New Technique Makes Biodegradable Plastic Cheaper and Greener

Researchers have developed a way to make production of bioplastic cheaper and greener. The findings could help make the biodegradable plastic known as polylactic acid (PLA) a full-fledged alternative to cheaper traditional petroleum-based plastics.

"Our new method has several advantages compared to the traditional technique: We produce more PLA with less waste and without using metals. In addition, the production process is cheaper, because we can skip a step," said one of the researchers, Michiel Dusselier, from the University of Leuven in Belgium.

Plastics Made from Proteins in Egg Whites Found to be Fully Biodegradable
Bioplastics made from protein sources such as albumin and whey, have shown significant antibacterial properties, and could be used in medical applications.

The bioplastic PLA, which is not yet a full alternative for petroleum-based plastics due to its cost, is derived from renewable resources, including sugar in maize and sugar cane.

Fermentation turns sugar into lactic acid, which in turn is a building block for polylactic acid.

The production process for PLA is expensive because of the intermediary steps.

Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma - Aggressive Form Of Brain Cancer Linked to Gene Mutation
The genetic study of fast-growing cancers provides key insights into the causes of aggressive form of brain cancers and how they might be treated.

Explaining the new method for PLA production, Dusselier noted, "We have applied a petrochemical concept to biomass."

"Of course, PLA will never fully replace petroleum-based plastics. Some objects such as toilet drain pipes are not meant to be biodegradable. And it is not our intention to promote disposable plastic. But products made of PLA can now become cheaper and greener," professor Bert Sels from KU Leuven Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis explained.

Facial Plastic Surgery may Spruce Up Your Personality, Boost Self-Confidence
Facial rejuvenation surgery may not only make you look younger, but may improve how you are perceived with regard to likeability, social skills and femininity.

The findings were published in the journal Science.

Source-IANS

Headed by a Plastic Surgeon, First-Ever Sports Injury Center Soon in Bengaluru, India
The center will be set up at the Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Trauma & Orthopaedics Center. It will focus on arthroscopic surgery that requires minimal incision.