Enhanced Bioremediation Using Genetically-Engineered Microbes

提出的研究重点是利用基因工程微生物有效地净化危险废物场地。利用基因工程技术，细菌细胞降解有机化合物的自然能力将得到增强。目标将是改变细胞的遗传信息，这样负责降解3-氯儿茶酚的酶的编码基因将与它们的野生型调节因子分离机械。通过用一种外部可控的启动子取代野生型启动子，细菌就能以更快的速度降解顽固化合物。此外，修改酶促途径将使细菌能够将土壤中有毒废物的最终残留浓度降低到目前可实现的水平以下。

The proposed research focuses on using genetically-engineered microorganisms to efficiently decontaminate hazardous waste sites. The natural ability of bacterial cells to degrade organic compounds will be enhanced using the techniques of genetic engineering. The goal will be to alter the genetic information of the cell such that the genes that code for the enzymes responsible for the degradation of 3-chlorocatechol will be uncoupled from their wild-type regulator machinery. By replacing the wild-type promoter with one that can be controlled externally, the bacteria can be engineered to degrade the recalcitrant compound at faster rates. In addition, modifying the enzymatic pathway will enable the bacteria to reduce the final residual concentration of toxic wastes in the soil below the level that is currently achievable.