Some research labs at the Dunn School recently conducted experiments to assess the effectiveness of bio-based chemicals—specifically, Ethanol, Isopropanol, Heptane, and Acetone—sourced from Merck. We are pleased to announce that these bio-based alternatives performed seamlessly in our experimental setups, showing no discernable differences when compared to their fossil-fuel-based counterparts. Notably, these chemicals also offer environmental advantages. For example, Acetone, Isobutanol, and Ethanol are produced using waste materials from whisky manufacturing, such as pot ale and draff.

Our findings not only validate the effectiveness of these bio-based chemicals but also highlight their environmental sustainability, making them strong candidates for future research endeavors. For more information on these green alternatives, you can visit Merck's bio-renewable solvents information page: Merck Bio-Renewable Solvents.

Beyond chemicals, our team is also committed to evaluating other lab essentials such as kits, reagents, and single-use plastics sourced from various suppliers. We give preference to options that minimize environmental impact—by using less plastic, fewer hazardous chemicals, and simplified procedures—without sacrificing cost-effectiveness. Our ultimate goal is to identify sustainable and affordable alternatives that can be easily integrated into daily lab activities, thereby contributing to both scientific integrity and environmental responsibility.