While the bacteria E. coli is often considered a ghastly bug,researchers commonly exercise laboratory-adapted E. coli that lacks the features that can make humans sick, but can grow just as expeditiously. That same quality allows it to transform into the tiniest of factories: when its chemical production properties are harnessed, or E. coli has the potential to crank out biofuels,pharmaceuticals and other useful products.
Source: phys.org