Transgenic plant factories for the production of biopolymers and platform chemicals

Abstract

In the mid-to long-term, resource constraints will force society to cover a signifi cant share of the future demand for fuels, materials and chemicals by renewable resources. This trend is already visible in the increasing conversion of carbohydrates and plant oils to fuels, chemicals, and polymers. In this perspective, we discuss current efforts and ideas to produce platform chemicals and polymers directly in transgenic plants.

Balance and saving of GHG emissions in thermochemical biorefineries

“…In biochemical biorefineries, chemical production is usually limited to the fine chemistry sector (e.g. succinic acid, hydroxymethylfurfural, lactic acid and levulinic acid) and the co-production of glycerin in biodiesel plants (a by-product of the process) [66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77]. A recent review of the GHG balance of biorefineries producing these chemicals is provided by Kajaste [78].…”

Biotechnology for the Environment in the Future

“…PHB in Switchgrass (Somleva et al, 2008). The use of GM technology in non-food plants to make new products, and implications for the bioeconomy, have been described recently (van Beilen, 2008).…”

Biosecurity as an integral part of the new bioeconomy: a path to a more sustainable future

“…Higher value non-food cropping for bio-factory expression of key industrial compounds and polymers is under development [28] and these are more likely to quickly achieve the profit margins required for pro-active investment in area-wide IPM research and development. A viable and sustainable bio-energy feedstock industry, built on low value crops seems increasingly delusionary and is more likely to be a source of long-term environmental harm whether in the developing or in the developed world.…”