Biopolymer synthesis
The microbial compound cyanophycin is of commercial interest as a biodegradable biopolymer with high levels of nitrogen. It is used as a store for nitrogen when bacteria fix more of the element from air than they can use. Bacteria can later use this store to manufacture biomolecules.
Faster telecoms with phosphorous
Scientists in the US have used three layers of phosphorus (P) atoms to create an ultrathin material that can polarise light in a precise and tunable way (Science, doi: 10.1126/science.abj7053). It could lead to advances in telecommunications by allowing fibre optic cables to carry more data than they do now, the researchers say.
Blistering waste
Pharmaceutical packaging, especially blister packs, are a complex mix of materials, which makes recycling difficult. Katrina Megget explores how to make it more eco-friendly.