G. Bennett’s work, along with many collaborators, has focused on genetic engineering of metabolic pathways of microbes for production of chemicals and biodegradation of hazardous substances. In order to construct an effective biocatalyst, knowledge of the native regulatory processes, enzymes and pathways of the microbe must be understood.

The results of molecular biology experiments have elucidated mechanisms of pH regulation of gene expression and its role in microbial resistance to stress; mechanisms involved in control of oxygen limitations on cell metabolism; mechanisms involved in regulation of solvent production by microbes, and mechanisms of redox involvement in biodegradation of nitroaromatic compounds.

These fundamental results coupled with modeling and synthetic biology approaches, including incorporation of genetic resources based on enhanced search of large genomic and biochemical databases, have enabled the publication or patenting of engineered microbes capable of formation of succinate, fragrance esters, organic acids, and solvents from various low cost or waste feedstocks.

Results have led to ongoing synthetic biology strategies for improved efficiency of industrial processes through control of electron flow, and in generating a foundational framework using protein electron carriers for bioelectronic sensing and applications. A link to some work is available at: http://bioc.rice.edu/~gbennett/