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Rice starch has been used in various agri-food products due to its hypoallergenic properties. However, rice starch has poor solubility, lower resistant starch content with reduced retrogradation and poor functional properties. Hence, its industrial applications are rather limited. The lack of comprehensive information and a holistic understanding of the interaction between rice starch and endo/exogenous constituents to improve physico-chemical properties is a prerequisite in designing industrial products with enhanced functional attributes. In this comprehensive review, we highlight the potentials of physically mixing of biopolymers in upgrading the functional characteristics of rice starch as a raw material for industrial applications. Specifically, this review tackles rice starch modifications by adding natural/synthetic polymers and plasticizers, leading to functional blends or composites in developing sustainable packaging materials, pharma- and nutraceutical products. Moreover, a brief discussion on rice starch chemical and genetic modifications to alter starch quality for the deployment of rice starch industrial application is also highlighted., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Polycaprolactone diol is the cornerstone, equipped with polyacrylonitrile and cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs), of biocompatible and biodegradable polyurethanes (PUs). The solvent casting/particulate leaching technique was employed to contracting foam scaffolds with bimodal sizes from the combination of polyurethane/polyacrylonitrile/cellulose nanowhisker nanocomposites. Sugar and sodium chloride are components used as porogens to develop the leaching method and fabricate the 3D scaffolds. Incorporation of different percentages of cellulose nanowhisker leads to the various efficient structures with biodegradability and biocompatibility properties. All nanocomposites scaffolds, as revealed by MTT assay using mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) lines, were non-cytotoxic. PU/PAN/CNW foam scaffolds were used for osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Based on the results, PU/PAN/CNW nanocomposites could not only support osteogenic differentiation but can also enhance the proliferation of hMSCs in three-dimensional synthetic extracellular matrix.

The large-scale use of petrochemical-based plastics is damaging our environment. Discarded plastics are harmful to both marine and land animals, sometimes causing death when ingested. Biodegradable plastics have gained attentions from the public and the academia to reduce environmental burdens. Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), the simplest and the best-studied bioplastic member of the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family synthesized by many bacteria, has been studied as a feed additive for large yellow croaker fish and weaned piglets. The fish grow faster and gain more weight when 1% and 2% PHB is added as a feed additive, accompanied by increased survival rates. Weaned piglets are found to grow normally and showed no significant change in average daily weight gains, average daily feed intakes, feed efficiency, and organ developments when 0.5% PHB is added to the feed. It can therefore be concluded that biodegradable and biocompatible PHB is not harmful as a feed additive for marine large yellow croakers and sensitive weaned piglets. PHB therefore holds great promise as a plastic that combines biodegradability and biocompatibility with good tolerability as a feed supplement for animals., (© 2019 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Biomass plastics are expected to contribute to the establishment of a carbon-neutral society by replacing conventional plastics derived from petroleum. The biomass-derived aromatic amine 4-aminocinnamic acid (4ACA) produced by recombinant bacteria is applied to the synthesis of high-performance biopolymers such as polyamides and polyimides. Here, we developed a microbial catalyst that hydrogenates the α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid of 4ACA to generate 4-aminohydrocinnamic acid (4AHCA). The ability of 10 microbial genes for enoate and xenobiotic reductases expressed in Escherichia coli to convert 4ACA to 4AHCA was assessed. A strain producing 2-enoate reductase from Clostridium acetobutylicum (ca2ENR) reduced 4ACA to 4AHCA with a yield of > 95% mol mol -1 and reaction rates of 3.4 ± 0.4 and 4.4 ± 0.6 mM h -1  OD 600 -1 at the optimum pH of 7.0 under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively. This recombinant strain reduced caffeic, cinnamic, coumaric, and 4-nitrocinnamic acids to their corresponding propanoic acid derivatives. We polycondensed 4AHCA generated from biomass-derived 4ACA by dehydration under a catalyst to form high-molecular-weight poly(4AHCA) with a molecular weight of M n  = 1.94 MDa. This polyamide had high thermal properties as indicated by a 10% reduction in weight at a temperature of T d10  = 394 °C and a glass transition temperature of T g  = 240 °C. Poly(4AHCA) derived from biomass is stable at high temperatures and could be applicable to the production of high-performance engineering plastics.

The usage of timed artificial insemination (TAI) at a low cost leading to better reproductive rates has been the aim of several research groups in the field. Usually during TAI protocols, sustained progesterone (P 4 ) release devices are employed. Most devices are constituted of a nylon skeleton covered with a silicon layer with P 4 . A device based on biopolymers was developed in order to reduce costs and decrease its environmental impact. In this study, we compared the kinetics of sustained progesterone release among devices manufactured with a polymeric blend made of polyhydroxybutyrate-valerate (PHBV) and poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) (DISP) which were compared with DIB® (Internal Bovine Device) used as the control. In the in vitro and in vivo progesterone release tests, two types of biopolymer-based devices with a superficial area of 147 cm 2 were used: DISP8 (46% PHBV, 46% PCL and 8% P 4 ; n = 4), DISP10 (45% PHBV, 45% PCL, 10% P 4 ; n = 4) and DIB® (1 g P 4 , 120 cm 2 area; n = 3). The in vitro tests were carried out according to USP XXIII specifications and were performed in a dissolutor sink using an alcohol/water mixture (60/40 v/v) as a release media and samples were collected at 2 min, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 60, 72, 84 and 96 h. P 4 concentrations were measured through spectrophotometry in a 244 nm long wave. Three to 3 comparisons of angular coefficients of the straight lines obtained by regression analysis of accumulated P 4 concentrations as a function of square root of time were carried out. Furthermore, the diffusion coefficient values of P 4 were also determined for DISP8 and DISP10. The results showed that the concentrations of P 4 were higher in the DISP10 (774.63 ± 45.26 μg/cm 2 /t 1 /2 ) compared to DISP8 (566.17 ± 3.68 μg/cm 2 /t 1 /2 ) (P < 0.05). However, both DISP10 and DISP8 P 4 concentrations did not differ from DIB® (677.39 ± 16.13 μg/cm 2 /t 1 /2 ). For the analysis of released quantities per day of the in vitro test, four periods were considered: 0-24, 24-48, 48-72 and 72-96 h. In the first 24 h, DISP8 released significantly less P 4 than DISP10 or DIB®, which did not differ among them. Between 24 and 48 h, DISP10 released significantly more P 4 than DIB®. DISP8 released an intermediate P 4 amount and did not differ significantly from DIB® or DISP10. Between 48 and 72 h, P 4 quantity released by DISP10 was significant higher (P < 0.01) than that of DIB® and DISP8, which did not differ among themselves. Between 72 and 96 h, DISP10 released significantly more P 4 than DIB®, and DISP8 released an intermediate amount which did not differ from DIB® or DISP10 (P < 0.01). There was interaction between treatment and time (P = 0.0024). The diffusion coefficient values were: 1.36 × 10 -8 (cm 2 /s) for DISP10 and 1.12 × 10 -8 (cm 2 /s) for DISP8. For the in vivo test, ovariectomized crossbred cows received DIB® (n = 4) or DISP8 (n = 8) in an alternate design with a non-balanced sequence (cross-over) added of measures repeated in time referring to 16 days of blood samples collection. Samples were analyzed through radioimmunoassay in solid phase using the commercial kit of DPC (Diagnostics Products Corporation). Plasma concentrations of P 4 concentrations above 1 ng/mL in the plasma of the cow during the 16 day in vivo test. In conclusion, devices manufactured with the blend of PHBV/PCL biopolymers can sustain the release of P 4 concentrations differed between DIB® (11.45 ± 1.96) compared with DISP8 (9.23 ± 1.15 ng/mL) (P = 0.027). On day 8, plasma P 4 concentrations were similar for DIB® (2.44 ± 0.09) and DISP8 (1.89 ± 0.13 ng/mL) (P = 0.58) showing that both devices were able to keep P 4 concentrations above 1 ng/mL in the plasma of the cow during the 16 day in vivo test. In conclusion, devices manufactured with the blend of PHBV/PCL biopolymers can sustain the release of P 4 in a similar manner as silicon., (© 2017 Japanese Society of Animal Science.)

The polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) copolymers consisting of short-chain-length (scl) and medium-chain-length (mcl) monomers have various properties ranging from stiff to flexible depending on the molar fraction of the monomer compositions. It has been reported that PhaG, which is first known as a (R)-3-hydroxyacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP)-CoA transferase, actually functions as a 3-hydroxyacyl-ACP thioesterase, and the product of PP0763 gene from Pseudomonas putida KT2440 has a (R)-3-hydroxyacyl (3HA)-CoA ligase activity (Wang et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 78, 519-527, 2012). In this study, we found a new (R)-3HA-CoA ligase (the product of PA3924 gene) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO. The PA3924 gene was coexpressed with PHA synthase 1 gene (phaC1Ps) and phaGPs gene from Pseudomonas sp. 61-3, and β-ketothiolase gene (phbARe) and acetoacetyl-CoA reductase gene (phbBRe) from Ralstonia eutropha in Escherichia coli LS5218 at 25°C. As a result, the copolymer containing 94.6 mol% 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 5.4 mol% mcl-3-hydroxyalkanoates (3HA) consisting of C8, C10, C12 and C14 was synthesized by recombinant E. coli LS5218 from glucose as the sole carbon source. The concentration of P(3HB-co-3HA) (scl-co-mcl-PHA) synthesized by the recombinant E. coli LS5218 harboring phaC1Ps, phaGPs, phbABRe and the PA3924 genes was approximately 7-fold higher than that of the recombinant LS5218 harboring phaC1Ps, phaGPs, phbABRe and the PP0763 genes. The number-average molecular weight of the P(3HB-co-5.4% 3HA) copolymer was 233 × 10(3), which was relatively high molecular weight. In addition, the physical and the mechanical properties of the copolymer were demonstrated to improve the brittleness of P(3HB) homopolymer., (Copyright © 2015 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Polymeric materials undergo degradation when exposed to outdoor conditions due to the synergistic effects of sunlight, air, heat, and moisture. The degradation can lead to a decline in mechanical properties, fading, surface cracking, and haziness, attributed to the cleavage of the polymer chains and oxidation reactions. Accelerated weathering testing is a useful technique to evaluate the comparative photodegradation of materials within a reasonable timeframe. This review gives an overview of the different degradation mechanisms occurring in conventional plastics and bio-based materials. Case studies on accelerated weathering and its effect on the mechanical properties of conventional plastics and biocomposites are discussed. Different techniques for analysing volatile organic emissions (VOCs) have been summarized and studies highlighting the characterization of VOCs from aged plastics and biocomposites after aging have been cited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-degradable plastics of petrochemical origin are a contemporary problem of society. Due to the large amount of plastic waste, there are problems with their disposal or storage, where the most common types of plastic waste are disposable tableware, bags, packaging, bottles, and containers, and not all of them can be recycled. Due to growing ecological awareness, interest in the topics of biodegradable materials suitable for disposable items has begun to reduce the consumption of non-degradable plastics. An example of such materials are biodegradable biopolymers and their derivatives, which can be used to create the so-called bioplastics and biopolymer blends. In this article, gelatine blends modified with polysaccharides (e.g., agarose or carrageenan) were created and tested in order to obtain a stable biopolymer coating. Various techniques were used to characterize the resulting bioplastics, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)/differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), contact angle measurements, and surface energy characterization. The influence of thermal and microbiological degradation on the properties of the blends was also investigated. From the analysis, it can be observed that the addition of agarose increased the hardness of the mixture by 27% compared to the control sample without the addition of polysaccharides. In addition, there was an increase in the surface energy (24%), softening point (15%), and glass transition temperature (14%) compared to the control sample. The addition of starch to the gelatine matrix increased the softening point by 15% and the glass transition temperature by 6%. After aging, both compounds showed an increase in hardness of 26% and a decrease in tensile strength of 60%. This offers an opportunity as application materials in the form of biopolymer coatings, dietary supplements, skin care products, short-term and single-contact decorative elements, food, medical, floriculture, and decorative industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose is the most attractive renewable natural polymer, carrying off a 211 billion USD market size that entered the plastic world for industrial application. However, the extraction of cellulose forms (micro/nano) in an economical manner is still challenging for researchers who have been trying different cellulose-based sources and methods. Henceforth, the present study focused on extracting cellulose microfibers (CMFs) from agro biomass to mitigate the cost of satisfying industrial demands. The waste fallen dried leaves were used to extract micro cellulose through alkaline peroxide treatment and studied the essential characteristics like morphology, spectral and crystallinity, and CMFs having 45.8 µm size with rough morphology and the spectral peak of 3339 cm−1, and 2890 cm−1 corresponding to hydrogen bond O–H, and C–H of cellulose respectively. Further, the various % (5–15) of CMFs were reinforced to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to prepare CMFs/PVA composites through the solution casting method. The experimental results showed that the composites having chemical interaction bond at 3260 cm−1 and 2θ = 19.6◦ diffraction peak. The optimized % of CMFs showing tensile strength 80.37 MPa and 2.51 GPa and decreased 9.37% elongation at break. CMFs loading significantly enhanced biodegradation by about 21.44%. This improvement in biodegradation highlights the potential environmental benefits of utilizing CMFs in plastic film production. In conclusion, this study provides the idea of economically obtaining micro cellulose and designing biodegradable plastic for packaging application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the extensive application of petroleum-based plastics as packaging materials and problems related to their degradation/recycling, developing new solutions in the field of novel biopolymer-based materials has become imperative. Natural substitutes for synthetic polymers (starch, cellulose, chitosan) require modifications that enable their processing and provide them with additional properties (i.e., mechanical strength, controlled biodeterioration, antimicrobial and antioxidative activity). The antioxidant activity of natural packaging materials still requires further investigation. In this research paper, novel materials used for packaging perishable food susceptible to oxidizing agents were designed from potato starch (NS) reinforced with antioxidants such as dialdehyde starch (DS) and caffeic acid (CA)/quinic acid (QA). The use of spectroscopic techniques (ATR-FTIR, Raman) and X-ray diffraction allowed