Current Advances In Biopolymer Processing And Characterization

The book presents current R&D activities to unravel the physico-chemical properties of diverse biopolymers, and their processing towards functionalised, high-performance bio-products with defined applications. The importance of this research becomes obvious by considering the annual plastic production of about 330 Mt, the lion's share thereof based on the conversion of fossil feedstocks that is highly recalcitrant against biodegradation. Alternative environmentally degradable plastics cover not even 5% of today's plastic market. Such biopolymers encompass various macromolecules of biological origin with diverse monomeric composition, and manifold physico-chemical properties. This structural diversity makes them potential candidates to produce bulk materials, e.g., for packaging purposes, smart functionalised materials in special niches like the biomedical field. Consequently, we witness an increasing trend towards new natural polymers to replace well-established products like plastics. After decades of global R&D developments in this field, and numerous body blows on the way to the anticipated market breakthrough of biopolymers, it is generally recognised that the success of such new materials needs progress in both material performance and production prices. The book Current Advances in Biopolymer Processing & Characterisation is dedicated to the current state-of-the-art of production, modification, characterisation, and processing of two major biopolymer groups: Firstly, polysaccharides, nature's most abundant raw materials, are represented by specialised contributions on biomedical applications of starch and its follow-up products. Polysaccharides were also studied for the examples of functionalised thermoplastic starch, molecular and hydrocolloidal characteristics of xanthan in aqueous environments, and by the design of functionalised xylan-based bio-materials. Secondly, the second series of contributions encompasses diverse biopolyesters. Advanced methods to improve the properties of PLA, fine-tune PLA properties by triggering PLA's crystallisation rate during melt processing, and the strongly emerging field of 3D-printing of PLA, PCL, and microbial PHA are described. Finally, the authors familiarise the reader with the application of mixed microbial cultures to produce PHA heteropolyesters with different thermo-mechanical properties in dependence on cultivation strategy and the microbial species composition. This compilation of new biomaterials with surprising functions and performance, based on these natural polymers will address scientists active in biopolymers production, functionalisation, characterisation, and processing towards bio-technomers. The book is also dedicated to undergraduate students of polymer chemistry and polymer processing, and to representatives of the polymer industry who are interested in developing innovative, sustainable and smart polymeric products. Activities motivated by reading this book shall boost the impatiently desired market penetration of biopolymers and their follow-up products. Such materials definitely display a socioeconomic impact by addressing prevailing ecological concerns such as depleting fossil resources, growing piles of plastic waste, and increasing global warming. The contributions to this book illustrate that bio-inspired remedies for prevalent ecological problems are already available, developed by experts in polymer sciences and engineering, or that these solutions are at least in the status of development.

The growing interest in replacing petroleum-based products by inexpensive, renewable, natural materials will have a significant impact on sustainability, environment, and the polymer industry. This book provides scientists a useful framework to help take advantage of the latest research conducted in this rapidly advancing field enabling them to develop and commercialize their own products quickly and more successfully.

Processing and Development of Polysaccharide-Based Biopolymers for Packaging Applications presents the latest cutting-edge research into the processing and utilization of bio-based polymers for packaging applications, covering materials derived from polysaccharides, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polybutylene and bio-polyethylene. The book also covers the principles of biopolymer plasticization, experimental and modeling techniques, the use of nanotechnology, and key advances relating to biopolymer-based packaging, including anti-microbials, anti-oxidative agents, and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Introduces the principles of biopolymer plasticization and summarizes experimental and modeling techniques Covers a range of important bio-based polymer resources, explaining resources, availability, characterization methods, and extraction and refining techniques Supports the processing and development of bio-based polymers with enhanced functionality for advanced packaging applications

