Corden BioChem takes over operations of former Clariant biorefinery

In December last year, the Swiss specialty chemicals company Clariant discontinued the production of cellulosic ethanol from straw at its plant in Romania, which only opened in 2022. The end for the former flagship plant in Podari came as a surprise. According to Clariant, the plant was “unable to meet the targeted operational parameters”. Now the closed Clariant plant has a new operator.

First real laboratory for sustainable vegetable cultivation

Water is a precious commodity and often causes conflicts of use. Water shortages are already occurring in some regions of Germany due to heat and drought. According to experts, agriculture alone accounts for 70% of global water consumption as the main food producer and is therefore particularly reliant on cultivation methods that ensure food security in the future with little water. As part of the “HypoWave+” project, partners from research and industry have developed a particularly water-efficient method for hydroponic vegetable cultivation in recent years.

Capgemini (2024): Engineering biology: The time is now

The study 'Engineering Biology: The time is now' shows that sustainability is a key driver of corporate interest in biotechnology. More than 70% of companies expect to achieve their sustainability goals significantly faster with the help of biosolutions. Other motives include cost reduction, product optimisation and increased safety of products and production processes. The study also highlights the challenges that need to be overcome to realise this potential, ranging from market perception and acceptance to high costs and a lack of qualified specialists.

Hemp can replace glass fibers in composite materials

Whether in the home, in sport or in the car: objects made from fiber composites are ubiquitous. By combining several components, such as a plastic matrix with fibers, materials are created that meet the most diverse requirements. Up to now, glass fiber reinforced plastics (GRP) have often been used to produce complex and lightweight molded parts. However, the production of glass fiber releases large quantities of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. The recycling and disposal of so-called GRP materials is also problematic.

Microalgae ink for 3D laser printing

Microalgae not only contain valuable resources. They are also coveted and, above all, efficient biofactories for producing biogenic raw materials for dyes, plastics and biofuel. They only need sunlight, carbon dioxide and water to quickly produce large quantities of biomass. In addition, the cultivation of microalgae binds carbon dioxide. An international research team led by Heidelberg University has now expanded the range of applications for microalgae-based products.

Making greater use of the innovation potential of industrial biotechnology

Whether in food and agriculture, medicine, the chemical, cosmetics or pharmaceutical industry: biotechnology offers enormous innovation potential for many sectors. At the same time, industrial biotechnology in particular opens up ways for sustainable and resource-conserving economic activity and is therefore a key pillar of the bioeconomy. But what does it look like in practice? According to experts, Germany is lagging behind internationally in the industrial application of biotechnological processes.

G20 Science Academies: Communiqué for a sustainable economy

With the 2030 Agenda, the international community defined 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. These formulate measures that are to be implemented as part of national strategies. Innovations from research and development play an important role here. In the run-up to the summit of the 20 most important industrialized and emerging countries (G20), which will take place on November 18 and 19, 2024 in Rio de Janeiro/Brazil, the G20 science academies (Science20) have published a joint statement.

“We force microalgae to excrete valuable signaling substances”

Soil is a vital resource and indispensable for ecosystems, the climate and society. However, industrial agriculture and the consequences of the climate crisis are putting increasing pressure on soils. As a result, fertile soils are becoming ever scarcer. According to studies, more than 60% of agricultural land in the EU is degraded. Omar Khalaf from the Berlin start-up Alganize wants to do something about that. "Stopping soil degradation is a matter close to our hearts," says the biotechnologist.

Red light sensor modified for bacteria

In biotechnology, microorganisms have long been used to manufacture products for medicine, agriculture or the chemical industry or to boost industrial processes. However, bacteria are also becoming increasingly important in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. New possibilities could now open up in the biotechnological application of bacteria. Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have laid the foundation.