Category: Universities, Institutes & Labs
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UCSB Funded for Marine Degradable Plastics
A collaboration to develop biodegradable oceangoing bioplastics receives Convergence Accelerator Phase 2 funding from NSF
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UBC Develops Grass Bioplastics
UBC scientist discovers way to make strong plastic alternative from grass crops
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Aduro and Western Ontario Partner on Chemical Recycling
Aduro Announces Award of $1.15 Million Joint NSERC Alliance-Mitacs Grant in Partnership with Western University
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Improved Itaconic Acid Production Using Synthetic Biology
Itaconic acid is used as a raw material for manufacturing cosmetics and antibacterial agents, as well as various plastics including biodegradable polymers
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CO2 Fixation in the Production of Succinic Acid
As a flavor enhancer, for the production of dyes, pharmaceutical products and biopolyesters: succinic acid is a versatile basic chemical
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Agile BioFoundry Selects New Collaborations
Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences and the Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems at the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the selection of six projects to conduct research and development that will advance the U.S. bioeconomy.
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Advanced Plastics Recycling Yields Climate Benefits
The City College of New York Grove School of Engineering today released a new report which examined advanced recycling.
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WSU to Research Biodegradable and Recyclable Agricultural Mulch Films
New grant aims to reduce plastic taken from fields to landfills
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Nereid Biomaterials Develops 3D Marine Degradable Plastics
The Nereid Biomaterials team, including Rochester biologist Anne S. Meyer, has created the first ocean instrument made with 3D-printed internal parts composed of bioplastics.
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New Method to Create Aromatic Compound from Waste
Integrated strategy for the synthesis of aromatic building blocks via upcycling of real-life plastic wastes
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Belgian Startup Converts CO2 in Chemicals
Newcomer Oxylum converts CO₂ into sustainable chemicals. New spin-off UAntwerp is a pioneer in the carbon transition
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DCU Funded for Bioplastic Research
Scientists at DCU (Dublin City University) have been awarded more than €2m for research on turning waste from breweries and distilleries into more environmentally friendly plastic.
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Plastic Recycling Breakthrough by UC Santa Barbara
Scientists develop a method of recycling plastic into high-value plastic molecules
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MIT Develops New Plastic Recycling Process
New process could enable more efficient plastics recycling
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Circa Renewable Chemistry Institute
Building the bio-based chemical economy: Circa launches Circa Renewable Chemistry Institute
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Rutger University Spins Off RenewCO2
CO2 to Chemicals Startup RenewCO2, Spins out of Rutgers University with Seed Round from Energy Transition Ventures
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Scientist Upcycles PE waste into PP
A group of scientists has developed a process that uses a series of coupled catalytic reactions to transform end-of-life polyethylene into new polypropylene.
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New Catalyst for Polyester Chemical Recycling
High-performance catalyst that dissolves polyester and realizes chemical recycling
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Synthesizing Biodegradable Plastic with Sunlight and CO2
Success in synthesizing biodegradable plastic materials using sunlight and CO2
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Research on Reprocessable Lignin Vitrimers
Lignin-based reprocessable polymer materials (LIGNOVITRI)
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Compostable School Backpack
Biodegradable school backpack created to tackle plastic pollution — Once you don’t need them anymore, you can throw them in your compost bin … 🙂 🙂 🙂 … Good luck with that!
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University of Connecticut on Bioplastic Mulch Films
UConn is working with growers in the state to find alternatives to plastic mulch without eliminating the benefits it brings
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Israeli Researcher Develops Mycelium Insulating Material
Israeli develops insulation material from mushrooms
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II T Roorkee Develops New Bioplastics
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee researchers have developed a biodegradable substitute for single-use plastics packaging
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UC Berkeley Innovation on Carbon Capture
A simple, cheap material for carbon capture, perhaps from tailpipes
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MSU Granted for PEF Research
The project aims to find a better way of turning biomass sugars into FDCA
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Troy University and Hemp Growers Partner on Hemp Bioplastics
Troy University partners with the National Hemp Growers Cooperative to research use of hemp fibers in developing biodegradable plastics
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Queen’s University Belfast Research on Antiviral Plastics
Researchers develop plastic film that can kill viruses using room lights
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UBC Research on Bioplastics
University of British Columbia and its startup are developing bioplastics and more.
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New Technology to Grow Plants Quickly without Soil
An innovative, space-saving technology to develop fast-growing plants without soil could revolutionise the UK’s bioenergy market, according to researchers from the University of Surrey.
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How Microbial Communities Exchange Information
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have demonstrated a microbial community phenomenon that essentially equates to teaching neighbors how to complete necessary tasks by ripping out and sharing parts of the brain.
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Mahidol University Wins Award with Carbon Polymerising System
A team of scientists from Thailand has won the top prize at an international eco-competition by harnessing microbes to manufacture biodegradable plastics.
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WSU Develops New Method to Upcycle PLA Waste
A chemical approach for the future of PLA upcycling: from plastic wastes to new 3D printing materials
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DTU Bioplastic Spin Off
Technical University of Denmark has launched a bioplastic spinoff. Investors are lining up to get on board.
