Chemolithoheterotrophy: Means to Higher Growth Yields from this Widespread Metabolic Trait

Abstract

Chemolithoheterotrophy is a mixed metabolic mode in which heterotrophic growth is augmented by energy conserved from the oxidation of an inorganic electron donor such as thiosulfate or sulfide (or from sulfide moieties in methylated sulfur species). This results in an increased specific molar growth yield and a more efficient uptake of carbon from the carbon source, which can lead to more efficient biomass or product formation or more efficient degradation of pollutants etc. In this chapter we discuss the potential for harnessing this metabolic trait in biotechnology with critical evaluation of studies thus far.