Corn-Based Polymer Called Revolutionary

A plant that makes a new bioengineered polymer was christened Friday in Loudon, Tenn., marking a $100 million joint-venture between chemical giant DuPont Co. and London-based agri-processor Tate & Lyle.

The companies say their corn-based propanediol, or Bio-PDO, offers qualities superior to their petroleum counterparts. Fabrics can take dyes more brilliantly, carpets are naturally stain resistant, face creams are gentler to the skin and airplane de- icers are biodegradable.

The factory is “visible evidence that an economy based on renewable ingredients is possible,” the companies said.

E.coli bacteria modified by DuPont scientists is used to convert corn sugar from an adjacent Tate & Lyle ethanol plant using a fermentation process. The result is a clear liquid compound that can be used in a range of products, including fabrics, cosmetics, liquid detergents, boat hulls, ski boots and runway de-icers.

“It’s the most significant invention since nylon,” said Charles “Chad” Holliday Jr., chairman and CEO of DuPont, the Wilmington, Del.-based company that invented nylon in 1935.

Customers already are knocking at the companies’ doors — among them Toyota Motor Corp. and carpet maker Mohawk Industries Inc.

(c) 2007 Tulsa World. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.