A group of Chinese scientists has made a breakthrough in the field of carbon capture and utilization. Researchers at Qingdao Agricultural University in Shandong province have developed a novel technology that promises to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, watermelons, and peppers, South China Morning Post reports.
Lycopene, known for its vibrant pink and red hues, is widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food industries due to its potential health benefits. It is believed to promote bone health and offer protection against heart disease, certain cancers, and high blood sugar. However, current methods for obtaining lycopene have significant drawbacks.
Extracting lycopene from natural sources is a time-consuming and resource-intensive process, often resulting in impure products. Chemical synthesis, on the other hand, is a labor-intensive and demanding process.
The innovative technology developed by the Qingdao Agricultural University team leverages synthetic biology to overcome these limitations. The scientists have engineered microorganisms that can efficiently capture CO2 and convert it into lycopene. This process promises to be more efficient and environmentally friendly compared to existing methods.
This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the production of lycopene while simultaneously contributing to efforts to combat climate change. If successful, this technology could provide a sustainable and cost-effective source of lycopene for a variety of industries. The team is currently working to further refine and scale up their technology for commercial applications.
