Metabolic engineering of methanotrophs and its application to production of chemicals and biofuels from methane

Methane-assimilating bacteria, methanotrophs, can play an important role in producing various value-added chemicals and biofuels from methane, which is considered a next-generation carbon feedstock. The capability to engineer the metabolic pathway of methanotrophs is a key success factor for enhancing methane-to-product conversion efficiency. Recently, OMICS studies on several model methanotrophs have been conducted and provided strategies to engineer methanotrophs. Here, we present a review on the current progresses and future prospects of metabolic engineering of methanotrophs and its application to chemical and biofuel production from methane. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd