BeePystErase

Our project in 2023 addresses the environmental concerns of pyrethroids, synthetic pesticides with detrimental effects on non-target, neutral creatures like bees. Despite the chemical's market prevalence, pyrethroid's neurotoxicity and ecosystem imbalances necessitate urgent remediation strategies. Our approach harnesses carboxylesterases to degrade pyrethroids into less harmful metabolites. Multiple enzymes from various species were identifies, cloned and expressed in E. coli. A quick test strip method was used to examine the enzymes' effectiveness qualitatively, and helped identified the best enzyme in realistic working conditions. We propose integrating these biodegradation systems into wastewater treatments and considered auxillary intervention measures to mitigate direct, residual, and pollen/nectar exposures. Comprehensive risk assessments ensure our methods' biosafety, aiming for ecological preservation and sustainable pest management.