Genetically modified E. coli bacteria C010 / 9817
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Genetically modified E. coli bacteria C010 / 9817
Colonies of the bacterium Escherichia coli, genetically modified to produce the dye indigo (blue). Indigo has been used for thousands of years, and was originally obtained from plants such as woad, Isatis tinctoria, then Indigofera tinctoria. Chemical synthesis was developed in the late 19th Century. It is a polluting industrial process producing toxic waste. Annual world production of indigo is about 20 million kilogrammes, mostly for the dying of cotton in the manufacture of jeans. The picture shows colonies of E. coli streaked on to an agar medium in a petri dish. The bacterium has been modified genetically by the insertion of an oxygenase gene that allows the conversion of indole into indoxyl, the precursor of indigo. The production of so-called Ôé¼┼ôBiotech indigoÔé¼ is a cleaner process now working on an industrial scale, with benefits to the environment
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Media ID 6346527
© DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Bacteria Coli Escherichia Coli Gene Genetic Modification Indigo Woad
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases genetically modified E. coli bacteria C010 / 9817, which have been ingeniously altered to produce the vibrant dye indigo. Traditionally sourced from plants like woad and Indigofera tinctoria, indigo has a rich history spanning thousands of years. However, its chemical synthesis in the late 19th Century led to polluting industrial processes that generated toxic waste. In this image, we witness colonies of E. coli streaked on an agar medium within a petri dish. These bacterial colonies have undergone genetic modification through the insertion of an oxygenase gene, enabling them to convert indole into indoxyl - the precursor of indigo. The development of "Biotech indigo" marks a significant leap forward in sustainable production methods for this coveted dye. With annual global production reaching approximately 20 million kilograms, primarily used for dying cotton in jeans manufacturing, finding cleaner alternatives is crucial for environmental preservation. By harnessing the power of genetic engineering and utilizing these modified bacteria on an industrial scale, we can now produce indigo with significantly reduced ecological impact. This breakthrough offers immense benefits not only to our planet but also paves the way for further advancements in biotechnology. Through this visually striking photograph by OPEN from Science Photo Library, we are reminded that scientific innovation holds tremendous potential for creating more sustainable solutions while preserving ancient traditions such as dye-making from natural sources like woad and Indigofera tinctoria
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