Biogas is a widely available but often underused resource. Can we do more with it than just burn it for energy? A recent study, led by Dr. Patricia Ruiz Ruiz, PhD student Patricia Mohedano Caballero, and Prof. Jo De Vrieze, explores how methalgae—a special mix of methane-eating bacteria and algae—can turn biogas into valuable biochemicals. Their innovative approach transforms both methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) from biogas into ectoine, a high-value compound used in biotechnology, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Currently, ectoine is produced through sugar-based fermentation, a process that relies on expensive raw materials. This new method utilizes biogas to fuel marine methalgae, enabling simultaneous methane consumption, CO₂ capture, and efficient ectoine production. The study also reveals how salinity and osmotic stress influence ectoine production in methalgae cultures, providing insights on how to boost yields while maintaining efficient carbon capture. These findings bring methalgae research one step closer to industrial applications, shaping the way for large-scale, sustainable production of bio-based chemicals.

“Biogas must be upgraded before it can be used for power or heat, which means removing CO₂ and other trace gases. On top of that, electricity has a relatively low market value, making biogas conversion less appealing. As a result, a lot of biogas is simply burned off or, even worse, released into the atmosphere, adding to greenhouse gas emissions,” explains Dr. Patricia Ruiz Ruiz. “Our approach not only can be used to capture these emissions, but also turn them into valuable biochemicals, offering a new solution for a circular bioeconomy.”

Biogas isn’t just a source of energy—it’s a chance to turn waste into valuable resources offering new possibilities for a greener future!

📖 Read the full study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124223