Preprint Widespread methane formation by Cyanobacteria in aquatic and...
The discovery of the ability of some cyanobacteria (CB) to form methane may have great impact, first of all, on the terrestrial phototrophic biotachnologies. It is fantastic that CB are able to convert CO2 directly into such eco-friendly fuel as methane! Of course, it is not so simple now to separate O2 and CH4 produced by CB in same photoreactor but can be defenitely resolved sooner or later. Additionally, this finding sounds promising for the development of extraterrestrial biological in situ resources utilization (BioISRU). About 12 years ago I proposed a closed BioISRU loop to support Space Exploration Please see the attchment). It was well known then that CH4 might be convenient fuel for this goal. Therefore, I propose to convert CB biomass into methane with the help of anaerobic methanogens. However, the discovery of Bizic-Ionescu et al may simplify proposed cycle and make it more affordable for Space Exploration. Moreover, I would recommend to the authors to work on a proposal for ESA. Congratulations! Igor Brown, PhD
Kenneth M Towe
Dear Dr. Towe, Thank you for your remarks. Let me please to address them. I did mean the use of methane as the fuel for cars and buses when I said "eco-friendly". As you could have seen many city buses are carrying the info like this : "we use methane instead of diesel". As you know the latter is very toxic.
Indeed, the finding of the ability of CB to produce methane can pose an interesting question to Astrobiological community: "Is the ability of cyanobacteria to generate CH4 a relic process in CB metabolism or they acquired methanogenesis from ancient methanogenic microbes by lateral gene transfer to protect them self of harsh UV?" I guess second option sounds more realistic.
Sincerely,
Igor Brown