Biosynthesis of Polyester Amides in Engineered Escherichia Coli
1 min read
Summary
Scientists have genetically modified Escherichia coli bacteria to produce bioplastics, according to recent research published in Nature Chemical Biology.
The microorganisms were altered to create mainly pure polyesters amides (PEAs) through one of their survival pathways, which normally stores energy.
Although E. coli is commonly used to synthesise insulin, this is the first time plastics have been created on an industrial scale using genetically altered bacteria.
However, the research is still at an experimental stage and bioplastics from E. coli are not yet ready for commercial production.
The ultimate goal is to produce bio-based plastics that can be recycled many times and are biodegradable.
