The project “Bio-based polyamides through fermentation”, undertaken by members of the Biopolymers/Biomaterials Cluster, started in early 2009 and has the goal of using biotechnological methods to produce materials as the basis for polyamides with new properties.

Succinic acid could well become an important raw material for the plastics industry if it is possible to produce the acid biotechnologically and cost-effectively. A research project focusing on the biotechnological production of succinic acid under the leadership of BASF SE has now been granted funding by the German Ministry of Education and Research.

Seven Biopolymers/Biomaterials Cluster partners from industry and research are joining forces to develop a new natural material based on lignin, a natural material found predominantly in wood.