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Plastics & Elastomers
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Plastics & Elastomers
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Bioplastics Technology and Trends

SpecialChem / Oct 30, 2006

There are two main types of biopolymers: those that come from living organisms; and, those which need to be polymerized but come from renewable resources. Both types are used in the production of bioplastics. Biopolymers that are present in, or created by, living organisms include carbohydrates and proteins.These can be used in the production of plastic for commercial purposes.Fermentation uses microorganisms to break down organic substances in the absence of oxygen. Today, typical processes make use of genetically engineered microorganisms, specifically designed for the conditions under which fermentation takes place and the substance that is being broken down by the microorganism. Plants have the potential to become factories for the production of plastics. Plants can be exploited to the maximum using genomics. The genes obtained can be inserted into crops, using biotechnology as a result of which new plastics with unique properties can be developed. Researchers have created an Arabidopsis thaliana plant using such genetic engineering.

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