Bacteria could help make nylon more sustainable from plant cell wall

Date:August 20, 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Application

• Production of nylon in a more sustainable way, potentially transforming the nylon manufacturing process.

Description

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a sustainable method to produce adipic acid, a key chemical in nylon production, using genetically modified Escherichia coli bacteria. By feeding the bacteria guaiacol, a naturally occurring chemical derived from plant cell walls, they were able to produce adipic acid without generating nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. This innovative approach could potentially transform the nylon manufacturing process, reducing its environmental impact and providing a more sustainable alternative.

Pathway Description:

The researchers modified the genetic code of E. coli, and grew the engineered cells in liquid solutions containing guaiacol to produce adipic acid