Toxin-to-Treasure: Chonnam National University Scientists Use Engineered Enzyme to Turn Formaldehyde Pollutant into High-Value Chemical

The study demonstrates engineered aldolase-catalyzed regioselective conversion of formaldehyde into L-glyceraldehyde

JEOLLANAM-DO PROVINCE, South Korea, Dec. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Formaldehyde is a common chemical used in various industries as a disinfectant, resin precursor, and synthetic intermediate. It is volatile, highly toxic, and a key environmental pollutant with genotoxic and carcinogenic effects, harming both human health and the environment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to come up with useful strategies to convert formaldehyde into non-toxic value-added products, ensuring environmental protection as well as chemical sustainability.