Manchester team borrows brewing tricks for chemical production
Researchers at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology are developing a new method to produce toxic chemicals without harming the microbes that create them.
Separating microbes from toxic products
A team led by scientists in Manchester is tackling a major hurdle in biological manufacturing. They aim to make styrene, a material used for food packaging and insulation, without killing the bacteria that produce it. The current problem is that the final chemical harms the microbe, which limits how much can be made. Researchers plan to split the process into two distinct steps to solve this issue.
Using intermediate stepping stones for safety
In the first step, engineered microbes will eat renewable raw materials like agricultural waste. These organisms will build up a gentle intermediate compound instead of the final toxic chemical. In the second step, enzymes will convert that stepping stone into the desired product. This approach allows microbes to grow safely while avoiding direct contact with harmful substances.
Partnership backed by Shell and UK council
The project is part of SuCCEED, a five-year partnership between the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and Shell. This initiative receives backing from the U K's Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. Earlier tests showed this method increased styrene production fivefold compared to previous techniques. The group also plans to scale up work on alpha-olefins and FDCA for bio-based plastics.
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