Biopolymer Research Trends

Biopolymers are a special class of polymers produced by living organisms. Starch, proteins and peptides, DNA, and RNA are all examples of biopolymers, in which the monomer units, respectively, are sugars, amino acids, and nucleic acids.A major but defining difference between polymers and biopolymers can be found in their structures. Polymers, including biopolymers, are made of repetitive units called monomers. Biopolymers inherently have a well defined structure: The exact chemical composition and the sequence in which these units are arranged is called the primary structure. Many biopolymers spontaneously fold into characteristic compact shapes (see also "protein folding" as well as secondary structure and tertiary structure), which determine their biological functions and depend in a complicated way on their primary structures. Structural biology is the study of the structural properties of the biopolymers. In contrast most synthetic polymers have much simpler and more random (or statistic) structures. This book presents leading-edge research from around the world in this dynamic field.

Biopolymers: Applications and Trends provides an up-to-date summary of the varying market applications of biopolymers characterized by biodegradability and sustainability. It includes tables with the commercial names and properties of each biopolymer family, along with biopolymers for each marketing segment, not only presenting all the major market players, but also highlighting trends and new developments in products. The book includes a thorough breakdown of the vast range of application areas, including medical and pharmaceutical, packaging, construction, automotive, and many more, giving engineers critical materials information in an area which has traditionally been more limited than conventional polymers. In addition, the book uses recent patent information to convey the latest applications and techniques in the area, thus further illustrating the rapid pace of development and need for intellectual property for companies working on new and innovative products. Provides an up-to-date summary of the varying market applications of biopolymers characterized by biodegradability and sustainability Includes tables with the commercial names and properties of each biopolymer family, along with biopolymers for each marketing segment Presents a thorough breakdown of the vast range of application areas, including medical and pharmaceutical, packaging, construction, automotive, and many more Uses recent patent information to convey the latest applications and techniques in the area, thus further illustrating the rapid pace of development and need for intellectual property

This comprehensive book provides up-to-date information on the developments in the field of biopolymers. Close attention has been paid to include all the important aspects that are necessary to understand the field. The book introduces the reader with the progress in the field, followed by outlining its applications in different areas. Different methods and techniques of synthesis and characterization are detailed as individual chapters. Various mode and mechanism of degradation of materials will be discussed. There is a dedicated chapter on industrially available biopolymers and their applications and well as a chapter detailing the ongoing research, current trends and future challenges. Unlike other books, this book consists of information that is useful for students who are interested in biotech and polymer research. Each chapter will explain the science and technology from the inception to advance state of the art available to date. This book will also be useful for the researcher involved in the high-tech research as it will provide them the up-to-date information available in this field.

Biopolymer Grafting: Applications presents the latest research and developments in the practical application of these methods in industry, both to enable polymer scientists and engineers to keep up with the latest research trends, as well as to propose ideas for further research and application. Research into bio-based polymers has become increasingly prevalent. However, due to challenges related to the properties of these materials compared to synthetic polymers—such as their resistance to chemicals or weather—uptake has not dramatically increased yet. As a result, improvements in surface modification of bio-polymers through graft copolymerization are enormously important, because they will widen the scope of their applications. Relevant industries for application of these methods include automotive, construction, food, packaging, agriculture, textiles and paper. This book provides an overview of the developments made in the area of biopolymer-based graft polymers. Advantages, disadvantages and suggestions for future works are discussed, assisting materials scientists and researchers in mapping out the future of these new "green" materials through value addition to enhance their use. Helps researchers and product developers understand the applications and limitations of biopolymer copolymers or copolymers of natural polymers Offers a roadmap to future applications development in a range of different industries, including automotive, biomedical and packaging Increases familiarity with a range of biopolymer grafting processes, enabling materials scientists and engineers to improve material properties and widen the range of potential biopolymer applications

This book describes the structure, performance and applications of biopolymers. It contains thirteen chapters: Chapter One describes the general introduction of biopolymers, while Chapter Two deals with environmental perspectives that biopolymers are involved in. Chapter Three deals with the surface nanostructuring of biopolymers for tissue engineering. Chapter Four describes the nanomaterials as an emerging opportunity for purifying drinking water. Chapter Five is based on the microalgal engineering of biopolymers, while Chapter Six contains information on the lignocellulosic biomass used to obtain polyhydroxybutyrate as a biopolymer under. Chapter Seven mainly discusses chitosan as a biomedical material (properties and applications), and Chapter Eight introduces details about gum ghatti (Anogeissus latifolia), a proteinaceous edible biopolymer and its multifaceted biological applications. Chapter Nine describes the recent advances in biopolymers for innovative food packaging, while Chapter Ten discusses the potential production of polyhydroxybutyrate from renewable feedstocks. Chapter Eleven contains information about biopolymer stabilization of fly ash and coal mine overburden for erosion resistance, whereas Chapter Twelve describes in detail the structure, features and applications of biopolymers. Finally, Chapter Thirteen summarizes the recent trends concerning biopolymers. The current book will be highly beneficial to researchers working in the area of biopolymers, polymer chemistry, materials science, engineering, drug delivery, medicine, waste management, environmental science and waste water research. This book also covers information concerning natural biopolymers, biotechnology, biocomposites and bioplastics for a variety of environmental applications. The potential researchers working in the area will benefit from the fundamental concepts, advanced approaches and applications. The book also provides a platform for all researchers to carry out biopolymer research mainly towards its structure, performance and application, and also covers fundamental background information in the area. The book also covers recent advancements in the area as well as prospects about the future research and development of biopolymers.

Biopolymer and Biopolymer Blends: Fundamentals, Processes, and Emerging Applications showcases the potential of biopolymers as alternative sources to conventional nonbiodegradable petroleum-based polymers. It discusses fundamentals of biopolymers and biopolymer blends from natural and synthetic sources, synthesis, and characterization. It also describes development of desired performance for specific applications in 3D printing and other emerging applications in industry, including packaging, pulp and paper, agriculture, biomedical, and marine. Introduces the fundamentals, synthesis, processing, and structural and functional properties of biopolymers and biopolymer blends Explains the fundamental framework of biopolymer blends in 3D printing, featuring current technologies, printing materials, and commercialization of biopolymers in 3D printing Reviews emerging applications, including active food packaging, electronic, antimicrobial, environmental, and more Discusses current challenges and futures prospects. Providing readers with a detailed overview of the latest advances in the field and a wealth of applications, this work will appeal to researchers in materials science and engineering, biotechnology, and related disciplines.