Researchers genetically modified poplar trees to produce high-performance, structural wood without the use of chemicals or energy intensive processing.
Researchers at the University of Maryland genetically modified poplar trees to produce high-performance, structural wood without the use of chemicals or energy intensive processing. Made from traditional wood, Engineered wood is often seen as a renewable replacement for traditional building materials like steel, cement, glass and plastic.
Previously, UMD researchers successfully developed methods for removing lignin using various chemicals, and others have explored the use of enzymes and microwave technology. With this new research, Qi and his colleagues sought to develop a method that does not rely on chemicals, produce chemical wastes or rely on large amounts of energy.
To test the viability of their genetically modified poplar, the team, led by professor of materials science and engineering, Liangbing Hu, used it to produce small samples of high-strength compressed wood similar to particle board, which is often used in building furniture. They found that the compressed genetically modified poplar performed on a par with the chemically processed natural wood. Both were denser and more than 1.5 times stronger than compressed, untreated, natural wood.
Genetically Modified Biotechnology And Bioengineering Biotechnology Forest Sustainability Global Warming Environmental Science
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