Method and system for producing an object from a vegetable material

Abstract

The invention generally proposes a method (1) for producing an object (2) from a vegetable material (3), comprising the following method steps: providing (4) genetically modified microorganisms (5), wherein the genetic modification (12) leads to overexpression of at least one adhesive protein (6); combining (7), preferably mixing, the vegetable material (3) with the genetically modified microorganisms (5), which are preferably held in a culture medium (11), to form a batch (8); expressing the adhesive protein (6); hardening (10) the batch (8).

Description

[0001] Method and plant for producing an article from a plant material

[0002] The invention relates to a method for producing an article from a plant material.

[0003] Processes for manufacturing objects from plant materials are known, particularly in the furniture and construction industries. Previously known processes often involve combining small, plant-based raw materials to form an object. Adhesives containing formaldehyde are used, in particular, to bond the raw materials together. A disadvantage of this can be that harmful formaldehyde is released from the manufactured objects and absorbed by the user.

[0004] In other known processes, microorganisms, frequently yeasts or other fungi, are used to manufacture objects. These microorganisms are usually wild types, i.e. microorganisms which have not been genetically modified. Genetic modification here preferably means the introduction and / or modification of at least one nucleic acid (sequence) and the permanent retention of this at least one nucleic acid (sequence) in the genome of a microorganism. However, genetically modified microorganisms can also be produced in other ways known to those skilled in the art. The use of wild types in known processes is disadvantageous in that the wild types are usually mixed and incubated with the small-scale, plant-based starting materials over a long period of time, frequently several days.This is partly because wild types are often used as pore-forming agents, which are intended to reduce the density of a manufactured object, and partly because wild types are used to degrade parts of the plant material. The efficiency and flexibility of wild types in the production of substances, especially for the processing and / or finishing of objects, is also limited.

[0005] The invention further relates to an article made from plant materials, which is preferably monolithic.

[0006] The invention further relates to a plant for producing the subject matter described and claimed herein.

[0007] The invention further relates to the use of genetically modified microorganisms for the microbial production of an adhesive protein.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to improve the production of objects from plant material.

[0009] To achieve the stated object, the features of claim 1 are provided according to the invention. In particular, to achieve the stated object, in a method of the type described at the outset, the invention proposes that the method comprise the following method steps: providing genetically modified microorganisms, wherein the genetic modification leads to the overexpression of at least one adhesive protein; mixing, preferably blending, the plant material with the genetically modified microorganisms, preferably kept in a culture medium, to form a mixture; expressing the adhesive protein; curing the mixture. By providing genetically modified microorganisms, at least one adhesive protein can be produced, which leads to the sticking together of portions of the plant material. Portions of the mixture can stick together as a result of the expressed adhesive protein.As a result of the genetic modification, the adhesive protein is overexpressed when expressed. The process according to the invention can produce adhesive in the form of a microbial adhesive protein free of harmful substances, particularly formaldehyde. An article produced by the process according to the invention can thus be environmentally friendly and, in particular, recyclable. Likewise, the article can be incinerated or composted, so that hardly any or no harmful substances are released.

[0010] The aforementioned process steps can occur sequentially, but can also occur simultaneously or non-sequentially. For example, the adhesive protein can be overexpressed before the plant material is mixed with the genetically modified microorganisms. However, overexpression can also occur after mixing.

[0011] All archaea, bacteria, and / or single-celled eukaryotes known to the person skilled in the art can be used as genetically modified microorganisms. Mycelium-forming fungi can also be used. In particular, genetically modified strains of the genera Escherichia coli, Bacillus caulis, Caul obacter, Saccharomyces, and / or Sporosarcinia can be used. Strains of these genera in particular are easy to genetically modify and cultivate. This allows for a particularly cost-effective and customized process.

[0012] By using the microbially produced adhesive protein, the process according to the invention can be rapid and cost-effective. Since the process is particularly suitable for use with recyclable, plant-based waste, such as wooden furniture, the resulting article can have a particularly good ecological footprint.

[0013] An adhesive protein can in particular be a protein that is overexpressed homologously or heterologously in the genetically modified microorganisms. An adhesive protein can in particular be at least one of the following: MFP (mussel foot protein) and MFP fusion proteins and derivatives thereof, characterized in that they have a high tyrosine content; surface proteins and / or microbial surface structures, particularly preferably curli fibers, TasA and BslA from Bacillus subtilis and TasA / BslA homologs; synthetic proteins, particularly preferably ELPs (elastin-like polypeptides); fibrous proteins and polysaccharide- and cellulose-binding proteins. Synthetic and / or hybrid proteins, in particular hybrids of the aforementioned proteins, can also be used as adhesive proteins. In this way, a large number of adhesive proteins can be produced.Thus, an adhesive protein can advantageously be selected for a specific genetically modified microorganism in order to be produced and formed (folded) by this microorganism in sufficient quantities. This can result in a particularly high efficiency of the method according to the invention.

[0014] A genetic modification can in particular be a genetic modification as described at the outset. By means of the genetic modification, an adhesive protein can be specifically overexpressed or produced. By means of the genetic modification, the adhesive protein in particular can be adapted and / or overexpressed according to technical requirements. The method according to the invention can thus be used in a particularly flexible manner for producing objects from a plant material. The method can provide for the genetically modified microorganisms to be pre-cultivated before being made available. In this case, the adhesive protein can advantageously be produced before mixing, so that in particular the sticking of the mixture can be carried out particularly quickly.This can prevent the genetically modified microorganisms from undesirably metabolising plant components of the plant material and reducing the quality of the object.

[0015] In particular, the genetically modified microorganisms can be cultivated in such a way that a cell count of microorganisms per desired volume of the mixture is achieved that produces sufficient adhesive protein for adhesion. The genetically modified microorganisms can be grown in a culture medium.

