence, an open reading frame ... . Different expression cassettes can be transformed into different organisms including bacteria, yeast, plants, and mammalian cells as long as the correct regulatory sequences are used."
Methanogen - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; "Methanogens are microorganisms that produce methane as a metabolic byproduct in anoxic conditions. They are classified as archaea, a domain quite distinct from bacteria. They are common in wetlands, where they are responsible for marsh gas, and in the guts of animals such as ruminants and humans, where they are responsible for the methane content of belching in ruminants and flatulence in humans."
Although "methanogens" are actually "archaea" and "are quite distinct from bacteria", our read is that, in much the same way "cyanobacteria" are really just bacteria but are sometimes called "blue-green algae", referring to "methangenic archaea" as "methanogenic bacteria" is pretty much okay. The point, though, is, that these critters are all pretty well-known among scientists who study such matters, as, now, are the techniques for transferring genetic material from one those critters to another.)
The method ... wherein said photosynthesis product is glucose or acetic acid.
(That is, the first, photosynthetic product arising from the metabolic processing of Carbon Dioxide is either sugar, "glucose", or vinegar, "acetic acid".)
The method ... wherein the cyanobacteria further comprises at least one expression cassette comprising glucose transporter gene Glut-1 that provides for active transport of the photosynthesis products out of the cell.
(Basically, the bugs just excrete the "photosynthesis products" into the stuff, presumably a liquid, they're growing in, just like yeast excrete alcohol into the water around them in a keg full of home brew.)
The method ... wherein visible light source is natural light (or) artificial light.
The method ... wherein a CO2 source is atmospheric CO2 (or) an artificial source.
The method ... wherein the cyanobacteria is a Synechococcus species of cyanobacteria or a Synechocystis species (and) wherein the at least one expression cassette comprises a gene that encodes for pyruvate decarboxylase and a gene that encodes for aldehyde dehydrogenase (and) wherein the at least one expression cassette comprises a gene that encodes for pyruvate dehydrogenase and a gene that encodes for acetyl-CoA kinase.
(Don't worry about the jargon, like "aldehyde dehydrogenase" and "acetyl-CoA kinase". There are people educated in the appropriate disciplines who know exactly what they mean and how they apply, but who wouldn't have the slightest idea what "brattice cloth" is or what a "return entry" might be.)
Background and Summary: Present concerns regarding the long term availability of fossil fuels and the increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) have given rise to a societal need for new forms of energy.
An alternative is methane (CH4), which is an ultimate product of anaerobic degradation of biological wastes and is a natural gas which can be transported easily in pipelines.
Summary: The present invention provides methods and compositions for sustained methane production from atmospheric CO2 and solar energy from the sun. In general the methods involve culturing photosynthetic organism, such as cyanobacteria, in a first culture vessel and collecting and diverting the photosynthesis products, such as glucose or acetic acid, to a second culture vessel including methanogenic bacteria. The photosynthesis products are then used as nutrients by the methanogenic bacteria in the second culture vessel in the production of methane. The methane produced is subsequently collected and used as a clean energy source. The invention also features compositions, including genetically modified cyanobacteria and systems for use in the methods of the invention.
The present invention features a method for production of methane by culturing a photosynthetic organism in a first vessel in the presence of carbon dioxide (CO2) and sunlight and/or visible light, wherein the culturing provides for photosynthetic fixation of CO2 to photosynthetic products, collecting and diverting the photosynthesis product to a second vessel comprising methanogenic bacteria, and culturing said methanogenic bacteria to produce methane.
In some embodiments, the photosynthetic organism is a photosynthetic cyanobacteria. In some embodiments, the photosynthesis product is glucose or acetic acid. In further embodiments, the cyanobacteria are genetically modified in order to provide for transport of the photosynthetic products. In some embodiments, the visible light source is natural light. In other embodiments, the visible light source is artificial light.
In some embodiments, the CO2 source is atmospheric CO2. In other embodiments, the CO2 source is an artificial source.
(As we've learned, for example, via:
West Virginia Coal Association | Efficient September, 2012, CO2 Air Capture | Research & Development; concerning: "United States Patent 8,273,160 - Method and Apparatus for Extracting Carbon Dioxide from Air; 2012; Assignee: Kilimanjaro Energy, Inc.; A method and apparatus for extracting CO2 from air"; and:
West Virginia Coal Association | US Navy Recovers Environmental CO2 for Hydrocarbon Synthesis | Research & Development; concerning: "United States Patent 8,313,557 - Recovery of CO2 from Seawater/Aqueous Bicarbonate Systems; 2012; Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy; Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for recovering CO2 from seawater"; and:
West Virginia Coal Association | Recovering CO2 from Flue Gas for CO2 Recycling | Research & Development; concerning: "United States Patent 4,364,915 - Process for Recovery of Carbon Dioxide from Flue Gas; 1982; Assignee: Procon International, Inc. (Honeywell); Abstract: A process for the recovery of carbon dioxide from a flue gas stream";
we can pretty much pick and choose where we want to get the CO2. The technologies are in place to effect it's recovery from whatever source might be most convenient or economical for us.)
