February 14, 2003
Clothing from corn fields? DuPont
(NYSE: DD) scientists have recently developed an innovative
bio-based method that uses corn -- instead of conventional
petroleum-based processes -- to produce the latest polymer
platform for use in clothing, carpets and automobile interiors.
DuPont scientist Dr. Scott
Nichols will unveil the latest findings today at the American
Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting
and science innovation exposition here. Nichols' presentation,
"Engineering Microbes for the Production of 1,3-Propanediol -
Creating DuPont(TM) Sorona(R) Polymer of the Future from Corn,"
will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. today at Workshop D (Colorado
Convention Center: Exhibit Hall A).
Traditionally, fibers are
petroleum-based materials. DuPont, with joint development
partner Genencor International, developed a bio-based method
that uses renewable resources instead of typical petrochemicals.
Through metabolic engineering of biochemical pathways, a
microorganism was engineered to use sugars from corn and corn
biomass in a fermentation-based process. From annually renewable
agricultural products, DuPont can now produce 1,3 propanediol
(PDO), the key building block for DuPont(TM) Sorona(R) -- the
company's newest polymer platform The unique technical
properties of Sorona(R) are derived from a unique,
semi-crystalline molecular structure featuring a pronounced
"kink." When stress is exerted on the molecule, strain
deformation occurs first in its crystalline, lower modulus
regions. As stress is released, the crystalline structure locks
in, allowing a complete recovery to the initial shape. In
conjunction with this distinctive characteristic, Sorona(R)
fiber offers additional advantages over both polyester and
nylon: it has a softer feel and supports easier, more versatile
dyeability with excellent washfastness and UV resistance.
Currently, DuPont uses a
petrochemical process in Kinston, N.C., to produce the Sorona(R)
polymer. The company expects to announce transition plans to the
new bio-based process later this year.
At the AAAS meeting, Nichols will provide an overview of the
fermentation-based PDO initiative and highlight key success
factors in the research and development phases, including the
value of collaborative partnerships. The focus of his
presentation will be on the development of bio-routes via
fermentation of renewable resources.
"Until now, most fibers have been
produced using a petroleum-based process," Nichols said. "Now,
after seven years of research in conjunction with Genencor
International, we have honed a bio-based process, using
renewable resources like corn and new abilities of E.coli to
deliver an organism that can reliably produce PDO. The organism
converts renewable corn sugar into reliably pure, consistent,
and commercially viable amounts of PDO. The path to bio-based
Sorona(R) combines the emerging metabolic engineering discipline
with the premiere polymer science capabilities of DuPont." In
addition to Nichols' presentation at the AAAS meeting, DuPont
Central Research & Development Vice President Dr. Uma Chowdhry
will deliver her topical lecture, "Sustainability and Integrated
Science for the 21st Century," on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 1:30 to
2:15 p.m. at Convention Center Room A209.
Also, DuPont staff and leading scientists -- including
nanotechnology researcher Dr. Tim Gierke -- will be available at
the DuPont booth (Booths no. 207, 209) in the exhibition area of
the AAAS meeting.
DuPont is a science company.
Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems
and creating solutions that make people's lives better, safer
and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the
company offers a wide range of products and services to markets
including agriculture,
nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection,
home and construction, transportation and apparel. DuPont(TM)
and Sorona(R) are a trademark and a registered trademark of E.I.
du Pont de Nemours and Company.
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