Enzymes

Enzymes are among nature’s most powerful catalysts and are helping scientists and industry tackle some of the world’s biggest sustainability challenges. In this episode of SUBSTANCE, host Joe Hanson explores how enzymes are improving everyday household items such as detergents and how cutting-edge enzyme research could help address climate change. Dr. Oliver Spangenberg, senior Leader in industrial biotechnology at BASF, explains how enzymes have transformed the laundry industry. By enabling detergents to remove stubborn stains at lower temperatures and in shorter wash cycles, enzymes help reduce household energy consumption while protecting fabrics and extending the life of clothing. Later in the episode, guest expert Jessica Swanson, Professor of Chemistry at the University of Utah, discusses her research into how enzymes are used by methane-consuming bacteria. Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and Swanson’s team is investigating how biological systems naturally convert methane into other compounds. By combining biology, chemistry, physics, and advanced computer simulations, researchers are working toward solutions that could one day help reduce methane emissions from sources such as landfills or energy production. In next month’s episode of the SUBSTANCE podcast, we will discuss “Light“. Subscribe now so you’ll never miss an episode. More about the podcast: www.basf.com/substance-podcast More about guest expert Jessica Swanson and her research: https://chem.utah.edu/directory/faculty/swanson-jessica.php https://swansongroup.chem.utah.edu/ SUBSTANCE is a podcast by BASF, produced by TERRITORY Agency, in collaboration with Wake Word and Joe Hanson. Research and scripting by Danielle Sedbrook, Claudia Doyle, Stefan Rommel, and Joe Hanson.