Exploring the Co-Occurrence of Methane Oxidation and Bioplastic Genes in Microorganisms

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, significantly contributes to climate change. This study investigates the potential of utilizing microbial pathways for converting methane into bioplastics, focusing on the co-occurrence of methane monooxygenase alpha subunit (mmoA) and PHA synthase subunit C (phaC) genes in diverse microbial strains. We identified and analyzed 43 mmoA and 20 phaC protein sequences across various phyla, constructing phylogenetic trees and pairwise identity heatmaps to illustrate gene similarities and evolutionary relationships. The results highlight a broad diversity of microbial candidates for methanotrophic bioplastic production, spanning deep-branching groups like Euryarchaeota and more evolved taxa such as Proteobacteria. Notably, some strains, like Haloglomus in Euryarchaeota, show promise for bioplastic production under specific environmental conditions, such as high-salt environments. The findings suggest that expanding the range of microbial platforms beyond traditionally studied genera like Methylosinus could enhance bioplastic yield and functionality, offering more sustainable and versatile production methods. This study provides a foundation for developing innovative biotechnological solutions to mitigate methane emissions and produce biodegradable plastics, contributing to environmental sustainability and a circular economy.