Yeast plus electricity turns CO2 into itaconic acid

Researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) and BOKU University in Vienna combined electrochemical and microbial processes to capture CO2 and produce itaconic acid, a bio-based chemical used in biodegradable plastics. Swapping microorganisms could yield a wider range of valuable chemicals.

• CO2 is converted into itaconic acid via electrochemistry and microbes
• The work was done by UFZ with BOKU University in Vienna
• Different microorganisms could produce other valuable chemicals