[0016] It can be provided that the genetically modified microorganisms are kept in the culture medium and added and mixed with the plant material. Thus, the viability of the genetically modified microorganisms and / or the overexpression of the at least one adhesive protein can at least be maintained. Thus, objects from a plant material can be produced particularly efficiently using the method according to the invention.

[0017] It may also be provided that a concentration of the genetically modified microorganisms and / or adhesive proteins is carried out prior to provision. This can be carried out in particular by centrifugation and / or filtration and / or other methods known to the person skilled in the art. By means of the concentration, a desired cell count of genetically modified microorganisms and / or adhesive proteins can be achieved, so that sufficient microorganisms and / or protein material are available for mixing and bonding.

[0018] The process can also provide for the object to be finished after curing. Finishing the object means, in particular, that the object is sanded and / or drilled and / or sawed and / or milled and / or dowelled and / or screwed and / or glued and / or coated and / or painted. Particularly if the object is not monolithic, the object can also be joined to other materials after curing. Through finishing, the object can be optimally adapted to its intended use and / or to customer requirements.

[0019] The above-mentioned process steps and the associated advantages can improve the production of objects made from plant material.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the genetic modification comprises a gene sequence which codes for an adhesive protein. Such a gene sequence can thus advantageously be introduced into a genetically modified microorganism, thereby also enabling heterologous overexpression in a specific genetically modified microorganism. Furthermore, the gene sequence can have regulatory elements, for example promoter elements, which are used to overexpress the adhesive protein. The advantage of promoter elements is that they can react to specific stimuli, thereby regulating the overexpression of a protein. Thus, the overexpression of an adhesive protein and / or a substance as described herein can be controlled by promoter elements and the administration of a stimulus, in particular as described and / or claimed below.Promoter elements can be any promoter elements known to the person skilled in the art. Particular preference is given to using promoter elements that react in particular to electromagnetic radiation and / or sugar derivatives and / or primary metabolites and / or quorum-sensing substances and / or antibiotics and their derivatives and / or thermal radiation.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the mixture can be incubated. Thus, the genetically modified microorganisms can be incubated so that at least one adhesive protein and / or the substances described herein are advantageously overexpressed.

[0022] In particular, it can be provided that the mixture is exposed to mechanical pressure during part or the entire incubation period. Preferably, the mixture is exposed to external mechanical pressure, in particular compression pressure. Mechanical pressure can make the compressive strength of the object to be produced particularly high.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the plant material is provided as a dry mass. Plant material can be in particular chopped wood and / or wood waste, for example sawdust and / or bark, in particular bark, and / or plant fibers, for example hemp, sugar cane, flax or bamboo, and / or straw and / or pomace, preferably wine pomace, and / or scouring residue and / or residual and plant by-products from tropical agriculture, for example waste from banana plants. By using a dry mass, chemical treatment of the plant material, in particular wood, can be dispensed with. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the mixture forms a dough before hardening.To form a dough, liquid, preferably water or the culture medium described herein, can be added to the plant material and the genetically modified microorganisms during mixing. Preferably, only enough liquid is added to the mixture to allow the mixture to assume a plastically formable state. This is particularly advantageous if the mixture is to be shaped as described herein.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that at least one stimulus is administered to the genetically modified microorganisms, which modulates the overexpression of the at least one adhesive protein. Particularly preferably, a stimulus can be electromagnetic radiation as described herein, in particular the aforementioned thermal radiation. The overexpression of the adhesive protein(s) can be specifically modulated by a stimulus, thereby advantageously enabling, for example, local and / or temporal overexpression of the adhesive proteins. This allows an object to be produced as desired.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the genetic modification can be designed to react to a stimulus that leads to the overexpression of the adhesive protein. The method can then, in particular, also comprise the triggering of the stimulus as a further step. The stimulus can be triggered, for example, before and / or during the mixing or at another time.

[0026] In particular, it can be provided that multiple stimuli are used in the method, whereby each stimulus can be administered to modulate a specific adhesive protein, preferably those described herein. Thus, by using different stimuli, different adhesive proteins can be overexpressed.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the mixture can be formed in a casting mold. This casting mold can be adapted to the shape of the object to be manufactured, for example, using a 3D printing process. Thus, during one molding process, an object can advantageously be shaped according to the user's wishes, making the process suitable for producing a variety of differently shaped objects.

[0028] In particular, it can be provided that the genetically modified microorganisms are incubated during the molding process. This allows the genetically modified microorganisms to overexpress at least one adhesive protein during the molding process. This allows the components of the mixture to be bonded together particularly efficiently.

[0029] The mixture can be introduced into the casting mold by injection molding or extrusion. This allows for continuous and uniform introduction of the mixture.

[0030] The mixture can also be introduced gradually. Thus, as may be provided, the plant material described herein in particular can advantageously be added at least partially as a prefabricated structural material. The structural material preferably refers to plant materials in paper or sheet form, which can advantageously improve the performance properties of the article. For example, the strength and / or flexibility of the article can be improved by using at least one structural material.

[0031] It can thus advantageously be provided that the mixture and at least one structural material are introduced into the casting mold and that the mixture is shaped in the casting mold. In this way, a portion of the mixture can advantageously be introduced continuously and evenly into the casting mold, whereupon the structural material is positioned on the mixture in the casting mold and a second portion of the mixture is transferred onto the structural material. Layering can be carried out with any number of layers of structural materials and mixture, so that a process can be adapted in a particularly flexible manner to the object to be manufactured.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment, the incubation of the genetically modified microorganisms during molding can preferably last less than 48 hours. Thus, molding or bonding of the components of the mixture can be carried out quickly, allowing an object to be manufactured in a relatively short time.

