Researchers from the University of California , Berkeley , have used inorganic semiconductors to help non - photosynthetic bacteria synthesise energy from carbon dioxide . Photosynthesis in plants provides energy for most of life on earth , but key component chlorophyll is relatively inefficient . Researchers have now used naturally - occurring bacterium Moorella ##e to work with the semiconductors to more efficiently produce acetic acid . Acetic acid is a versatile chemical that can be readily upgraded to a number of fuels, polymers, pharmaceuticals and commodity chemicals through complementary, genetically engineered bacteria. The acetic acid can then be upgraded for use in food , pharmaceuticals and some fuels , through genetically - engineered bacteria .
Researchers from the University of California , Berkeley , have used inorganic semiconductors to help non - photosynthetic bacteria synthesise energy from carbon dioxide . Photosynthesis in plants provides energy for most of life on earth , but key component chlorophyll is relatively inefficient . Researchers have now used naturally - occurring bacterium Moorella ##e to work with the semiconductors to more efficiently produce acetic acid . The acetic acid can then be upgraded for use in food , pharmaceuticals and some fuels , through genetically - engineered bacteria .