Argentina group seeks investor for bioplastic

12 October 2007 21:44  [Source: ICIS news]

BUENOS AIRES (ICIS News)--Argentine government researchers have developed a strain of bacteria that can produce polyhydroxialkanoates (PHA) to produce biodegradable plastics more efficiently, a researcher said on Friday.

The state-run Conicet science and research council found that the common bacteria Escherichia coli can be genetically modified to produce PHA using glycerine, scientist Beatriz Mendes told ICIS news.

“The bacteria were modified to produce bio-plastics with a lower amount of oxygen which means economising energy,” Mendez said in Spanish.

Mendez said the plastics produced with the process are biodegradable.

“The new process could be a reliable and non-contaminating alternative to produce plastics for use as inputs for other industries,” Mendez said.

The Conicet researchers found the process can utilise glycerine, a co-product of soap manufacturing and biodiesel, which has the potential to employ renewable resources.

This process results from several years of research at the Ecology and Genetics Laboratory of Buenos Aires University.

Conicet has already patented the process in Argentina, but the scientists do not rule out the possibility of registering the technology in other countries, if an interested investor can be found.

The team is still working to fine tune the results, Mendez said.

By: Cristina Kroll
+1 713 525 2653

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