Open AccessBiotechnological hydrogen production by photosynthesis
Author(s) -
Weber Jost,
Krujatz Felix,
Hilpmann Gerd,
Grützner Sara,
Herrmann Jana,
Thierfelder Simone,
Bienert Georg,
Illing Rico,
Helbig Karsten,
Hurtado Antonio,
Cuniberti Gianaurelio,
Mertig Michael,
Lange Rüdiger,
Günther Edeltraud,
Opitz Jörg,
Lippmann Wolfgang,
Bley Thomas,
Haufe Nora
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
engineering in life sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.547
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1618-2863
pISSN - 1618-0240
DOI - 10.1002/elsc.201400056
Subject(s) - hydrogen production , hydrogenase , biochemical engineering , hydrogen , photobioreactor , photosynthesis , production (economics) , nitrogenase , environmental science , bioreactor , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , engineering , biology , biochemistry , nitrogen fixation , biofuel , organic chemistry , macroeconomics , economics , nitrogen
Microbiological photosynthesis is a promising tool for producing hydrogen in an ecologically friendly and economically efficient way. Certain microorganisms (e.g. algae and bacteria) can produce hydrogen using hydrogenase and/or nitrogenase enzymes. However, their natural capacity to produce hydrogen is relatively low. Thus, there is a need to optimize their core photosynthetic processes as well as their cultivation, for more efficient hydrogen production. This review aims to provide a holistic overview of the recent technological and research developments relating to photobiological hydrogen production and downstream processing. First we cover photobiological hydrogen synthesis within cells and the enzymes that catalyze the hydrogen production. This is followed by strategies for enhancing bacterial hydrogen production by genetic engineering, technological development, and innovation in bioreactor design. The remaining sections focus on hydrogen as a product, that is, quantification via (in‐process) gas analysis, recent developments in gas separation technology. Finally, a discussion of the sociological (market) barriers to future hydrogen usage is provided as well as an overview of methods for life cycle assessment that can be used to calculate the environmental consequences of hydrogen production.