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University of Idaho on Converting Manure to Bioplastics
University of Idaho researchers are pioneering technologies that have potential to turn a liability for dairymen – animal waste – into revenue-generating products.
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New Polymer Nanomembranes for Sustainable Chemistry
Novel synthetic nanomembranes show potential to improve efficiency and sustainability of chemical and pharmaceutical industries
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New Algorithm Reveals Secrets of Cell Factories
The researchers tested their model by simulating metabolism in more than 300 types of yeasts. When compared with measured, pre-existing knowledge, the researchers concluded that models with predicted kcat values could accurately simulate metabolism
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New Vegan Biomaterials to Replace Pesticides
New vegan-based biomaterials could be used instead of chemical products and pesticides to help farmers manage their crops in a more eco-friendly and sustainable way, according to new research.
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Biodegradable Printed Circuit
Breakthrough could divert wearable devices and other flexible electronics from landfill
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Recycling Bioplastic Wind Turbine Blades into Food
Researchers managed to recycle bioplastics wind turbine blades back into food
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McGill University on PEF
In order to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the plastic industry, polyethylene furanoate may soon be taking over.
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PNNL Develops New Chemical Recycling Method
Problem plastics could be diverted from landfills and converted into fuel sources with new technology. Researchers discover faster, greener chemical method for upcycling waste
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Synthetisation of Fumaric Acid
Researchers have successfully synthesized fumarate (fumaric acid), a raw material for unsaturated polyester resin, by combining carbon dioxide (CO2) with pyruvate (derived from biomass), using two biocatalysts: malate dehydrogenase and fumarase.
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Chemical Recycling Method for Pharma Blister Packaging
NUS Students develop new method to recycle pharma blister packaging
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Lignin Could Make Carbon Fiber Stronger and Lighter
New research with lignin may soon lead to lighter, stronger carbon fiber materials and stronger plastics with a gentler environmental impact.
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Biomass to Recycle Electronic Waste
Compost to computer: Bio-based materials used to salvage rare earth elements
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New Australian Research Centre for Bioplastics
A new University of Queensland-led training centre is set to become a hub for world-leading research in ‘green’ plastic.
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Eco-Glue to Replace Harmful Adhesives in Wood Construction
A fast and energy-efficient manufacturing process results in a strong, non-toxic and fire-resistant adhesive—and a great opportunity for the Finnish bioeconomy.
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WMU Welcomes New Compostability Testing Center
Western student powers launch of new compostability testing center
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Should I Buy Biodegradable Materials If Trash Goes to Landfill?
Is there an environmental benefit to using biodegradable disposable plates and cutlery that are then thrown out with the trash in closed plastic bags — and presumably dropped in landfill?
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Bioenabled Platform to Access Polyamides with Built-In Target Properties
The work being done by the research groups of Chemical and Biological Engineering professors Eric Cochran, Brent Shanks, and Jean-Philippe Tessonnier is making headlines.
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Replacing Plastics with Silk in Agriculture, Paints and Cosmetics
Researchers have developed a biodegradable system based on silk to replace microplastics added to agricultural products, paints, and cosmetics.
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University of Stuttgart Study on Plastic Degradation
Researchers at the University of Stuttgart present long-term study on the degradation of plastic
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University of Glasgow Develops New Method to Produce Anilines
Researchers at a Scottish university have found a greener, cleaner way to produce a common chemical relied on by multibillion-dollar industries.
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Microplastics in Meat and Milk
Pilot study reveals plastic in meat and dairy products. Particles found in supermarket products and on Dutch farms, but human health impacts unknown — Another concrete example of the failure of the EU CAP
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Cornell Develops New Biohybride Material for Medical Applications
Soft but tough: Biohybrid material performs like cartilage
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MSU Method for Turning Plants in Earth Friendly Energy
New method to access renewable energy from plant matter
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Chalmers University Develops New Recycling Method
Pioneering recycling turns mixed waste into premium plastics with no climate impact
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Chinese Develop Conductive Polymer Based Living Material
Researchers Develop Flexible Bioelectronic Device Based on Living Material for Monitoring Lactate and Tumor Cells
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University of Bath Microbeads Startup Receives Million
Spin-out company aiming to replace harmful plastic microbeads receives £1.3M investment
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EPFL Develops New Lignocellulosic Bioplastic Similar to PET
EPFL scientists have developed a new, PET-like plastic that is easily made from the non-edible parts of plants.
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Rutgers Scientist Develops Antimicrobial Plant-Based Food Wrap
Rutgers Scientist Develops Antimicrobial, Plant-Based Food Wrap Designed to Replace Plastic
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Turning Velvet Worm Proteins into Bioplastics
Velvet worm proteins sequenced at last: One step closer to becoming a bioplastic
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UMaine Develops Recyclable Nanocellulose Food Containers
University of Maine engineers have created a grease-proof, water-resistant container from recyclable cellulose nanocomposites that could be the next big thing in takeout technology.