[0033] An object can be manufactured in an even shorter time if the process provides for the molding to last, particularly preferably, less than 24 hours, and most preferably less than 4 hours. These short incubation times during molding allow for higher throughput in the manufacture of objects.

[0034] The duration of incubation during formation can be reduced to less than 48, 24, or 4 hours, in particular if, as described above, the genetically modified microorganisms are pre-cultivated prior to mixing and / or if, as described and claimed below, the genetically modified microorganisms are intended to form at least one substance upon triggering the first and / or one or the second stimulus. This allows a process to be carried out quickly and efficiently with high functional variability.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the genetically modified microorganisms are cultivated at a first incubation temperature before formation and at a second incubation temperature during formation. This can improve the overexpression of an adhesive protein, in particular before formation, and especially during the pre-cultivation of the genetically modified microorganisms described herein.

[0036] In particular, it can be provided that the first and second incubation temperatures differ from each other by at least 3 °C, preferably by at least 12 °C. Thus, an optimal temperature difference between the first and second incubation temperatures can be realized, whereby the overexpression of the adhesive protein can be further improved.

[0037] Furthermore, it can in particular be provided that the first incubation temperature is lower than the second incubation temperature. The invention has namely recognized that the genetically modified microorganisms, in particular during the pre-cultivation described herein, produce a particularly large amount of adhesive protein. As a result, the adhesive protein can already be produced in sufficient quantities before mixing, so that a method can be carried out particularly quickly. It can also advantageously be provided that the cultivation during shaping is spatially restricted. This can in particular be achieved by applying the second incubation temperature only to specific regions of the article to be produced. Thus, the overexpression of an adhesive protein and / or a substance as described herein and / or the growth and metabolism of the microorganisms can advantageously be spatially restricted.This allows an object to be designed in many different ways.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that at least a second stimulus is administered to the genetically modified microorganisms. Thus, the genetically modified microorganisms can produce more molecules of an adhesive protein and / or several different adhesive proteins and / or adhesive proteins and the substance described herein, preferably simultaneously, in particular during the aforementioned formation.

[0039] In particular, it can be provided that the first and second stimuli are different. For example, a first stimulus can be the electromagnetic radiation described herein, and a second stimulus can be the aforementioned sugar derivative. Thus, the overexpression of adhesive proteins and / or substances can be stimulated in different ways, which can be advantageous, for example, if the adhesive protein and a substance as described herein, for example, a dye, are to be overexpressed at different times.

[0040] In particular, a method may provide for the two stimuli to be administered at different times and / or different locations. Thus, adhesive proteins and / or the substance described herein can be overexpressed at different times and / or different locations, allowing an object to be designed with particularly diverse features.

[0041] Furthermore, the at least one stimulus can be administered in and / or on one or more of the molds described herein. This ensures that the stimulus reaches all genetically modified microorganisms, particularly those located in the deeper layers of the mixture (i.e., far from a wall of the mold). This embodiment is preferably provided when the stimulus is the electromagnetic radiation described herein.

[0042] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the genetically modified microorganisms produce at least one substance upon triggering the first and / or one or the second stimulus. The at least one substance can endow the object with preferred properties. A non-exhaustive description of substrates and the associated properties and advantages is as follows:

[0043] A substance can be a substrate crosslinker. A substrate crosslinker is a substance that, in particular, causes cross-linking between components of the plant material and / or between components and / or other additives in the mixture. This allows an object to be manufactured with particular stability.

[0044] Particularly preferably, the substrate crosslinker can be an enzyme and / or a domain of an enzyme and / or an epitope tag for crosslinking, in particular, proteins and / or carbohydrates and / or fats and / or other biomolecules. For example, a cellulose-binding domain can advantageously be used for crosslinking proteins and / or carbohydrates.

[0045] For example, the enzyme transglutaminase can be used advantageously to cross-link proteins.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, a coiled-coil domain known to the person skilled in the art can be used as the domain.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, a tyrosinase known to the person skilled in the art can be used as the domain with the optional addition of phenolic compounds.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, a spy tag / spy tag catcher or snoop tag / snoop catcher known to those skilled in the art can be used as the epitope tag.

[0049] Furthermore, a substance can be a flame retardant. This can prevent or slow down the burning of the object. By using a flame retardant, the object can also meet fire protection requirements, for example, in the construction and transportation sectors, as well as in the electrical / electronics sector, and can be used there.

[0050] For example, proteins such as SR proteins, caseins, and / or hydrophobins can be advantageously used as flame retardants. These proteins can be easily produced and supplied by genetically modified microorganisms.

[0051] For example, organic compounds, particularly polyphenol compounds, can be used as fire retardants. This can be advantageous because, for example, the polyphenol compounds can be extracted cost-effectively from agricultural residues such as pomace and added to the mixture described herein.

[0052] Furthermore, a substance can be a biomineralizer. For example, in the process, a coral-derived protein, preferably silicatein, can be overexpressed by the genetically modified microorganisms through the genetic modification. Biomineralizers can advantageously be used as flame retardants, in particular those described and / or claimed herein.

[0053] Alternative biomineralization processes using the genetically modified microorganisms in the process are also conceivable, so that biomineralization can advantageously be carried out by Sporosarci ni a pasteurii (with sand, urea and calcium) or with Escherichia coli (hydroxyapatide mineralization) or with cyanobacteria (with calcium).

[0054] In addition to the genetically modified microorganisms mentioned above, in principle, all genetically modified microorganisms for biomineralization processes can be used in the process. In particular, biomineralization can be carried out using Bacillus sphaericus.

