Biopolymers Are Biodegradable, Odorless, Environment Friendly And They Can Also Resist Fire And Moisture
Biopolymers |
Polymers
are a group of macromolecular molecules made from repeating units called
monomers. These monomers can be linked together in long chains to form complex
structures with a wide range of properties. Historically, chemical monomers
have been used to create synthetic polymers such as polypropylene, polystyrene,
and many others. However, the depletion of oil reserves is forcing companies to
look for alternatives.
One
such alternative is Biopolymers, which are made from organic
materials such as plants, microorganisms, or algae. Biopolymers are not only
renewable, whereas also sustainable and less harmful to the environment than
their chemical counterparts.
The
most common biopolymers are starch, cellulose, and chitosan derived from
carbohydrates and gelatin, agar, and collagen derived from proteins. These
biopolymers have a wide variety of medical applications. They are useful for
cell distribution, matrices, and scaffolds in soft tissue repair. They can also
be used for drug delivery and targeted therapy.
Biopolymers are also useful in a number of
industrial applications. They can be used to produce biodegradable plastics and
films that are more environmentally friendly than petrochemical plastics. They
are also useful in food packaging, where they can replace traditional plastics
and reduce the amount of waste produced. Biopolymers can also be used to make
plastic foams that are highly durable and insulating.
Biopolymers
are often used in clothing and upholstery. They are also lightweight, which
makes them an excellent alternative to petrochemical plastics.
The
use of Biopolymers in manufacturing
has increased significantly over the past decade. This is due to the
introduction of novel polymerization technologies, such as controlled
free-radical polymerization and click chemistry. These technologies have
enabled researchers to create new types of biopolymers with a wide range of
properties.
Biodegradable
polyglycolic acid (PGA) has been shown to have superior barrier properties
compared to its chemically synthesized counterparts. PGA is made from the
precursor glycolic acid, which is generated by natural metabolic pathways in
microorganisms. Furthermore, PGA can be made into films and foams with good
barrier properties.
Other
common biopolymers include polylactic acids (PLA), polyglycolide (PGAD), and
polycaprolactones (PCLA). These biopolymers can be used to manufacture a
variety of products, including disposable surgical gloves and plastic bags.
They can also be used to make biodegradable dental implants and biomedical
devices. They can be combined with nanotechnology to improve their performance
and versatility.
A
chitin derivative called chitosan is taken out of the shells of aquatic animals
like lobsters, prawns and crabs. Due to its ability to prevent fat absorption
in the gastrointestinal tract, Chitosan is a common ingredient in dietary
supplements. Due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility, it is also
utilised in a number of therapeutic applications. Due to its anticoagulant
characteristics, it is utilised in hemostatic dressing to treat wounds.
BASF launched a new rice-derived biopolymer in July 2022,
for mattifying skincare products. This new component has been created for
absorbing various oils and reducing the greasy sensations.
Comments
Post a Comment