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Plants Producing Aromatics
Altered gene helps plants absorb more carbon dioxide, produce more useful compounds
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The Plastic Protein Powder Solution
Plastic-sourced protein powder developed by Michigan Tech researchers could help solve two prominent global issues: hunger and plastic pollution — While the European Commission is flushing EU taxpayer money down the drain, US scientists are coming up with disruptive solutions.
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Superworms That Can Eat Polystyrene
Researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered the common Zophobas morio ‘superworm’ can eat through polystyrene, thanks to a bacterial enzyme in their gut.
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Can Canada Make the Paper Industry Circular?
Bacteria could transform paper industry waste into useful products
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Independent Testing of PLA, PBAT and BDP Residues in Compost
NatureWorks Ingeo PLA, BASF Ecoflex PBAT and more compostable plastics were independently tested by a team of researchers. The compost was tested after the biodegradation of compostable plastics. The researchers did a remarkable job.
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Leipzig University Research on PET Biodegradation
Newly Discovered Enzyme Breaks Down Pet Plastic In Record Time
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New Reactive Chemical Found in Atmosphere
New type of extremely reactive substance in the atmosphere
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Toys and Furniture Made From Popcorn
Forest scientists at the University of Göttingen are developing bio-based, environmentally friendly material
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TU Dresden Research on Biosynthesis of Cyanobacterin
Biosynthesis Of Cyanobacterin Opens Up New Class Of Natural Compounds For Applications In Medicine And Agriculture
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University of Bath Makes Plastic UV Degradable
Scientists at Bath found that incorporating sugar units into polymers makes them more degradable when exposed to UV light.
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US Expands Industrial Assessment Center Program
Coincidentally, I had recommended this idea in one of my previous posts and the US administration seems to deploy this initiative with great professionalism. The US administration is efficient, the European Union could learn from it.
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Limited Benefits of Atmospheric CO2 on Tropical Vegetation
Tropical vegetation benefits less from elevated atmospheric CO2 than researchers previously thought
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UK Universities Partner on Bioplastics Biomedical Materials
Biomedical Materials Made from Natural Polymers Produced by Bacteria
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Monitoring Impact of Airborne Plastic Pollution on Oceans
Call for global strategy to monitor effect of airborne plastic pollution on oceans
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Coconut Waste Materials for Transport, Aviation and Domestic Use
A unique green composite obtained from coconut fiber: Roads Can Be Built from Coconut. Due to its lightness and strength, it can be used to cover autobahns, create interiors for railway cars and airplanes, as well as for domestic needs.
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Turning Sugarcane Waste into Valuable Chemicals
Scientists solve problem of industrial waste from sugarcane processing in India
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Eastman and NC State University Partner on Compostable Take Out Containers
Design Students Develop Compostable Take-Out Container Prototypes in Project Sponsored by Eastman
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Network Thinking can Revolutionise Agriculture
New perspectives show how advances in complexity science can change the way we think about and manage farm and global food systems for good.
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New Strategy for Creating New to Nature Enzymes
Scientists achieve a novel biocatalytic reaction by repurposing natural enzymes with light, which could lead to valuable new chemical compounds.
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US University Develops Enzyme for PET Depolymerization
Plastic-eating Enzyme Could Eliminate Billions of Tons of Landfill Waste
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Imperial College London Research on PET and PU Biodegradation
The MIPLACE project, led by Imperial and involving partners based in Germany, Spain and France, investigates the use of microorganisms for the recycling of PET and polyurethane plastic waste
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Ocean Carbon Uncertainties
A critical part of the Earth’s carbon cycle occurs in the ocean, where microscopic plants (plankton) take up CO2 from the atmosphere.
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Illinois Tech Researchers Granted for Carbon Capture
Illinois Tech researchers awarded grant to scale up innovative carbon capture and conversion process at the source
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USC Research on Reducing Waste
University scientists and engineers aim to replace plastics and batteries with more sustainable, degradable resources for the future.
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Nano Skyscrapers Help Bacteria Convert Sunlight Into Electricity
University of Cambridge using 3D printing to produce generated from sunlight and water thanks to bacteria
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University of NY Discovers How Biomolecules Interact and Adapt
Researchers Demonstrate How Biomolecule Mixtures Communicate, Interact and Adapt to Their Environment
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Light and Oxygen Turn Plastic Waste into Benzoic Acid
A new path to convert polystyrene waste into benzoic acid has been discovered.
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Biodegradable Gel Against Cancers and Tumors
Biodegradable gel boosts immune system’s attack on several cancers in mice
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First Biocomposite Bridge Inauguration
The flax bridge for pedestrians and cyclists will be inaugurated during the Floriade International Horticultural Exhibition in Almere on April 22nd.
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University of Sidney on Bioplastics
It seems as if Australian universities are looking to position themselves on bioplastics.
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US Grants for Potato, Wine and Barley Innovations
Three Idaho-based grants support potato, wine and barley innovation



