BUSINESS OF GREEN: Bioplastics: The challenge of viability Jul 7, 2008
Eugene Stevens, a member of the society and a chemistry professor at the State University of New York at Binghamton, has conducted research on biopolymers for more than 30 years. "It's a little complicated, but in general, if it biodegrades to 90 percent within six months in an industrial composting environment with no toxic components, that's compostable," he said. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Transatlantic Economic Council Report to the EU-U.S. Summit 2008 Jun 10, 2008
Under the auspices of the EC-U.S. Task-Force on Biotechnology Research, a working group on bio-based products was established and several EC-U.S. scientific workshops paved the way to the identification of three joint research priorities related to innovative and eco-efficient bio-based products: plant cell walls in relation to bio-refining; plant oils as industrial feedstock; and biopolymers. The research projects selected in 2008 to address these priorities under the EC Research Framework... (White House News Releases)
Compound Has Potential For New Class Of AIDS Drugs May 20, 2008
ScienceDaily (May 19, 2008) Researchers have developed what they believe is the first new mechanism in nearly 20 years for inhibiting a common target used to treat all HIV patients, which could eventually lead to a new class of AIDS drugs. Researchers at the University of Michigan used computer models to develop the inhibiting compound, and then confirmed in the lab that the compound does indeed inhibit HIV protease, which is an established target for AIDS treatment. (Science Daily)
Making Green Plastics from Plants May 16, 2008
The project focuses on three key areas: Industrial Oils, Complex Monomers and Protein Biopolymers, and were able to showcase at WCIBB their innovations in the convergence of biotechnology, chemistry and agriculture. Dr Green said in all cases the technology is low greenhouse gas generating, sustainable and would reinvigorate agribusiness. (Suite101.com)
Sugar Linkage Could Lead To Better Treatment For Autoimmune Diseases May 16, 2008
Reinhold notes that while most biopolymers are linear and thus relatively easy to sequence, bush-shaped carbohydrates have proved challenging. "With sequential mass spectrometry, we systematically untangle this bush," says Reinhold. (Science Daily)
Boost For 'Green Plastics' From Plants May 2, 2008
The project focuses on three key areas; Industrial Oils, Complex Monomers and Protein Biopolymers. CBI project leaders will present the latest research findings in each of these three areas at the WCIBB in Chicago which will showcase innovations in the convergence of biotechnology, chemistry and agriculture. (Science Daily)
Rice and UT-Houston join DOD push for regenerative medicine Apr 18, 2008
Technology investigated by the consortium partners in craniofacial reconstruction will include the use of biopolymers as matrices for tissue regeneration and the delivery of different drugs to prevent infection and promote wound healing. Additional tissue-engineering projects that employ adult stem cells to reconstruct lost appendages such as ears and noses will also be investigated. (EurekAlert!)
