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nightweaver066
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zeebobDD
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Biopol
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Hold up, I've got a decent answer to this question. I'll check if I still have it somewhere on my computer.
Edit: Sorry, it's not exactly what you're looking for but I'll post it anyway.
P.S. I apologize in advance for any spelling errors. I wrote this a long time ago and if I have to re-read it I'll go OCD and waste the next hour correcting everything.
Analyse Progress in the Development of a named biopolymer:
Biopolymers are polymers that have been produced by living organisms. Biopol is an example of a biopolymer. It is a stiff, brittle plastic with a high melting point, high tensile strength and low reactivity. Its main use is in biocompatible sutures that dissolve in the body. Less common uses include razor handles, shampoo bottles and slow-release herbicides.
This polymer was first synthesized by Maurice Lemoigne in 1925 by feeding bacteria (Alcaligenes Eutrophus) a diet rich in nutrients in order to increase the population. After a suitable size was reached, a nutrient such as glucose was removed from the bacteria’s diet. This unnatural environment induced the production of Polyhydroxybutyrate by the bacteria, which is a natural energy storage material. In more modern production methods, after a certain amount has been create, a chlorinated hydrocarbon such as trichloromethane (chloroform) is added to dissolve the PHB, which is drained, filtered and then treated to form a plastic.
In the 1980s, Cargill Dow identified the three genes responsible for the production of PHB in Alcaligenes Eutrophus and implanted them into the more common bacteria, E. Coli. This organism was better researched, had an easily manipulatable physiology as well as many other advantages including faster growth, better yields, easier recovery and the production of less extra biomass. Cheaper substrates such as molasses and agricultural wastes could also be used thus decreasing the cost of production.
This development was important, as the price of producing Biopol at the time was very high compared to other non-renewable plastics. This was demonstrated by Monsanto’s failed attempt to sell shampoo bottles created from Biopol.
More recently, Monsanto has been investigating the development of transgenic plants such as genetically modified corn, which will have the ability to produce PHB. With this development, the price of Biopol has been expected to fall to a level that will make it competitive with non-renewable plastics.
Assess the effects of the recent developments of a Biopolymer on society and the environment:
The biopolymer, polyhydroxybutanoate (biopol), was developed in the 1920s, but it is the recent developments that have had impacts on society and the environment. The bacterium Alcaligenes Eutrophus contains a gene for the production of this plastic-like substance. In recent times, thanks to genetic engineering techniques, the gene has been located and transferred to the more familiar bacterium E. Coli. This bacterium is easier to work with and reproduces at a faster rate, making the production of biopol more economically viable.
The development of biopol has had only a limited impact on society to date. It has been used to make shampoo bottles and disposable razor handles but is no longer used for these owing to the high cost of production. It is currently used only in the medical industry to make non-toxic dissolvable sutures. These have had a large impact on internal surgery as they dissolve over time and the patient does not need to have them removed.
The impact on the environment of biopol is limited by its low usage but it has the potential to have a large impact in the future if it gains wider usage. This is because biopol is biodegradable and if used to replace plastic products it will reduce the pressure on landfills.
Edit: Sorry, it's not exactly what you're looking for but I'll post it anyway.
P.S. I apologize in advance for any spelling errors. I wrote this a long time ago and if I have to re-read it I'll go OCD and waste the next hour correcting everything.
Analyse Progress in the Development of a named biopolymer:
Biopolymers are polymers that have been produced by living organisms. Biopol is an example of a biopolymer. It is a stiff, brittle plastic with a high melting point, high tensile strength and low reactivity. Its main use is in biocompatible sutures that dissolve in the body. Less common uses include razor handles, shampoo bottles and slow-release herbicides.
This polymer was first synthesized by Maurice Lemoigne in 1925 by feeding bacteria (Alcaligenes Eutrophus) a diet rich in nutrients in order to increase the population. After a suitable size was reached, a nutrient such as glucose was removed from the bacteria’s diet. This unnatural environment induced the production of Polyhydroxybutyrate by the bacteria, which is a natural energy storage material. In more modern production methods, after a certain amount has been create, a chlorinated hydrocarbon such as trichloromethane (chloroform) is added to dissolve the PHB, which is drained, filtered and then treated to form a plastic.
In the 1980s, Cargill Dow identified the three genes responsible for the production of PHB in Alcaligenes Eutrophus and implanted them into the more common bacteria, E. Coli. This organism was better researched, had an easily manipulatable physiology as well as many other advantages including faster growth, better yields, easier recovery and the production of less extra biomass. Cheaper substrates such as molasses and agricultural wastes could also be used thus decreasing the cost of production.
This development was important, as the price of producing Biopol at the time was very high compared to other non-renewable plastics. This was demonstrated by Monsanto’s failed attempt to sell shampoo bottles created from Biopol.
More recently, Monsanto has been investigating the development of transgenic plants such as genetically modified corn, which will have the ability to produce PHB. With this development, the price of Biopol has been expected to fall to a level that will make it competitive with non-renewable plastics.
Assess the effects of the recent developments of a Biopolymer on society and the environment:
The biopolymer, polyhydroxybutanoate (biopol), was developed in the 1920s, but it is the recent developments that have had impacts on society and the environment. The bacterium Alcaligenes Eutrophus contains a gene for the production of this plastic-like substance. In recent times, thanks to genetic engineering techniques, the gene has been located and transferred to the more familiar bacterium E. Coli. This bacterium is easier to work with and reproduces at a faster rate, making the production of biopol more economically viable.
The development of biopol has had only a limited impact on society to date. It has been used to make shampoo bottles and disposable razor handles but is no longer used for these owing to the high cost of production. It is currently used only in the medical industry to make non-toxic dissolvable sutures. These have had a large impact on internal surgery as they dissolve over time and the patient does not need to have them removed.
The impact on the environment of biopol is limited by its low usage but it has the potential to have a large impact in the future if it gains wider usage. This is because biopol is biodegradable and if used to replace plastic products it will reduce the pressure on landfills.
Last edited:
nightweaver066
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2010
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