Synthetic protein. The second component of our circuit is a remodeled PHA synthase protein, designed to be more efficient and incorporate more desirable monomer subunits. Our platform is designed to produce the promising copolymer poly(3-​hydroxybutyrate-​co-​4-​hydroxybutyrate). However, low levels of 4-hydroxybutyrate (4HB) make the polymer brittle and crystalline. Our engineered protein upregulates levels of the desirable 4HB monomer, leading to a 4000% increase in 4HB yield and producing a stronger, more durable polymer.

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Illustrations