Elucidating the key environmental parameters during the production of ectoines from biogas by mixed methanotrophic consortia. Essay of parameters for ectoines production from biogas by methanotrophic consortia

Our manuscript is focused on the influence of NaCl and Tungsten concentrations and incubation Temperatures on the accumulation of ectoines. Such molecules are produced by microorganisms as osmo-protectors in salty environments and are considered of great industrial interest specially in the cosmetics and pharma sectors. It is worth mentioning that ectoine currently has a market value of ~1000€/Kg. Our approach consists of using the methane contained in biogas as feedstock for halotolerant methanotrophic mixed cultures instead of using the costly substrate glucose. This manuscript not only provides solid evidence on key environmental factors that influence the production of ectoines but it also expands our knowledge for the scaling-up of a promising biotechnology for the production of added-value molecules from biogas as feedstock within the context of a circular economy.