the examination of the chemical structure and arrangement of the blend and confirmed the component interactions. The film surface was examined by AFM. DS, functioning as a cross-linker, enhanced the film barrier as well as the mechanical and thermal properties, and it promoted starch amorphization when blended with other antioxidants. The antioxidant activity of caffeic acid was greater than that of quinic acid. Dialdehyde starch improves elasticity, whereas acids (particularly caffeic acid) influence film stiffness. A high susceptibility to biodegradation is valuable for potential eco-friendly packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several physical and chemical methods for synthesizing nanomaterials, while the most appropriate techniques involve using green chemistry and eco-friendly material. Recently, green synthesized materials for different applications have gained attention as a result of their environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness. Applying green synthesized nanoparticles (NPS) in food packaging has been extensively investigated. Biopolymers require filler to enhance the optical, barrier, thermal, antimicrobial, and mechanical properties of packaging. Biopolymer packaging incorporated with green synthesized NPs is expected to simultaneously enhance performance while reducing environmental damage. The current review article focuses on biopolymer films with bio (green)-synthesized nanomaterials and their effectiveness in reducing the negative environmental implications of synthetic packaging. It also covers the general concepts of green synthesis of NPs, their production methods, their performance, and characterization, and discusses the potential, performance and recent developments of bio-nanocomposite films/coatings in biodegradable food packaging. Recent reports and trends provide more insight into the impact of green synthesized nanomaterials on food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose is an abundant natural polymer and is thus promising for enforcing biobased plastics. A broader application of cellulose fibers as a filler in polymer composites is limited because of their hydrophilicity and hygroscopicity. The recent scientific literature on plasma methods for the hydrophobization of cellulose materials is reviewed and critically evaluated. All authors focused on the application of plasmas sustained in fluorine or silicon-containing gases, particularly tetrafluoromethane, and hexamethyldisiloxane. The cellulose materials should be pre-treated with another plasma (typically oxygen) for better adhesion of the silicon-containing hydrophobic coating. In contrast, deposition of fluorine-containing coatings does not require pre-treatment, which is explained by mild etching of the cellulose upon treatment with F atoms and ions. The discrepancy between the results reported by different authors is explained by details in the gas phase and surface kinetics, including the heating of samples due to exothermic surface reactions, desorption of water vapor, competition between etching and deposition, the influence of plasma radiation, and formation of dusty plasma. Scientific and technological challenges are highlighted, and the directions for further research are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Nanoparticle addition can expand bioplastic use, as the resultant nanocomposite features e.g., improved mechanical properties. It is generally hypothesised that the nanoparticle-polymer interaction strength is pivotal to reduce polymer dynamics within the interphasial region and beyond. Translating nanoscale phenomena to bulk properties is challenging, as traditional techniques that probe interphasial dynamics are limited to well-dispersed systems. Laser speckle imaging (LSI) enabled us to probe interphasial nanoscale dynamics of samples containing aggregated nanoparticles. We relate these LSI-derived relaxation times to bulk rheological properties at a micro scale. Nanocomposites with well-dispersed PDMS-coated titanium dioxide nanoparticles of ∼100 nm showed higher viscosities than nanocomposites containing aggregated PVP- and PAA-coated nanoparticles of 200–2000 nm. Within the interphasial region, nanoparticle addition increased relaxation times by a factor 101–102, reaching ultraslow relaxations of ∼103 s. While the viscosity increased upon nanoparticle loading, interphasial relaxation times plateaued at 5 wt% for nanocomposites containing well-dispersed nanoparticles and 10 wt% for nanocomposites containing aggregated nanoparticles. Likely, interphasial regions between nanoparticles interact, which is more prominent in systems with well-dispersed nanoparticles and at higher loadings. Our results highlight that, contrary to general belief, nanoparticle dispersion seems of greater importance for mechanical reinforcement than the interaction between polymer and particle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil fuels are a major source of energy worldwide and serve as raw materials for the production of plastics. However, they have disadvantages such as uneven distribution, price instability, limited availability, and environmental impact. Consequently, there is a need to find alternatives to fossil fuels for both energy and polymer production in the short term. This review focuses on the synthesis of poly(hydroxyalkanoate)s (PHAs), a type of biopolymer, using different bioethanol stream wastes. PHAs exhibit properties comparable to petroleum-based plastics, making them promising replacements. There has been a significant increase in research studies exploring alternatives to fossil fuels and synthetic polymers, as evidenced by the growing number of publications. While biopolymers currently account for only 1% of global polymer production derived from petroleum, the PHA industry is experiencing rapid growth. The market value of PHAs was estimated at $ 168.9 million in 2020, and it is projected to reach $ 440 million by 2031, indicating a compound annual growth rate of 9.2%. The production of this biopolymer is already contributing to an expanding industrial value chain, which is expected to further growth with increased availability of commercial PHAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to manufacture bioplastics with mechanical and electrical properties for monitoring the Rhizopus stolonifer growth in tomato fruit packaging. Bioplastics were based on chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (Ch/PVA), chitosan/polyvinyl pyrrolidone (Ch/PVP), and nanoparticles (NPs) of plant extracts at 10% and 30% of concentrations. Bioplastics were exposed to tomato inoculated with R. stolonifer for 6 d at 25°C. Water vapor permeability (WVP), mechanical properties, FTIR, UV–vis, morphology, electrical resistance of bioplastics, and the NPs size were assessed. In bioplastics added with plant extracts, 1.5 times more WVP than in the control group (18–35 gs−1m−1Pa−1) were quantified. Ch/PVA bioplastic showed 51% more tensile strength, 44% more elongation at break, and 40% more Young's modulus than Ch/PVP, regardless of the plant extract. The electrical resistance in Ch/PVA bioplastics with 30% mushroom extract and 10% radish allowed the differentiation between inoculated (109–1010 Ω) and non‐inoculated tomatoes (1010–1011 Ω). The FTIR assay confirmed the presence of each compound used in the bioplastic, and UV–vis confirmed phenols at 300 nm. The NPs measured less than 50 nm. Only Ch/PVA with 30% mushroom and 10% radish can be useful to monitor fungi in tomatoes based on their electrical behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews recent research on biopolymer and biotechnology-based bioplastics as a solution to plastic pollution. Plastics are becoming a substantial issue as society progresses, particularly with single-use variants. These packaging films are primarily composed of petroleum and refined with high heat, releasing carbon dioxide pollutants in the process. At the end of its lifespan, plastic is regularly thrown away in landfills and the environment, posing risks to human and ecosystem health. While bioplastics are prevalent in the market today, their lack of biodegradability and high costs prevent widespread use. As a result, studies about novel methods of producing biodegradable bioplastics have emerged. This paper reviews research concerning