Biopolymers Research
Open Access

Biopolymers; Biopolymer-based composites; Biocomposites

Introduction

In recent years, the study of biopolymers has advanced technologically, drawing the interest of multidisciplinary scholars. And this is due to the danger to human health and the environment caused by the overuse of non-biodegradable materials and the ensuing, always rising desire for a greener, safer world. Through the use of biopolymers, these investigations have produced a very intriguing outcome and made progress against the issue of economic and ecological unsustainability caused by conventional polymers. The natural source of biopolymers, which consists of monomers of amino acids, saccharides, and nucleic acids connections in the form of linear or branched structured structures, can be obtained naturally or chemically manufactured [4]. Researchers have discovered that biopolymers have manipulable mechanical properties and are environmentally benign and biodegradable. They can replace the traditional non-biodegradable polymers because they are both biocompatible. Despite the fact that the search is still ongoing, numerous types of biopolymers have been discovered that are equally suited because of their superior biodegradability, light weight, and effective barrier properties. [1].

Biopolymer

Biopolymers, also known as synthetic biopolymers, are polymers that can be chemically created to be biodegradable or that are abundantly present in nature. These include carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. Since 2008, they have been used more frequently each year and are primarily obtained from plants, animals, and bacteria. Biopolymers made from plants including corn, rice, seaweed, hemp, and recycled materials are eco-friendly, non-toxic, recyclable, effective, and long-lasting, according to Wilton et al. According to their place of origin, biopolymers are often categorised in Fig. 1. At the moment, traditional petroleum-based products rule the commercial polymer market. However, scientists believe that biopolymers will soon dominate the market as they obtain the ability to compete [2].

The most widely used natural substance that is derived from various plants and microorganisms in the form of Nano fibrils or nanocrystals is cellulose. The global market for cellulose was valued at USD 219.53 billion as of 2018. Its annual output is 1.5 1011 tonnes. By 2026, it is anticipated to reach USD 305.08 billion. Cellulose is made up of D-anhydroglucopyranose that is joined by - (1, 4)-glucosidic linkages that are defined by hydroxyl groups that change the way it behaves by forming hydrogen bonds. Contrary to bacterial cellulose, which exists in its purest form, cellulose produced from cotton, jute, flax, wood, and hemp is combined with hemicellulose and lignin to exist more as fibres. Various structures, including micro- and nanostructures, can be created from cellulose. Different modification techniques can change [3, 4, 5].

Due to the ease with which the active hydroxyl groups on the surface can be functionalized by a variety of chemical species, cellulose can easily be converted through a variety of modification processes into a variety of derivatives, including ethyl acetate, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, etc. Cellulose is extremely adaptable and can be used in a variety of items, including cosmetics, food, fillers, building materials, laminates, adhesives, paper, textiles, and chemicals for oil fields. Additionally, cellulose is used to create cutting-edge energetic materials such homogenous solid propellants and gunpowder. Due to its special qualities, such as photochemical stability, moderate crystallinity, high glass temperature, high chemical, and solubility in various solvents, cellulose can be used in a variety of applications [6, 7, 8].

Conclusion

The usage of biopolymers in a variety of applications has been shown to have a bright future in alleviating the causes and effects of anthropogenic human activity related to the manipulation of chemicals in the environment. Because they are biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-toxic, biopolymers including cellulose, starch, chitosan, sodium alginate, and others contribute to a greener and safer world. Even if biopolymers have good qualities, adding additional components, such as additives, helps themd additives may be found in nature, making them more dependable research materials. Due to their light weight, natural fibres are frequently utilised as additives in automobiles to lower fuel consumption [9, 10].

Acknowledgement

The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad has the authors’ deepest gratitude for providing support in the form of fellowships for the academics. In addition, the Department of Biotechnology at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, is acknowledged for its financial support of the author SP. get around the problems with hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The majority of biopolymers an

Conflict of Interest

The authors affirm that they have no known financial or interpersonal conflicts that would have appeared to have an impact on the research presented in this study.

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