In California, University of the Pacific’s Dr. Craig Vierra demonstrated the procedures to harvest and process synthetic spider silk from bacteria. His technique removes human variability by using a mechanical actuator. Built by Dr. Vierra and his laboratory group, the mechanical actuator can reliably stretch fibers to a specified length, mimicking the spider’s natural post-spin. […]
In Minnesota, Evonik Industries and BioAmber have agreed on a collaboration to develop and manufacture catalysts for making 1,4- butanediol, tetrahydrofurane, and gamma – butyrolactone from bio-based succinic acid. These are large volume industrial chemicals used in a wide range of applications including polymers, paints, adhesives and solvents. The global market for these products currently […]
In California, Verenium Corp. and Alexandria Real Estate celebrated the grand opening of Verenium’s new office and laboratory building in the Torrey Pines area of San Diego. The new 60,000 square foot building includes state-of-the-art laboratories, office space designed to support employee creativity and a high-tech fermentation pilot plant for use in bioprocess development and […]
In Canada, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced today that Advanced Foods and Materials Canada is receiving an important investment to turn by-products of flax and hemp into high-quality fiber. AFM will use this $500,000 investment to increase production capabilities of the technology developed by Blue Goose Biorefineries. AFM states that the development of this technology […]
In California and Florida, TerViva and Mason & Morse Farmland are partnering to develop pongamia tree projects. The pongamia tree is native to Australia and India, and yields a nut crop harvestable with conventional shakers. The seed produced by the tree has a 40% oil content that can be easily refined into a very high-grade […]
In Michigan, Vestaron Corporation has submitted its first biopesticide to the Biopesticide and Pollution Prevention Division of the US EPA. Their first product, a bioinsecticide derived from natural sources, is targeted at crop-destroying chewing insects. The product submission includes use on vegetables, tree fruit and nuts, vines, turf and other non-crop areas, nurseries as well […]
In Oregon, Nike announced their new GS football boot, which was conceived engineered in Italy. The sole plate is made of 50% renewable Pebax Renew, which is a plant derived material made with 97% castor beans, and 50% TPU, made from renewable materials. The sock liner made from 100% castor beans. The boot laces, lining […]
In California, Cereplast has entered into a distribution agreement with Hamburg, Germany-based Albis Plastic to supply Cereplast bioplastic resins to the United Kingdom and Ireland. Cereplast has shipped the first purchase order to Albis Plastic, who will distribute both Cereplast Compostables resins, with an emphasis on blown film grades and blow molding grades, as well […]
In Illinois, Iosso announced via email that their Triple Action Oil Solution and Bore Cleaner have earned the USDA Certified Bio-based Product Label. Iosso’s website describes their bore cleaner as a paste that is non-corrosive, non-flammable and has no offensive odors or mists. Their Triple Action Oil Solution is described as biodegradable with no petroleum […]
In Malaysia, Ministry of Sciences Malaysian Biotechnology Corp’s CEO Datuk Mohd Nazlee Kamal used the launch of ADT Biotech Sdn Bhd to comment on BioNexus’ progress, now 215 companies strong. Kamal said, “Thus far, Malaysian BioNexus companies have demonstrated high value capital growth with a combined market capitalisation of over RM1.23 billion for the five […]
