Bioconversion of methane to chemicals and fuels by methane-oxidizing bacteria

Abstract Methane is one of the simplest hydrocarbons and also a greenhouse gas generated from various natural and anthropogenic sources. Development of approaches to convert methane to high value-added products has increasingly become an important research direction for the utilization of methane resources. In this chapter, a detailed introduction of existing technology utilizing methane-oxidizing bacteria for biological methane valorization is presented. The high value-added products that can be generated through biological methane conversation include biofuel, bioplastic, methanol, ectoine, protein and polysaccharides, which can be extensively used as renewable substitutes for a wide range of alternative resources from petroleum, plants and animals. At the end of the chapter, future work identifying the research needs in sustainable economy and environment development from methane bioconversion is also proposed. The intent of the authors of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts used in biological methane valorization by using methane-oxidizing bacteria and to provide ideas for further research efforts.