When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
A project to explore the possibilities of biorefining - or the processing of biomass into higher value materials - has been recognised by the
The starting point for BEACON, which began in 2010 with financial support from the European Regional Development Fund, was research done by Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences. Aberystwyth University hosts a biorefining facility that researchers can use to test different applications and analyse the results. The biorefining process is based on micro-organisms such as bacteria and yeasts. BEACON's objective is to explore potential business opportunities based on biorefining.
In recognising BEACON for a RegioStars Award, the European Commission said that biorefining could enable biomass feedstocks to be a replacement for crude oil. BEACON “represents a green alternative to polluting fossil fuels, helping Europe to cut its greenhouse gas emissions,” the Commission said. A major application of biorefining is the production of biofuel, but there are also many other opportunities. Refined biomass can be used in the production of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, paints and adhesives, cleaning products, packaging and bioplastics, for example.
Biorefining can also be used to get value from waste biomass that would otherwise be incinerated or landfilled. BEACON has worked with MDF Recovery, a United Kingdom company that recovers natural wood fibre from waste medium density fibreboard (MDF). There is no shortage of waste MDF - the UK alone generates 200,000 tonnes per year.
The BEACON helped MDF Recovery with a number of practical trials to process recovered wood fibres, ensuring that the fibres had the right moisture content for recycling into new products, such as new MDF boards, insulation materials and wood-plastic composites that are increasingly used in construction.
Other projects that BEACON has participated in have included the processing of daffodils to produce galanthamine, a substance with a number of medical applications, and obtaining chitin, a natural polymer, from waste crab shells.
Professor Iain Donnison of Aberystwyth University and director of BEACON, said biorefining could help tackle the dual challenges of ensuring energy security and combating climate change. The RegioStars Award was “international recognition of the importance of our innovative work,” he said.
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