Large quantities of fossil fuels are still used for the production of medicines, cosmetics or even food. However, such fossil-based raw material is not only finite, but also extremely harmful to the environment. That is why a number of chemists, process engineers and engineers are working towards a more environmentally friendly production by using enzymes and biobased processes.
Next to cellulose, lignin is the most important plant raw material. Its structure-giving properties make the wood ingredient particularly interesting for the bioeconomy. The chemical industry in particular relies on lignin as a starting material for new bio-based plastics and materials. At present, however, the biopolymer is still used primarily for energy production. As a by-product of cellulose and bioethanol production, lignin has hardly been used so far due to its high sulfur content and has been burned instead.
There are 39,500 bridges along Germany's trunk roads. Of these, 87% are made of prestressed concrete or reinforced concrete. In 2019, the German Federal Ministry of Transport found that twelve percent of all road bridges were in "insufficient" or "inadequate" condition. Four of five major bridges inspected will most likely need to be redone. In the future, however, ongoing repairs could significantly extend the service life of bridges and other concrete structures.
Plastic is a durable and versatile material. But the longevity of petroleum-based plastics is both a blessing and a curse, as plastic waste severely pollutes the environment. One alternative is biobased and biodegradable plastics, which are made from renewable raw materials or biogenic residues instead of petroleum. Researchers from Tübingen are now bringing a new player into play as a bioplastics manufacturer: cyanobacteria.
Many plants need animals to eat their fruits in order to spread their seeds. To prevent the seeds from being destroyed during digestion, many of them form a slimy protective shell. This sheath also forms independently of digestion as soon as the seeds come into contact with water. A team of researchers from Kiel University has now discovered that the stability of the mucus membrane depends heavily on tiny fibres that bind the mucus to the seed.
Microorganisms are used in and for many biotechnological processes, including the production of chemicals and drugs. They offer a sustainable and often more efficient alternative to processes that were previously mostly fossil-based. In order to draw attention to the diversity of microbes and their enormous potential for many different applications, the members of the Association for General and Applied Microbiology (VAAM) elect the "Microbe of the Year" every year. For 2019, they have chosen the species of Magnetospirillum.
Nearly nine years ago, in 2010, breast implants made of cheap industrial silicone caused a scandal in medical technology. The case occupied the courts for many years and also focused on the issue of biocompatibility for biomedical materials. These materials are used for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes in or on a patient's body. Therefore, high demands are placed on their safety - but standardized, comprehensive and rapid evaluation methods are still lacking.
No matter if car, wind turbine or airplane: In order for a machine to run smoothly, it usually needs one or more lubricants. Today, the chemical industry has a wide range of specialized and widely optimized lubricants and bonded coatings. However, their components and additives are traditionally based on fossil raw materials.
China is the largest market for baby food with 50% of the world market volume. The German Jennewein Biotechnologie GmbH now wants to develop this market for its human milk oligosaccharides and has signed a cooperation agreement with the Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group. Together with the Chinese market leader in dairy products, Jennewein intends to develop an infant formula and other dairy products specifically tailored to the Chinese market. In addition, the cooperation will further research the microbiome of newborns.
Last summer, heat and drought have afflicted farmers in many places and caused enormous harvest losses. The damage caused to farmers in Germany was estimated by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture at 770 million euros.
Extreme weather conditions make plants more susceptible to disease and pest infestation. This also endangers wheat production in Germany and large parts of Europe.