Kemira

About: Kemira is a company organization based out in Helsinki, Finland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Aqueous solution & Catalysis. The organization has 1169 authors who have published 1031 publications receiving 12641 citations.

Three-Dimensional Printing of Wood-Derived Biopolymers: A Review Focused on Biomedical Applications

Abstract: Wood-derived biopolymers have attracted great attention over the past few decades due to their abundant and versatile properties. The well-separated three main components, i.e., cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin, are considered significant candidates for replacing and improving on oil-based chemicals and materials. The production of nanocellulose from wood pulp opens an opportunity for novel material development and applications in nanotechnology. Currently, increased research efforts are focused on developing 3D printing techniques for wood-derived biopolymers for use in emerging application areas, including as biomaterials for various biomedical applications and as novel composite materials for electronics and energy devices. This Review highlights recent work on emerging applications of wood-derived biopolymers and their advanced composites with a specific focus on customized pharmaceutical products and advanced functional biomedical devices prepared via three-dimensional printing. Specifically, va...

Cloning of cDNA coding for dihydroflavonol-4-reductase (DFR) and characterization of dfr expression in the corollas of Gerbera hybrida var. Regina (Compositae)

Abstract: We are approaching corolla differentiation in Compositae by studying the regulation of flavonoid pathway genes during inflorescence development in gerbera. We have cloned a dfr cDNA from a ray floret corolla cDNA library of Gerbera hybrida var. Regina by a PCR technique based on homologies found in genes isolated from other plant species. The functionality of the clone was tested in vivo by complementing the dihydrokaempferol accumulating petunia mutant line RL01. By Southern blot analysis, G. hybrida var. Regina was shown to harbour a small family of dfr genes, one member of which was deduced to be mainly responsible for the DFR activity in corolla. Dfr expression in corolla correlates with the anthocyanin accumulation pattern: it is basipetally induced, epidermally specific and restricted to the ligular part of corolla. By comparing the dfr expression in different floret types during inflorescence development, we could see that dfr expression reflects developmental schemes of the outermost ray and trans florets, contrasted with that of the disc florets.

Agrobacterium -Mediated Transfer of Antisense Chalcone Synthase cDNA to Gerbera hybrida Inhibits Flower Pigmentation

Abstract: We have developed a regeneration method and an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol for the commercially important ornamental plant Gerbera hybrida. Pieces of petioles of the red variety Terra Regina were cocultivated with a disarmed Agrobacterium tumefaciens vector containing a nearly full-length antisense cDNA encoding gerbera chalcone synthase under the control of CaMV 35S promoter, and a nos-nptII marker gene. The transformed cells were selected on the basis of kanamycin resistance and regenerated into flowering plants. Introduction of the antisense cDNA blocked anthocyanin synthesis and resulted in a dramatically altered flower pigmentation in some of the transformants.