Metabolix experiments with tobacco plants for PHA production
Bioresin manufacturer Metabolix Inc. (Cambridge, MA) has genetically engineered tobacco to produce polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) as it works to create non-food sources for biobased polymers. Under a permit from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to perform an open-air field trial in March of 2009, Metabolix completed field-trial experiments in early October. The trial was undertaken on 0.8 acres of land, with the best plants producing 3-5% PHA. Metabolix said that the trial provided valuable data and information relating to polymer production, adding that the research “furthers development of Metabolix crop technologies for the co-production of biobased plastics in non-food bioenergy crops.”
In a release, Oliver Peoples, chief scientific officer of Metabolix said, “We believe that our crop programs offer a number of commercialization options and hold significant potential,” citing non-food oilseed and biomass crops. Metabolix, which is continuing to develop and commercialize its Mirel family of bioplastics, is also developing a platform technology for co-producing plastics, chemicals, and energy from crops such as switchgrass, oilseeds, and sugarcane.
Last year, Dow Chemical and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) announced joint research to pursue non-food biomass routes for fuels and chemicals, including corn stover. While starch-based bioresins like polylactic acid have gained a foothold in the burgeoning marketplace, some have voiced opposition to using food crops for the creation of chemical and fuels. —mpweditorial@cancom.com
October 22nd, 2009 Plasticstoday
