FURI | Fall 2018

Production of Polycatechols using CotA laccase in engineered E.coli strains

This project aims to develop a microbial approach to produce a variety of poly-catechols or bio-plastics using E.coli generated CotA laccase enzyme and to analyze the properties of these bio-plastics. The aromatic substrates will be processed through specific E.coli laccase enzymes and the polymer product will be analyzed with Gel permeation chromatography. Producing these alternate bio-plastics may bring a sustainable and alternate source of polymer material that may yield beneficial properties for industry use. Future research includes processing and refinement of these alternate polymers.