Self-assembled Mini Stem Cell Lab Mar 28, 2008
We knew there was something interesting about the interaction between peptide amphiphiles and biopolymers from our previous work on nanostructures that can cause blood vessels to grow. And we were particularly interested in hyaluronic acid because of its role in cartilage, a tissue that adults cannot regenerate and, when damaged in joints, causes grief to humans. (Science Daily)
PolyOne Introduces the Specialty Engineered Materials Segment Mar 21, 2008
"Our GLS acquisition, coupled with our investment in key commercial and innovation resources, have positioned Specialty Engineered Materials to become one of PolyOne's most attractive global businesses." With the addition of GLS, the Specialty Engineered Materials business can capitalize on escalating global demand for soft-touch products in many specialized, high-growth markets -- including healthcare, aerospace, electronics, consumer and biopolymers -- to deliver innovative solutions through... (PR Newswire)
Beyond Ethanol Mar 21, 2008
Gruber earned his spurs at Cargill, and later helped found a Cargill joint venture company, NatureWorks, that makes biopolymers from renewable resources. As chief technology officer for NatureWorks, Gruber helped develop and commercialized cutting-edge materials, like biodegradable plastics and high-performance synthetic fibers, from renewable resources. (Forbes -- Technology)
'Green' isn't just a color for designers Feb 17, 2008
Designers also are turning to synthetic fibers from plant-based biopolymers. Modal is spun from the reconstituted cellulose of beech trees, and Ingeo, a derivative of fermented corn sugar. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Desperate Measures Feb 6, 2008
Laugh lines that testify to years spent in the company of cheery people, disappear with a little help from marine biopolymers. Rough, uneven skin - the result of too much time in the sun - is smoothened to perfection with Vitamin E and herbal extracts. (India Times, India)
Breakthrough technologies for 2008 and beyond Jan 24, 2008
In future issues of Forbes/Wolfe Emerging Tech Report, I'll also explore other areas like emerging display technologies, biopolymers and nano-enhanced medical imaging. Molecular MedicineIndependent advances in molecular biology, nanotechnology and genetics over the past decade began to converge this year, signaling some notable breakthroughs in medical diagnostics and treatment. (Globe and Mail)
IGNOU VC honoured Jan 2, 2008
His outstanding contributions in the field of biopolymers and peptides have received global recognition, said an official release. The offices held by Prof. (Hindu)
A look back in 2007 Jan 2, 2008
Meredian Inc., a newly formed sister company to Bainbridge corporation DaniMer Scientific, acquires intellectual property portfolio from The Procter e Company and announces Bainbridge is in the running for location of a new plant to produce biopolymers from renewable resources that are used in production of disposable, biodegradable plastic articles. Luther Conyers, well-known Bainbridge city councilman and educator, is the subject of the Pilot Club's annual roast. (Bainbridge Post Searchlight, GA)
Neurotransmitters in biopolymers stimulate nerve regeneration Dec 12, 2007
Public release date: 11-Dec-2007. Yadong Wang, assistant professor in the Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University (right), and graduate student Christiane Gumera (left) have developed a potentially promising strategy. (EurekAlert!)
New Theory Of Origin Of Life Proposed Dec 5, 2007
The "pizza" hypothesis cannot explain how the earliest biomolecules obtained the right amount of water to form stable biopolymers. A biophysicist, Hansma has worked with mica for decades beginning with her work in biological Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in the late 1980s. (Science Daily)
Volkswagen reveals innovative space up! blue Nov 18, 2007
Many of the surfaces are constructed out of recycled materials the instrument panel and the door mouldings are made out of organic plastics or biopolymers. Development of production versions of the up. (carpages)
BioEnergy International Facility Opens in Bay State Oct 19, 2007
The 11,000 square foot lab will serve as BioEnergy's strategic hub for leading innovation in the development and commercialization of next generation biofuels, biopolymers, and specialty chemicals from renewable sources ... BioEnergy's strategic vision is rooted in the integration of three specific initiatives: the creation of a secure cash flow stream through two conventional corn-based ethanol facilities and effective development of inexpensive sugar platforms; the diversification of the... (PR Newswire)
New company, new technology Oct 13, 2007
This would be an opportunity to bring a very environmentally friendly company to Bainbridge," Ivey said. Meredian Inc. was formed this year following the successful start of the DaniMer Scientific business in 2004 by Dr. Daniel Carraway. S. Blake Lindsey is company president of both Meredian and DaniMer. "We are very pleased and excited to bring leading-edge, green technology to the marketplace," Lindsey said in a news release. "Meredian biopolymers, combined with our existing DaniMer and Seluma... (Bainbridge Post Searchlight, GA)