[0055] During the biomineralization process, the genetically modified microorganisms absorb provided nutrients, which are preferably dissolved in the culture medium described herein. In particular, urea, CO2, potassium ions, silicate ions, nitrogen compounds, and phosphate compounds can be present as nutrients, which are / are converted during biomineralization into the biomineralizer(s) described herein. As a result of absorbing the raw materials, the genetically modified microorganisms can store the resulting biomineralizers in pores and / or cavities of the mixture described herein. For this purpose, it can be provided that the genetically modified microorganisms are incubated, in particular during an incubation as described herein, in order to optimally carry out the biomineralization. Thus, in particular, the fire resistance of the object to be produced or produced can be improved.

[0056] Furthermore, a substance can be an impregnating agent. Thus, the article can be water-repellent and more durable. In particular, the aforementioned hydrophobins can be overexpressed in the process, thereby simultaneously overexpressing an impregnating agent and a flame retardant.

[0057] Furthermore, a substance can be a colorant. This colorant can, in particular, be an enzyme that converts a reactant into a color-recognizable reaction product. Preferred enzymes that can be formed in the process by genetically modified microorganisms are ß-galactosidases, glucuronidases, tyrosinases, and enzymes for producing pigments, for example violaceins.

[0058] Furthermore, a substance can be a pesticide, which advantageously prevents insects (insecticides), bacteria (bactericides), and / or fungi (fungicides) from damaging the manufactured object. Thus, an object can be designed to be particularly durable, even when used outdoors.

[0059] Furthermore, a substance can be a hydrolytic enzyme, which can give the mixture and / or a spatially limited area of ​​the object to be manufactured a soft structure. Thus, an object can advantageously have a softer (or harder) structure in a spatially limited area than in its other areas.

[0060] For example, spores of bacteria, such as spores of Bacillus thuringii ensis, can be overexpressed and used to control termites (insecticide).

[0061] Furthermore, a substance can be a pore former. In particular, the genetically modified microorganisms can express enzymes, which can produce and release gases, particularly through fermentative processes. Gases can form pores in the mixture, which can advantageously change the density of the object to be produced. Thus, the density of an object or parts of the object can be advantageously adjusted in a process.

[0062] Preferably, yeasts, in particular Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and / or yeast proteins can be overexpressed or used as pore-forming agents. Alternatively or additionally, bacteria can also be used and / or bacterial proteins can be overexpressed. Preferably, enzymes can be expressed that catalyze a decarboxylation (pyruvate decarboxylase, oxalate decarboxylase) and / or a redox reaction (alcohol dehydrogenase, formate hydrogenase).

[0063] It can be said that any substance, in particular any protein, that can be overexpressed by genetically modified microorganisms and can achieve a positive effect on the object can be used in a process. For example, other proteins acting as active ingredients can be overexpressed as fragrances; for the degradation of pollutants or as indicator substances for pollutants, pH value and temperature. In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a polysaccharide is added to the mixture. The use of polysaccharides, preferably starch, can improve the bonding and adhesion of the components of the mixture.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that a protein is added to the mixture. This protein can be one of the proteins mentioned above, whereby the development of certain properties and the associated advantages for the article, in particular as described above, can be further improved. In particular, the protein can be an enzyme, for example transglutaminase. Alternatively or additionally, a protein mixture, preferably gluten or soy protein, can also be added to the mixture. In particular, gluten and soy protein can stick parts of the mixture together synergistically with the adhesive protein described here, so that an article with a particularly high compressive strength can be produced.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that a leavening agent, in particular baking powder, is added to the mixture. The use of a leavening agent can be used to change the density of an article to be produced. In particular, a leavening agent can have a particularly positive influence on the density of an article synergistically with the pore-forming agents described herein. Thus, an article, or sections thereof, can be made particularly soft. This can be particularly advantageous in the case of seating and / or reclining furniture and acoustic panels.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, nanoparticles may be added to the mixture. Nanoparticles can be of biotic or abiotic origin. The use of nanoparticles can improve the performance characteristics of the article.

[0067] For example, silver nanoparticles can be added to the mixture. An advantage of silver nanoparticles can be their antimicrobial effect, which can prevent unwanted growth of microbial contaminants during the process for manufacturing an object. In general, other antimicrobial nanoparticles can also be used to protect the process from microbial contaminants.

[0068] The use of nanoparticles is particularly advantageous if they are produced, as intended, by the genetically modified and / or wild-type microorganisms.

[0069] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a stimulus is electromagnetic radiation, and wherein the triggering of the electromagnetic radiation leads to the expression of a substance or substances described herein. Thus, electromagnetic radiation, for example visible light or infrared radiation, can be used to trigger the overexpression of a substance or substances described herein. It is also advantageous that the electromagnetic radiation can be triggered locally by a radiation source, for example in a specific area of ​​the casting mold described herein. In this way, local overexpression of a substance (or an adhesive protein) can be carried out in the method.

[0070] In particular, it can be provided that the triggering leads to the expression of one or more of the substrate crosslinkers and / or the flame retardant and / or the biomineralizer and / or the impregnating agent and / or the coloring agent and / or the pesticide and / or the pore former and / or the hydrolytic enzyme by the genetically modified microorganisms. Thus, an article can have at least the advantages already mentioned that are associated with the expression of the substrate crosslinker and / or the flame retardant and / or the biomineralizer and / or the impregnating agent and / or the coloring agent and / or the pesticide and / or the pore former and / or the hydrolytic enzyme. For example, an article can be locally discolored if the expressed substance is the or a coloring agent.Thus, an object can advantageously be provided with lettering and / or a logo, for example, which can increase the recognition value of an object.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that an additive is added to the mixture and converted into a dye by the colorant. This additive can be a reactant as described above. This reactant can then be converted into a dye by a colorant produced by the genetically modified microorganisms and as described herein. Examples of reactants can be: chromogenic glycosides, for example X-Gal (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoxyl-ß-D-galactopyranoside) or isolated amino acids for the synthesis of pigments, for example the amino acid tyrosine for the production of melanin.

