Research into a cost-effective biomimetic* that has the potential to treat many bone diseases such as osteoporosis will be pioneered through a joint venture between CardiaBioplastics and the University of Sydney.
The strategic partnership – made possible by funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC) –will allow Cardia to extend the application of its environmentally-friendly PPC-starch blended resin (used widely in plastics and packaging) into biomedical products and regenerative medicine, such as tissue scaffolds and drug delivery agents.
Mr Pat Volpe, Chairman of CardiaBioplastics, said:
“We are delighted to be partnering with the University of Sydney and winning a grant that supports funding for the project by the ARC. This opportunity provides a unique facility and platform to develop cutting edge research for the Australian industry.
“This research will allow us to design and develop a world-first clean technology for the synthesis and purification of a biohybrid and biodegradable polymer.
“The development of this breakthrough clean technology will transform Cardia’sbioplastic starch blended products which are used in the plastics and packaging industry, into a multi-purpose and global “green friendly” product that can be used across many other applications and products.”
“The research will create the potential to develop a world-first internationally accredited compostable PPC polymer” said Mr Volpe.
The development of this technology aims to reduce the level of heavy metals, in particular zinc glutarate (ZnGA) used in the production of sustainable resin PPC polymers, to an acceptable level required tomeet internationalcompostability accreditation
“Importantly, this aims to manufacture purified polymer products with less petroleum and put CO2 to good use, rather than emitting it into the atmosphere or storing it underground.
“Converting carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide from pollution into valuable materials has the potential to transform the plastics and materials landscape on a global scale.”
The Company has commenced discussions with Petrochemical companies that are looking at ways of turning their CO2 emission into a positive business scenario.PPC resins use less virgin oil and have a lower carbon footprint and now Cardia has the potential to develop PPC resins with low impurities.
This PPC resin technology that uses CO2 emissions provides a business opportunity for a new generation of greener plastics for use into commercial products.
CardiaBioplastics is making significant headway in establishing itself as a global leader in the development and manufacturer of sustainable resins derived from renewable resources. The Company has been at the forefront of development with its world’s first biodegradable carrier bag(2010)made from PPC and starch blended resins, developedin cooperation with CNOOC “China National Offshore Oil Corporation” from the PRC.
More recently, Cardia was granted exclusive contracts to supply the City District of Shanghai Pudong in China with its Biohybrid™ renewable kitchen waste bags in 2012 and supplied biodegradable packaging to the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Source: http://www.cardiabioplastics.com