Abstract

Described herein is a recombinant cell genetically modified to include a gene cassette comprising a promoter and one or more of a sequence for a recombinase followed by a terminator, the recombinase-terminator sequence being flanked by recognition sites specific for the recombinase, and the cassette being activatable by an external stimulus. Also described are a method for determining the number of times the cell has been activated by an external stimulus, and plastic or rubber or a mixture of plastics or rubber including the recombinant cell, as well as a method for determining the number of times a plastic or rubber has been recycled. [Figure 1]

IPC Classes  ?

• C12N 15/63 - Introduction of foreign genetic material using vectorsVectorsUse of hosts thereforRegulation of expression
• C12N 15/75 - Vectors or expression systems specially adapted for prokaryotic hosts other than E. coli, e.g. Lactobacillus, Micromonospora for Bacillus

Abstract

Disclosed is an autodegradable plastic material impregnated with a genetically engineered bacteria, in which the bacteria are engineered to include a genetic switch that is activated by an environmental factor. Activation of the switch causes expression of an enzyme that degrades the plastic.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12N 11/04 - Enzymes or microbial cells immobilised on or in an organic carrier entrapped within the carrier, e.g. gel or hollow fibres
• C12N 11/08 - Enzymes or microbial cells immobilised on or in an organic carrier the carrier being a synthetic polymer
• C12N 11/096 - PolyestersPolyamides
• C12N 9/20 - Triglyceride splitting, e.g. by means of lipase
• C08J 11/10 - Recovery or working-up of waste materials of polymers by chemically breaking down the molecular chains of polymers or breaking of crosslinks, e.g. devulcanisation