In Massachusetts, Foray Bioscience, a startup using plant cell culture to grow plant materials in a bioreactor, has raised $3 million in seed funding. Foray will use the funds to expand its predictive plant cell culture platform, launch product development engagements with select partners, and expand its Boston-based team. Foray’s goal is to grow plant […]
In Brussels, Syensqo has partnered with Allozymes, a Singaporean enzyme engineering start-up, to collaborate on biotechnology solutions for the home and personal care markets. The two companies will leverage Allozymes’ ultra-high throughput microfluidics platform for the engineering of enzymes and microbes. “By combining Allozymes technological capabilities with Syensqo’s application and market access expertise, we are […]
In Germany, chemical giant Dow has launched biobased ethylene propylene diene terpolymers, a rubber material category that is used in weatherseals and hoses for automotive, infrastructure and consumer applications. Trade-named NORDEL™ REN, EPDM is also appropriate for use in roofing membranes and wire and cable. “At Dow, we recognize the necessity to support our customers […]
In Massachusetts, lab supply giant Thermo Fisher Scientific is using plant-based materials for single use bioprocessing containers. Such BPCs are vital for developing and manufacturing biologic therapies. “Biopharma manufacturers are focused on maximizing productivity, accelerating time-to-market and generating efficiencies all while improving the overall sustainability of their operations,” Ray Mercier, president of Thermo Fisher’s single-use […]
In Japan, researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a living robot capable of smiling in response to stimuli. The creepy, two-dimensional breakthrough came by growing skin on a humanoid robot. While such robots have been made before, the living portion was attached to the robotic portion in a way caused damage with skin […]
In Singapore, cultivated meat, leather, and cosmetics startup Cellivate Technologies has won the top prize in Channel News Asia’s business reality show, The Big Spark. The company will receive about $3.3 million in funding from venture capital firms, including Antler and Rigel-Farro Capital. “This experience of being on the show has been incredible,” founder Dr. […]
In Germany, specialty chemical company Symrise has launched SymDeo PMD green, a naturally derived deodorizing ingredient for strong body odor protection. The 100% biobased ester demonstrates excellent performance against odor-causing bacteria and also has antifungal effects—making it suitable for foot odor applications. SymDeo PMD green also offers anti-irritant properties for sensitive underarm areas. “Our next-generation […]
In Japan, researchers at Chiba University have converted melanin sourced from cuttlefish ink into a bioplastic. “From a resource perspective, the melanin concentrated in the ink sacs of cuttlefish and squid is easily recoverable natural melanin, said Associate Professor Michinari Kohri from the Graduate School of Engineering, who led the study. “The catch of squid […]
In the UK, sustainable design firm Re:Right Design has created a pavilion for the upcoming Glastonbury performing arts festival that is meant to showcase the potential for bioplastics. Re:Right tells dezeen its Hayes Pavilion is made from an easily compostable seaweed biomaterial that was developed but firm cofounder Leksi Kostur over several years. “Our goal with these […]
In Paris, engineering and technology firm Technip Energies has acquired a glycol purification technology from Shell Catalysts & Technologies that will accelerate commercialization of Technip’s Bio-2-Glycols biobased monoethylene glycol process. MEG is traditionally produced using fossil-based feedstock to make various types of polyesters for packaging materials, such as plastic bottles, and in clothing apparel. By […]
