中科院“二氧化碳制糖”新成果全网热议！不依赖光合作用，“迈向深空前置技术”

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a groundbreaking technology developed by the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, which enables the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into sugar through a synthetic pathway, bypassing traditional agricultural methods [1][5][24]. Summary by Sections Technology Overview - The new method allows for the conversion of CO₂ to methanol and then to sucrose, effectively circumventing the need for photosynthesis in plants [1][5]. - The energy consumption for this process is significantly lower, requiring only 2 ATP per sucrose compared to 37 ATP in natural pathways [6]. Conversion Efficiency - The conversion efficiency of the new method reaches 86%, with a yield of 5.7 g/L for sucrose [7]. - The research also enables the synthesis of starch and oligosaccharides from low-carbon molecules [10]. Process Steps - The conversion process consists of two main steps: 1. Converting CO₂ to C1 raw materials using existing technologies [13][14]. 2. Transforming C1 molecules into sucrose through an engineered biotransformation system, enhancing the catalytic efficiency of key enzymes by 3 to 71 times [15][18]. Implications - This technology could address significant global challenges such as climate change and food security by reducing the need for arable land and freshwater [31]. - The potential to synthesize essential carbohydrates directly from CO₂ could revolutionize food production and agricultural practices [26][28]. Future Prospects - If successful, this method could eliminate the need for traditional crop cultivation, allowing for the production of staple foods in a controlled environment [24][26]. - The research team aims to simulate the complex systems evolved by plants over millions of years, providing a sustainable alternative to current agricultural practices [29].