Microbes can produce adhesive materials from glucose instead of petroleum

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Published: 2026-09-16T13:41:25.787Z • Permanent link

Researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have successfully demonstrated the potential of using microorganisms to produce a bio-based alternative to petroleum-derived materials for hot-melt adhesives (HMAs). Led by Dr. Seung-Ho Kim, a materials scientist at KAIST, the team has been exploring the use of microbes to convert glucose into a range of biodegradable materials. The breakthrough comes at a time when the world is increasingly looking for sustainable alternatives to traditional materials, particularly in the production of HMAs. These heat-activated glues are widely used in packaging, furniture, electronics, and other industries, and their petroleum-derived composition has raised concerns about their environmental impact.

The KAIST team's discovery has significant implications for the production of HMAs, which are used in a range of applications, from food packaging to electronics manufacturing. The team's research has shown that microorganisms can produce a range of biodegradable materials from glucose, including a bio-based adhesive that can be used to replace traditional HMAs. The new adhesive has been shown to have similar properties to traditional HMAs, but with a number of key advantages, including reduced environmental impact and lower production costs. The KAIST team's findings have been published in a recent paper in the journal Nature Communications.

The KAIST research is the latest in a series of breakthroughs in the field of biotechnology, which has been gaining momentum in recent years. The use of microorganisms to produce biodegradable materials is a key area of research, with many companies and institutions exploring the potential of this technology to reduce waste and promote sustainability. The KAIST team's discovery is a significant step forward in this field, and is likely to have far-reaching implications for the production of HMAs and other biodegradable materials.

The KAIST research has significant implications for companies in the HMA industry, which are looking for sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. Companies such as 3M, Sika, and Henkel are among those that use HMAs in their products, and the KAIST team's discovery has the potential to disrupt the market. The use of bio-based adhesives could reduce the environmental impact of HMA production, and lower production costs for companies that use these materials. The KAIST team's findings have also been welcomed by researchers in the field of biotechnology, who see the potential for this technology to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

The KAIST research has also been recognized by regulatory bodies, which are increasingly looking for ways to promote sustainability in industries such as HMA production. The European Union, for example, has set targets for the use of biodegradable materials in a range of industries, including packaging and electronics manufacturing. The KAIST team's discovery has the potential to help companies meet these targets, and to reduce the environmental impact of HMA production.

The KAIST research is part of a larger trend in the field of biotechnology, which has been gaining momentum in recent years. The use of microorganisms to produce biodegradable materials is a key area of research, with many companies and institutions exploring the potential of this technology to reduce waste and promote sustainability. The KAIST team's discovery is also part of a broader trend towards the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, which are increasingly being used to power industries such as manufacturing and electronics.