Special Notice NAICS 541714

This technology from Los Alamos National Laboratory is a specially engineered living cell that lights up when it detects adipic acid, helping scientists quickly find better ways to make and recycle nylon using eco-friendly, biological methods. The Challenge: Adipic acid is a key ingredient used to make nylon-6,6, a durable plastic found in everyday items like clothing, car parts, and packaging. Today, adipic acid is mostly produced from petroleum in a process that releases harmful greenhouse gases, especially nitrous oxide. On the other end, nylon-6,6 waste accumulates in landfills and oceans, as it does not easily break down. Scientists are working to create eco-friendly ways to produce adipic acid from renewable materials like plant wasteor to recover it from discarded nylon. However, a major hurdle is the difficulty in quickly identifying or improving the enzymes and microbes needed for this green production and recycling. Problems Solved: This invention offers a powerful solution: a living microbial biosensor that can "smell" or detect adipic acid and light up when its present. This process allows researchers to quickly and efficiently identify which engineered microbes or enzy...

Notice ID: 78d9f97a70fb431782d5d9e2129a239f · View on SAM.gov ↗