[0072] In particular, an additive can act synergistically with individual processes. For example, coloring of an object using the overexpressed enzyme tyrosinase can be improved by providing additional tyrosines as an additive in addition to those present in the plant material. The use of an additive can be particularly advantageous if the goal is to achieve local coloring, rather than complete coloring of the object.

[0073] In an advantageous embodiment, it may be provided that, in addition to the genetically modified microorganisms, other types of microorganisms are provided. For example, wild types can also be added to the mixture.

[0074] Preferably, genetically modified microorganisms are added. These additional, genetically modified microorganisms can be a different strain than the genetically modified microorganisms that are mandatorily added to the process, or they can belong to the same strain, the difference being realized, particularly in the latter case, through the genetic modification. The use of two different, genetically modified microorganisms can advantageously be used to produce two or more than two different adhesive proteins. It is also conceivable to produce one adhesive protein and one substance and / or to produce at least two different substances. In this way, several components can be produced using genetically modified microorganisms, which can be particularly advantageous for the design of an article.

[0075] In an advantageous embodiment, the mixture can be cured by applying heat. Such curing can be carried out, for example, in a heating oven or a microwave oven. This allows curing to be controlled and carried out particularly quickly.

[0076] In particular, it can be provided that the mixture is baked at a temperature between 80 ° C and 200 ° C. The invention has recognized that curing in this temperature range is particularly good for the quality of the article.

[0077] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the genetically modified microorganisms are provided as a cell lysate. Cell lysate is understood here in particular to be a solution or a suspension which contains lysed, i.e. in particular physically and / or chemically and / or osmotically broken, cells of the genetically modified microorganisms. A cell lysate preferably comprises mainly, in particular almost exclusively, lysed cells. Genetically modified microorganisms provided as a cell lysate are particularly advantageous if the adhesive protein is not intended to be or cannot be secreted through the cell wall of the genetically modified microorganism. It can also be advantageous if other molecules present in the cell lysate can stabilize the adhesive protein, so that a particularly large amount of adhesive protein can come into contact with the plant material during mixing.This means that the process can be carried out particularly efficiently.

[0078] Advantages compared to the isolation of the adhesive protein or of an adhesive protein by isolation and / or purification methods known to the person skilled in the art are, on the one hand, an increased yield of adhesive protein (e.g. due to the already applied stabilization of the adhesive protein in the cell lysate), and, on the other hand, shorter processing times and the associated lower costs.

[0079] Alternatively, in addition to the genetically modified microorganisms described and / or claimed herein, cell lysate and / or other, preferably genetically modified, microorganisms can be provided. Thus, in particular, a combination of cell lysate and a metabolically active, preferably genetically modified microorganism kept in the culture medium can be provided. Such a combination advantageously entails that, in addition to the adhesive protein, other adhesive proteins produced by the preferably genetically modified microorganism and / or the substances described herein are provided. Thus, the method can use a variety of combinations of adhesive protein(s) and substances to produce the article.

[0080] The additional provision of microorganisms (wild types) can be advantageous if the cultivation and / or pre-cultivation described herein is to be carried out cost-effectively, since special and potentially costly supplements such as antibiotics for cultivation and / or pre-cultivation are not required.

[0081] The additional provision of genetically modified microorganisms can advantageously enable the previously described variety of combinations of adhesive proteins and substances.

[0082] Alternatively or additionally, purified proteins can be provided in addition to the genetically modified microorganisms. The proteins are purified using known purification methods. Proteins can in particular be the proteins described herein, thus very particularly preferably the adhesive protein(s) and / or enzymes. This allows a method for producing an article to be particularly variable and adapted to pre-(cultivation) conditions. For example, special proteins such as those mentioned above can be provided to a system as described herein if the microorganisms for overexpression of said proteins cannot be cultivated or can be cultivated poorly in the system.

[0083] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that at least the stimulus described herein or a stimulus for controlling the adhesive protein described herein or an adhesive protein and / or the substance described herein is / are triggered. In this way, in particular the biological function of adhesive proteins and / or substances as described herein that are already assembled in and / or on the cell bodies can be controlled. In this way, properties of the mixture described herein and / or of the article described herein can advantageously be specifically controlled and changed during the method for producing an article. For example, the activity of enzymes described herein can be controlled by a stimulus, for example the electromagnetic radiation mentioned above and claimed below.In particular, by applying a specific wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, the conformation of the enzyme tyrosinase can be altered, which allows the tyrosinase to subsequently be used, in particular as described above, for the production of pigments, such as violaceins. In particular, the stimulus can be triggered to activate and / or inhibit the adhesive proteins and / or substances.

[0084] Activation can activate a biological function of a protein, for example, the adhesive protein and / or enzyme described herein, which is already assembled in and / or on the cell bodies of the genetically modified microorganisms. This is particularly advantageous if protein activity is only desired at a specific point in time during the process.

[0085] Through inhibition, protein levels, for example of the adhesive proteins and / or the enzymes described herein, can be regulated, for example, to prevent unwanted overproduction of proteins. Likewise, biological functions can be regulated by proteins, analogous to the activation described above.

[0086] Alternatively or additionally, the features of the independent claim directed to a subject matter are provided according to the invention to achieve the stated object.

[0087] In particular, to achieve the stated object, the invention proposes that an article of the type described above be produced by a process as described above or below and / or claimed below. Thus, an article consisting of plant material can be produced which, through the use of microbial adhesive protein, can be free of harmful substances such as formaldehyde. Thus, the article according to the invention is recyclable and not harmful to health, which is particularly advantageous.

[0088] Furthermore, the object can be produced cost-effectively, as it can be manufactured from plant materials, such as wood chips, and using microbially produced adhesive proteins without great material expenditure. The object can also be cost-effective if it is monolithic. Thus, the monolithic object, formed and cured in a cast mold as described herein, can operate without connecting elements, such as screws and hinges.

