Purple bacteria turn CO₂ and other industrial waste products into valuable supplement ingredients

Originally written by Krystal Kasal and published in Phys.org on November 10, 2026

edited by Gaby Clark, reviewed by Robert Egan


Visual Abstract. Credit: Environmental Science & Technology (2026). DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6c07111

Scientists are always on the lookout for more efficient ways to make useful products and ingredients. Now, researchers from the University of Valladolid in Spain have successfully used a type of purple bacteria to make CoQ10 and carotenoid pigments from CO₂ and other ingredients found in industrial waste streams. The new study is published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

Making use of waste products

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, supports cellular energy production and is a popular dietary supplement. The commercial production of CoQ10 typically uses organic feedstocks, such as sugars, using up agricultural resources and water. Some methods of commercial carotenoid production also have a high land, water and fertilizer footprint. However, past research has demonstrated the ability of purple phototrophic bacteria to make CoQ10 and carotenoid pigments.

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