Biomimetic Green Chemistry Solutions: Achievements and Outlook

Dr. Mark Dorfman

This colorful PowerPoint presentation will begin with an overview of a number of current biomimetic green chemistry products and processes, such as Novomer¹s polycarbonate plastics from carbon dioxide using RUBISCO-mimicking enzymes; CO2 Solutions carbon sequestration chemistry based on the carbonic anhydrase enzyme; TAML Activators that mimic natural enzymes such as those found in the termite gut and white rot fungus; PUREBOND¹s formaldehyde-free wood adhesives based on the sea mussel byssus; and Morphotex pigment-free fabrics mimicking the structural color of butterfly wings.

It will be followed by a discussion of what characterizes biomimetic green chemistry with a focus on how "life's principles" mesh with the 12 green chemistry principles (eg, nature¹s chemical processes are less hazardous because they are water-based and occur at ambient temperatures and pressures). The last portion of the presentation will describe intriguing chemistries in the natural world, (such as the van der Waals cancelling chemistry of the sandfish lizard scale), that could, if mimicked, potentially address sustainability challenges.