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The objective of this paper is the presentation of the results of an analysis of selected polysaccharide markets, with special reference to starch, hemicellulose, cellulose, alginate, its salts and esters, and natural polymers, including the chitin and chitosan market. Research was conducted on the basis of Eurostat and Comtrade-UN statistical data for the years 2005-2007 for production, import, export, and market volumes of the countries of the "15" (the "old" member states of the European Union) as well as of the "12" new European Union member states (which became European Union members in 2004 and 2007). This analysis has demonstrated that over the years examined for the product groups analysed, the European Union markets for starch, hemicelluloses and cellulose, and natural polymers, including chitin and chitosan have the greatest development potential. There was only a lack of development potential in the alginate market. The dominant position on all of the markets analysed is occupied by producers from the countries of the "15". From among the new member states, the market position of Poland is, in most cases, among the most notable from amongst the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, where it is the highest on the European cellulose market (5.8%), followed by hemicellulose (3.6%), starch (approximately 3%), alginate (approximately 2%), and polymers, including chitin and chitosan (approximately 1%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional types of silicone biopolymers are widely used in maxillofacial prosthetics. Therefore, the knowledge of the solar radiation’s effect on their structural stability is highly important. Four different industrially synthesized biomaterials were examined, called Episil Europe 1, Europe 2, Europe 3 and Africa 3, which were exposed to solar radiation (UVA, UVB) for eight different time periods (from 8 to 168 h). Structural damages due to irradiation exposure were investigated by mechanical tests (compression) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods. Simple mathematical models were developed, containing parameters with physical meaning such as maximum stress (σmax), maximum strain (ɛ), elasticity parameter ( E), and viscoelastic parameter ( p), for the compression test, and melting temperature ( T m) and Enthalpy in melting point ( Heat) for DSC. With increasing irradiation time their maximum stress and strain decreased significantly, and the materials lost their elasticity and molecular stability. A decrement in their melting points and heats was observed as irradiation time was increasing. Finally, experimental results demonstrated that solar radiation has a severe effect on the structural stability of the examined biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • PBS is intensively studied as biodegradable alternative to polyolefins. • Production, synthesis, physico-chemical and mechanical properties of PBS are covered. • Studies on blend and composite applications are comprehensively reviewed. • Challenges, state-of-the-art and future opportunities critically assessed. Rising energy concerns, rapid infrastructure development, and greater environmental awareness have fueled the demand for sustainable materials. In this direction, sustainable bio-based polymer generated from different resources through several operations can meet most of the annual synthetic plastics demand at least in Europe. The advancement of sustainable technologies for the effective utilization of sustainable materials for bioplastic and biomaterials production can afford a novel biorenewable source of sustainable products and biofuel as well as address the rising environmental concerns. Poly(butylene succinate) is one biopolymer that has enormous potential to be used in a wide range of applications. There is currently no extensive review on the PBS based polymer covering the advanced technologies for the development of high-value material. This article covers the advanced state of synthesis, process integrating biological and thermochemical conversion to produce bioplastics (PBS), physico-chemical and mechanical properties, and the recent applications. We have also provided a structural perspective on how PBS can be adopted via appropriate engineering/ modification to its properties. Different changes in the precursors of polymer materials and composites enable a various range of applications, including but not limited to the manufacturing of high-performance polymer materials to composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the growing market presence of bioplastics manufacturers in Europe. The bioplastics sector contributes 50,000 tons to the market according to European Bioplastics. Plantic Technologies has developed a starch-based biopolymer that has replaced polyvinyl chloride dividers inside Nestle's Dairy Box and Black Magic Chocolates in Great Britain. A new legislation would require all French shopping bags to be biodegradable by 2010.

Type 1 von Willebrand disease (VWD) is characterized by a personal and family history of bleeding coincident with reduced levels of normal plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF). The molecular basis of the disorder is poorly understood. The aims of this study were to determine phenotype and genotype and their relationship in patients historically diagnosed with type 1 VWD. Families were recruited in 9 European countries based on previous type 1 VWD diagnosis. Bleeding symptoms were recorded, plasma phenotype analyzed, and VWF mutation analysis performed in all index cases (ICs). Phenotypic and molecular analysis stratified patients into those with or without phenotypes suggestive of qualitative VWF defects (abnormal multimers) and with or without mutations. A total of 105 of 150 ICs (70%) had mutations identified. A subgroup with abnormal multimers (38% of ICs, 57 of 150) showed a high prevalence of VWF gene mutations (95% of ICs, 54 of 57), whereas in those with qualitatively normal VWF, fewer mutations were identified (55% of ICs, 51 of 93). About one third of the type 1 VWD cases recruited could be reconsidered as type 2. The remaining group could be considered "true" type 1 VWD, although mutations were found in only 55%.