dandelions (Photo : Facebook)
Can anything good come from an annoying weed? Researchers have discovered that dandelions have key components that they can use for rubber production. The two proteins they discovered could result in future rubber biotechnology.
Dandelions are the common name of the plant Taraxacum. They are native to North America and Eurasia, but a few species have become global weeds.
Interestingly, the name "dandelion" actually originates from a French word. The word dent-de-lion means "lion's tooth," according to Morning Ledger.
The identification of a key protein in dandelions makes natural rubber's biotechnological production closer to reality. Researchers at the Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME) at Germany's Münster University discovered the protein contained within a fluid located in the plant.
The white milky fluid in dandelions is manufactured in special cells located in the weed. A particular protein complex is contained on the "rubber particles" in the plant.
These round particles contain polyisoprene, which is the rubber's main component. The particles are also protected with a coating around them.
The scientists used a Russian dandelion, Taraxacum kok-saghyz, in their research. One particular protein in the dandelion is absolutely required for the plant to produce rubber.
The researchers of IME and Münster University also provided significant input in a second study that was conducted, according to Science Daily. They identified a second critical protein.
The protein has a key role in the production of long polyisoprene (chemical compound) chains. The polymers give rubber its standard properties of being elastic and strong.
Dr. Christian Schulze Gronover, head of IME's research at Münster, explains that dandelions have recently become a hot topic due to "applied research." Scientists have now identified at least two key parts of "rubber biosynthesis."
Future lab experiments could include dandelion plants that do not produce rubber. One theory is that the substance protects the plants from diseases.
The scientists' findings have recently been published in the online journal Nature Plants.
