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Sustainability Times
24-06-2025
- Health
- Sustainability Times
'They're Using Pee for Implants Now': Scientists Unveil Shocking Tech That Turns Human Urine Into Bone and Tooth Replacements
IN A NUTSHELL 🔬 Researchers have developed a method using synthetic yeast to convert human urine into valuable hydroxyapatite for medical applications. to convert human urine into valuable hydroxyapatite for medical applications. 🌿 This innovation addresses environmental concerns by removing excess nutrients from wastewater, preventing damage to water systems. 💰 The process opens up a $3.5 billion market opportunity by producing a key material for bone and dental implants. market opportunity by producing a key material for bone and dental implants. 🌍 The scalable and cost-effective method makes advanced medical materials accessible globally, benefiting developing economies. In a groundbreaking development, scientists have harnessed the power of synthetic yeast to convert human urine into a valuable resource for medical applications. This innovative process not only addresses the environmental challenges posed by excess nutrients in wastewater but also taps into a burgeoning $3.5 billion medical market. By transforming urine into hydroxyapatite, a mineral critical for bone and dental implants, researchers are revolutionizing how we view waste and resource management. This advancement underscores the potential for sustainable practices in addressing global health needs, while simultaneously providing economic opportunities in the medical industry. Tackling Two Problems with One Process The ingenious process developed by researchers from the University of California, Irvine, achieves a dual purpose. As Professor David Kisailus explains, it helps mitigate environmental pollution by removing human urine from wastewater streams, while simultaneously producing a commercially valuable material. Urine's high nutrient load can damage water systems if untreated, posing significant environmental risks. However, the synthesized process neutralizes these risks, converting the waste into hydroxyapatite, a substance expected to reach a market value of $3.5 billion by 2030. This dual-benefit approach not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also opens up new avenues for economic growth and sustainability. Scientists Stumble Onto Miracle Material That Instantly Harvests Drinking Water from Air With Zero Energy or Filters Synthetic Yeast Mimics Natural Bone-Building Cells In nature, bone-forming cells known as osteoblasts are responsible for producing hydroxyapatite by extracting calcium phosphate from body fluids. However, these cells cannot support industrial-scale production. To overcome this limitation, scientists have engineered a synthetic yeast strain, termed 'osteoyeast,' that mimics the activity of osteoblasts. This yeast efficiently breaks down urea to increase the pH, thereby facilitating the accumulation of calcium and phosphate. Consequently, these elements crystallize into hydroxyapatite, which is then secreted from the cell. The result is a highly efficient process, yielding up to 1 gram of hydroxyapatite per liter of urine, thereby making large-scale production feasible. 'Tesla Is Over': This New Electric Car With a Miracle Battery Promises 930 Miles of Range and Shocks the Entire Auto Industry Scalable, Low-Cost, and Globally Accessible One of the most striking features of this innovation is its scalability and cost-effectiveness. As David Kisailus points out, the process to yield hydroxyapatite takes less than a day, using inexpensive yeast that can be cultivated in large vats at low temperatures. This method is akin to the fermentation processes used in brewing beer, suggesting it can be easily scaled without significant infrastructural investments. Such accessibility is crucial for developing economies where high-tech manufacturing capabilities may be limited. By democratizing the production of advanced medical materials, this innovation has the potential to improve healthcare outcomes across the globe, making cutting-edge medical interventions available to a wider audience. Japan Stuns the World with 310,000-Ton Oil Behemoth That Shatters Records and Reinvents the Future of Energy Transport From Waste Stream to Multifunctional Future Hydroxyapatite is renowned for its lightweight, strong, and durable properties, making it ideal for implants and restorations. However, the research team envisions even broader applications. Collaborating with Professor Yasuo Yoshikuni from Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, they aim to develop new materials for energy-based applications using the yeast platform. By combining this technology with 3D printing and structural expertise, they are working towards creating multifunctional architected materials that could revolutionize various industries. Supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and other agencies, this project highlights the potential for innovative, sustainable solutions to global challenges. This remarkable innovation in converting waste into valuable resources poses an intriguing question: As we continue to unlock the potential of synthetic biology, what other unexpected sources might we tap into for sustainable solutions to the world's pressing challenges? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (22)
Globe and Mail
14-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Cariflex Opens World's Largest Polyisoprene Latex Plant in Singapore, Following Over US$350 Million Investment
New facility increases Cariflex's global manufacturing capacity, with future expansion already enabled to meet growing market demand in the foreseeable future SINGAPORE , May 14, 2025 /CNW/ -- Cariflex Pte. Ltd. (Cariflex), the global market leader in polyisoprene rubber latex for medical-end markets and wholly owned subsidiary of DL Chemical Co., Ltd. (DL Chemical), officially inaugurated its new polyisoprene latex plant at Jurong Island, Singapore today. With an investment of US$355 million , the plant is the largest of its kind globally and will significantly expand Cariflex's production capacity to meet growing demand for high-quality synthetic latex used in medical and protective applications. The inauguration ceremony was officiated by Dr Tan See Leng , Singapore's Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, and attended by H.E. Hong Jin Wook, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Mr Kim Jong Hyun , Chief Executive Officer of DL Chemical, Mr Ryu Sang Woo , Chief Executive Officer of Cariflex, Mr Prakash Kolluri , Member of Cariflex Board of Director and President, Polymer Business, Kraton, and Mr Lim Wey-Len , Executive Vice President of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), Ms Christine Wong , Assistant Chief Executive Officer Cluster Group, JTC and among other distinguished guests. Strengthening Cariflex's Manufacturing Network Supported by EDB and JTC, the Singapore facility plays a key role in Cariflex's ability to serve Southeast Asia , home to critical manufacturing sites for surgical gloves and condoms. Spanning 6.1 hectares, this plant supports growing demand in these markets as well as others such as non-surgical medical gloves, adhesives, and laminates, further broadening the company's diversification. Over the past two decades, Cariflex has expanded its manufacturing capacity in Brazil and previously, Japan , including a US$50 million expansion of its Paulinia facility in 2021. Mr Ryu Sang Woo , Chief Executive Officer at Cariflex , said: "We have strategically located our new facility here in Singapore , at the doorstep of our key customers. Singapore's thriving financial, innovation, and logistics hubs, along with a highly skilled workforce and strong IP protection, made this the ideal choice for our investment. "This new facility will allow us to expand production, while providing our customers with a diverse and reliable supply of high-quality materials, reinforcing our leadership in the global polyisoprene latex market," he added. Construction of the plant began in 2022, with operations commencing in November 2024 . The plant is designed for modular expansion to accommodate future demand growth. When fully ramped up, it will double Cariflex's 2023 manufacturing capacity for polyisoprene latex. Investing in Talent and Long-Term Careers The opening of this plant also aligns Singapore's broader push to grow high-value, innovation-driven industries that offer meaningful and inclusive job opportunities for locals. The facility has created approximately 80 new permanent roles, the majority filled by Singaporeans. Cariflex has invested in developing its talent through training programs at its Brazil operations and at DL Chemical's sites in Korea, with a focus on operations, safety, quality, and digital systems. These efforts support Cariflex's long-term commitment to fostering career growth, including for non-graduates through mentorship programs. Positioned to Meet Regional Demand In 2020, Cariflex relocated its global headquarters to Singapore to strengthen integration between its commercial and manufacturing operations. Cariflex is the only company globally that manufactures anionic catalyst-based synthetic rubber and latex, known for its superior purity, transparency and softness.