[0089] This allows costs to be further reduced. A monolithic article can also be visually appealing. The article can also exhibit particularly high compressive strength, particularly if the article is produced by overexpressing several adhesive proteins and / or the substances described herein, and preferably using a protein mixture, particularly gluten.

[0090] Furthermore, the article according to the invention can be designed to be particularly durable, in particular if a pesticide and / or an impregnating agent and / or a flame retardant is overexpressed in the process.

[0091] Alternatively or additionally, to achieve the stated object, the invention provides the features of the independent claim directed to a system for producing the subject matter described and claimed herein. In particular, to achieve the stated object, the invention proposes that the system have an incubator and / or bioreactor and a casting mold for forming the object. An incubator and / or a bioreactor comprise all devices known to a person skilled in the art for cultivating or incubating microorganisms. By means of the system according to the invention, the subject matter described herein can be produced particularly quickly and inexpensively, in particular by means of the method described herein.

[0092] By using the incubator and / or bioreactor, the genetically modified microorganisms can be pre-cultivated, in particular as described above. Thus, one or the previously described adhesive protein and / or a substance as described herein can be overexpressed before the genetically modified microorganisms are mixed with the plant material. Thus, the plant components can be bonded together particularly quickly.

[0093] By using a casting mold, an object can be produced in any desired shape. Another advantage of the casting mold can be that, as can be provided in particular, the system comprises a preferably replaceable device for triggering at least one stimulus, wherein the replaceable device is fastened to or in the casting mold. The replaceable device, which can be the aforementioned radiation source, for example, can be guided close to the mixture so that the stimulus can also penetrate into deeper layers of the mixture in the casting mold. As a result, the stimulus can trigger overexpression of the adhesive protein or of a substance described herein everywhere or locally. The production of an object can thus be particularly improved.

[0094] Alternatively or additionally, the system may include a pressure device for exerting the pressure described herein or a mechanical pressure. For example, the pressure device may be a press, which preferably exerts mechanical pressure from the outside on the casting mold or on the mixture, particularly while the mixture is incubated. Thus, an object to be manufactured can be designed to be particularly pressure-resistant.

[0095] The system may further comprise a heating oven and / or a microwave oven for curing so that curing and completion of the article can be carried out quickly.

[0096] Alternatively or additionally, to achieve the stated object, the features of the independent claim directed to a use of genetically modified microorganisms are provided according to the invention. In particular, to achieve the stated object when using the type described at the outset, it is proposed according to the invention that the adhesive protein sticks together portions of the mixture or of a mixture without additional isolation steps. Thus, sticking of the portions of the mixture or of a mixture can be carried out without additional effort, for example in the form of isolation steps. Thus, an article can be produced particularly quickly and inexpensively, in particular if the genetically modified microorganisms are used, as particularly provided, in a method described herein and / or in a plant described herein for producing an article described herein.

[0097] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that a stimulus as described herein is used for the microbial production of the adhesive protein. Thus, a stimulus for the overexpression of an adhesive protein can be used specifically, which can be used directly and without complex isolation steps to bond the components of the mixture to produce the object or objects.

[0098] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments result from combining the features of one or more claims with one another and / or with one or more features of the exemplary embodiments.

[0099] It shows :

[0100] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a system according to the invention in which an article is produced from plant material in an embodiment of a method according to the invention, Figure 2 shows an embodiment of an article designed according to the invention.

[0101] Figure 1 shows a method 1 according to the invention in which an article 2 according to the invention is produced.

[0102] Method 1 is carried out in a system 29 according to the invention, wherein the system 29 comprises at least one incubator / bioreactor 32 and a mold 17. Furthermore, Figure 1 shows an exchangeable device 30 designed as a radiation source 31 for triggering a first and a second stimulus 16, 20 on the mold 17.

[0103] The system 29 further comprises a pressure device 36 designed as a press, by means of which mechanical pressure is exerted from the outside on the mixture 8 during the incubation of the mixture 8 in the casting mold 17. For better clarity, the pressure device 36 is only indicated on one side of the casting mold 17; however, the pressure device 36 can mechanically act on the casting mold 17 and thereby the mixture 8 from several sides in order to exert mechanical pressure on the mixture 8. By exerting mechanical pressure, the object 2 has a particularly high compressive strength.

[0104] In an embodiment not shown, the replaceable device 30 is fixed in the mold 17.

[0105] As already mentioned, the radiation source 30, 31 triggers the first and the second stimulus 16, 20, wherein the two stimuli 16, 20 are different electromagnetic radiation 26. In the embodiment shown, the first stimulus 16, 26 is visible light and the second stimulus 20, 20 is infrared radiation. For better illustration, both stimuli 16, 20 are shown in Figure 1. Depending on the application, the first and the second stimulus 16, 20 can be triggered at different locations and / or times, so that the overexpression of the adhesive protein 6 and / or a substance 21 is triggered as desired in terms of location and time.

[0106] The two stimuli 16, 20 can be triggered, as desired alternatively or additionally in the method described below, for controlling, in particular for activating and / or inhibiting, the adhesive protein 6 and / or the substance 21. Thus, in particular, biological functions of the flame retardant described and / or claimed herein and / or the biomineralizer and / or the impregnating agent and / or the colorant 27 and / or the pesticide and / or the pore former and / or the hydrolytic enzyme can be regulated.

