Bernhard Hauer: "New Materials Based on Biotechnology"

Bernhard Hauer
Institute of Technical Biochemistry (Faculty of Chemistry), University of Stuttgart

New Materials Based on Biotechnology

Today, biocatalytic processes are established routes to manufacture fine chemicals. However, the impact of biotechnology on the production of bulk chemicals or polymers is just emerging. Examples of how biotech process will contribute to these economically important chemicals will be discussed. Lipases are applied not only to synthesize acrylate monomers but to modify polymers as well. New biosynthetic pathways are designed to yield interesting monomers like diamines or hydroxy acids. But beyond substituting or improving polymers biotechnology offers the exciting possibility of making bio-inspired materials which might be used in electronic devices.