Methylobacillus

A genus of Gram-negative bacteria specialized to live on single-carbon compounds, growing on methanol as their sole source of carbon and energy. These obligate methylotrophs possess distinctive metabolic pathways that let them assimilate methanol efficiently, a talent that has attracted industrial interest. Researchers have explored them as producers of single-cell protein and biomass from inexpensive methanol feedstocks, and as sources of exopolysaccharides, the slimy sugar polymers with potential as thickeners, stabilizers, and biofilm materials. Their enzymes for handling one-carbon chemistry are also studied for biocatalysis and for converting industrial off-gases into useful products. While not a food ingredient itself, the genus illustrates how unusual microbial metabolisms can be harnessed for sustainable production of materials relevant to food technology and biotechnology.