Smart Solutions for Wastewater: Road-mapping the Transition to Circular Economy, the latest release in the Current Developments in Biotechnology and Bioengineering presents up-to-date information on research and technological developments of resource recovery in wastewater treatment in terms of carbon, nutrients and energy. The book fulfils the gaps and current challenges that hinder the application of resource recovery facilities in wastewater treatment plants, discusses knowledge gaps, provides future research perspectives, and discusses strategies to solve problems from a circular economy perspective. It is an excellent, interdisciplinary and updated overview of technologies in terms of potential yields, pollutants removal, nutrients recovery and energy production. Covers different aspects of resource recovery technologies and research gaps in wastewater treatment Focuses on different MBR configurations and systems/hybrid systems in treating a large variety of wastewaters Provides state-of-the-art technology developments, including technology, advantages and challenges as well as strategies to overcome limitations Includes technologies for managing sewage sludge in order to foster solutions for recovering in a circular economy context

This book contains 10 Chapters divided into three Sections. Section A covers synthesis of biopolymers. Lignocellulosic feedstock contains cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which are used for synthesis of biopolymers. Polymer-coated noble metal nanoparticles are used in nanobiomedicine and fundamental biomaterials. Section B describes applications of biopolymers in biomedical, antimicrobial, industrial, nanotechnology, laser-based thin films, and regenerative medicines. Section C is dedicated for advancement and engineering in biopolymers for personal protective garments, equipments, membrane separation processes, purifications, and new generation of high-performance biomaterials. A new numerical-cum-graphical method called TI2BioP (Topological Indices to BioPolymers) has been developed to estimate topological indices (TIs) from two-dimensional (2D) graphical approaches for the natural biopolymers DNA, RNA, and proteins.

Advanced Green Materials: Fabrication, Characterization and Applications of Biopolymers and Biocomposites looks at their extraction, purification, modification, and processing for various industrial, biomedical, pharmaceutical, and construction applications. The book comprehensively summarizes recent technical research accomplishments in natural materials and discusses various aspects of natural materials from a chemistry/engineering point of view. The book is unique with contributions from experts working on hybrid biopolymers and bio- composites, bioactive and biodegradable materials, bio-inert polymers and composites, natural polymer and composites, and metallic natural materials. The book will be a useful reference for scientists, academicians, research scholars, and biotechnologists. Advanced biocomposite materials continue to become increasingly popular and important for a broad range of different science and engineering applications. In the race to exploit the unique mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of these materials, researchers must also address new challenges to predict, understand, and manage the potentially adverse effects they could have on the environment and human lives. The book describes recent developments and applications of biopolymers and biocomposites for applications in various industrial fields. Chapters include original research and the latest reviews in similar fields. Biopolymers and biocomposites occupy an exceptional position in the exciting new world of novel biomaterials. Considering their sustainability, non-toxic properties, and their ability to have tailored properties and functions, they should be considered as a smart candidate in the advancement of biomaterials technology. Covers all types of biopolymers and advanced industrial applications, from packaging to biomedical therapeutics Discusses the shift from research to industrial large-scale application of biopolymers and biocomposites Emphasizes new strategic trends, such as bio-based and biodegradable additives for bioplastics, PHAs, new lignin-based biopolymers, and new polymers based on terpenes and biosensor applications

Studying (bio)degradable polymers value chain can help one understand the importance of these to the environment and human health. This book provides an overview of the biodegradable polymer along the value chain, identifies and analyses existing practices for biodegradable plastics and assess the relevant legal, regulatory, economic and practical reasons for the importance of proper use and proper recycling of biodegradable plastics. It covers related materials development, environmental impacts, their synthesis by traditional and biotechnological routes, policy and certification, manufacturing processes, (bio)degradable polymer properties and so forth. Features: Gives a clear idea of the present state of the art and future trends in the research of the biodegradable polymers in the context of circular economy Describes the entire value chain and life cycle of bioplastics are covered, considering different types of polymers Clarifies the life safety of (bio)degradable polymeric materials Presents novel opportunities and ideas for developing or improving technologies Determines the course of degradation during prediction study This book is aimed at researchers, graduate students and professionals in the polymer processing industry (petrochemical polymer industry, industry producing bio-based and (bio)degradable polymers), food packaging industry, industry involved in waste management, pharma industry, chemical engineering, product engineering and biotechnology.