In 2022, scientists discovered UTEX 3222, nicknamed “Chonkus,” a cyanobacterium with remarkable carbon dioxide-cleaning capabilities. Chonkus thrives in shallow, sunny waters enriched with carbon dioxide plumes and is found in volcanic ocean vents near Vulcano, an island off the coast of Sicily. Scientists from the Two Frontiers Project and the University of Palermo made this discovery after gathering samples during their expedition. According to research published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Bacterium Chonkus stands out among cyanobacteria due to its dense growth and highly efficient carbon dioxide absorption.

Cyanobacteria, such as Bacterium Chonkus, are aquatic microorganisms that photosynthesize by absorbing carbon dioxide and light. They have specialized compartments called carboxysomes that enhance CO2 absorption, making them ideal candidates for revolutionary carbon capture technologies.

Green Biotechnology and the Role of Bacterium Chonkus

Bacterium Chonkus showed a special capacity in the lab to create thick, peanut butter-like colonies, which has the potential to transform green biotechnologies. Chonkus settles spontaneously, negating the need for further processing, in contrast to normal cyanobacteria that need to be separated from water. Biotechnology firms such as CyanoCapture, which cultivates cyanobacteria in photobioreactors to filter CO2, have expressed interest in this trait.

Chonkus poses difficulties for industrial applications despite its potential. Researchers must decode its DNA and modify its characteristics for improved growth and carbon storage in order to maximise its performance. To solve this, CyanoCapture is working with Cultivarium, a nonprofit biotech start-up. CEO Henry Lee underlined that Chonkus is not an exception to the rule that natural microorganisms frequently need to be genetically modified to satisfy industrial demands.

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Exploring Untapped Biodiversity

Chonkus’ finding demonstrates the enormous unrealised potential of microbial biodiversity. There is still a great deal to learn about microorganisms, as less than 0.01% of them have been examined. Under the direction of microbiologist Braden Tierney, the Two Frontiers Project is still investigating harsh settings around the globe, including coral reefs, hot springs, and volcanic chimneys.

These expeditions aim to uncover organisms capable of addressing global challenges, such as bacteria that restore coral reefs or combat climate change. According to CyanoCapture CEO David Kim, Bacterium Chonkus is a significant step toward leveraging microbial biodiversity to tackle pressing environmental issues. Researchers are optimistic that further exploration and innovation will reveal even more solutions for the planet’s urgent needs.

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