Chemistry

Almost all materials and surfaces are coated with a coat of paint or varnish today. It improves appearances and protects the material from corrosion. However, very few are bio-based. And in the past, paints and varnishes with bio-based binders or film formers have either been too expensive or could not meet the requirements. But through the use of modified starch, scientists at the Fraunhofer IAP in Potsdam-Golm and the Fraunhofer IPA in Stuttgart have found a sustainable and cost-effective solution.

Huge amounts of packaging waste accrue every day and much of it ends up polluting our oceans. However, not only the large pieces of plastic are dangerous to the environment but also the much smaller pieces of microplastic. And yet, they are still widely used in cosmetic care products such as scrubs and wash peelings. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS now developed a bio-based and – perhaps even more importantly – biodegradable alternative. 

Specialty chemicals company Clariant and biotechnology company Global Bioenergies have announced the development of a new bio-based polymer of renewable isobutene for cosmetic creams and lotions. 

The wide-spread disappaerance of insects has many causes, including environmental toxins and climate change. But regarding the high bee mortality of the past years, there is another culprit: the Varroa mite. This parasite has infected almost all bee colonies. The mites suck at the larvae and bees and weaken them. In addition, the Varroa mite also transmits pathogens.

Evonik and Siemens have entered into a joint research project called Rheticus. Approximately 20 researchers from both companies will be working on electrolysis and fermentation processes for the next two years. The first test plant is scheduled to go on stream by 2021 at the Evonik facility in Marl, Germany. This plant produces chemicals such as butanol and hexanol – both of which are the basis for special plastics and food supplements.

Twenty years ago, the Great Pacific Trash island turned the world's attention to the problems caused by plastic waste. In particular, if, over time, the waste decomposes to microplastics, it endangers life in the seas.

There are two sides to everything – even carbon dioxide (CO₂): on the one hand the rapid increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentration due to the burning of fossil fuels causes intensification of the greenhouse effect, which in turn fuels global warming. On the other hand, CO₂ is essential to keep plants, algae and some bacteria alive: they convert the greenhouse gas into biomass in a process known as photosynthesis, in which CO₂ and water are used to produce sugars and oxygen.

Dry cleaners are very helpful when it comes to the stain removal off of delicate fabric. However, the chemicals used in the cleaning process are often very damaging to the environment. The average dry cleaning business produces a number of harmful waste products, including solvents, soils, carbon, dyes, grease, and powdered filter material.

There are many reasons why insects are vanishing in alarming numbers. One reason is intensive farming and the corresponding use of synthetic crop protection agents and pesticides. For instance, the widespread use of the neonicotinoids has been shown to be hazardous to the health of bees and bumblebees.

Tasty food is “mouth-watering”. However, saliva I so much more than water: It contains mucosal and immune cells as well as a large number of molecules that perform a wide variety of biological functions such as ensuring healthy teeth, gums, and oral mucosa. Moreover, saliva is the first barrier against pathogens. Therefore, it also contains a number of antimicrobial molecules, including the antibacterial lysozyme. These are part of the innate molecular immune system.