Research team develops process for bio-based nylon from corn starch and sugarcane

Date:6 July 2023

Country: Germany

Application

• Production of polyamides which have applications in textiles, automotive, food packaging, and electronics.

Description

A team of researchers has successfully developed a bio-based version of nylon, a widely used synthetic polymer. The new bio-based nylon is produced through the microbial fermentation of renewable plant-based feedstocks, such as corn starch or sugarcane, which are converted into adipic acid, a key component of nylon. This innovative production process reduces reliance on fossil fuels and decreases greenhouse gas emissions, making it a more sustainable alternative to traditional nylon production methods.

Pathway Description:

The process used is microbial fermentation, where microorganisms convert the plant-based feedstocks (such as corn starch or sugarcane) into adipic acid, a key component of nylon.