Cyanophycin potatoes:
Plastic as a renewable raw material

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Cyanophycin is being produced in potatoes following the transfer of a gene from a cyanobacterium. Cyanophycin can be used to obtain a biodegradable plastic. Now researchers are conducting field trials using the potatoes as a model plant to test to what extent plants can be used as safe production systems for bioplastics. Two BMBF-funded biosafety projects are also involved in the research.

Research live

• Cyanophycin potatoes: Will new plant substance lead to changes in potato characteristics?

Background

•  Cyanophycin potatoes: Plastic from potatoes

Research info

• SiFo project (2008-2011): Survival ability of cyanophycin-producing potatoes
• SiFo project (2008-2011): Impacts of the cultivation of cyanophycin-producing potatoes on soil characteristics and soil organisms

 

Zeaxanthin potatoes:
caroteniods for the eyes

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Thanks to a genetic modification, zeaxanthin potatoes accumulate zeaxanthin – a carotenoid that is believed to protect against age-related blindness – in their tubers. Originally conceived as a "functional food" – a food with health benefits – the potato is now a model plant for biosafety research for investigating possible effects on the environment.

Results

• "We have not found any effects that go beyond normal varietal differences." Interview with Michael Schloter

Background

• New potato varieties – effective against age-related blindness?

Research  live

• Varietal effect. A field visit (04/2006)

 

Fructan potatoes:
fibres as dietary supplement

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Because of a genetic modification, the fructan potato produces fructan, a type of fibre said to have health benefits, in its tubers. There are no longer any plans to try to introduce this potato onto the market. For biosafety research, the fructan potato was a model plant for investigating possible effects of potatoes with modified components on the environment.

Background

• Fructan potatoes: Tubers with dietary fibre

Results

• Potatoes containing new substances. Safety research results for fructan potatoes (2001-2004)

• Interview with Bernd Hommel (BBA Kleinmachnow): "We have been unable to find any significant differences."

Research live

• Fodder for the munching machines (07/2003)

• Worlds apart in the trial field. Opponents of genetic engineering visited the trial fields in the Brandenburg village of Dahnsdorf.