Organic Chemistry: Current Research
Open Access

Biopolymers in Biochemistry: Applications

Pascale Ougier^{* *}Correspondence: Pascale Ougier, Deprtment of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego, Warsaw, Poland, Email:

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Description

Bio-polymers are a class of polymers that are derived from renewable biomass sources, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. Unlike conventional petroleum-based plastics, bio-polymers are biodegradable, which means they can break down into harmless compounds over time. The development of bio-polymers is a promising step towards reducing the environmental impact of plastics, which are a major source of pollution in our oceans and landfills. One of the main advantages of bio-polymers is that they are made from renewable resources. This means that they can be produced in a sustainable manner without relying on fossil fuels. In contrast, petroleumbased plastics are derived from non-renewable resources that are finite in quantity. As the demand for plastics continues to grow, the reliance on fossil fuels for their production will also increase, leading to greater environmental damage. Another advantage of bio-polymers is their biodegradability. Unlike conventional plastics, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, biopolymers can break down into harmless compounds in a matter of weeks or months. This means that they do not contribute to the accumulation of plastic waste in our oceans and landfills, which is a major environmental problem. Bio-polymers can be used in a wide range of applications, from packaging materials to medical implants. One example of a bio-polymer that is commonly used in packaging is Polylactic Acid (PLA), which is derived from corn starch. PLA is biodegradable and compostable, which makes it a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics. It can be used in a variety of packaging applications, including food packaging and disposable cups and utensils. Bio-polymers are also being used in the medical field. For example, polyhydroxyalkanoates are a class of bio-polymers that are biocompatible and biodegradable. They have been used to develop medical implants, such as sutures and orthopedic implants. Because PHAs are biodegradable, they can be absorbed by the body over time, which reduces the risk of complications and eliminates the need for additional surgery to remove the implant. Despite the many advantages of biopolymers, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is the cost of production. Bio-polymers are currently more expensive to produce than conventional plastics, which makes them less competitive in the market. However, as technology improves and economies of scale are achieved, the cost of production is expected to decrease, making bio-polymers more affordable and accessible. Another challenge is the availability of biomass feedstocks. The production of bio-polymers requires large quantities of biomass, such as corn starch or sugarcane. This can lead to competition with food production, which could have negative consequences for food security. To address this challenge, researchers are exploring alternative feedstocks, such as agricultural waste and non-food crops.

Conclusion

Bio-polymers are a promising alternative to conventional plastics. They are made from renewable resources, biodegradable, and can be used in a wide range of applications. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, such as the cost of production and the availability of biomass feedstocks. Despite these challenges, the development of bio-polymers is an important step towards reducing the environmental impact of plastics and creating a more sustainable future.