Next-Generation Human Resource Development for Harnessing the Forces of Culture and Nature for Peace and Sustainability@Seifu-so, Kyoto University, 19th March 2024

Microbial biotechnology
towards sustainable agriculture
and carbon neutrality

Kosuke Shiraishi
Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University

About me

Affiliation:
Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto
University

Position:
Assistant Professor
Expertise:microbiology, cell biology, microbe-plantinteraction
Previous work:
JICA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UN-FAO,
etc2

The State of Food Security and Nutrition“Between 691 and 783 million
people faced hunger in 2022, witha mid-range of 735 million.
This represents an increase of
122 million people compared to2019, before the COVID-19pandemic.” (FAO, 2023)

Food systems transformation

Greener, more sustainable and resilient…

Microbial biotechnology is key
Biotechnology is …
“any technological application that uses biological systems,
living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify
products or processes for specific use” (FAO, 2001).

Microbial biotechnology is …
“application of biotechnological principles andtechniques to the study and use of
microorganisms and their products.”
Created with BiorenderOur research targets: C1 microbes• C1 microbes are a diverse group of microbes that can use one-carbon
compounds, such as methane (CH4) and methanol (CH3OH).
CH4-using bacterium

CH3OH-using yeast

Methylovulum miyakonense

Candida boidinii

Iguchi et al. (2011)

Sakai et al. (1988)• They are useful platform for producing useful proteins and have beenstudied for more than 50 years.

• They have a great potential in contributing to solving the protein crisis
that is thought to occur in 2050.
6

Contribution of C1 microbes to carbon cycle
Methane cycle

CH4
Methanotrophs

CH3OH
Methylotrophs

HCHO

HCOOH
Methanogens

CO2

Involvement of C1 microbes and plants
Methane cycle• In nature, C1 microbes
play a crucial role in theBiomass
global carbon circulation.
• Methane is generated
from CO2 bymethanogens.
• Methanotrophs andmethanol-utilizing
methylotrophs oxidize
methane and other C1compounds to CO2.

Carbon cycle mediated by C1 microbes and plants
Methane cycle

Biomass-CO2 cycle• Recently, microbes on theplant leaf surface wereBiomassfound to utilize methaneand methanol producedby plants.

CH4Methanotrophs

CH3OH
Methylotrophs

C1 microbes+Plants

Methanogens

HCHO

C1-cabonfixation

HCOOHup

CO2 fixation

PlantsCO2

Involvement of C1 microbes and plants
Methane cycle

Biomass-CO2 cycle• Positive interactions
between microbes andplants enhance
CO2 fixation andincrease plant biomass(yield increase).
Lightenergy

Growth promotion on sake rice by C1 microbes

Unit yield (g/m2)

680

16% up!

640
600

1. Untreated560

2. Treated

520
480
12

3

4

Untreated
TreatedUntreatedTreatedYurimoto et al. Microb Biotechnol 2021

Yield increase + greenization

9

Huge potential of studying C1 microbes on plant leaf

Number of microbes = 106-7 cells/cm2
X
Total area of the phyllosphere = 109 km2(Double as that of the earth)1026 cells !!
Lindow et al. Appl Environ Microbiol 2003

Microbial biotechnology contributes to preservationof agroecosystems• Agroecosystems are the ecosystems supporting the food production
systems in farms and gardens.
• The FAO recognizes agroecosystems inhabited by communities that live in an
intricate relationship with their territory, as Globally Important AgriculturalHeritage Systems (GIAHS).
• These sites are resilient systems characterized by remarkableagrobiodiversity, traditional knowledge, invaluable cultures andlandscapes, and sustainably managed by farmers.

© FAO• Safety and regulation• Cost and affordability• Long-term impact on ecosystems• Ethical consideration• Cultural conservation• Public perception and acceptanceGlobal efforts are underway to overcome challenges• regulatory frameworks, research and development,
education and training, collaboration and partnership,monitoring and evaluation, infrastructure and accessibility,
etc…

Global efforts are underway to overcome challenges• regulatory frameworks, research and development,
education and training, collaboration and partnership,monitoring and evaluation, infrastructure and accessibility,
etc…

“Multidisciplinary approach” is key. But it can betaken only when you have a deep
knowledge/expertise of your subject, which
eventually allows you to unite several specialists.
“International collaboration” is key. Be ready for
exposing yourself to the outside world, which may
need to convince your hierarchy.

Thank you for your attention.