English
The world's oceans contain many different types of cells and viruses which have developed the means necessary to survive under conditions which are very different from those found on land. As a result these cells and viruses contain many proteins and chemicals which are not found in land-based plants, animals, and bacteria. Scientists at Plymouth Marine Laboratory have become experts at finding and growing both bacteria and viruses from the sea. Working with U.K.-based companies Ingenza and Aquapharm Biosciences we plan to use these skills to look for bacteria and viruses which produce particular enzymes which could be used to make new chemicals and medicines which are not normally found in nature. The enzymes could also be used to make existing chemicals in new ways which would be more efficient and less polluting to the environment.
