Scientists Using Genetically Engineered Potato Plants to Produce Base Chemicals Found in Common Household Products
March 17, 2009 Kyriaki (Sandy) Venetis 
The greenhouse of the Lumen building at Wageningen University. Photo courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org.
WAGENINGEN, Netherlands - Plant Research International and the Microbiology science group, both part of Wageningen University and Research Centre, have jointly developed potato plants that are capable of producing itaconic acid, a chemical ingredient used in common household products. The itaconic acid is a vital component in products such as acrylic fibers and rubbers, reinforced glass fibers, artificial diamonds, and lenses. The acid is also used as an additive in fibers and ion exchange resins to increase their abrasion, waterproofing, physical resistance, and dying affinity, as well as improve their duration. It is also used as a binder and sizing agent in non-weaving fibers, paper, and concrete paint. Additionally, itaconic acid is used in water treatment systems to help prevent contamination by metallic alkali.