What are Biopolymers?

About Biopolymers:

• These are materials that have been manufactured from biological sources such as fats, vegetable oils, sugars, resins, and proteins.
• The biopolymers have more complex structures than synthetic polymers therefore they are more active in vivo.
• Furthermore, as biopolymers are biodegradable their decomposition is easily done by bacteria in the soil environment, as compared to synthetic polymers which cause environmental pollution due to incineration.
• Characteristics
  • They can control the life processes of living organisms and are environmentally friendly.
  • They are decomposed by the processes named –oxidation (mainly reaction with oxygen), hydrolysis (decomposition by water) or by some enzymes.
  • Some of them are compostable and can show some chemical properties on their surface.
  • Biopolymers like polylactic acid, polyglycolate, poly 3-hydroxy butyrate etc. may show plastic properties and instead.
• Benefits:
  • These polymers can reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and also decrease carbon emissions.
  • This happens because bio-degradation of these chemical compounds can release carbon dioxide that can be reabsorbed by crops grown as a substitute in their place.