A team of scientists from the University of Manchester has achieved a significant breakthrough in the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into renewable materials using cyanobacteria. This discovery, published in Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts, opens up new possibilities for the production of sustainable plastics and the reduction of dependence on fossil fuels.
Cyanobacteria, photosynthetic microorganisms capable of transforming CO₂ into organic compounds, were studied for their potential in sustainable manufacturing. However, their slow growth and low efficiency limited their industrial application. The team, led by Dr. Matthew Faulkner along with researchers Fraser Andrews and Nigel Scrutton, developed a method that multiplies the production of citramalate by 23, an essential compound for manufacturing plastics such as Plexiglas.
Using an innovative approach to experimental design, the researchers were able to increase the production of citramalate to 6.35 g/L in 2-liter photobioreactors, optimizing factors such as light, CO₂ concentration, and nutrient availability. Although scaling up to larger reactors presented challenges in light distribution, the results show that this process can be adapted to an industrial level.
This advancement not only boosts the production of renewable plastics but also lays the groundwork for manufacturing other bioproducts such as biofuels and pharmaceuticals. By improving the capture and utilization of CO₂, the research contributes to the fight against climate change and promotes a circular bioeconomy model. The team plans to continue refining the process and exploring new applications of cyanobacteria in sustainable materials production, consolidating biotechnology as a key tool in the transition to a future without fossil fuels.
## ¿Cuáles son los plásticos renovables?
Renewable plastics are materials that are manufactured from renewable raw materials such as corn, sugarcane, soybean oil, or potato starch. They are a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, which are derived from non-renewable resources like petroleum. Renewable plastics are also known as bioplastics or biobased polymers.
Some types of renewable plastics are:
– **Bioplastics:** Plastics obtained from plant products like corn, sugarcane, soybean oil, or potato starch.
– **Biocompatible polymers:** Bioplastics that can interact with biological systems without causing an adverse response. They are used in medical and pharmaceutical applications.
– **Green polyethylene:** A renewable alternative to conventional polyethylene, obtained from sugarcane ethanol.
Renewable plastics have environmental advantages, such as decomposing faster, leaving no residues, emitting fewer greenhouse gases, and requiring less energy and resources for their production.
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