Scientists Engineer 'Superman' Bacteria for Sustainable Chemical Production

A polymer coating enhances E. coli's resilience and efficiency, reducing energy use and environmental impact in industrial applications.

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have developed a polymer-coated E. coli bacterium that improves its durability and catalytic efficiency.
The innovation, described as a 'Superman cape,' strengthens the bacteria to withstand environmental stressors like high temperatures and solvents.
This breakthrough allows bacteria to be reused multiple times, significantly reducing costs, energy consumption, and waste in chemical and pharmaceutical production.
The polymer coating integrates with the bacterial cell membrane, enabling faster and more complex chemical reactions while protecting the cells.
The research, published in Nature Catalysis, demonstrates a 15-fold increase in bioconversion yields, highlighting its potential for sustainable industrial processes.