PHA’s (Poly Hydroxy Alkanoates)
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA’s) have been known by scientists for a very long time.x In fact, the simplest PHA, called P3HB, or sometimes just PHB, was discovered as…
PLA (Polylactic Acid or Polylactide)
Polylactic acid, or polylactide (PLA) is a thermoplastic polyester with backbone formula (C3H4O2)n or [–C(CH3)HC(=O)O–]n, formally obtained by condensation of lactic acid C(CH3)(OH)HCOOH with loss of water (hence its name). PLA…
Bioplastics
Bioplastics are not just one single material, but rather a large family of different materials. They comprise of a whole family of materials with different properties…
Biobased Economy
Biobased economy or bioeconomy refers to economic activity involving the use of biotechnology in the production of (bio-based) goods, services, or energy from biological material (or…
Biorefinery
A biorefinery is a refinery that converts biomass to energy and other beneficial byproducts (such as chemicals). The International Energy Agency defined biorefining as “the sustainable processing of biomass into…
Lignocellulosic Sugars
Lignocellulosic sugars Lignocellulose refers to plant dry matter (biomass), so called lignocellulosic biomass. It is the most abundantly available raw material on Earth for the production of…
Lignin: a sustainable chemicals warehouse
Lignin – which comes from the Latin word for wood – is what gives plants their shape and sturdiness. Functionally, lignocellulose biopolymers strengthen the cell wall…
White Biotechnology
White biotechnology, or industrial biotechnology is using living cells—from yeast, moulds, bacteria and plants—and enzymes to produce a variety of industrial products. Well know examples are citric…
Circular Economy
A circular economy is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. It is an…
Marine Microalgae
Microalgae have been used as biofactories commercially because they present a promising source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are found in animals, plants, fungi and many…