Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the development of an "artificial ocean carbon cycling system" that integrates electrocatalysis and biocatalysis to capture CO₂ from seawater and convert it into valuable chemical products, addressing both climate change and the need for sustainable materials [2][4][5]. Group 1: Research and Development - The research team from Shenzhen Advanced Institute of Technology and University of Electronic Science and Technology has developed a system that captures CO₂ from seawater and converts it into intermediates for biomanufacturing [2][4]. - The system aims to provide a new pathway for utilizing ocean carbon sinks, contributing to the national "dual carbon" goals and the development of a green low-carbon materials industry [4][5]. Group 2: Technical Innovations - The "artificial ocean carbon cycling system" creates a complete chain from "seawater CO₂ capture" to "material and molecular output," utilizing a collaborative approach of electrocatalysis and synthetic biology [5]. - A new electrolysis device was designed to operate continuously in natural seawater for over 500 hours, achieving a CO₂ capture efficiency of over 70% at a cost of approximately $229.9 per ton [8]. Group 3: Biochemical Processes - The research includes the development of a "supercell" that efficiently utilizes formic acid, derived from captured CO₂, to produce biodegradable plastic monomers [10]. - The engineered bacteria can convert formic acid into succinic acid and lactic acid, which are core monomers for biodegradable plastics [10]. Group 4: Industrial Applications - The research team has successfully synthesized fully biodegradable PBS and PLA from the produced monomers, demonstrating the potential for industrial applications [11]. - Future plans include establishing integrated "green factories" along coastal areas to continuously capture CO₂ and convert it into green plastic materials, contributing to a sustainable production model [11].

Core Insights - The article discusses the development of an "artificial ocean carbon cycling system" that integrates electrocatalysis and biocatalysis to capture and convert CO2 from seawater into valuable chemical products, addressing both ocean acidification and carbon reduction goals [3][4][6]. Group 1: Research Overview - The research was conducted by a collaboration between the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, resulting in a system that captures CO2 from seawater and converts it into intermediates for biomanufacturing [3][4]. - The system demonstrates a complete chain from CO2 capture to the production of materials and molecules, showcasing a scalable platform for interdisciplinary integration [4]. Group 2: Key Technological Innovations - The electrocatalysis team developed a novel electrolytic device that operates continuously for over 500 hours in natural seawater, achieving a CO2 capture efficiency of over 70% and producing hydrogen as a byproduct [6]. - The cost of capturing one ton of CO2 is approximately $229.9, indicating a promising economic outlook for practical applications [6]. Group 3: Biocatalysis Development - The biocatalysis team created a "supercell" capable of efficiently utilizing formic acid, derived from captured CO2, to produce biodegradable plastic monomers [7][8]. - The engineered bacteria can convert formic acid into succinic acid and lactic acid, which are core monomers for biodegradable plastics [8]. Group 4: Industrial Applications and Future Plans - The research has led to the synthesis of fully biodegradable PBS and PLA, demonstrating the potential for industrial applications in converting seawater into green materials [9]. - Future plans include establishing integrated "green factories" along coastal areas to continuously capture CO2 and convert it into green plastic raw materials, contributing to sustainable production models and supporting the "blue economy" [9].