DuPont is already a world leader in agricultural biotechnology, in addition to being the manufacturer of the controversial Bt Corn. DuPont research is aimed at addressing common problems plaguing farmers worldwide, like pests and unpredictable weather patterns. DuPont's pipeline includes the likes of drought-tolerant corn, generated from a combination of transgenic and natural hybrids. Other products by DuPont include plastics, laminates, lubricants and a variety of healthcare products.
Yesterday I heard that DuPont is extending into the green biotechnology sector with the acquisition of Denmark-based enzyme technology firm, Danisco. Danisco enzymes are a staple of the food biotechnology industry, and are used about half the ice cream and cheese and a quarter of the bread produced worldwide (Brubaker, 2011). DuPont has had several collaborative projects with Danisco in the past, including efforts to make bioethanol from corn cellulose, and the production of biopolymers using corn.
Source:
Brubaker, H. 2011. DuPont to buy Denmark's Danisco for $5.8B. The Philadelphia Inquirer, January 11, 2011.
Comments