Engineering Biopolymers

This book is unique in its focus on market-relevant bio/renewable materials. It is based on comprehensive research projects, during which these materials were systematically analyzed and characterized. For the first time the interested reader will find comparable data not only for biogenic polymers and biological macromolecules, such as proteins, but also for engineering materials. The reader will also find valuable information regarding topics such as micro-structure, manufacturing, and processing, application, and recycling properties of commercially available biopolymers. An invaluable source of information for researchers and engineers, as well as for marketing and business development. Raw material manufacturers, plastic materials and additive providers, processors, machine manufacturers, and innovative packaging, textile, and automotive manufacturers will find systematically researched and evaluated material characteristics.

This unique volume covers the results of the world-wide efforts to implement natural polymers as engineering plastics and the use of their inherent properties. The processing opportunities and the applications of the natural materials as reinforcement of polymer composites are discussed, including the structural, morphological and thermal characterization as well as the mechanical behavior of the obtained materials. Also covered is the preparation of biodegradable homopolymers, blends and composites, which involves chemical reactions, regardless of the type of the starting material.

Due to their unique properties and ability to interact with other food components, biopolymers have traditionally played a major role in food processing. Biopolymer Engineering in Food Processing explores processing technology associated with biopolymer applications and discusses both operational and economic aspects. Following an overview of biopolymer applications and their functionality in different processes, the text examines: Production routes, availability, costs, and physicochemical properties of commercial biopolymers Rheology of biopolymer suspensions, how concentration and shear may affect their flow behavior, and their response to pressure losses and heat transfer during flow Effects of food processing and storage conditions on the viscoelastic and textural properties of food gels Mechanical and mass transfer properties of films and coating produced from biopolymers, composites, and nanocomposites The use of biopolymer coatings to reduce oil uptake during deep-fat frying of foods and in modified atmosphere storage of foods The book also explores the application of biopolymers in separation processes for recovery of biocompounds. It discusses biopolymer behavior during thermoplastic extrusion and the response of certain cereals and snacks to extrusion operating parameters. Finally, it reviews engineering aspects of biopolymers used as drying aids in spray-drying and freeze-drying of fruit juices and pulps and discusses biopolymers used as cryoprotectants in food freezing. A comprehensive source of scientific and technical information for those involved with process design and research and development, the book is also an ideal reference for academic researchers and undergraduate and postgraduate students.

APPLICATIONS OF BIOPOLYMERS IN SCIENCE, BIOTECHNOLOGY, AND ENGINEERING Single volume resource covering the many different applications of biopolymers, along with foundational knowledge like biodegradability and recent advancements Along with providing in-depth discussions on the fundamentals of biopolymers, such as synthesis, fabrication technologies, and properties, Applications of Biopolymers in Science, Biotechnology, and Engineering covers the applications of biopolymers in various fields such as biotechnology, construction and civil engineering, tissue engineering, dairy technology, packaging, electronics, food, medicine, tissue engineering, and biotechnology. Overall, the text conveys a broad overview of the field, enabling readers to grasp both the fundamentals and applications of the subject. Edited by three highly qualified academics with significant experience in the field, Applications of Biopolymers in Science, Biotechnology, and Engineering covers sample topics such as: Biopolymer blends, IPNs, gels, composites, and nanocomposites, and the properties, fabrication and applications of synthetic biopolymers Role of biopolymers and their composites in sustainable agriculture, covering recent developments and future perspectives Polymers suitable for the fabrication of prosthetics, and polymers’ uses in different stages of drug delivery and drug design Life cycle analysis, biodegradability, and advances in the overall field of biopolymers, along with polymers and biopolymers in sensing applications Covering both foundational knowledge and a myriad of applications, Applications of Biopolymers in Science, Biotechnology, and Engineering is an essential resource on the subject for practitioners, researchers, and scientists in polymer science and engineering, materials science, surface science, bioengineering, chemical engineering, and any industry/field interested in biopolymers and/or nanocomposites.

This volume presents the results of numerous worldwide studies focusing on the implementation of natural polymers as engineering plastics and the use of their inherent properties. It discusses the processing and, more extensively, the applicati on of natural materials (cellulose and protein-based) as reinforcements for polymer composites. The structural, morphological, and thermal characteristics, as well as the mechanical behavior of the obtained materials are covered comprehensively. In addition, the book includes case studies and results of commercial relevance. All natural polymers used in the blending or reinforcement of synthetic polymers are discussed in an attempt to cover the isolation, pretreatment, blending, and manufacturing of the respective materials.

Natural Biopolymers in Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering systematically examines a broad range of natural polymers and their applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. The book thoroughly collates the most relevant and up-to-date research on natural biopolymers, covering a variety of key natural polymer types such as chitin, chitosan, alginate, guar gum and collagen. It is divided into two sections, covering drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Each section focuses on natural biopolymers in the form of scaffolds, membranes, films, gels and nanoparticles, thus helping the reader select not only the most appropriate polymer type, but also the most relevant structure. This comprehensive resource is ideal for materials scientists, biomedical engineers, tissue engineers, pharmaceutical scientists and anyone interested in developing novel materials for biomedical applications. Covers both drug delivery and tissue engineering applications of natural biopolymers, helping bridge the gap between the two Details a range of natural polymer types, ensuring all relevant options are presented Discusses the benefits, challenges and clinical translation of natural biopolymers

Materials for Biomedical Engineering: Biopolymer Fibers discusses the use of biopolymer fibers in the development of biomedical applications. It provides a recent review of the main types of polymeric fibers and their impact in biomedicine and related fields. The development of different instruments, such as sensors, medical fibers, and textiles are discussed, along with how they greatly benefited by progress made in polymeric fibers. The book provides a comprehensive and updated reference on the latest research in the field of biopolymers and their composites in relation to medical applications. Provides a valuable resource of recent scientific progress, highlighting the application and use of polymeric fibers in biomedical engineering that can be used by researchers, engineers and academics Includes novel opportunities and ideas for developing or improving technologies in biopolymers by companies, biomedical industries, and other sectors Features at least 50% of references from the last 2-3 years

Biopolymers: Synthesis, Properties, and Emerging Applications presents the state-of-the-art in biopolymers, bringing together detailed information on synthesis strategies, processing and cutting-edge applications. The book begins by introducing the synthesis, processing and structural and functional properties of smart biopolymers and bionanocomposites. Subsequent chapters focus on the synthesis and preparation of biopolymers with valuable properties or for specific advanced applications, including piezoelectric properties, shape memory properties, biodegradable polymer blends, synthesis and assembly of nanomaterials, synthesis of green biopolymers, and catalytic synthesis of bio-sourced polyesters and polycarbonate, as well as applications in active food packaging, water purification, biomedicine, 3D printing, and automotive. Throughout the book, there are analyses of different synthesis strategies and processing methods and their role and use in different fields of application, whilst the important challenges relating to scalable processing and shaping and micro and nano structuration are also discussed. The book also strives to balance the synthetic aspects of biopolymers with physical principles, highlighting biopolymer-based architectures including composite or hybrid conjugates, providing in-depth discussion of important examples of reaction mechanisms, and exploring potential applications of biopolymer and conjugates, ranging from physical to chemical and biological systems. Provides the reader with a broad and detailed overview of the latest advances in biopolymers, covering synthesis, processing, properties and applications Examines synthesis strategies and processing methods, focusing on green and sustainable catalytic synthesis approaches for biopolymer production Reviews smart applications of biopolymers, including active food packaging, photocatalytic, electric, electronic, piezoelectric, antimicrobial, environmental, and more