ECO PEN : HARNESSING MICROBIAL PHA FOR GREENER WRITING TOOLS

Abstract

Abstract The invention relates to an eco-friendly, fully biodegradable use-and-throw pen made from Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a microbial biopolymer. PHA, derived from microbial sources such as Pseudomonas, offers a sustainable alternative to polystyrene in the production of disposable pens. The Eco Pen decomposes naturally, significantly reducing plastic pollution and environmental harm. This invention addresses the issue of plastic waste by replacing non-biodegradable pens with a greener, non-toxic solution. The manufacturing process involves microbial fermentation to produce PHA, followed by extraction and molding into pen components. The Eco Pen promotes environmental sustainability and reduces the adverse effects of plastic waste on ecosystems.

Specification

Form 2
THE PATENT ACT 1970
(390F 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2003
Complete Specification
(See Section 10& rule 13)
1. Title of Invention - Eco Pen: Harnessing Microbial PHA for Greener Writing Tools
2. Applicants (s)

No. Name Nationality Address
1 Soumya Sural Yadav Indian 204, Siddeshwari crown appt, siddheshwar nagar, Nagpur.
3. Preamble of the Description
Complete
The Following Specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

Description ( Description in separate Page)
Claims : 5
Date and Signature :(at the end of last page of specification)
Abstract of The Invention (On Separate page)

Technical field of invention
This invention relates to biodegradable writing instruments, specifically use-and-throw pens made from Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a microbial-based biopolymer. The invention addresses the environmental issues caused by conventional plastic pens, primarily polystyrene-based, by providing a sustainable alternative.
Background of the Invention:
The widespread use of plastic pens, particularly disposable ones made from polystyrene, contributes significantly to global plastic pollution. Conventional pens are non-biodegradable, and their improper disposal leads to severe environmental damage. Each year, over 2 billion plastic pens are sold globally, contributing thousands of tons of non-biodegradable plastic waste to landfills and oceans. These plastics pose ecological risks to marine life, soil health,
r i
and even human well-being due to the toxic nature of substances like styrene, a component of polystyrene.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are naturally occurring biopolymers synthesized by microbial organisms under stress conditions. PHAs are biodegradable and non-toxic, making them an excellent substitute for petroleum-based plastics. This invention utilizes PHAs, specifically derived from microbes such as Pseudomonas, to create an eco:friendly, biodegradable use-and-throw pen. This innovation aims to significantly reduce the environmental burden of plastic pens by offering a sustainable alternative.
Objectives of the Invention:
The primary objectives of the present invention are:
1. To. develop a fully biodegradable and eco-friendly use-and-throw pen using microbial PHA.
2. To replace conventional plastic (polystyrene) pens, reducing environmental pollution.
3. To provide a non-toxic writing tool that decomposes naturally, minimizing harm to ecosystems.
4. To explore and utilize microbial synthesis of PHA for large-scale production of biodegradable pens.
5. To promote sustainable practices in the stationery industry through eco-friendly alternatives.

Summary of the Invention:
This invention presents an eco-friendly writing tool, the Eco Pen, made from Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a biodegradable polymer derived from microbial sources, particularly Pseudomonas species. The Eco Pen is designed as a use-and-throw pen that can completely decompose after disposal, addressing the global issue of plastic waste caused by non-biodegradable pens.
PHA is a biopolymer synthesized by microbes under unfavorable conditions, where carbon sources are stored as polymer granules. The microbial fermentation process used to obtain PHA is sustainable and results in a non-toxic, biodegradable material. This biopolymer replaces polystyrene in the manufacturing of use-and-throw pens, offering a green alternative that reduces plastic pollution, promotes environmental health, and poses no risks to living organisms.
Detailed Description of the Invention:
The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the inventioh is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
hi any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.
The Eco Pen is constructed using Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a microbial-based polymer produced through a controlled fermentation process. The microbes, such as Pseudomonas species, are cultured under specific conditions, wherein PHA accumulates within the microbial

cells as an energy storage molecule. The microbial culture is exposed to stress conditions, such as limited nutrients, to enhance PHA production.
Once extracted, PHA is purified and processed into pellets, which are then molded into pen components-such as the body, cap, and internal mechanisms-through standard manufacturing techniques. These pens are designed for single use, ensuring they are disposed of after use without contributing to long-term environmental damage. The Eco Pen decomposes naturally within a few months, depending on environmental conditions, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional polystyrene pens.
Key Features:
• Material Composition: The pen body is made entirely of PHA, which is non-toxic,
biodegradable, and eco-friendly.

• Manufacturing Process: PHA is extracted from microbial cultures, purified, and processed using conventional plastic molding techniques,
• Biodegradability; The Eco Pen decomposes naturally in soil or water environments within a few months, unlike conventional plastics that persist for hundreds of years.
• Design: The pen is designed for ease of use and disposal, making it ideal for use-and-throw scenarios.
Advantages of the Invention:
1. Environmental Benefits: The Eco Pen significantly reduces plastic waste, as it is biodegradable and decomposes naturally in the environment.
2. Non-Toxic: Made from PHA, a non-toxic material, the pen poses no health risks to humans, animals, or ecosystems.
3. Sustainability: The microbial production of PHA is a renewable and eco-friendly process, supporting the circular economy,
4. Versatility: PHA can be molded into various pen designs and styles, allowing for customization in the production process.
5. Reduction of Ecological Damage: By replacing polystyrene pens, the Eco Pen reduces the harmful impacts of toxic plastic waste in oceans, landfills, and natural habitats.

We Claims:
Claim 1: A use-and-throw pen made from Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), wherein the pen body, cap, and internal components are biodegradable and produced from microbial synthesis.
Claim 2: The method of manufacturing the pen, comprising culturing Pseudomonas species under stress conditions to synthesize PHA, followed by extraction, purification, and molding into pen components.
Claim 3: The use of Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) as a replacement for polystyrene in the production of disposable writing instruments.
Claim 4: A fully biodegradable pen that decomposes in natural environmental conditions, reducing plastic waste and its associated ecological impacts.
Claim 5: The use of microbial PHA in the manufacturing of sustainable, eco-friendly writing tools that are non-toxic and harmless to living organisms.

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