Genetically Modified Enzyme Captures CO2 From Flue Gases
July 27, 2010
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This might sound like a terrible solution: If we can't cut back on fossil fuel use, let's just develop 'something' that removes CO2 from flue gases. But let's face it, coal-fired power plants will be here for at least another 25 years, so ways to reduce their carbon footprint are more than welcome. Researchers at Codexis might have found the solution in genetically engineered enzymes that can capture carbon in a cost effective way.
The enzyme, called carbonic anhydrase, increases the efficiency of carbon capture by a factor of 100 in comparison to current methods. Work still needs to be done, the research team managed to modify the enzyme so that it can survive at temperatures above 85 degrees Celsius for half an hour. For successful CO2 capturing the enzymes should be able to work at a temperature of about 130 degrees Celsius.
Read more at Technology Review
The enzyme, called carbonic anhydrase, increases the efficiency of carbon capture by a factor of 100 in comparison to current methods. Work still needs to be done, the research team managed to modify the enzyme so that it can survive at temperatures above 85 degrees Celsius for half an hour. For successful CO2 capturing the enzymes should be able to work at a temperature of about 130 degrees Celsius.
Read more at Technology Review
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