Utilize directed protein evolution to take existing families of cutinase or other degradative proteins, pinpoint an optimized protein for which can utilize petroleum as a substrate out of a protein library, an induce alterations and mutagenesis for an improved enzyme specific to this function

To find historical background

Biodegradation of petroleum by genetically engineered bacteria could be an option. Some bacteria have been shown to degrade or metabolize petroleum hydrocarbons. The acting enzymes can be purified from these microorganisms to determine the responsible gene or genes’ DNA sequence. Those isolated genes can be subject to induced mutagenesis then transferred to a model microorganism like E.coli. The model microorganisms now expresse enzymes derived from the mutated genes library. The model microorganisms can be challenged in the lab in a petroleum rich environment to see which microorganism biodegrades the best. If feasible, (such as if the enzyme is stable outside of the cells and can be mass produced), the enzyme from the selected microorganism can then be purified and used to clean-up contaminated soil.If not feasible, the microorganism expressing the effective enzyme can itself be used to clean-up the soil.

I like Genevieve’s answer. I am not an expert in the field but taking advantage of already pre-existing biology and just to retrofit it to our needs/function seems the logic path to me.

I like the idea of selectively targeting the enzyme composition of tumors.

Selective Breakdown

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

Pre-existing enzymes that use the oil can be isolated, perhaps amplified.

Then the spill gets coralled and eaten.

But what happens then?

I do research. There is a region of Valles Marinaris on Mars that is green. It is halfway on the canyon, and on the lower half.

Did this escape notice of scientists or is it only a landslide revealling subsoil?

When the oil eating starts, what stops it? The molecular markers need to also be in place for predicted time of digestion and to self- destruct.

Or, similar to the oops in Valles Marinaris, it will continue if not self-destructed. Mad science is science beyond control, and science is not beyond control.

pyrolysis