[0107] The process 1 shown in Figure 1 proceeds as follows:

[0108] The genetically modified microorganisms 5, which have a genetic modification 12 for the overexpression of at least one adhesive protein 6, are pre-cultivated in the incubator / bioreactor 32 in a culture medium 11. The genetic modification 12 comprises a gene sequence 13 which codes for the adhesive protein 6. During this pre-cultivation 35, adhesive proteins 6 are already overexpressed by the genetic modification 12 and assembled on the surface of the genetically modified microorganisms 5. The adhesive protein 6 shown here is a surface structure, so-called curli fibers. Due to the pre-cultivation 35 and the resulting overexpression of the adhesive proteins 6, the method 1 can be carried out particularly quickly. Alternatively or additionally, cell lysate from genetically modified microorganisms 5 can also be provided in order to deliver the adhesive protein 6 and / or at least one substance 21.

[0109] Parallel to the pre-cultivation 35 of the genetically modified microorganisms 5, different microorganisms 28 are pre-cultivated in the incubator / bioreactor 32. These microorganisms 28 are also genetically modified and, as a result of the aforementioned stimuli 16, 20, overexpress different substances 21 during the process.

[0110] After pre-cultivation 35, the genetically modified microorganisms 5, 28 are provided. The provision 4 can take place in the culture medium 11, whereby the microorganisms 5, 28 can be kept alive and the adhesive proteins 6 can be expressed and kept intact. The genetically modified microorganisms 5, 28 can each be provided in a specific culture medium 11 adapted to their needs.

[0111] After provision 4, the genetically modified microorganisms 5, 28 are mixed or blended with the plant material 3. The plant material 3 is advantageously provided here as a dry mass 14 and mainly comprises wood chips. By mixing, the genetically modified microorganisms 5, 28 can be homogeneously distributed in the mixture 8, so that in particular the adhesive proteins 6 are optimally distributed for bonding 9 the portions of the mixture 8 or are distributed during the course of the method 1. Likewise, substances 21 can be evenly overexpressed and distributed by the homogeneously distributed microorganisms 5, 28.During mixing 7, a polysaccharide 22, preferably starch, and a protein 23, preferably at least one enzyme, and a protein mixture 24, in particular gluten or soy protein, and a leavening agent 25, in particular baking powder, are additionally added to the mixture 8 (represented in Figure 1 by dashed arrows pointing toward the mixture 8). Thus, the article 2 produced by this process 1 is particularly characterized by high compressive strength. However, even with a process 1 that does not require the additives just mentioned (represented in Figure 1 by the solid arrows pointing toward the mixture 8), the article 2 exhibits considerable compressive strength.

[0112] Furthermore, liquid 33 is added to the mixture 8 so that the mixture 8 forms a dough mass 15 which is then poured into the mold 17 for shaping 18. In particular during shaping 18 the dough mass 8, 15 is incubated so that during this incubation 19 the bonding 9 can be continued optimally. The incubation 19 shown in Figure 1 lasts less than 48 hours, but can alternatively also last less than 24, in particular less than 4 hours. In this case the incubation temperature , which is a second incubation temperature, for the genetically modified microorganisms 5, 28 is higher than an incubation temperature, which is a first incubation temperature, than before shaping 18. In particular the first incubation temperature during the pre-cultivation is at least 3°C ​​lower (or higher) than the second incubation temperature.

[0113] In an embodiment not shown, the cultivation during molding 18 can also be spatially limited. For example, only half of the mixture 8 located in the mold 17 can be incubated. In the method shown, the molded mixture 8, 15 is then baked at a temperature between 80°C and 200°C. Curing 10 takes place in a heating oven or, alternatively, in a microwave oven. Curing 10 can thus be carried out relatively quickly.

[0114] The system 29 also enables the first and second stimuli 16, 20 to be triggered following the formation 18 by the radiation source 30, 31 already described, so that the genetically modified microorganisms 5, 28 overexpress adhesive proteins 6 and substances 21.

[0115] By way of example and for a better overview, Figure 1 shows that the substance 21 is a coloring agent 27 for the optically attractive coloring of the object 2.

[0116] However, the substance(s) 21 can also be a substrate crosslinker described herein and / or a flame retardant described herein and / or a biomineralizer described herein and / or an impregnating agent described herein and / or a pesticide described herein and / or a pore former described herein and / or another active ingredient described herein. In particular, a combination of substances 21 can produce a particularly vivid and durable article 2. A combination of substances 21 can be produced by the genetically modified microorganisms 5, 28 alone or in combination.

[0117] Substance 21 may also be a nanoparticle described herein.

[0118] A monolithic object 2 is shown in Figure 2. This object 2 was after hardening 10 and the

[0119] Removal 34 from the mold 17 is further processed so that the embodiment shown in Figure 2 is realized. In the embodiment according to Figure 1, the mold 17 is designed such that the two stimuli 16, 20 only locally stimulate the genetically modified microorganisms 5, 28 to overexpress the substances 21.

[0120] In an embodiment not shown, at least one of the stimuli 16, 20 can also be carried out before and / or after the shaping 18. In particular, it can be provided that a stimulus 16, 20 is triggered during the pre-cultivation of the genetically modified microorganisms 5, 28 and leads to the overexpression of the adhesive protein 6 and / or the substance 21. Thus, the overexpression can be adjusted in time, in particular, whereby a method 1 can be carried out optimally.

[0121] In a further embodiment not shown, the choice of the stimulus 16, 20 and / or the design of the mold 17 and / or the attachment of the exchangeable device 30 can ensure that a comprehensive overexpression of the substances 21 is carried out.

