Finding New Enzymes from Modified TIM Barrel

The process of creating new enzymes that serve a specific function has never been attempted before despite the techniques being available. If enzymes with novel functions could be created, they could be used as inexpensive biocatalyst in toxic waste disposal. I was involved in finding new enzymes using whole cell assays, and to screen for mutant catalytic activity. Working with bacteria cells new genes would be inserted that would create modified enzymes from the TIM barrel (The most common fold of enzymes with known structure, includes enzymes from five of the six major enzyme classes). The bacteria would then be tested for antibiotic resistance; hopefully the resistance would be caused by the new enzyme being created by it. If any resistance was shown then I would attempt to improve the antibiotic resistance by mutating the DNA. The equipment primarily being used was the Tecan Safire. This device would perform absorbance readings on bacteria cultures and give me a precise count of the bacteria and whether it was growing or not. This research is only a small part of a larger picture to be able to create enzymes that would be able to degrade toxic substances for future waste disposal.