The potential of CO-based production cycles in biotechnology to fight the climate crisis.

Rising CO emissions have pushed scientists to develop new technologies for a more sustainable bio-based economy. Microbial conversion of CO and CO-derived carbon substrates into valuable compounds can contribute to carbon neutrality and sustainability. Here, we discuss the potential of C1 carbon sources as raw materials to produce energy, materials, and food and feed using microbial cell factories. We provide an overview of potential microbes, natural and synthetic C1 utilization pathways, and compare their metabolic driving forces. Finally, we sketch a future in which C1 substrates replace traditional feedstocks and we evaluate the costs associated with such an endeavor.