[0122] The invention generally proposes a method 1 for producing an object 2 from a plant material 3, comprising the following method steps: providing 4 genetically modified microorganisms 5, wherein the genetic modification 12 leads to the overexpression of at least one adhesive protein 6; mixing 7, preferably blending, the plant material 3 with the genetically modified microorganisms 5, preferably kept in a culture medium 11, to form a mixture 8;

[0123] Expressing the adhesive protein 6 ; hardening 10 of the mixture 8 . List of reference symbols

[0124] 1 procedure

[0125] 2 Item

[0126] 3 plant material

[0127] 4 Providing 5

[0128] 5 genetically modified microorganisms

[0129] 6 Adhesive protein

[0130] 7 Mixing

[0131] 8 mixtures

[0132] 9 Bonding of 8

[0133] 10 Curing of 8

[0134] 11 culture medium of 5

[0135] 12 genetic modification

[0136] 13 Gene sequence

[0137] 14 dry matter

[0138] 15 dough

[0139] 16 Stimulus

[0140] 17 Casting mold

[0141] 18 Forming

[0142] 19 Incubation of 5 during 18

[0143] 20 second stimulus

[0144] 21 Substance

[0145] 22 Polysaccharide

[0146] 23 Protein

[0147] 24 Protein mixture

[0148] 25 leavening agents

[0149] 26 electromagnetic radiation

[0150] 27 dyes

[0151] 28 to 5 different microorganisms

[0152] 29 Appendix

[0153] 30 devices

[0154] 31 Radiation source

[0155] 32 Incubator / Bioreactor Liquid withdrawal of 2 pre-cultivation pressure device

Claims

Claims: A method (1) for producing an article (2) from plant material (3), comprising the following process steps: providing (4) genetically modified microorganisms (5), wherein the genetic modification (12) leads to the overexpression of at least one adhesive protein (6); mixing (7), preferably blending, the plant material (3) with the genetically modified microorganisms (5), preferably maintained in a culture medium (11), to form a mixture (8); expressing the adhesive protein (6); curing (10) the mixture (8). The method (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the genetic modification (12) comprises a gene sequence (13) which encodes an adhesive protein (6). Method (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixture (8) is incubated, in particular wherein the mixture (8) is subjected to mechanical pressure during part or during the entire incubation period.Method (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plant material (3) is provided as dry mass (14) and / or that the mixture (8) forms a dough mass (15) before hardening (19). Method (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one stimulus (16) is administered to the genetically modified microorganisms (5) which modulates the overexpression of the adhesive protein (6) / adhesive proteins (6). Method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a forming (18) of the mixture (8) is carried out in a mold (17), in particular wherein an incubation (19) of the genetically modified microorganisms (5) takes place during the forming (18). Method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the incubation (19) of the genetically modified microorganisms (5) during the forming (18) preferably lasts less than 48 hours, particularly preferably less than 24 hours, most preferably less than 4 hours.Method (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the genetically modified microorganisms (5) are cultivated at a first incubation temperature before the formation (18) and at a second incubation temperature during the formation (18), in particular wherein the first and the second incubation temperature differ from each other by at least 2°C, preferably by at least 12°C, in particular wherein the first incubation temperature is lower than the second incubation temperature and / or that cultivation during the formation (18) is spatially restricted.Method (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one second stimulus (20) is administered to the genetically modified microorganisms (5), in particular wherein the first and second stimulus (16, 20) are of a different nature, wherein the two stimuli (16, 20) are in particular administered at different times and / or locations, in particular wherein at least one stimulus (16, 20) is administered in and / or on a or the mold (17). Method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, upon triggering the first and / or one or the second stimulus (16, 20), the genetically modified microorganisms (5) form at least one substance (21) which functions in particular as a substrate crosslinker and / or as a flame retardant and / or as a biomineralizer and / or as an impregnating agent and / or as a dye (27) and / or as a pesticide and / or as a pore-forming agent and / or as a hydrolytic enzyme. Method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a polysaccharide (22), preferably starch, and / or a protein (23), preferably at least one enzyme, and / or a protein mixture (24), in particular gluten or soy protein, and / or a leavening agent (25), in particular baking powder, and / or nanoparticles, particularly preferably silver nanoparticles, is / are added to the mixture (8).Method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a stimulus (16, 20) is electromagnetic radiation (26), and wherein the triggering of the electromagnetic radiation (26) leads to the overexpression of one or more substances (21), in particular wherein the triggering leads to the overexpression of one or more of the substrate crosslinker and / or the flame retardant and / or the biomineralizer and / or as an impregnating agent and / or the dye (27) and / or the pesticide and / or the pore-forming agent and / or the hydrolytic enzyme by the genetically modified microorganisms, and / or wherein an additive is added to the mixture (8) and is converted to a dye by the dye (27). Method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. including the genetically modified Microorganisms (5) of a different type, preferably genetically modified, microorganisms (28) are provided. Method (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the curing (10) of the mixture (8) is carried out by the application of heat, in particular wherein the mixture (8) is baked at a temperature between 80°C and 200°C. Method (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the genetically modified microorganisms (5) are provided as cell lysate or that, in addition to the genetically modified microorganisms (5), cell lysate and / or other preferably genetically modified microorganisms (5) and / or purified proteins are provided.Method (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one stimulus (16, 20) is / are triggered for controlling, in particular for activating and / or inhibiting, the adhesive protein (6) and / or the substance (21). Object (2), which is preferably monolithic, characterized in that the object (2) is manufactured according to a method (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16. Apparatus (29) for manufacturing an object (2) according to the preceding claim, in particular according to a method (1) claimed herein, wherein the apparatus (29) comprises an incubator and / or bioreactor (32) and a mold (17) for forming (18) the object (2); in particular wherein the apparatus (2) preferably comprises a The device (29) comprises an interchangeable device (30) for triggering at least one stimulus (16, 20), wherein the interchangeable device (30) is attached to or in the mold (17); and / or wherein the system (29) comprises a pressure device (36) for applying mechanical pressure. The use of genetically modified microorganisms for the microbial production of an adhesive protein (5), wherein the adhesive protein (6) bonds components of a mixture (8) without additional isolation steps, in particular in a method (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and / or in a system (29) according to claim 18 for the production of an article (2) according to claim 17.

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