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Engineered Algae for Plastic Degradation
Summary
Scientists genetically modified a type of algae to produce two enzymes that can break down common plastic waste, successfully creating and verifying a strain that carries this plastic-eating ability. While this is still an early-stage proof of concept, it points toward a future where engineered algae could help clean up plastic pollution in oceans and waterways — which matters because plastic breaks down into microplastics that are increasingly found in our food, water, and even our bodies.
Plastic pollution is a widespread problem worldwide that has become a major threat to our ecosystems. This semester, our goal was to produce a strain of algae that produces MHETase and PETase, enzymes that break down Type-1 plastics. DNA that coded for these proteins was introduced to our alga, Chlorella vulgaris. Clones were selected and screened for the added DNA and protein production to be isolated and tested for plastic degradation. A successful clone was chosen from the candidates and a DNA sample was taken and isolated for proof of the gene that produced our enzymes. These algae clones can be used to break down plastic in our ecosystem and bring plastic pollution to an end.