HAU gets patent for eco-friendly biochemical

Tribune News Service

Hisar, October 17

A technique of producing biochemical poly hydroxy butarate (PHB), which is useful in making eco-friendly, cheaper and self-degradable bioplastic, developed by the scientists of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), has been granted a patent by the Patent Office of the Union Government.

Vice Chancellor Prof KP Singh said on Wednesday that a team of scientists of molecular biology, biotechnology and bioinformatics department, led by Dr Virendra K Sikka, had produced the high-value PHB by molecular manipulations of strains of eco-friendly microorganism rhizobium species.

“The PHB can be processed along with additives, like starch, to convert it into mouldable low density bioplastic which is fully biodegradable,” said the VC, adding that the blends of PHB with conventional plastics can be an easy means to tackle the environmental hazards arising from polyethylene.

As far as the cost of PHB produced with this technique is concerned, Singh said, by combining the cost of diverse kinds of inputs involved in PHB production and its harvesting/isolation it comes to Rs 1,494 per kg, which could be fairly comparable to the non-biodegradable synthetic plastic and considerably cost effective compared to the international prices.

This was the 15th patent granted to the university so far, the VC added.