Biological Polymer-Based Green Adhesives from Renewable Resources

Specialty Biopolymers Corporation (SBC) is a Montana-based company that is developing microbial extracellular polymers (EPS) as environmentally friendly wood products adhesives. SBC will utilize bacterial EPS synthesis in the development of novel adhesives through biological processes, exploiting our knowledge of biological adhesion processes. Preliminary test results show that the adhesive shear strength of the SBC candidate EPS is 2,000 psi on maple at 50% RH, approximately equivalent to that of an industry standard wood adhesive. Existing wood adhesives are derived from synthetic, petroleum-based materials. These products often contain volatile organics (VOCs) and other toxic chemicals. As wood adhesives, bacterial exopolymers distinguish themselves from all other products through their synthesis using renewable agricultural products, the absence of VOCs and other toxic chemicals, and favorable costs of production. Replacement of VOC- and other toxic chemical-containing synthetic wood adhesives will: 1) reduce the need for cabinet makers and other wood crafters to construct and maintain expensive ventilation systems to protect workers from VOC vapor intoxication, 2) reduce worker exposure in manufacturing plants to toxic materials, 3) eliminate the generation of toxic waste products, 4) provide health benefits to consumers with chemical sensitivities, and 5) create a new market for agricultural feedstocks. SBC will utilize bacterial extracellular polymer synthesis in the development of novel adhesives through biological processes.