E. coli, chitosan, keratin, cellulose, and alginate as unconventional methods of synthesizing a new strand of bioplastics -- rigid 3D monoliths and flexible packaging films. Alginate composite films show the most promise in terms of sustainability, cost, mechanical properties, and ease of scalability but are restricted to low-humidity environments. Thus, additional research and field testing is needed before widespread adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in biodegradable materials for sustainable food packaging applications. Biodegradable polymers offer an alternative to conventional plastics by undergoing decomposition into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. Synthetic biopolymers like PLA, PHAs, and bio-based polyesters as well as natural biopolymers such as polysaccharides and proteins have shown promise as substitutes for non-biodegradable packaging. These materials provide sustainability, waste reduction, and carbon neutrality benefits. However, inferior barrier properties, low heat resistance, poor mechanical strength, and high costs are limitations. Strategies like plasticization, blending, nanomaterial reinforcement, and multilayer composite structures have expanded biopolymer applicability for various foods. Biodegradation and life cycle assessment studies have demonstrated their environmental advantages over conventional plastics. Addressing remaining challenges in collection logistics, composting infrastructure, costs, and functional performance will be crucial for widespread commercial adoption. Recent advances make biopolymer packaging poised to make major contributions to sustainable development in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB) is one of the best environment-friendly bioplastic alternatives for petroleum-based plastic due to its biodegradability. However, it has less commercial popularity owing to the high cost of downstream processing that involves repeated centrifugation and the use of costly harmful solvents, as well as a labor-intensive process. Hydrodynamic Cavitation (HC) offers easy and simple mechanisms for downstream processing. Also, biopolymer extracted for haloarchea show an advantage of least contamination under the halophilic condition on an industrial level. In this paper, a haloarchaeal consortium producing biopolymer isolated from commercial rock salt has been subjected to HC as well as distilled water lysis. A maximum of 23 g.L-1 PHB was extracted in 40 min run with 50 passes and 0.10 cavitation number at 3.9 bar pressure. The extracted biopolymer was characterized and was found to be PHB. Comparative analysis shows that HC results in a substantial reduction in the downstream processing time. Moreover, it has double the efficiency of PHB extraction as compared to the distilled water lysis method. This paper reports the HC process as a technocommercial alternative to industrial PHB extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the wake of escalating global concerns over the environmental impact of plastic pollution, there has been an unprecedented call for sustainable alternatives. The food-packaging industry, responsible for a staggering 40% of global plastic consumption, faces mounting challenges driven by environmental degradation and concerns about fossil fuel depletion. Motivated by these challenges, there is a growing interest in reducing reliance on traditional packaging and exploring eco-friendly solutions derived from renewable resources. Eco-efficient packaging, specifically derived from agricultural raw materials, emerges as a promising solution that aligns with ecological, economic, and social sustainability principles. Starch, abundant and versatile, emerges as a frontrunner among agricultural raw materials for biopolymers. Its inherent properties, including low cost, availability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility, make it a compelling choice. Starch-based bioplastics, with their potential to replace synthetic primary packaging materials, have gained traction due to their satisfactory mechanical and barrier properties. This review delves into the realm of starch-based films and coatings for food applications. It explores fundamental properties, advantages, and limitations, offering insights into potential improvements through various treatments or additive combinations. As technological advances drive the popularity of biodegradable starch-based packaging, this review aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse, providing a comprehensive overview and paving the way for more functional and widely applicable products in the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a growing population of about 7.8 billion, humans are generating tons of waste in the form of non-biodegradable plastics on a daily basis that ends up in landfills and oceans. The introduction of packaging has been a blessing to mankind by facilitating the ease of convenience in transportation, delivery and general usage. The downside, however, is that majority of the packaging currently available is harmful to the environment and takes thousands of years to decay. This paper discusses the use of chitosan from shrimp shells and other marine animals' exoskeleton waste in food packaging industries. Chitosan extracted from marine organisms is modulated in the form of packaging material. Compared to conventional packaging, chitosan films are 73.4% biodegradable in soil under laboratory conditions whereas 100% degraded in an open field. Chitosan with metal oxides, essential oils, natural extracts, proteins and other polymers show enhanced tensile strength, water vapor permeability, oxygen and ultraviolet barrier. Chitosan and composite film show antimicrobial activity against gram positive and negative bacteria. Comparative approaches on environmental impacts between conventional plastics and chitosan films are enlightened, thereby highlighting the importance of natural polymers as packaging films that are considered economic based on the addition of additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textile production is a major component of the global industry, with sales of over USD 450 billion and estimations of an 84% increase in their demand in the next 20 years. In recent decades, protective and smart textiles have played important roles in the social economy and attracted widespread popularity thanks to their wide spectrum of applications with properties, such as antimicrobial, water-repellent, UV, chemical, and thermal protection. Towards the sustainable manufacturing of smart textiles, biodegradable, recycled, and bio-based plastics are used as alternative raw materials for fabric and yarn production using a wide variety of techniques. While conventional techniques present several drawbacks, nanofibers produced through electrospinning have superior structural properties. Electrospinning is an innovative method for fiber production based on the use of electrostatic force to create charged threads of polymer solutions. Electrospinning shows great potential since it provides control of the size, porosity, and mechanical resistance of the fibers. This review summarizes the advances in the rapidly evolving field of the production of nanofibers for application in smart and protective textiles using electrospinning and environmentally friendly polymers as raw materials, and provides research directions for optimized smart fibers in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to develop a bioplastic based on hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) and polyvinilpyrrolidone (PVP) which is applied as packaging materials. The effect of incorporation of PVP into HEC on the physicochemical properties of its blend films are investigated. The FTIR and DSC analysis denote that incorporation of PVP induce the intermolecular hydrogen bonds to occur more intensely. The XRD diffractograms indicate that the incorporation of PVP reduces the crystallinity of the film. The mechanical properties of the films become greater as the PVP content increases, and the optimum composition of HEC/PVP is at 5:3 mass ratio with a tensile strength of 34.8±3.4 MPa; elongation at break 104.3±4.9 %; and an elastic modulus of 0.10±0.02 GPa. The SEM and DSC analysis signify an excellent compatibility and miscibility between HEC and PVP. The incorporation of PVP increase the transparency and hydrophilicity of the film. The water vapor transmission rate of the films is relatively unchanged due to the incorporation of PVP. The TGA and DSC analysis reveal that the incorporation of PVP increases the thermal stability and the glass transition temperature of the film. This bioplastic film could be an alternative for biodegradable packaging material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of synthetic, non-biodegradable polymer plastics has drawn attention to growing environmental concerns, prompting the development of other materials, particularly bio-based materials. Biopolymer-based biocomposite materials are plasticized to improve their ductility. In this study, five distinct weight ratios of biopolymers (PA/EOO), 90 wt.