Tag: BioTech

Banana paper can protect potato seeds from pathogens. But soil bacteria provide vital nutrients for plants’ healthy growth. Making them a good replacement for chemical fertilisers. If only they were less sensitive to heat, humidity and freeze-drying... Now, thanks to a US-based research team, the bacteria can be given a protective coating. It’s made by mixing metal ions -...

Wood waste can help remove microplastics from water. Glyphosate, a widely-used and hazardous herbicide, is increasingly present in water, too. Now, a research team from Brazil, where over 170 tonnes of these pesticides are used annually, is on the lookout for a sustainable removal. Waste from sugar production, it seems, might just hold the key. First the team shredded...

A self-dissolving electrode can close open wounds. Plasters with pain-free microneedles do the same. Antibiotics inside them aim to prevent inflammation - but some germs are resistant. How can nature help? The question was posed by Australian researchers experimenting with nanometre-sized particles from black phosphorus. These particles degrade in the presence of oxygen, triggering a chemical reaction which splits...

Wood can replace window glass when its biopolymer lignin is removed. Now, a US research team has discovered that the same polymer can be used in a medical context. They combined lignin from spruce trees with positively charged ammonium ions, whose mildly acidic qualities are effective against mould, viruses and bacteria. Tests showed that an infectious but antibiotic-resistant type...

Sawdust combined with a layer of tannic acid is helping to make water clean. Now, a US-based research team has, likewise, used tannic acid to create a natural alternative to oil-based glues. Mixing it with the protein zein from maize kernels, they discovered that the formulation grew stronger underwater, irrespective of the water’s salinity. This was due to a...

Crab and shrimp shells can be made into biodegradable components for batteries. Whereas, after breeding their larvae - which, it turns out, are rather fond of beer residue, and can be used to produce burger alternatives - black soldier flies are discarded. All that could be about to change. A US research team recently discovered that the insects, like...

Potato starch could help reduce plastic consumption. Algae are perfect for sustainable fire retardants. Food cans have an oil-based inner lacquer made from synthetic polyester resins. Enter an Italian startup that is using waste from industrial tomato processing to create a plant-based alternative inspired by an old patent. First, the skins are separated from the waste. After thermal treatment...

With the right light, plants grow better. But too much light can have a negative impact on the health and daily rhythms of both people and animals. To say nothing of the bulb waste. Ever since observing bioluminescent marine bacteria, a female founder from France has been working to produce more environmentally-friendly city lamps. Talk about a bright idea… Her startup’s...