ResourceLab Informatics
Consumables made of bioplastics enter the lab
6 Mar 2024In this whitepaper, Eppendorf discusses the problem of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment. While bioplastics made from renewable resources like plants seem to be a promising solution, they also have drawbacks, such as negative environmental impact from land use and loss of biodiversity. One possible solution proposed in the paper is the use of waste streams, such as used cooking oil, as a source to produce polypropylene products for everyday lab work. The paper highlights the potential of waste streams as resources to build a circular economy. Several examples are presented, including forestry wastes that could generate second-generation plastic.
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Chem / BioinformaticsCheminformatics and bioinformatics are computational techniques used in chemistry and biology, respectively, for data acquisition, processing and storage. Cheminformatics focuses on compound information, whereas bioinformatics is mainly applied to analysis and modeling of genomics, genetic and sequencing information. Hardware and software is available for data acquisition, analysis, management and storage.Environmental Monitoring and TestingEnvironmental monitoring and testing uses handheld portable analyzers, kits, spectrometers or chromatography systems for air, water, soil, food and other sample testing. Useful features of analyzers such as BOD and COD include portability, easy calibration, automation and sensitivity. Environmental test kits for pH, water, moisture, etc, should be accurate, sensitive, reliable, fast and easy to use.Non-Destructive TechniquesNon-destructive techniques (NDT) describes a variety of analytical techniques used to evaluate the properties of a material. Common methods include ultrasonic, magnetic-particle, liquid penetrant, radiographic, remote visual inspection (RVI), and eddy-current testing. NDT is regularly used in forensic engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, aeronautical engineering, and medicine.Compound AnalysisCompound analysis is used to discover specific compounds that could be promising candidates for pharmaceutical use. This potential is identified when compounds have the desired effect, such as interaction with a target protein, during high throughput screening.Bioprocessing / FermentationBioprocessing is the use of biological materials to perform commercial, scientific or medical research processes. Biological materials used include cells, enzymes and organisms. Usually bioprocessing requires a batch or continuous bioreactor such as a fermentor or cell culture system. The advantages of using a reactor include high productivity, easy configuration, adjustable values and automation.Microbiology ConsumablesCrude OilThe chemical evaluation of the complex combination of hydrocarbons and organometallic compounds found within crude oil. The results provide data on the chemical characteristics of a sample for petroleum testing laboratories.BiofuelEnvironmental AnalysisEnvironmental analysis describes a variety of tests that determine the effect of chemicals, processes and particulates such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have on the environment.