Another feature of the present invention provides for a system for production of methane, including a first vessel for culturing a photosynthetic organism in the presence of carbon dioxide (CO2) and visible light, and a second enclosed vessel for culturing methanogenic bacteria, wherein said first vessel is in fluid communication with said second vessel. In some embodiments, the visible light source is natural light. In other embodiments, the visible light source is artificial light. In some embodiments, the CO2 source is atmospheric CO2. In other embodiments, the CO2 source is an artificial source. In some embodiments, the system further includes a first conduit connecting the first vessel and the second vessel. In some embodiments, the system further includes a gas storage container in gaseous communication with the second vessel. In some embodiments, the system further includes a second conduit connecting the second vessel with the gas storage container.
(The Disclosure goes on at some length to describe the genetic modifications to be made in, most specifically, the cyanobacteria. It's highly technical with respect to cellular metabolism. Your old high school biology teacher might understand it, and be able say "Oh, yes. Of course". You likely won't. It has to do with making the cyanobacteria excrete the products of photosynthesis into the water around them.)
The present invention provides methods and compositions for sustained methane production from atmospheric CO2 and solar energy from the sun. In general the methods involve culturing photosynthetic organisms, such as genetically modified cyanobacteria, in a first culture vessel and collecting and diverting the photosynthesis products, including glucose or acetic acid, to a second culture vessel containing methanogenic bacteria. The photosynthesis products are then used as nutrients by the methanogenic bacteria in the second culture vessel in the production of methane. The methane produced is subsequently collected and used as a clean energy source or as a hydrocarbon for synthesis of other hydrocarbon products. The invention also features compositions, including genetically modified cyanobacteria and systems for use in the methods of the invention.
The present invention is directed to the use of solar energy to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) to methane (CH4) using biological organisms. In general, the present invention includes a two-step process for generating methane. The first step is converting CO2 present in the atmosphere to photosynthesis products including, for example, glucose, acetic acid, or acetate. The second step is converting the photosynthesis products generated in the first-step to methane. The methane generated by the two-step system is collected and stored for use as energy source, such as in heating, transportation, and other commercial applications."
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It's getting pretty clear, that, just as seen, for one example, in our report of:
West Virginia Coal Association | Chicago Bugs Convert CO2 into Methane | Research & Development; concerning: "United States Patent Application 20090130734 - The Production of Methane from CO2; 2009; (Presumed eventual Assignee of Rights: University of Chicago); Abstract: A method of converting CO2 gas produced during industrial processes comprising contacting methanogenic archaea with the CO2 gas under suitable conditions to produce methane";
the technology for using certain types of bacteria as "bio-catalysts", to reduce the amount of energy needed to drive the chemical processes, in the conversion of Carbon Dioxide into Methane, is not only becoming well-known among certain geneticists and microbiologists, but, variations in the art of actually doing it are proliferating and becoming almost widespread.
There is more to follow in coming reports on such Carbon Dioxide utilization art, but, we remind you, that, as seen, again for only one example, in our report of:
West Virginia Coal Association | Europe Improves CO2 + Methane = Hydrocarbon Syngas | Research & Development; concerning: "United States Patent 5,989,457 - Process for the Production of Synthesis Gas; 1999; Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengessellschaft & K.T.I. Group, Germany; Abstract: A catalyst for the production of synthesis gas (CO and H2) by reaction of CO2 and CH4 ... . The process ... wherein the gas contains CO2 and CH4 (Methane) (and) wherein the molar weight ratio of CO2 to CH4 is between about 0.5 and 4. Background and Field: The present invention relates to a catalyst for the production of synthesis gas in the form of CO and H2 from CO2 and CH4 ... . Synthesis gas (CO+H2) is used in a number of chemical processes (such as) for the synthesis of methanol, which in its turn can be further converted into other petrochemical products (and) for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis";
once we have the Methane, as made, perhaps via the process of our subject, "United States Patent 7,807,427 - Methods and Compositions for Production of Methane Gas", from Carbon Dioxide, we can react that CO2-derived Methane with even more Carbon Dioxide, recovered from whatever handy source, in a process that leads, ultimately, to the production of fuel alcohols, like "methanol", and even, via the now nearly-ancient "Fischer-Tropsch synthesis", liquid hydrocarbon fuels.
Once again: Carbon Dioxide - - as it arises in only a very small way relative to natural sources of emission, such as the Earth's inexorable processes of planetary volcanism, from our economically essential use of Coal in the generation of abundant and truly affordable electric power - - is a valuable raw material resource.