nanobio-hybrid organisms tagged posts

Light-Powered Nano-organisms consume CO2, create Eco-friendly Plastics and Fuels

Microbes
A gram of biodegradable plastic created by nanobio-hybrid microbes developed by CU Boulder engineers. Photo: Nagpal Lab / University of Colorado Boulder 

University of Colorado Boulder researchers have developed nanobio-hybrid organisms capable of using airborne carbon dioxide and nitrogen to produce a variety of plastics and fuels, a promising first step toward low-cost carbon sequestration and eco-friendly manufacturing for chemicals.

By using light-activated quantum dots to fire particular enzymes within microbial cells, the researchers were able to create “living factories” that eat harmful CO2 and convert it into useful products such as biodegradable plastic, gasoline, ammonia and biodiesel.

“The innovation is a testament to the power of biochemical processes,” said Prasha...

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