Directed evolution is a highly effective, process-oriented engineering method that utilizes the principles of evolution to create improved enzymes.

“So to me as an engineer, I said, "Oh my goodness, if I could use evolution to build new enzymes, I would have all the power of the biological world to work with."”

Directed evolution is a significant scientific breakthrough because it involves researchers actively guiding the evolutionary process.

“But you are quote breeding enzymes and enzymes are not living creatures. This is a subtle distinction. But what you're doing is actually a much bigger breakthrough than I think people will give it credit for if you just call it evolution.”