Researchers Modify Castor Oil Plants to Produce Bio-lubricants
June 26, 2009| |
Researchers at the University of Almeria in Spain are working to develop genetically modified castor oil plants with altered seed oil composition. The researchers, led by Federico García Maroto, have identified a series of genes and promoters that could increase the concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic and palmitic acids, in castor oil seeds. Oils with high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids are ideal for use as bio-lubricant. The oxidation rate of vegetable oils strongly depends on its fatty acid composition. High-oleic acid oils, for instance, resist oxidation, reducing the amount of chemical processing and additives required.
Several research institutions and universities in Spain are working together to develop bio-lubricant-producing castor oil plant varieties suitable to the agronomic conditions in the country.
For more information, visit http://www.andaluciainvestiga.com/english/salaPrensa/notas/090625-01.asp
| |
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- Clinton: 7 Principles for Sustainable Agricultural Systems Worldwide
- GM Maize for Local Trials by 2010
- OFAB Launched in Tanzania
- Arabic Book on Biotechnology in Egypt
- Regional Program on Biosafety Launched in West Africa
- Egyptian Agriculture Extension Workers Learned Biotechnology
- Scientists Identify Compound that Kills Mycotoxin-Producing Pathogen
- Arabidopsis Genome Gets an Overhaul
- Scientists Decipher Genome of Nitrogen-Fixing Bacterium
- Monsanto to Commercialize First Biotech Insect-Protected Soybean in Brazil
- Monsanto, Dole to Collaborate on Veggie Breeding
- Malaysia Moves Toward Setting Up a National Bioethics Committee
- Biofuel Impact on Food Crops in Thailand
- Australia Approves GM Blue Rose
- Malaysian Biotech Human Capital Development Report
- DuPont Makes Cotton Acquisitions in India
- New Serbian Law Prohibits Commercial Growing, Trade of GMOs
- German Court Sentences Anti-GMO Activists for Destroying Wheat Field
- Researchers Modify Castor Oil Plants to Produce Bio-lubricants
- Green Biotechnology and Climate Change
-
Research Highlights
- French Scientists: Germany’s GM Maize Ban Unfounded
- Anti-Allergy GM Rice Appears Safe in Animal Studies
-
Announcements
- ISAAA Video on "Knowledge, Technology and Poverty Alleviation" Available in 17 Languages"
- Call for John Dillon Memorial Fellowship
-
Resources
- Book on Biosafety Regulations in the Philippines
- Traditional and Alternative Medicine: Research and Policy Perspective
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (October 2, 2024)
- Gene Editing Supplement (September 26, 2024)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet