Synthesis of carbohydrates from CO2 trapped from fermentation process: A dialog between chemistry and microbiology

Context: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a key molecule for life on Earth, serving both as a carbon source and as an energy carrier through the process of photosynthesis. The significant increase in its atmospheric concentration, its intrinsic thermodynamic and kinetic stability, and the depletion of fossil resources make CO₂ transformation particularly important to study.

Previous findings in the team: We have developed reduction of CO₂ to the formaldehyde level, using boron reductant as key controlling and reducing agent.^[1],[2] Moreover, we used these compounds as intermediates for further transformations leading to the generation of complex products and notably carbohydrate featuring asymmetric carbon centers.^[3][4]

Objective: In collaboration with a microbiology team at INSA Toulouse, we wish to combine fundamental research focused on CO₂ transformations into carbohydrates with applied research aimed at developing more sustainable and circular fermentation processes. We indeed wish to apply our expertise not to CO₂ itself but to carbamate and carbonate derived from the capture of CO₂ produced in fermentation processes. We will seek to adapt boron- and silane-based reducing agents, as well as catalytic systems, to the specific features of these new substrates. Finally, we will target the unprecedented formation of formaldehyde from these transformations, with the goal of developing new pathways for complex CO₂ valorization into polyoxygenated C_n products.

Funding: this PhD project is part of a collaborative research program at the interface between chemistry and biochemistry. It is structured around two parallel PhD projects: one in chemistry (the position offered) and one in biochemistry, supervised by partner research teams. This organization will provide a stimulating interdisciplinary research environment. The recruited PhD candidate will benefit from regular interactions with the biochemists involved in the project, enabling him/her to broaden his/her skill set.

Application should be done following this link https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/Doctorant/UPR8241-SEBBON-005/Default.aspx.

[1] a) S. Bontemps, Coord. Chem. Rev. 2016, 308, Part 2, 117-130; b) S. Desmons, J. Bonin, M. Robert, S. Bontemps, Chem. Sci. 2024, 15, 15023-15086.

[2] a) S. Bontemps, L. Vendier, S. Sabo-Etienne, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 4419-4425; b) G. Jin, C. G. Werncke, Y. Escudié, S. Sabo-Etienne, S. Bontemps, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137 9563–9566.

[3] (a) D. Zhang, C. Jarava-Barrera, S. Bontemps, ACS Catal. 2021, 11, 4568-4575; b) S. Desmons, K. Grayson-Steel, N. Nuñez-Dallos, L. Vendier, J. Hurtado, P. Clapés, R. Fauré, C. Dumon, S. Bontemps, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2021, 143, 16274–16283; c) A. Singh, D. Martins-Bessa, J. Bonin, M. Robert, S. Bontemps, Chem. Sci. 2025, 16, 22996–23004.

[4] Comment transformer du CO2 et CO en sucres, “Le monde” 2025, link

Le laboratoire de chimie de coordination (LCC) est une unité propre du CNRS et un centre de référence en chimie moléculaire et de coordination.

Il regroupe environ 250 personnes autour de trois grands axes scientifiques : catalyse, matériaux et vivant.

Ses recherches portent sur la conception de complexes métalliques innovants appliqués à la catalyse homogène, l’activation de petites molécules (CO₂, H₂, N₂…), la chimie bio-inspirée, les matériaux moléculaires et les nanostructures inorganiques. Le LCC explore également les interfaces avec la biologie pour le développement de molécules thérapeutiques.

Il s’appuie sur des plateformes techniques et scientifiques pour des études de pointe en chimie moléculaire et des matériaux (diffraction des RX, spectroscopies, microscopies) et constitue un lieu de formation reconnu.

Acteur de la chimie verte, des nouvelles technologies et de la santé, engagé dans la valorisation, les partenariats industriels et la médiation scientifique, le LCC est solidement ancré dans la société et les enjeux de demain. Son rayonnement à la fois national et international est attesté par une production scientifique riche et de grande qualité et des distinctions de nombre de ses membres.

We are seeking for a motivated PhD candidate to carry out this ambitious project. The candidate will be trained to work at the frontier between main group elements, organometallic, coordination and organic chemistry within an international team in collaboration with microbiologist.