Scientists engineered E. coli bacteria to produce PDCA, a biodegradable material with physical properties matching or exceeding PET, at unprecedented levels | AI News Digest
A team of bioengineers from Kobe University has successfully engineered E. coli bacteria to produce PDCA, a biodegradable alternative to PET, at unprecedented levels. This innovative approach utilizes cellular metabolism to incorporate nitrogen, resulting in a compound with superior physical properties compared to traditional plastics. The research addresses the environmental challenges posed by petroleum-based plastics and opens new avenues for bioengineering. Despite encountering challenges with enzyme reactions, the team refined their methods to enhance production efficiency. This breakthrough lays the groundwork for practical applications in sustainable materials and expands the potential of microbial synthesis in bio-manufacturing.
