Conversion of biogas from anaerobic digestion to single cell protein and bio-methanol: mechanism, microorganisms and key factors - A review

Abstract

Biogas is a mixture of mainly CH4 and CO2, which can be generated from anaerobic digestion of organic materials. The use of biogas is mostly limited to thermal energy and electricity generation. However, the abundance of cheap shale gas and solar energy could drive out biogas for such applications in the near future. Hence, alternative applications of biogas have recently received great attention among researchers across the globe. This review, for the first time, discusses the feasibility of the bioconversion of biogas to value-added products, including single cell protein as animal feed supplement, and methanol that is an important building block in the chemical industries. Mechanisms of the process, microorgnisms involved and key parameters affecting their efficiency are discussed in detail. Some future research needs are suggested in order to deepen our understanding of these biochemical processes.