Tobacco Crop Produces Bio-Plastic

Published: December 01, 2009

CAMBRIDGE, MA | Metabolix Inc. has completed a field trial of tobacco, genetically engineered to express polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bio-based polymers. The trial was performed on 0.8 acres of land and provided valuable data and information relating to polymer production, with the best plants producing 3%-5% PHA.

Dr. Oliver Peoples, chief scientific officer, says, “We are excited to continue to push this technology forward and believe it will ultimately support a diverse array of bioengineered, environmentally conscious and economically viable alternatives to petroleum-based products.”

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