Fish research could mean big leap forward
Fish offcuts could be used to create “greener” nylon and other synthetic materials, if ground-breaking trials by Scottish scientists are successful.
Plastic experts from Impact Solutions, biotechnology researchers from the University of Edinburgh, seafood producer Farne Salmon, and Glasgow’s Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBIOIC) are using advanced molecular biology techniques to explore the feasibility of creating more ecofriendly man-made fibres for use in clothing and other products.
The consortium is using waste material generated during fish processing and using biological enzymes to extract fatty matter.
In what is thought to be a world first, they are using genetically modified bacteria to turn the fatty components into a mixture of adipic acid, a key component used to make nylon, and other useful by-products.
Simon Rathbone, development manager at Impact Solutions, says: “The project marks the start of an exciting journey to find a sustainable alternative for a key component found in the fabric of our clothes. The initial feasibility study has led us to an exciting juncture where we can begin to see the potential of generating value from a material that would otherwise be discarded.
He continues: “Collaboration has played a huge part in getting to where we are so far, showcasing what can be achieved when industry and academic partners get together and combine expertise.”
Liz Fletcher, director of business engagement at IBIOIC, adds: “Exploring sustainable bio-based alternatives to petrochemicalbased processes is an important step in Scotland’s efforts to reach net-zero, and there is a huge opportunity to make more use of co-products and extract value from industrial waste as part of that.”