Metabolic engineering of methanotrophs and its application to production of chemicals and biofuels from methane

Methane‐assimilating bacteria, methanotrophs, can play an important role in producing various value‐added chemicals and biofuels from methane, which is considered a next‐generation carbon feedstock. The capability to engineer the metabolic pathway of methanotrophs is a key success factor for enhancing methane‐to‐product conversion efficiency. Recently, OMICS studies on several model methanotrophs have been conducted and provided strategies to engineer methanotrophs. Here, we present a review on the current progresses and future prospects of metabolic engineering of methanotrophs and its application to chemical and biofuel production from methane.