Octopuses and cephalopods are amazing creatures known for their ability to blend into their surroundings. Researchers at UC San Diego are now one step closer to mimicking their camouflage superpower.
A team discovered how to mass-produce xanthommatin, a key pigment found in the skin of these animals. Previously, it was tough to extract this pigment from octopuses or create it in a lab. But rather than synthesizing it directly, the scientists bioengineered bacteria to produce xanthommatin. This method yielded up to 1,000 times more pigment than earlier approaches.
Why is this important? Understanding how cephalopods camouflage themselves could reveal insights into their fascinating biology. It also hints at a future where microbes could help produce valuable materials, transforming industrial practices.
The researchers employed a novel technique called “growth-coupled biosynthesis.” This method encouraged bacteria to produce xanthommatin by linking their survival to the pigment creation. Essentially, they tricked the bacteria into thinking they needed to make xanthommatin to survive. By using genetically modified cells, they created a feedback loop where the bacteria produced xanthommatin as fuel for their growth.
“It’s a new way to incentivize production,” says Leah Bushin, a lead researcher in the study. Instead of wasting energy on unnecessary tasks, the bacteria focused on producing what they needed to thrive.
Although 3 grams of pigment per liter doesn’t sound like much, it’s a big improvement over the previous 5 milligrams per liter from older methods. The excitement in the lab was palpable when they realized the experiment was a success.
Experts believe this breakthrough could revolutionize not just pigment production but also wider biomanufacturing processes. “We’re witnessing how biology can enable sustainable production through smarter designs and automation,” explains Adam Feist, a bioengineer on the team.
As the world becomes increasingly focused on sustainability, such advancements could pave the way for more efficient manufacturing methods, reducing reliance on traditional resources. This study, published in Nature Biotechnology, offers a glimpse into a future where natural innovations could fill industrial gaps.
For a deeper dive into the study, check out the full research in Nature Biotechnology.
Source link
MSFT Content
