Methanol Production using Free and Immobilized Cells of a Newly Isolated Methylosinus trichosporium M19-4

Methane to methanol conversion through unique microorganisms, methanotrophs, has paid researchers’ attention due to various direct and indirect applications. This study explored a novel methanol production method using a putative Methylosinus sp. strain isolated from a wetland. Effects of methanol dehydrogenase inhibitor and several parameters, including cell immobilization, on methanol production were assessed. Under the optimal reaction conditions with an atmospheric combination of methane and pure oxygen (4 : 6 v/v), a maximum of 13.3 ± 0.84 mM methanol accumulation was achieved. Cells were immobilized using matrix-bed development at the bottom of serum bottles and used for methanol production. In addition, the stability of agar immobilized cells was evaluated for reusability. As a result, a cumulative 43 mM concentration of methanol was achieved through seven cycles of repeated batch reactions.