Elements of Design: Matter Oct 10, 2007
If the key to a young graduate's future was once "plastics," today it's biopolymers, plastic analogs made mostly from natural, biodegradable components instead of petrochemicals. "If you can create materials from the waste of biological products [corn husks, sugarcane, etc.]," says Andrew Dent, vice president at New York--based Material Connexion, "you can close the loop on sustainability." Dent's company houses what may be the largest collection of innovative materials anywhere (see examples... (FastCompany)
P&G sells PHA technology to Meredian Oct 5, 2007
(Reuters) - Procter e Co said it sold its Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) technology to privately held Meredian Inc, which will use the technology to make new biopolymers using renewable resources. Meredian plans to produce over 600 million pounds of biopolymers annually, the consumer products company added. (ABC News -- Wire)
Scientists are making Brazil's savannah bloom Oct 2, 2007
Under Embrapa's newly broadened definition of agriculture, nothing seems off limits, from a tropical hog that is lower in fat and cholesterol than its American counterpart and has a higher yield of loin and ham, to the extraction of biopolymers from spiders. At the Embrapa executive dining room in Brasilia, there are even place mats made with varieties of natural cotton fibers, which, because they grow in shades of green and tan, could significantly cut costs of dye stocks for textile... (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Worm chewing changes soil chemistry Aug 29, 2007
Other forms of carbon are more inclined to stay locked up in soils, including complex biopolymers that are hard to break down (such as the woody lignin that makes up stems, or the cutin in leaves). Other bits of carbon evade degradat 00000564 ion by physically gathering in a lump of matter that is hard to break down, or sticking chemically to the surface of minerals. (Nature News Service)
Power Paper: Energy Storage by the Sheet Aug 17, 2007
ADVERTISEMENT (article continues below) A collaboration between three labs at R.P.I. biopolymers, nanotubes and electronics the power paper works by using cellulose to separate aligned carbon nanotubes functioning as electrodes. The nanotubes are grown and the cellulose is dissolved in an electrolyte in a regular battery (sulfuric) acid is used, but in this case a room-temperature ionic liquid (otherwise known as a liquid salt) is poured around it. (Scientific American)
Winthrop gets 282K science grant Aug 12, 2007
The equipment analyzes biopolymers such as proteins and large organic molecules that cannot be monitored by more conventional ionization methods. The equipment will significantly improve Winthrop's faculty-mentored student research and student research training experiences, Spratt's office says. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
Novel Hydrogels Invented For Repairing, Regenerating Human Tissue Jul 21, 2007
Formulating hydrogels as delivery vehicles for cells extends the uses of these biopolymers far beyond soft-contact lenses into an intriguing realm once viewed as the domain of science fiction, including growing bones and organs to replace those that are diseased or injured. This is an area that will be exploding over the next decade, Pochan said. (Science Daily)
Chitin From Lobster Shell Shows Great Healing And Bio-stimulant Properties Jul 17, 2007
The fishing industry in Cuba generates great amounts of lobster waste, a pollutant rich in proteins and chitin , states Professor Carlos Andr;s Peniche Covas, head of the Biopolymers Research Group, from the Biomaterials Centre of the University of Havana. This group is doing research into chitin and chitosan extraction from such waste, in collaboration with the Spanish Centre for Scientific Research (CSIC), the Complutense University in Madrid (Spain) and the Mexican Research Centre for Food... (Science Daily)
Friday's Stocks to Watch Jun 22, 2007
The patent upheld in the suit is the German counterpart of European patent that covers a method of producing some types of biopolymers, Metabolix said. Panera Bread Co. () bought 32 restaurants and area development rights for markets in Illinois and Minnesota from franchisees for $36 million. (Fox News)
Bioplastics lifts garbage out of the trash heap Jun 20, 2007
Rodenburg BioPolymers, a Dutch company, makes plastic from potato waste. Metabolix, based in Boston, grows a natural form of polyester inside genetically modified E. coli bacteria. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Scientist Discovers Protein in Anti-Wrinkle Cream That Thickens Hair and Restores Natural Color Jun 19, 2007
