"Genetically modified bacteria self-destruct and clean up saltwater pollution"

Researchers have genetically engineered a marine microorganism, Vibrio natriegens, to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic in saltwater. By incorporating the DNA responsible for producing enzymes that break down PET from Ideonella sakaiensis into V. natriegens, the modified bacteria were able to produce the desired enzymes on their cell surface and successfully break down PET in a saltwater environment. This breakthrough could provide an inexpensive and efficient method for addressing plastic pollution in marine environments. However, further modifications are needed to stabilize the production of plastic-degrading enzymes, enable the bacteria to feed on the byproducts, and produce desirable end products from PET.