Research Alliance formed in Germany for the microbial production and application of biopolymers
January 9th, 2014
Four Germany-based partners BRAIN, theHohenstein Institute, Kelheim Fibres and rökona, have announced the formation of a new research alliance for the biotechnical production and modification of specialty alginates. The aim of the alliance is to establish a sustainable microbial bioprocess for the production of specialized alginate components. The biopolymers should serve a dual purpose: application in high-quality medical product […]
White workwear for hygienic environments
January 1st, 2012
Despite an explosion of color and style in clothing for health professionals, in environments where hygiene trumps fashion, white seems right. The Hohenstein Institute, Bönnigheim, Germany, offers a new kind of fiber using regenerated cellulose and zinc/zinc oxide treatment for white, antimicrobial and comfortable clothing suitable for health and food-preparation work. The new fibers, as […]
Power-producing fabric sets sail
August 1st, 2011
Patents have been granted to a team at Bolton University, Bolton, U.K., for a flexible cloth that can generate electricity from both solar cells (power from sunlight) and piezoelectric fibers (power from kinetic motion). Among the potential applications for the fabric: sails on a schooner that can provide electricity while catching the wind, computer bags […]