Researchers claim to have genetically engineered trees that can be easily broken down to produce paper and biofuel. This environment friendly method will help in energy conservation.
Scientists at the University of British Columbia in collaboration with researchers at the University of British Columbia, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Michigan State University stated that lignin, a polymer found in wood is "one of the largest impediments for the pulp and paper industry as well as the emerging biofuel industry."
This particular polymer makes up a large part of the cell wall of most plants and keeps them standing. For removing the lignin it requires a large number of chemicals and energy. It also leads to undesirable waste.
The researchers used genetic engineering to alter the lignin to make it simpler to break down without causing any harm to the tree's strength.
"We're designing trees to be processed with less energy and fewer chemicals, and ultimately recovering more wood carbohydrate than is currently possible," Shawn Mansfield, a professor of Wood Science at the University of British Columbia said in a press release.
Genetic modification is a controversial subject. However, there are different methods to ensure that the genes do not spread to the forest, the researchers said.
These techniques include growing crops away from native strands so cross-pollination does not occur; ensuring that both the male and female trees grow sterile and harvesting the trees before they reach reproductive maturity, reports Xinhua Net.
In the past, the scientists tried to solve the problem by reducing the quantity of lignin in trees by suppressing genes. This lead to stunted growth in the trees or they were susceptible to wind, snow, pests and pathogens.
"It is truly a unique achievement to design trees for deconstruction while maintaining their growth potential and strength," the researcher said.
The study was published in the journal in 'Science.'