Scientists in Korea have figured out a way to circumvent the costly production of polylactic acid (PLA), which is used in the production of biodegradable, eco-friendly plastics. They’re using E. Coli bacteria. .

Before, we had to go through a two-step fermentation and complicated chemical process of polymerization. This time, we metabolically engineered E. coli and fed it with biomass. Then PLA could be accumulated right away in the E. Coli cells, ending up with a one-step process.”

Tags: bacteria, e. coli, green

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