Researchers at KAIST have developed a method to produce raw materials for Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6 using microorganisms and glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel. This process uses a modular co-culture system of E. coli to replace traditional carbon-intensive petrochemical methods. By utilizing AI to optimize enzyme performance, the team achieved record productivity levels for bio-based monomers. This advancement provides a potential pathway for the chemical industry to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and lower overall carbon emissions.
