The Iowa Corn Promotion Board announces the first patent in a series filed jointly with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). The patent is for a new chemical derivative of corn- based isosorbide and may be able to replace bisphenol A (BPA) in a number of consumer products.
“Some chemicals used to make epoxy are raising concerns about their potential health effects,” said John Scott a farmer from West Central Iowa and the chairman of the Iowa Corn Research and Business Development Committee. “That’s why we think making epoxy from corn can be a win-win-win for public health, for plastic manufacturers, and for farmers.”
Bisphenol A, used in the epoxy coating on the inside of tin cans and plastics ranging from baby bottles to nail polish has been questioned for safety and longevity. Recent studies show that BPA may be slowly released over time into our food or water. This patent addresses a renewable epoxy, derived from a corn derived material that is water-soluble and renewable.
“Corn based chemicals are attractive because they are safe renewable resources and can be made readily at competitive pricing.” Said Michael Jaffe, a professor of biomedical engineering at NJIT. “Corn based isosorbide is the key ingredient in this patent that offers functionality that will work with many existing procedures.”
For more information about isosorbide and licensing opportunities, please visit www.iowacorn.org or contact Williamson at rwilliamson@iowacorn.org, 515-225-9242.
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Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) works to increase education, fund research, and improve marketability for corn and products made from corn. The Research and Business Development Department seeks partners to implement new technology, analyze grower investment/market opportunities, and promote commercialized products.
NJIT, New Jersey's science and technology university, at the edge in knowledge, enrolls more than 8,000 students in bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in 92 degree programs offered by six colleges: Newark College of Engineering, New Jersey School of Architecture, College of Science and Liberal Arts, School of Management, Albert Dorman Honors College and College of Computing Sciences. NJIT is renowned for expertise in architecture, applied mathematics, wireless communications and networking, solar physics, advanced engineered particulate materials, nanotechnology, neural engineering and e-learning. In 2006, Princeton Review named NJIT among the nation’s top 25 campuses for technology and top 150 for best value. U.S. News & World Report’s 2007 Annual Guide to America’s Best Colleges ranked NJIT in the top tier of national research universities.