BIOLOGICAL CO2 FIXATION AND UTILIZATION PROJECT

The projects of the Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE) are to develope effective and clean methods for biological fixation of carbon dioxide based on the effective integration of photosynthesis functions of microorganisms. Also, we have developed technology to convert photosynthetic products to oils, and to extract proteins, fats and carbohydrates from microorganisms. The main result in three themes of the project are respectively summarized as follows. Thirteen new microorganisms, which show high ability of CO2 fixation have been discovered. We have designed new reactor systems which are capable of fixing CO2 ten times more effectively than the natural forest. Forty two percent of visible light collection has been achieved by utilizing the mirror system. An effective artificial- bio total system for the fixation of carbon dioxide will be completed in near future.