(Photo: ) Dr. Burt Ensley, PhD, a noted microbiologist and CEO of Dermaplus states, "We believe that healthy skin is the key to healthy hair growth. It is widely known that hereditary hair loss occurs when DHT and UV light damage cells in scalp follicles. The follicles get progressively smaller, shortening the hair growth cycle. The resulting hair is thinner and shorter and eventually stops growing at all. We know that human hair follicles are little factories associated with and responsible for... (PR Newswire)
Supercomputer Shows That Nanolayers Have Turning Sense May 12, 2007
Thus, for example, in nature many biopolymers, such as amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, only occur in one of two theoretically conceivable variants: they are thus homochiral. The mirror image form only exists in the laboratory. (Science Daily)
Plant Biomaterials Could Become A Source For Bone Grafts Mar 27, 2007
Agriculture and food scientists and engineers will add their knowledge and skills in plant materials, biopolymers and food industry technology. "With NSF support, our project will bring together these normally disconnected streams of science and technology, leveraging the skills, capabilities and knowledge of all the partners in this endeavor," said Iovine. (Science Daily)
MGP Ingredients' Wheat Gluten Not Linked to Major Pet Food Recall Mar 22, 2007
MGPI has also pioneered the development of a number of specialty wheat proteins and starches for use in multiple food systems, as well as pet treats, biopolymers and personal care products. The company additionally produces food grade alcohol for beverage and industrial applications, as fuel grade alcohol, commonly known as ethanol. (PR Newswire)
The new bioplastics, more than just forks Mar 22, 2007
These applications typically require that biopolymers be reinforced with kenaf fiber similar to jute or other fillers ... Products based on durable biopolymers have begun appearing in the marketplace. (International Herald Tribune)
New Synthetic Self-assembling Macromolecules Mimic Nature Mar 20, 2007
We take "self-assembly" for granted when it is carried out by the biopolymers which are our hair, teeth, or skin. But when scientists devise new ways for molecules to self assemble into new materials, it is an important achievement. (Science Daily)
Snug And Warm Thanks To Hemp And Corn Mar 6, 2007
rttemberg (a foundation for the funding of projects of benefit to the public), he investigated the suitability of a variety of biopolymers for insulating panels, in order to find environmentally friendly alternatives to polystyrene ... Nevertheless, Dr. Kauffmann hopes that the price of biopolymers will fall as production levels rise. (Science Daily)
Peeling greenAddMyLinkImage("/news/181_1938202,00120003.htm", "Peeling green"); Feb 26, 2007
When oxidised, it becomes limonene oxide, which reacts with carbon dioxide to produce biopolymers. This is exciting stuff since almost every plastic we use petroleum as a building block. (Hindustan Times, India)
BioProgress plc and FMC Corporation Complete NRobe(TM) Oral Dose System Restructuring Agreement Jan 29, 2007
About FMC Magenta Oral Dose Design is part of Healthcare Ventures, a growth unit leveraging FMC's core expertise in marine-derived biopolymers and pharmaceutical applications. FMC Corporation is a diversified chemical company serving agricultural, industrial and consumer markets globally for more than a century with innovative solutions, applications and quality products. (PR Newswire)
Study: Almonds May Protect Against Heart Disease, Diabetes Risk Dec 1, 2006
Research Organizations: Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Departments of Nutritional Sciences, and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Public Health, University of Parma; Parma, Italy; and Biopolymers Group, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, King's College London, University of London, London, United... (PR Newswire)
Exoskeletons Of Crabs And Prawns May Help Reduce Radiation Poisoning Sep 20, 2006
It's one of the most abundant, readily available and renewable natural biopolymers, second only to cellulose. Some chitosan materials can be chemically modified to enhance their affinity to particular radionuclides. (Science Daily)
UK 'lacks ambition' on bioenergy Sep 18, 2006
THE UK'S NON-FOOD CROPS Biofuels - oilseed rape, wheat, barley, sugar beet Energy crops - willow, miscanthus Biopolymers - linseed, high erucic acid rape, cereals Biolubricants - crambe, Pharmaceuticals - borage, crambe, poppy, echium, chamomile Construction - hemp. The report is optimistic too about "second generation" technologies which could take organic waste such as wood chips, chicken litter, or straw and either burn them or convert them into other fuels. (BBC News -- Science)
Electric jolt triggers release of biomolecules, nanoparticles Sep 12, 2006
This method could be used to control the release of drug molecules; nanoparticles; biopolymers such as peptides, proteins and DNA; and protein assemblies such as viruses, said Searson, who also is director of the Institute for NanoBioTechnology at Johns Hopkins. "The technique is relatively simple, but nothing like this has been done before," he said. (EurekAlert!)
