considerations
next steps
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our research was suddenly stopped. That’s why our next step is to go to the lab to continue experimentation to obtain a first holdfast glue working prototype. The production process will begin by modifying E. Coli’s DNA and investigating its efficiency for producing our target polysaccharides. We will confirm both the adhesion power of our product and its non-toxicity by assessing its physical and chemical properties and performing a VOC analysis and testing of our working prototype.
BIOETHICS
Manufacturing processes present risks of spills onto workers and its surroundings. We recognize the responsibility to introduce a safe adhesive with a low environmental impact to the market. These characteristics will be tested in the development process.
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We are aware of the risks inherent in manipulating a living organism, which is why we will strictly follow biosafety protocols containing the purified target of polysaccharides.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
How can we manage to achieve a holistic impact with our product? Following the circular economy model, we considered the biological and technical cycles. Under the biological cycle the holdfast glue can return to earth since it is an organic compound with a simple structure.
Under the technical cycle the following sustainable practices will be encouraged:
Refill with its rechargeable device
Replace, offers the bioadhesive as an alternative to polyurethane adhesives
Reduce for its long-lasting properties
Recycle by asking our consumers to return the device to Vivifica when they need to dispose of the PET for recycling.
sources
J Bacteriol. (2005) The Elastic Properties of the Caulobacter crescentus Adhesive Holdfast Are Dependent on Oligomers of N-Acetylglucosamine
Adv Microb Physiol. (2009) Identification of Genes Required for Synthesis of the Adhesive Holdfast in Caulobacter crescentus
J Bacteriol. (2003) Identification of Genes Required for Synthesis of the Adhesive Holdfast in Caulobacter crescentus
J Phys Chem B. (2014) Physiochemical Properties of Caulobacter crescentus Holdfast: a Localized Bacterial Adhesive
J Nanosci Nanotechnol. (2010) Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Surface Nano-Modification of PET Fabric by Plasma Process
(2016) fluctuation analysis of caulobacter crescentus adhesion