Acetogens - From The Origin Of Life To Biotechnological Applications

Acetogenic microorganisms may have colonized the Earth billions of years ago. They are obligate anaerobes that thrive on the formation of acetic acid from carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2). For the reduction of CO2, they use the acetyl-coenzyme A or Wood-Ljungdahl pathway (WLP), the arguably oldest pathway for CO2 fixation. In the environment, they are widespread since they fulfill important functions in the anaerobic food chain.

Recently, acetogens are gaining a lot of attention since they are considered prime whole cell catalysts for the conversion of synthesis gas (mostly H2, CO2, CO) to biofuels and chemicals. Fueled by this novel interest from the applied side, acetogens are currently a “hot topic” in microbiological research. Accordingly, we are aiming for a most vibrant and diverse issue on acetogenic microorganisms in Frontiers in Microbiology, reflecting all areas of research on acetogens. We invite authors to contribute manuscripts that e.g. target topics such as:

- Acetogens as model organisms to study the evolution of Life on Earth
- Energy conservation close to the thermodynamic limit of life
- The ecological role of acetogens in different natural or man-made environments
- Novel metabolic traits and metabolic diversity of acetogens
- Structure and function of enzymes essential to acetogens
- Regulation of gene expression towards understanding adaptation to different conditions
- Genetic engineering towards bio-product formation
- Biotechnology of synthesis gas fermentation and electrosynthesis
- Syntrophic acetate oxidation via reversal of the WLP

The Research Topic welcomes Original Research articles, Reviews, Technology Reports, Methods, Opinions, aiming to address the recent advances and challenges in the field of acetogen research.

Keywords: Acetogens, Origin of Life, Physiology, Ecology, Synthesis Gas Fermentation

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.