UC graduate students receive important biotech grants UCOP, Jun. 22 Jun 23, 2006
- Biophysics student Elaine Trepagnier, who is designing a model system to study the translocation of single biopolymers through pores and cavities in biological molecular machines in the laboratory of Prof. Jan Liphardt. (University of California Newswire, CA)
ACS weekly press package — May 1st, 2006 May 15, 2006
The researchers coated CNTs with gylcans, biopolymers designed to mimic the glycoproteins that make up the natural surface of cells. Tests showed that the coated CNT were nontoxic to cells, while uncoated CNTs killed cells. (EurekAlert!)
Biodegradable shopping bags (May 8) May 8, 2006
So-called biopolymers or "natural plastics" have been around since the days of Henry Ford, who initially used soybeans to make car parts, but the low cost of oil has made it difficult for the alternative to gain a foothold in the marketplace. Enter the age of $70 (U.S.) crude oil. (Toronto Star -- Ontario)
The big squeeze Apr 22, 2006
" But, as always, pain at the pump is also an opportunity. Governments, scientists and entrepreneurs worldwide have long been seeking alternatives for oil both as a fuel source and in its other industrial uses. Every price shock spurs them on. And out in Melbourne's Laverton North, Plantic is one such company. An otherwise unglamorous manufacturer, Plantic makes plastic trays. But its techniques are cutting-edge Plantic makes water-soluble plastic derived from sweet corn, not petroleum products.... (The Age, Australia -- Business)
Fields of goldCan non-food crops help break our dependency on oil? Apr 19, 2006
Biofuels - oilseed rape, wheat, barley, sugar beet Energy crops - willow, miscanthus Biopolymers - linseed, high erucic acid rape, cereals Biolubricants - crambe, Pharmaceuticals - borage, crambe, poppy, echium, chamomile Construction - hemp. "If you take plastics, there is only one plant in the world that can produce a truly biodegradable polymer, yet it is finding it very difficult to make any inroads into the market. "People use plastics because they are very robust; they do not change state... (BBC News -- Science)
Computer simulation hints at new HIV drug target Mar 11, 2006
"Recognizing these variations in conformation -- the three-dimensional arrangement of the amino acids that make up a protein -- is the first step in identifying a new drug target," said Alex Perryman, first author of the study published early online in the journal Biopolymers on February 28, 2006. Perryman did the research when he was an HHMI predoctoral fellow in the lab of Andrew McCammon, an HHMI investigator in the Biomedical Sciences program at the University of California, San Diego. (EurekAlert!)
MIV Therapeutics to Highlight Latest HAp Advancements at Leading International Scientific Conference on Biomaterials; MIVT Accepted to Present Proprietary Biocompatible Stent Coating Technology at Society of Biomaterials Meeting Jan 31, 2006
"This next-generation family of composite coatings essentially combines the most desirable properties of bioceramics with those of biopolymers to create greater durability, strength and elasticity," said Dr. Troczynski. "Presented composite would be particularly suitable for coating vascular stents and other devices that are often exposed to significant stresses or possible deformation during implantation or other surgical procedures.". (CBS MarketWatch - Press Releases)
