Directed evolution

Directed evolution is a scientific technique that mimics natural selection to develop new proteins or enzymes with desirable traits. Scientists create a diverse library of variations of a target molecule, often through mutations, and then screen them to identify those that perform better or have new functions. This process is repeated over several generations, "evolving" the molecule toward the desired characteristics. By harnessing the principles of evolution in a laboratory setting, researchers can create improved biological tools for applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry.