Biosurfactants and Plastic Pollution
Impact: Environmental Impacts, Economic & Commercial Impacts, Health & Welfare Impacts, Societal Impacts
- Dr Pattanathu Rahman (Participant)
Description of impact
The University of Portsmouth’s Centre for Enzyme Innovation (CEI) researcher, Dr Pattanathu Rahman’s collaborative research brings us a step closer to solving the PETase plastic problem. Dr Rahman discovered a Teesside bacteria called Pseudomonas teessidea in which the plastic eating enzyme PETase can be synthesised.
Who is affected
The ongoing aspect of this project is to integrate machine learning techniques with metabolic modelling to develop an eco-friendly bacteria to support biosurfactant production and ultimately, use it as a tool to solve global environmental issues such as the plastic crisis.
Narrative
Biosurfactants change the properties of the bacterial cell surface by increasing the availability of water repellent molecules; enhancing enzyme activity more than 100 fold against solid PET substances. This means coating surfaces with surfactants can accelerate enzymatic degradation of PET.
Category of impact
- Environmental Impacts
- Economic & Commercial Impacts
- Health & Welfare Impacts
- Societal Impacts
Links
Links
- Scientists to explore future use of bacteria-based active agents
- Biosurfactants and Mosquito Control Research
- Bioprocess development for biosurfactant mediated plastic degradation This studentship is based in the newly developed Centre for Enzyme Innovation. The Centre focuses on the discovery, engineering and deployment of enzymes with potential application to the circular economy.
Related information
Outputs
Statistical and sequential (fill-and-draw) approach to enhance rhamnolipid production using industrial lignocellulosic hydrolysate C6 stream from Achromobacter sp. (PS1)
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
In silico engineering of Pseudomonas metabolism reveals new biomarkers for increased biosurfactant production
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
Biosurfactant production and concomitant hydrocarbon degradation potentials of bacteria isolated from extreme and hydrocarbon contaminated environments
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
Biosurfactant and degradative enzymes mediated crude oil degradation by bacterium Bacillus subtilis A1
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
Rhamnolipid biosurfactants-past, present, and future scenario of global market
Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate
Recent developments in Biosurfactants
Research output: Contribution to journal › Special issue
Biosurfactants produced by Bacillus subtilis A1 and Pseudomonas stutzeri NA3 reduce longevity and fecundity of Anopheles stephensi and show high toxicity against young instars
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
Projects
Condition-specific engineering of Pseudomonas metabolism
Project: Innovation › I: Collaborative Programmes
TeeGene - A University Spin-out
Project: Innovation
In silico genome-wide modelling and metabolic engineering of Pseudomonas strains for improved rhamnolipid synthesis.
Project: Innovation › I: Collaborative Programmes
Establishing a Joint UK-NZ Partnership in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy – Exploiting Algae and marine biomass for IBBE
Project: Other › I: Collaborative Programmes
ID: 14463816
