Recent Advances In Biopolymers

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.

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.

Biopolymer-Based Formulations: Biomedical and Food Applications presents the latest advances in the synthesis and characterization of advanced biopolymeric formulations and their state-of-the-art applications across biomedicine and food science. Sections cover the fundamentals, applications, future trends, environmental, ethical and medical considerations, and biopolymeric architectures that are organized in nano, micro and macro scales. The final section of the book focuses on novel applications and recent developments. This book is an essential resource for researchers, scientists and advanced students in biopolymer science, polymer science, polymer chemistry, polymer composites, plastics engineering, biomaterials, materials science, biomedical engineering, and more. It will also be of interest to R&D professionals, scientists and engineers across the plastics, food, biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. Provides in-depth coverage of methods for the characterization of the physical properties of biopolymeric architectures Supports a range of novel applications, including scaffolds, implant coatings, drug delivery, and nutraceutical encapsulation systems Includes the use of experimental data and mathematical modeling, thus enabling the reader to analyze and compare the properties of different polymeric gels

"This Ebook describes the applicability of diverse natural and synthetic biopolymers and their blends in drugs, vaccines and gene delivery. It would serve as a concise body of information on biopolymers for researchers, industries and students of pharmaceu"

Biopolymer-Based Composites: Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications presents a comprehensive review on recent developments in biopolymer-based composites and their use in drug delivery and biomedical applications. The information contained in this book is critical for the more efficient use of composites, as detailed up-to-date information is a pre-requirement. The information provided brings cutting-edge developments to the attention of young investigators to encourage further advances in the field of bio-composite research. Currently, biopolymers are being investigated for the design of various drug delivery and biomedical devices due to their non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible nature. Mostly, biopolymer-based solid orals, gels, hydrogel beads, and transdermal matrices have been designed in order to control drug/protein release in simulated bio-fluids. Presents the most updated information in the field of pharmaceutical and biological sciences Contains color figures and illustrations to help users understand key topics Useful guide for young researchers working towards new innovations Includes chapters covered by eminent scientists in the field

This book addresses surface modification techniques, which are critical for tailoring and broadening the applications of naturally occurring biopolymers. Biopolymers represent a sustainable solution to the need for new materials in the auto, waste removal, biomedical device, building material, defense, and paper industries. Features: First comprehensive summary of biopolymer modification methods to enhance compatibility, flexibility, enhanced physicochemical properties, thermal stability, impact response, and rigidity, among others Address of a green, eco-friendly materials that is increasing in use, underscoring the roles of material scientists in the future of new "green" bioolymer material use Coverage applications in automotive development, hazardous waste removal, biomedical engineering, pulp and paper industries, development of new building materials, and defense-related technologies Facilitation of technology transfer

Biopolymers have the potential to cut carbon emissions and reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide released when they degrade can be reabsorbed by plants, which makes them close to carbon neutral. Biopolymers are biodegradable and some are compostable, too. This book presents key topics on biopolymers, including their synthesis, characterization, and physiochemical properties, and discusses their applications in key areas such as biomedicine, agriculture, and environmental engineering. It will serve as an in-depth reference for the biopolymer industry—material suppliers and processors, producers, and fabricators—and engineers and scientists who are designing biopolymers or evaluating options for switching from traditional plastics to biopolymers.

This book comprises a collection of chapters on green biopolymer nanocomposites. The book discusses the preparation, properties, and applications of different types of biodegradable polymers. An overview of recent advances in the fabrication of biopolymers nanocomposites from a variety of sources, including organic and inorganic nanomaterials, is presented. The book highlights the importance and impact of eco-friendly green nanocomposites, both environmentally and economically. The contents of this book will prove useful for students, researchers, and professionals working in the field of nanocomposites and green technology.

As an area of high topical interest, Biopolymers – New materials for Sustainable Films and Coatings covers the development and utilization of polymers derived from bioresources, with a particular focus on film and coating applications. With growing concern for the environment and the rising price of crude oil, there is increasing demand for non-petroleum-based polymers from renewable resources. Leading research groups worldwide in industry and academe are working on such technology with the objective of applying the latest advances in the field. Written by well-respected experts, this text systematically covers the extraction and production of selected biopolymers as well as their properties and application as films or coatings in a variety of uses. The areas addressed include food packaging, edible coatings, paper coatings and agricultural films. Intended for researchers and students, this book will also be of interest to industry, especially in terms of the practical applications.

This book describes the structure, performance and applications of biopolymers. It contains thirteen chapters: Chapter One describes the general introduction of biopolymers, while Chapter Two deals with environmental perspectives that biopolymers are involved in. Chapter Three deals with the surface nanostructuring of biopolymers for tissue engineering. Chapter Four describes the nanomaterials as an emerging opportunity for purifying drinking water. Chapter Five is based on the microalgal engineering of biopolymers, while Chapter Six contains information on the lignocellulosic biomass used to obtain polyhydroxybutyrate as a biopolymer under. Chapter Seven mainly discusses chitosan as a biomedical material (properties and applications), and Chapter Eight introduces details about gum ghatti (Anogeissus latifolia), a proteinaceous edible biopolymer and its multifaceted biological applications. Chapter Nine describes the recent advances in biopolymers for innovative food packaging, while Chapter Ten discusses the potential production of polyhydroxybutyrate from renewable feedstocks. Chapter Eleven contains information about biopolymer stabilization of fly ash and coal mine overburden for erosion resistance, whereas Chapter Twelve describes in detail the structure, features and applications of biopolymers. Finally, Chapter Thirteen summarizes the recent trends concerning biopolymers. The current book will be highly beneficial to researchers working in the area of biopolymers, polymer chemistry, materials science, engineering, drug delivery, medicine, waste management, environmental science and waste water research. This book also covers information concerning natural biopolymers, biotechnology, biocomposites and bioplastics for a variety of environmental applications. The potential researchers working in the area will benefit from the fundamental concepts, advanced approaches and applications. The book also provides a platform for all researchers to carry out biopolymer research mainly towards its structure, performance and application, and also covers fundamental background information in the area. The book also covers recent advancements in the area as well as prospects about the future research and development of biopolymers.