Biopolymers from Industrial Waste

Abstract

The problems arising due to anthropogenic activities and limited availability of resources demand sustainable and smart solution. Uncontrolled waste generation and usage of traditional non-biodegradable materials is one such critical issue. To address the waste disposal problem and to meet the need for bio-based materials, the valorization of leftover biomass residues arises as a green and sustainable approach. Technological advancements have paved the way to use biochemicals and biomass for the formation of biomaterials such as biopolymers. With this viewpoint, the chapter focuses on biopolymers-biodegradable, low cost, abundant, biocompatible, naturally occurring and microbially synthesized molecules. They comprise a wide variety of molecules like cellulose, chitin, collagen, polylactic acid and polyhydroxyalkanoates. The waste material generated from various sectors including food industries, agricultural sector, dairy industry, leather tanning processes and domestic waste is considered as a potential substrate for biopolymer synthesis. Being low cost and renewable raw material, waste biomass is extensively used for the generation of all types of biopolymers. The excellent properties of bio-based polymers make them usable in almost all areas of our daily lives. Biopolymers are widely used in medicines for tissue engineering, regenerative medicines, drug delivery and bone implants. They also possess applications in the food industry as food packaging materials and food coatings. This chapter intends to discuss the formation of various types of biopolymers from waste feedstock and their applications.