Complete degradation of carbohydrate to carbon dioxide and methane by syntrophic cultures of Acetobacterium woodii and Methanosarcina barkeri

Abstract

Methanosarcina barkeri (strain MS) grew and converted acetate to CO2 and methane after an adaption period of 20 days. Growth and metabolism were rapid with gas production being comparable to that of cells grown on H2 and CO2. After an intermediary growth cycle under a H2 and CO2 atmosphere acetate-adapted cells were capable of growth on acetate with formation of methane and CO2. When acetate-adapted Methanosarcina barkeri was co-cultured with Acetobacterium woodii on fructose or glucose as substrate, a complete conversion of the carbohydrate to gases (CO2 and CH4) was observed.