Introduction Background. Plastics are a waste product that pollutes the environment we live in and many resolutions have been implemented with little long term success. Researchers found a gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium in 2014, known as Ideonella Sakaiensis strain 201-F6 that is able to degrade poly ethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics which is a condensation polymer used in plastic that is highly resistant to biodegradation. It is industrially produced by either terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol. Ideonella sakaiensis 201- F6, is able to use PET as its major energy and carbon source using two enzymes capable of hydrolyzing PET and the reaction intermediate, mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalic acid. “Both enzymes are required to enzymatically convert PET efficiently into its two environmentally benign monomers terephthalic and ethylene glycol.” Problem Statement. It is estimated that 600 tonnes of plastics are disposed of in Uganda and in Kampala city vast chunk of plastics wastes are littered all over the city, clogging the sewage system, according to the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) About 51% of the plastic garbage in the city is left uncollected and ends up in the drainage system/channels, wetlands, natural water courses, manholes, undeveloped plots and on roadside, according to NEMA. Plastic wastes endangers human life, animals and environmental if not well controlled and disposed of in a proper way. Pollution of plastics is less visible and therefore our policy makers do not see it a priority yet it is a silent killer. Plastics takes approximately 450 years to completely decompose. Additionally, toxins from decomposed plastics are introduced into ecological systems that humans often manipulate for food. A robust sensitization program is needed to make the population aware of the dangers associated with plastic waste such as lung cancer. Purpose of the project. Inspired by bacteria with an unprecedented ability, Ideonella sakaiensis, that naturally decomposes polyethylene terephthalate, we have decided to genetically modify E. coli cells to model the plastic degradation machine; we shall do so by adding the Lipase and Chlorogenate Esterase genes from Ideonella sakaiensis into E. coli bacterial cells. With the engineered E. coli bacteria, the enzymes introduced are able to express the plastic�degrading abilities. This particular proposition can realistically be executed because of the minimal effort and financial advantage it presents.

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