The common houseplant Epipremnum aureus (i.e. pothos, Ceylon creeper, devil’s ivy) has been a subject of interest with regards to removal of volatile organic compounds. A recent study demonstrated that introduction of which transgene resulted in significantly reduced concentrations of the volatile organic compounds benzene and chloroform?
Mammalian Cytochrome P450 2E1
Zhang L, Routsong R, Strand SE. Greatly Enhanced Removal of Volatile Organic Carcinogens by a Genetically Modified Houseplant, Pothos Ivy ( Epipremnum aureum) Expressing the Mammalian Cytochrome P450 2e1 Gene. Environ Sci Technol. 2019 Jan 2;53(1):325-331. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.8b04811. Epub 2018 Dec 19. PMID: 30565461.
Contributed by: Axel Adams MD, MS
Posted in Question Of The Day