%, 80 wt.%, 70 wt.%, 60 wt.%, and 50 wt.% were employed as plasticizers for poly-lactic acid (PA) in a fluid molding process. The mechanical, thermal stability, and morphological characteristics of the blends were each examined using a viscometer measurement (R.V.), tensile properties (TP), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). All composite materials (PA/EOO) mixtures show notable improvements in mechanical properties and excellent thermal stability when compared to pure PA. The maximum PA/EOO elongation at break was around 213 % when the PA/EOO mix was 80 wt %. Attractive morphological results from composite materials (PA/EOO) blends showed that EOO was compatible with PA and that the resulting composite material (PA/EOO) was thought to be an ecologically beneficial mixture because it contained vegetable oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in the fabrication of neuromorphic electronic devices using biomaterials have received increasing attention for their prospect in biologically compatible and "green" electronic devices. Here, we proposed a novel electric-double-layer (EDL) synaptic transistor gated with Li-doped natural gelatin membranes, demonstrating larger capacitance at low frequency and extremely strong electrostatic modulation behavior. Experimental results have shown that a concentration of 2 wt. % Li-doping can obtain better electrical performance of EDL synaptic transistor. Ion/Ioff of 4.86 × 105 and threshold voltage of 0.68 V were obtained. Meanwhile, some important synaptic functions such as excitatory postsynaptic current, paired-pulse facilitation, and high-pass filtering characteristic have been successfully implemented. As a result, it can be inferred that the proposed gelatin-based natural polymer EDL electrolyte has demonstrated potential applications in "green" neuromorphic platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measures to endorse the adoption of eco-friendly biodegradable plastics as a response to the scale of plastic pollution has created a demand for innovative products from materials from Nature. Ionic liquids (ILs) have the ability to disrupt the hydrogen bonding network of biopolymers, increase the mobility of biopolymer chains, reduce friction, and produce materials with various morphologies and mechanical properties. Due to these qualities, ILs are considered ideal for plasticizing biopolymers, enabling them to meet a wide range of specifications for biopolymeric materials. This mini-review discusses the effect of different IL-plasticizers on the processing, tensile strength, and elasticity of materials made from various biopolymers (e.g., starch, chitosan, alginate, cellulose), and specifically covers IL-plasticized packaging materials and materials for biomedical and electrochemical applications. Furthermore, challenges (cost, scale, and eco-friendliness) and future research directions in IL-based plasticizers for biopolymers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fucoidans are promising sulfated polysaccharides isolated from marine sources that have piqued the interest of scientists in recent years due to their widespread use as a bioactive substance. Bioactive coatings and films, unsurprisingly, have seized these substances to create novel, culinary, therapeutic, and diagnostic bioactive nanomaterials. The applications of fucoidan and its composite nanomaterials have a wide variety of food as well as pharmacological properties, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-thrombic, anti-coagulant, immunoregulatory, and anti-viral properties. Blends of fucoidan with other biopolymers such as chitosan, alginate, curdlan, starch, etc., have shown promising coating and film-forming capabilities. A blending of biopolymers is a recommended approach to improve their anticipated properties. This review focuses on the fundamental knowledge and current development of fucoidan, fucoidan-based composite material for bioactive coatings and films, and their biological properties. In this article, fucoidan-based edible bioactive coatings and films expressed excellent mechanical strength that can prolong the shelf-life of food products and maintain their biodegradability. Additionally, these coatings and films showed numerous applications in the biomedical field and contribute to the economy. We hope this review can deliver the theoretical basis for the development of fucoidan-based bioactive material and films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), due to their remarkable biodegradability, biocompatibility, and favorable physical and chemical properties, are tested for applications in the agricultural, industrial, and medical fields in place of conventional plastic. Sustainable microbial PHA production is a challenge because of the economic aspects accrued due to the cost-effective substrates and downstream processing. Different approaches are adopted to circumvent the high economic price of PHA production by co-production, employing recombinant strain, mixed cultures, and low-cost feedstock. The review focuses on the co-production of intracellular microbial PHA with an extracellular value-added product. The present review highlights the feasibility of other bio-based products from the feedstock to offset the cost of PHA production with emphasis on another viable option. The paper discusses the recent progress in the simultaneous production of PHA with exopolysaccharides, pigments, enzymes, bio-surfactants, biofuels which primarily fulfill the criteria of higher yield of PHA, and another high-value product that can be achieved. This approach not only maximizes resource utilization but also provides opportunities for the development of a wide range of sustainable bio-based products to improve the overall feasibility of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable packaging has been steadily gaining prominence within the food industry, with biobased materials emerging as a promising substitute for conventional petroleum-derived plastics. This review is dedicated to the examination of innovative biobased materials in the context of bread packaging. It aims to furnish a comprehensive survey of recent discoveries, fundamental properties, and potential applications. Commencing with an examination of the challenges posed by various bread types and the imperative of extending shelf life, the review underscores the beneficial role of biopolymers as internal coatings or external layers in preserving product freshness while upholding structural integrity. Furthermore, the introduction of biocomposites, resulting from the amalgamation of biopolymers with active biomolecules, fortifies barrier properties, thus shielding bread from moisture, oxygen, and external influences. The review also addresses the associated challenges and opportunities in utilizing biobased materials for bread packaging, accentuating the ongoing requirement for research and innovation to create advanced materials that ensure product integrity while diminishing the environmental footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review presents a comprehensive update of the biopolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), emphasizing its production, properties, and applications. The overall biosynthesis pathway of PHBV is explored in detail, highlighting recent advances in production techniques. The inherent physicochemical properties of PHBV, along with its degradation behavior, are discussed in detail. This review also explores various blends and composites of PHBV, demonstrating their potential for a range of