Spores harboring the gene circuit for the secretory expression of Burkholderia cepacia lipase were processed with poly(caprolactone) pellets to manufacture living plastics. Spore incorporation did not compromise the properties of the materials. Damage to the plastic surface and triggering of germinated cells caused secretion of the lipase, leading to depolymerization.
- Chenwang Tang
- Lin Wang
- Zhuojun Dai