E. coli engineered to produce biodegradable plastic alternative
Scientists engineered E. coli to produce PDCA, a biodegradable material matching PET properties, at record levels.
Why it matters
- PDCA is biodegradable and matches/exceeds PET properties, offering a sustainable alternative.
- Engineered E. coli produces PDCA from glucose at record levels without byproducts.
By the numbers
- Production levels more than seven-fold higher than previously reported.
The big picture
- Demonstrates clean synthesis of nitrogen-containing compounds via metabolic reactions.
- Paves the way for practical, scalable production of biodegradable plastics.
What they're saying
- Commenters raise questions about processing steps and scalability for industrial use.
Caveats
- Additives to prevent enzyme deactivation may complicate large-scale production.
What’s next
- Researchers plan to improve production and address scalability for industrial use.