applications. Finally, the versatility of PHBV-based materials in multiple sectors is examined, emphasizing their increasing importance in the field of biodegradable polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable polymers are an important part of the solution toolbox to achieve circularity in the plastic economy and overcome negative impacts of a linear plastic economy. Biodegradable polymers need to excel not only on a mechanical performance level in the application to fulfill their function during the use phase but also on a biodegradation performance level after use. The biodegradation performance is tailored to the application and the receiving environment of the polymer product after use, which can be both engineered systems (e.g., compost, anaerobic digestors, wastewater treatment plants) and natural systems (e.g., soils, freshwater, or marine environments). This chapter addresses key aspects of polymer biodegradability and biodegradation in both natural and engineered systems with the goal to advance a more holistic view on the topic and, thereby, provide guidance for all stakeholders working on developing, testing, and regulating biodegradable polymers. These aspects include definitions of biodegradability and biodegradation, elucidating polymer- and environmental factors that control the biodegradation process, a discussion of the analytical chemistry of polymer biodegradation, polymer biodegradability testing and certification, as well as a brief overview of research needs. In accordance with the diverse backgrounds of the authors of the chapter, this chapter targets all stakeholder groups from academics to industry and regulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the course of the past two decades, biodegradable polymers have established to serve in form of compostable or soil-biodegradable items as sustainable alternatives to standard plastics in applications where their property of biodegradability adds value. BASF has been a pioneer in this field of action with their commercially available products ecoflex® and ecovio®. Based on continuous research and development at the edge between polymer chemistry and microbiology, not only new developments were realized in the recent past but also a deep understanding about biodegradation under various conditions could be generated. This chapter provides an up-to-date picture about the chemistry and biodegradation, about processing, applications as well as the sustainability contribution of ecoflex® and ecovio®. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of natural polymers has increased due to concern about environmental pollution caused by plastics and emerging pollutants from fossil fuels. In this context, polysaccharides from macroalgae and microalgae arise as natural and abundant resources for various biological, biomedical, and food applications. Different nanomaterials are produced from these polysaccharides to act as effective carriers in the food and pharmaceutical industry: drug and nutrient carriers, active compound encapsulation, and delivery of therapeutic agents to tumor tissues. Polysaccharides-based nanomaterials applied as functional ingredients incorporated into foods can improve texture properties and decrease the caloric density of food products. These nanostructures also present the potential for developing food packaging with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In addition, polysaccharides-based nanomaterials are biocompatible, biodegradable, and safe for medical practices to prevent and manage various chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. In this sense, this review article addresses the use of algal polysaccharides for manufacturing nanomaterials and their potential applications in food and biomedical areas. In addition, the paper discusses the general aspects of algae as a source of polysaccharides, the nanomaterials produced from these polymers, as well as recent studies and the potential use of algal polysaccharides for industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastics have been produced for over a century, but definitive evidence of complete plastic biodegradation in different habitats, particularly freshwater ecosystems, is still missing. Using 13C‐labelled polyethylene microplastics (PE‐MP) and stable isotope analysis of produced gas and microbial membrane lipids, we determined the biodegradation rate and fate of carbon in PE‐MP in different freshwater types. The biodegradation rate in the humic‐lake waters was much higher (0.45% ± 0.21% per year) than in the clear‐lake waters (0.07% ± 0.06% per year) or the artificial freshwater medium (0.02% ± 0.02% per year). Complete biodegradation of PE‐MP was calculated to last 100–200 years in humic‐lake waters, 300–4000 years in clear‐lake waters, and 2000–20,000 years in the artificial freshwater medium. The concentration of 18:1ω7, characteristic phospholipid fatty acid in Alpha‐ and Gammaproteobacteria, was a predictor of faster biodegradation of PE. Uncultured Acetobacteraceae and Comamonadaceae among Alpha‐ and Gammaproteobacteria, respectively, were major bacteria related to the biodegradation of PE‐MP. Overall, it appears that microorganisms in humic lakes with naturally occurring refractory polymers are more adept at decomposing PE than those in other waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy can be extracted from waste by chemical and biological means. There are many pathways involved in the conversion of complex carbon sources to industrially valuable products. Exploring valorization with the concept of green chemistry, focusing on transforming waste with a more environmentally compassionate product has become the new ideology. Especially efficient utilization of industrial discard as renewable feedstocks in the production of eco-friendly products are upcoming technology. The production of one such eco-friendly material, bioplastics polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) is discussed in this review. PHAs are naturally occurring polymers amongst various organisms and are produced intracellularly by bacterial fermentation. PHAs belong to a polyester family and, hence potentially replace hydrocarbon-based conventional polymers. Bacteria for PHA production can be grown on various renewable waste feedstocks. This process not only eliminates the waste it adds value to it. This review provides insight into the production of PHA from the feedstocks. With the possibility of synthesis of other value-added products. This can be waste-to-energy technology (WTE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable polymers are gaining momentum to resolve the globally acknowledged plastic waste problem. Understanding, characterizing, and developing new generations of biodegradable plastics is crucial to provide industries with alternative green materials that can fully satisfy biodegradation rates and lifetime specifications. This study evaluates the influence of metal pro‐oxidant additives on the degradation properties of various biodegradable polymer systems. For this purpose, iron (III) stearate (FeSt3) and bismuth oxide (Bi2O3), as oxidant agents, were incorporated into poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT), cellulose acetate (CA), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), and thermoplastic starch (TPS) bioplastics. The material performances and biodegradability properties due to the additives on the resulting bioplastic formulations were investigated. A mechanism was proposed in which both pro‐oxidant additives can accelerate the thermo‐oxidation processes under composting conditions and cleave the polymer chains into smaller fragments to stimulate the biodegradation rate through microorganisms' activity. The study revealed that both pro‐oxidant additives, FeSt3 and Bi2O3, effectively improved the biodegradation process for all tested polymers except TPS, which already had a very high biodegradation rate. The observed change in the barrier and mechanical properties due to the additives were within tolerable limits of corresponding neat polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable polymer nanocomposites (BPNCs) are advanced materials that have gained significant attention over the past 20 years due to their advantages over conventional polymers. BPNCs are eco-friendly, cost-effective, contamination-resistant, and