Bioplástico GIBMAR
Founded in September 2005, the Universidad de Concepción Biotechnology Center (CBUdeC, Spanish abbreviation) is conducting over 40 basic and applied research projects in the fields of genetics, plant and animal pathologies, functional foods, genomics, green chemistry, waste and biomass revaluation, and micro and macro algae, among others. PAPER AND PLASTIC MADE FROM ALGAE Extensive plastic overconsumption and the impacts thereof on the environment, particularly oceans, are topics that have left no one untouched. To address this issue, a biodegradable plastic based on Chilean macroalgae from the Biobío Region was developed by the Interdisciplinary Group in Marine Biotechnology of CBUdeC and the UdeC Faculty of Pharmacy in conjunction with the Unit for Technological Development. This product represents a real alternative to traditional, contaminating plastic. Applications are currently directed to the agricultural industry, but multiple possible uses exist. This same group has also created an algae-based paper with secondary fibers that have bioactive properties. This paper can protect export fruit and has evidenced excellent results in real-world conditions.
VidPaper
PAPER FROM GRAPE WASTE VidPaper is the name given to papers and cardboard created from stalks and vines, two waste products of the national wine industry. This innovation adds value by taking a massive source of waste and using it to create premium labels, wrapping, and packages for wine. Other CBUdeC initiatives include the biological control of forestry and agricultural diseases; tools to combat sea lice; a therapeutic vaccine against the Hanta virus; anti-fouling bio-paint for ships; endophyte bacteria for capturing nitrogen from plants; genomic tools for the forestry and aquaculture sectors; and bacterial biofilms for industrial safety. This center has also incubated several businesses, including Tecsus Innovation SpA, which provides sustainable technologies to the pallet and particle board industry, and EcomBio, which has developed bacterial biofilms for prophylaxis in industrial processes. More information: dcontrer@udec.cl
MEDIOAMBIENTE / ENVIRONMENT
I+D+i UDEC
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