Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1197147
January 2020 / 31 �������� �� ����������������� ������������������������� ����������� ����������������� �������������� �!�"#!�$%��&� !'�()(*+(,-./01 �'�()(*+(,-./,2 %'�����3�������4��� '����4�������4��� $����5��������������6�$�����������$���������4 The startup has been sourcing the lobster shells from local chains in London that already have to separate out shellfish for disposal. According to Jafferjee, one lobster chain with nine different restau- rants could produce about 375 met- ric tons (around 413 tons) of shell waste annually, which could be used to make 125,000 kilograms (around 276,000 pounds) of chitin. The bioplastic is still being tested to determine if it can be used to create plastic bags or other useful items, but the team has discovered that the bioplastic is both antifungal and antibacterial, meaning that it could have poten- tial applications in food storage and as a nonpolluting fertilizer. jee, Amir Afshar, and Andrew Edwards are a group of grad stu- dents who have created a series of machines to extract chitin, a bio- polymer, from lobster shells to turn it into a bioplastic material that can be used in lieu of single-use plastics, which pollute the envi- ronment. The process begins with grinding lobster shells in a blender. The resulting material is combined with an acid and alkali solution that lifts away mineral layers and protein to reveal chitin nanofibers. The chitosan powder created from this procedure is added to house- hold vinegar, resulting in a bioplas- tic solution. The startup created a custom machine to accept the solu- tion and create 3D objects with the resulting liquid solution. ries due to the technology's proven repeatability, reliability, and sta- bility. This technology could be enhanced with deep learning tech- nologies that could use algorithms to pick up unexpected product abnormalities or defects to discover more insights for manufacturers. For more info and to purchase the report, visit www.abiresearch.com. RESEARCH NOTES Startup company Shellworks creates plastic alternative from lobster shells The startup company Shellworks, based in London, England, has found a method to turn lobster shells into a plastic alternative. Cofounders Ed Jones, Insiya Jaffer-