tailorable for specific applications. Nevertheless, their usage is limited due to their unsatisfactory physical and mechanical properties. To improve these properties, nanofillers are incorporated into natural polymer matrices, to enhance mechanical durability, biodegradability, electrical conductivity, dielectric, and thermal properties. Despite the significant advances in the development of BPNCs over the last decades, our understanding of their dielectric, thermal, and electrical conductivity is still far from complete. This review paper aims to provide comprehensive insights into the fundamental principles behind these properties, the main synthesis, and characterization methods, and their functionality and performance. Moreover, the role of nanofillers in strength, permeability, thermal stability, biodegradability, heat transport, and electrical conductivity is discussed. Additionally, the paper explores the applications, challenges, and opportunities of BPNCs for electronic devices, thermal management, and food packaging. Finally, this paper highlights the benefits of BPNCs as biodegradable and biodecomposable functional materials to replace traditional plastics. Finally, the contemporary industrial advances based on an overview of the main stakeholders and recently commercialized products are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymers are ideal solutions for architects and constructors in the marine field who require materials that can achieve light and stable structures owing to their unique advantages. For instance, they possess a high strength-to-weight ratio, high wear resistance and fatigue strength, resistance to corrosion, ease of fabrication, and superior vibration damping behavior. These properties make polymers well suited for marine-based applications. However, polymers have their disadvantages, such as contributing to plastic pollution, which has a detrimental impact on the environment. In recent times, various concurrent methods have been employed to advance the future of polymers. This review explores (i) an overall view of polymers used in marine industries, (ii) a focus on reducing plastic wastage, (iii) challenges involved in recycling polymers and ensuring their sustainability, and (iv) the development of renewable plastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biopolymers have gained popularity as an alternative product to traditional plastics due to environmental concerns. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), one of the most well‐known forms of biopolymers, are among the many that have been discovered so far. PHA has a wide range of applications, is biodegradable and compatible with living things, but its expensive extraction and production make it difficult to compete with traditional plastics. Solvents are the most popular extraction technique but have serious economic and environmental downsides. The "green method of extraction" has become a cutting‐edge remedy for addressing the shortcomings of downstream processing. However, developing the extraction technique for affordable and environmentally friendly biopolymer production is a difficult study topic. To make it easier to choose green recovery techniques for future study, this review combines the benefits and drawbacks of the numerous PHA recovery methods that are already in use. Also, advanced green downstream methods are scrutinized that undoubtedly makes PHA replace conventional plastics and reach a market globally promoting sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch is an appealing natural polymer for the scaled‐up production of biodegradable plastics. However, the low water resistance of starch has made its broad applicability largely doubted. In this study, starch was combined with beeswax (BW) through a pilot scale continuous solution casting (CSC) technique to reduce water affinity while keeping the ensuing films totally biodegradable. The phase morphology, surface wettability, and water vapor permeability (WVP) of films were examined over a broad BW–starch mass ratio (0.3–0.7). Emulsified, surfactant‐free starch/BW films were successfully obtained at a productivity of 0.55 m2 film h−1. The water contact angle increased nearly by 100% at 30 wt% BW, leading to remarkable reductions in WVP. BW droplets well distributed within the starch matrix played a key role in enhancing the water barrier properties of films. CSC of starch/BW films offers a basis to design new hydrophobic formulations for applications that require biodegradable plastics with high moisture resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs) are produced by microorganisms. PHBs are chosen as biodegradable plastic alternatives due to their rapid degradability under natural circumstances. In this study, the isolation and identification of PHB‐producing organisms by Sudan black, fermentation, solvent extraction, and characterization of purified PHB are all discussed in detail. Serratia sp. was employed to produce PHB biopolymer from lignocellulose waste coconut coir and a response surface software tool was used to optimize it. PHB characterization, FTIR (1730 cm−1 C = O stretch), TGA (268.53°C), and DTA (276.67°C) results. Sudan Black B stain was employed for the pre‐screening of these vital bacteria that produced intracellular granules of PHB. The best optimized parameters are used during the fermentation process, including 20 g/L coconut coir hydrolysate, pH 7, 30°C temperature, 1.5 g/L peptone, and 48 h. The optimization of the response surface methodology yields a high biomass output of 9.34 g/L, PHB yield of 5.48 g/L, and dry cell weight of 58.67%. The ANOVA findings, F and R2 value of biomass (10.04 and 0.9036) and PHB (23.33 and 0.9561). The results show that employing coconut coir as a feedstock allows for the enhanced production of PHB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is a review of the research on using hydrogels based on natural biodegradable polymers, starch, and gelatin for enzyme immobilization. This review addresses the main properties of starch and gelatin that make them promising materials in biotechnology for producing enzyme preparations stable during use and storage and insensitive to chemical and physical impacts. The authors summarize their achievements in developing the preparations of enzymes immobilized in starch and gelatin gels and assess their activity, stability, and sensitivity for use as biorecognition elements of enzyme inhibition-based biosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradability standards measure ultimate biodegradation of polymers by exposing the material under test to a natural microbial inoculum. Available tests developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) use inoculums sampled from different environments e.g. soil, marine sediments, seawater. Understanding whether each inoculum is to be considered as microbially unique or not can be relevant for the interpretation of tests results. In this review, we address this question by consideration of the following: (i) the chemical nature of biodegradable plastics (virtually all biodegradable plastics are polyesters) (ii) the diffusion of ester bonds in nature both in simple molecules and in polymers (ubiquitous); (iii) the diffusion of decomposers capable of producing enzymes, called esterases, which accelerate the hydrolysis of esters, including polyesters (ubiquitous); (iv) the evidence showing that synthetic polyesters can be depolymerized by esterases (large and growing); (v) the evidence showing that these esterases are ubiquitous (growing and confirmed by bioinformatics studies). By combining the relevant available facts it can be concluded that if a certain polyester shows ultimate biodegradation when exposed to a natural inoculum, it can be considered biodegradable and need not be retested using other inoculums. Obviously, if the polymer does not show ultimate biodegradation it must be considered recalcitrant, until proven otherwise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastics have benefited our lives in many ways, but their long persistence in the environment causes serious problems. Rapid decomposition and detoxification of plastics after use are significant challenges. As a possible solution, biodegradable plastics have attracted attention, and for environmental risk