Researchers Use Cyanobacteria for Production of Chemicals
BOCHUM, Germany - In order to manufacture chemical products, a high-energy input is required, which consumes fossil resources. At Germany’s Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), two scientists are researching a resource-efficient and sustainable approach.
Dr. Robert Kourist, from the junior research group Mikrobielle Biotechnologie, and Dr. Marc Nowaczyk, the Chair for Plant Biochemistry, have succeeded in genetically modifying cyanobacteria, thus creating cells that produce enzymes for the manufacture of basic and fine chemicals. The bacteria also supply the energy required by the enzymes – by performing photosynthesis. A report on their work has been published in the journal Angewandte Chemie.