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Scientists at North Carolina State University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the fight against microplastic pollution. They successfully genetically engineered a marine microorganism to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics in saltwater conditions.

PET plastics, commonly used in everyday products, are a major contributor to the growing problem of microplastic pollution in our oceans. These plastics, like others, resist natural degradation and accumulate in the environment. Current recycling strategies for PET often lead to downcycled products that ultimately end up in landfills, further contributing to the formation of microplastics.

The researchers focused on two specific bacteria species: Vibrio natriegens, which thrives in saltwater, and Ideonella sakaiensis, which produces enzymes that break down PET. Through genetic engineering, they extracted the DNA from Ideonella sakaiensis and inserted it into a plasmid, which can replicate independently within a cell. This plasmid carrying the genetic material was then introduced into the V. natriegens bacteria.

The results were astonishing. The genetically modified V. natriegens began producing the enzymes needed to break down PET on the surfaces of their cells. The researchers demonstrated that these bacteria effectively broke down PET in saltwater conditions at room temperature.

According to study co-author Nathan Crook, this is the first time V. natriegens has successfully expressed foreign enzymes on the surface of its cells. Moreover, it is the first genetically engineered organism known to break down PET microplastics in saltwater.

While there are still other challenges to overcome, such as microplastic detection, recovery, and remediation, the successful breakdown of PET plastics in saltwater is a significant step forward. The researchers believe that the engineered V. natriegens could be a promising solution for marine plastic recovery efforts.

This groundbreaking research holds implications for the health of our oceans and ecosystems, as well as potential benefits for human health. The study, funded by the National Science Foundation, was published in the AIChE Journal.

Source: NC State researchers genetically engineer marine microorganism to break down plastics in saltwater – Earth.com

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