Strategies and Challenges in Biological Methane-to-liquid Fuel Conversion

Methanotrophic microorganisms utilize a number of distinct enzyme systems for methane activation, including soluble and particulate methane monooxygenase (MMO) and methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR). Each of these metalloenzymes employ different inorganic cofactors (containing iron, copper, or nickel, respectively) for single-site C-H bond activation. The use of these enzyme systems in the bioconversion of methane presents unique opportunities and challenges. Recent progress in developing these systems in methane-to-liquid fuel conversion strategies will be presented, with an emphasis on MCR from methanogenic and methanotrophic archaea.