A2 Product Design: Graphics Biotechnology A2 Product Design: Graphics

Biotechnology Altering genes in woods Reduction of lignin Biopol

Altering Genes in Wood Relates to wood for paper and board Greater demands each year Genetically modified trees (GM) Artificially inserting a gene from one plant into another In the UK GM Elm trees (resistant to Dutch Elm Disease)

Reduction of lignin Plant cell wall material is composed of three important constituents: cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose. Lignin is particularly difficult to biodegrade

Altering Genes in Wood Advantages Quicker growing trees Resistant to disease and insect attack Reduced strength of lignin fibers Reduces the amount of chemicals needed in paper making Increased growth rate Disadvantages Long term side effects unknown ‘escape’ of modified genes into natural ecosystems Organisms adapt to modified trait Rapid growth, more demand on the environment (water, nutrients etc)

Biopol Brand name for the first biodegradable polymer, polyhydroxybutrate (PHB) Used in the packaging industry (blow moulded bottles, plastic wrap, coating for paper and board) Water resistant Carbohydrates, sugar & extracted polymer (renewable raw materials) Compostable

Biodegradable Polymers Advantages Normally fully degradable Reduction of time in landfill Disadvantages Damages recycled plastic when mixed More expensive than other polymers More energy is needed to produce