assessment research on polymer toxicity, use of indicator organisms, like water fleas and fish, has increased globally. However, such research often focuses on standardized substances without considering changes in toxicity due to plastic degradation products. Additionally, tests generally focus on acute toxicity, while long‐term effects on organismal reproduction and lifespan are largely unknown. Understanding the impact of degraded polymers on biological activities is crucial for accurate risk assessment. In this study, we investigated the biological toxicity of substances generated during degradation of polycaprolactone (PCL), a common biodegradable plastic, using the indicator organism, Daphnia magna. We examined PCL, oligocaprolactones (OCLs), and monomers resulting from polymer cleavage, as well as carbodiimides, added during polyester synthesis. As a result, PCL, which is insoluble in water, reduced individual survival and total number of offspring at an exposure concentration of 100 mg/L, while no toxicity was observed for water‐soluble degradation products, OCLs, and monomers. Furthermore, carbodiimides, which are expected to be released during PCL degradation, showed strong toxicity, significantly reducing individual survival and total number of offspring at 0.1–10 mg/L. These findings suggest that changes in physical properties due to polymer degradation and release of additives can significantly alter their toxicity. Plastics cause serious environmental problems due to their persistence, prompting research on biodegradable alternatives. This study investigated toxicity of substances generated during degradation of polycaprolactone (PCL), using Daphnia magna. PCL reduced survival and numbers of offspring at 100 mg/L, whereas water‐soluble degradation products showed no toxicity. Carbodiimides, expected to be released during PCL degradation, exhibited strong toxicity. These results highlight the importance of considering changes in toxicity due to polymer degradation and additive release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is undeniable that suitable packaging will extend the shelf life of the food. The packaging industry has had to renew and innovate in a world where consumers are increasingly environmentally conscious in order to deal with the impact of the production of petroleum-derived plastics and the management of the waste generated by them. In this way, the use of biopolymers has been proposed, mainly those produced from renewable sources and with biodegradability and/or compostability properties. However, these types of materials are more expensive and do not have the same performance as petroleum-derived materials. Besides, the technologies for film preparation are not adapted for these materials. Therefore, new technologies must be studied and implemented to make the packaging industry a sustainable industry. Recently, non-solvent phase inversion (NIPS) and electrospinning techniques, which are widely used for membrane fabrication, have been proposed for the fabrication of films for food packaging applications from biopolymers and green solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable polymers with immense potential in addressing the global plastic pollution crisis and advancing sustainable bioplastics production. Among the various microbes known for PHA production, extremophilic bacteria possess unique capabilities to thrive under extreme conditions, making them attractive candidates for PHA synthesis. Furthermore, the utilization of renewable feedstocks for PHA production aligns with the growing demand for sustainable bioplastic alternatives. A diverse range of extremophilic bacteria, especially halophiles and thermophiles, has provided cost-competitive platforms for producing customized PHA polymers. Extremophilic bacteria offer unique advantages over mesophiles due to their contamination resistance, high cell density growth, and unique culture conditions. The current status of Halomonas spp. as a chassis further allows exploration of metabolic engineering approaches to overcome the challenges associated with current industrial biotechnology. This article especially focuses on extremophilic bacteria and explores recent advances in utilizing renewable feedstocks such as lignocellulosic biomass, agro-industrial residues, and waste streams for PHA production. The integration of biorefinery concepts and circular economy principles in PHA manufacturing is also examined. This review is an attempt to provide an understanding of renewable substrates as feedstocks and emerging trends in PHA production by extremophilic bacteria. It underscores the pivotal role of extremophiles and sustainable feedstock sources in advancing the feasibility and eco-friendliness of PHAs as a promising biopolymer alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantification and characterization of microplastics, synthetic polymers less than 5 mm in diameter, requires extraction methods that can reduce non-plastic debris without loss or alteration of the polymers. Nitric acid has been used to extract plastic particles from zooplankton and other biota because it completely digests tissue and exoskeletons, thus reducing interferences. While the impact of acid digestion protocols on several polymers has been demonstrated, advice for quantifying microplastic and interpreting their spectra following nitric acid digestion is lacking. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and/or Raman spectroscopy was performed on plastics from > 50 common consumer products (including a variety of textiles) pre- and post-nitric acid treatment. The percent match and assigned polymer were tabulated to compare the accuracy of spectral identification before and after nitric acid digestion via two open spectral analysis software. Nylon-66, polyoxymethylene, polyurethane, polyisoprene, nitrile rubber, and polymethyl methacrylate had ≥ 90% mass loss in nitric acid. Other less-impacted polymers changed color, morphology, and/or size following digestion. Thus, using nitric acid digestion for microplastic extraction can impact our understanding of the particle sizes and morphologies ingested in situ. Spectral analysis results were compiled to understand how often (1) the best-hit matches were correct (30–60% of spectra), (2) the best-hit matches exceeding the (arbitrary) threshold of 65% match were correct (53–78% of spectra), and (3) the best-hit matches for anthropogenic polymers were incorrectly identified as natural polymers (12–15% of spectra). Based on these results, advice is provided on how nitric acid digestion can impact microplastics as well as spectral interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial communities perform essential ecosystem functions such as the remineralization of organic carbon that exists as biopolymers. The first step in mineralization is performed by biopolymer degraders, which harbor enzymes that can break down polymers into constituent oligo- or monomeric forms. The released nutrients not only allow degraders to grow, but also promote growth of cells that either consume the degradation products, i.e., exploiters, or consume metabolites released by the degraders or exploiters, i.e., scavengers. It is currently not clear how such remineralizing communities assemble at the microscale--how interactions between the different guilds influence their growth and spatial distribution, and hence the development and dynamics of the community. Here, we address this knowledge gap by studying marine microbial communities that grow on the abundant marine biopolymer alginate. We used batch growth assays and microfluidics coupled to time-lapse microscopy to quantitatively investigate growth and spatial distribution of single cells. We found that the presence of exploiters or scavengers alters the spatial distribution of degrader cells. In general, exploiters and scavengers--which we collectively refer to as cross-feeder cells--slowed down the growth of degrader cells. In addition, coexistence with cross-feeders altered the production of the extracellular enzymes that break down polymers by degrader cells. Our findings reveal that ecological interactions by nondegrading community members have a profound impact on the functions of microbial communities that remineralize carbon biopolymers in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]