In Maryland, researchers at the US Army Research Institute are developing a renewable, self-healing material inspired by squid teeth in the hopes it can be used to design self-repairing robots and uniforms. Squids catch and hold food using tentacles, which can regenerate if lost or damaged. Researchers at Penn State University have already developed soft […]
In Boston, Massachusetts, biological engineering company Conagen has developed a process to produce lactoferrin, an abundant protein in breast milk that acts as an antimicrobial and antiviral agent. Currently, makers of infant formula rely on lactoferrin extracted from cow milk in a costly purification process that simultaneously removes several key nutrients. “The main key drivers […]
In New York, New Age Renewable Energy has been converting dairy waste into hand sanitizers to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The company is taking whey acid byproduct from milk production to produce gallon containers, 55-galon drums, and 275-gallon tanks of hand sanitizer, depending on organizational needs. The process was developed over the last few […]
In Ghana, a local entrepreneur is producing bicycles from bamboo to provide an eco-friendlier method of transportation, create local jobs, and help children focus on their education. Bernice Dapaah tells the World Economic Forum that the Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative has sold more than 3,000 bikes. For every sale, a bamboo bike is donated to […]
In the Philippines, a natural fiber already used to produce tea bags and Japanese currency could be used to produce biodegradable personal protective equipment for preventing COVID-19 infection. “With this pandemic, if we all buy masks made of synthetic fiber, they will pile up in dumpsites because they take so long to decompose,” Philippine Fibre […]
In California, Advanced BioCatalytics says it has received the coveted EPA Safer Choice Approval for Glucospike, a microbiology-based surfactant for cleaning applications. To qualify for the Safer Choice label, a product must meet EPA’s Safer Choice Standard, which includes stringent human and environmental health criteria. “At [Advanced BioCatalytics] ABC we have been building surfactant-based applications, […]
In California, food technology firm Perfect Day has expanded into animal-free dairy ice cream. Dubbed Brave Robot, the company uses genetically modified microflora to produce milk proteins casein and whey. After adding plant fats and other ingredients, the company is able to replicate the taste and consistency of dairy-based ice cream. Flavors include Vanilla, Buttery […]
In Israel, winners of Calcalist’s Food Innovation contest for best startup working in food technology has named 11 finalists, including a handful of biotech solutions. The finalists include Amai Proteins, founded by Ilan Samish, who says the company is the first to apply “designer” protein technology to sweeteners, and SavorEat Ltd., a company combining 3D […]
In Switzerland, textile company HeiQ is seeing an uptick in interest for its virus-killing technology. Two fashion brands, Warp + Weft and DL1961, have begun using HeiQ’s Viroblock, which imparts sanitizing properties to jeans and creates a germ-resistant surface. Certified 72% biobased, Viroblock is added during the manufacturing process and kills 99.9% of COVID-19 within […]
In New Jersey, Lycored, a company commercializing pigments and health supplements based on lycopene, has invested millions to more than double production. Lycopene is a carotenoid found in tomatoes and other red produce. The investment included a new production facility in Branchburg, New Jersey that will help support expansion into new markets globally. “The expansion […]
