Silicone from a bioreactor
Bioengineers forced bacteria to synthesize silicones
Denis Strigun, Naked Science
American scientists have developed a technology that allows the synthesis of organic silicon-carbon bonds by the method of directed evolution. The results of the study are presented in the journal Science (Kan et al., Directed evolution of cytochrome c for carbon–silicon bond formation: Bringing silicon to life).
Organosilicon compounds, or silicones, are compounds in the molecules of which there is a bond between carbon and silicon atoms. Currently, such substances are used for the production of medicines, paints, polymers, as well as semiconductors and computer displays. But, since silicones do not occur in nature, their production is carried out in laboratories, while precious metals and toxic solvents often act as catalysts. This complicates the process and increases the cost of work.
To simplify the synthesis of organosilicon compounds and make it cheaper, scientists from the California Institute of Technology proposed using the method of directed evolution. To do this, arbitrary DNA mutations in the part of the genome that encoded the cytochrome C protein were induced in the bacteria Rhodothermus marinus (extremophile living in hot geysers). The heme of this protein contains an atom of divalent iron. After three rounds of mutations, cytochrome C was able to produce silicones.
The analysis showed that the efficiency of silicone biosynthesis by mutant cytochrome C is 15 times higher than known catalysts. Scientists note that the new compound is non-toxic and affordable, in addition, it is easier to modify. Also, the catalyst is able to maintain high activity at room temperature and in water. According to the authors, such a mutation could well be the result of natural selection. "Nature would have done it herself if she had taken care of it," said co–author Frances Arnold (in a press release from Caltech Bringing Silicon to Life - VM).
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru
25.11.2016