Biopolymers from the Deep Biosphere

Biopolymers from the Deep Biosphere

CNAM-Bio researchers isolate extremophilic microbes from the deepest mines (7,800 ft deep) in the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The rich biodiversity of microbes found in this high temperature environment permits the development of innovative extremophilic bioprocesses, including efficient microbial utilization of biomass and methane, and high yield extraction of biodegradabe polymers, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and exopolysaccharides (EPS), wihich exhibit an exceptional range of commercailly valuable properties.

The Microbial Solution to Plastic and Composite Waste

The Microbial Solution to Plastic and Composite Waste

In many ways, synthetic (petroleum-derived) polymers are beneficial to the environment. Polymers and polymer composites are much lighter than their metal, glass or ceramic counterparts, and it is estimated that in their absence, energy consumption in the transportation of goods would roughly quadruple. They also increase fuel efficiency of aircraft and land vehicles, and enable efficient energy generation from wind turbines. However, they are not biodegradable – an increasingly problematic flaw. Microbially-produced PHAs can solve this problem, being a family of polymers that not only biodegrade in composting equipment, but also in soil and seawater; as well as being non-toxic to living tissue. Development of cost-efficient PHA production will usher in a new era of bio-based polymers and high-performance composites, helping to eliminate plastic pollution of land and water.

1st International Conference on Microbial Polymers, - New date to be announced

1st International Conference on Microbial Polymers, - New date to be announced

CNAM-Bio is organizing the 1st International Conference on Biopolymers, to be held in Rapid City, South Dakota. Enjoy stimulating discussions on current discoveries and future directions in Microbial Polymer research, while taking some time to explore the beauty of the Black Hills Region, a mountain formation dating back more than 2 billion years. In view of current travel restrictions, the date for this event has not yet been set - but we are considering fall 2021 or spring/summer 2022. Please watch this page for updates.

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