Genetically encoded biosensors for the circular plastics bioeconomy
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Current plastic production and consumption routes are unsustainable due to impact upon climate change and pollution, and therefore reform across the entire value chain is required. Biotechnology offers solutions for production from renewable feedstocks, and to aid end of life recycling/upcycling of plastics. Biology sequence/design space is complex requiring high-throughput analytical methods to facilitate the iterative optimisation, design-build, test-learn (DBTL), cycle of Synthetic Biology. Furthermore, genetic regulatory tools can enable harmonisation between biotechnological demands and the physiological constraints of the selected production host. Genetically encoded biosensors offer a solution for both requirements to facilitate the circular plastic bioeconomy. In this review we present a summary of biosensors developed to date reported to be responsive to plastic precursors/monomers. In addition, we provide a summary of the demonstrated and prospective applications of these biosensors for the construction and deconstruction of plastics. Collectively, this review provides a valuable resource of biosensor tools and enabled applications to support the development of the circular plastics bioeconomy. • The current linear plastic economic model is unsustainable. • Biotechnology can offer circular plastic synthesis and recycling solutions. • Genetically encoded biosensors are a powerful tool for quantifying chemical analytes. • A number of plastic monomer-responsive biosensors have been developed. • Biosensors have successfully guided biological plastic production and deconstruction.
Authors: Micaela Chacón, Neil Dixon
Institution: University of Manchester
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,400
OpenAlex ID: W4404801728