Application Of Biopolymers Research Articles

Versatile Biopolymers for Advanced Lithium and Zinc Metal Batteries.

Lithium (Li) and zinc (Zn) metals are emerging as promising anode materials for next-generation rechargeable metal batteries due to their excellent electronic conductivity and high theoretical capacities. However, issues such as uneven metal ion deposition and uncontrolled dendrite growth result in poor electrochemical stability, limited cycle life, and rapid capacity decay. Biopolymers, recognized for their abundance, cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, tunable structures, and adjustable properties, offer a compelling solution to these challenges. This review systematically and comprehensively examines biopolymers and their protective mechanisms for Li and Zn metal anodes. It begins with an overview of biopolymers, detailing key types, their structures, and properties. The review then explores recent advancements in the application of biopolymers as artificial solid electrolyte interphases, electrolyte additives, separators, and solid-state electrolytes, emphasizing how their structural properties enhance protection mechanisms and improve electrochemical performance. Finally, perspectives on current challenges and future research directions in this evolving field are provided.

Multiphase Biopolymers Enriched with Suberin Extraction Waste: Impact on Properties and Sustainable Development.

This manuscript explores the development of sustainable biopolymer composites using suberin extraction waste, specifically suberinic acid residues (SAR), as a 10% (w/w) reinforcing additive in polylactide (PLA) and thermoplastic starch-polylactide blends (M30). The materials were subjected to a detailed analysis using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to assess their thermal, mechanical, and structural properties. The study confirmed the amorphous nature of the biopolymers and highlighted how SAR significantly influences their degradation behavior and thermal stability. M30 exhibited a multi-step degradation process with an initial decomposition temperature (T5%) of 207.2 °C, while PLA showed a higher thermal resistance with decomposition starting at 263.1 °C. Mechanical performance was assessed through storage modulus (E') measurements, showing reductions with increasing temperature for both materials. The research provides insights into the potential application of SAR-enriched biopolymers in sustainable material development, aligning with circular economy principles. These findings not only suggest that SAR incorporation could enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of biopolymers, but also confirm the effectiveness of the research in reassurance of the audience.

PRODUCTION OF SODIUM CARBOXYMETHYLCELLULOSE FROM PINE WOOD WASTE AND INVESTIGATION OF ITS PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES

With the increasing use of wood resources, wood waste disposal is becoming a more pressing issue. Wood waste can be effectively processed and reused, thus reducing environmental impact. Our study proposes using wood waste to produce sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) with enhanced physical and chemical properties. The paper explores a promising approach to processing Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood waste via the suspension method to obtain the biopolymer Na-CMC. The ability to convert pine sawdust into Na-CMC meets the demand for high-quality wood raw materials, expands the biopolymer's applications, and reduces the environmental and economic burden of wood consumption. The aim of this study is to produce Na-CMC from Scots pine sawdust at 60°C and 80°C and investigate the biopolymer’s physical and chemical properties. In laboratory experiments, Na-CMC samples were synthesized at 60°C and 80°C using sodium hydroxide, propanol-2, and sodium monochloroacetate (Na-MCA). The physical and chemical properties of Na-CMC were studied such as functional groups (hydroxyl, methylene, carbonyl), alcohol and ether bonds by IR spectrophotometry; molecular mass, polymerization degree, and viscosity of polymer solutions by viscometry; carboxymethyl groups by conductometric titration; and product yield and solubility by gravimetry. The scientific and practical significance of the chemical modification of wood sawdust cellulose has been established, with carboxymethylation proving effective at 60°C

External crosslinking of biopolymers on concrete for crack sealing under high pressure and increased durability applications

The durability of concrete structures is compromised by the presence of cracks, which can lead to further deterioration if left untreated. To prevent this, it is crucial to close the cracks and restore impermeability. This paper proposes an economical and practical solution: the application of biopolymers as an external treatment layer on horizontal concrete surfaces to seal cracks. The study explores the crosslinking of calcium alginates and gelatin at various concentrations. Several properties are investigated, including water permeability, freeze-thaw resistance, overall visual degradation, resistance to chloride intrusion, and adhesive strength of the repair layer. The findings indicate that repair layers utilizing calcium alginate demonstrate promising results for external crack sealing applications. These layers effectively restore impermeability, exhibit resistance against chloride intrusion, improve freeze-thawing resistance, while showing an acceptable adhesive strength to the horizontal concrete substrate. This suggests a viable solution for enhancing the durability of concrete structures.

Natural deep eutectic solvents and natural solid biosorbents in microextraction techniques of organic compounds based on chromatographic techniques: A critical review

Analytical chemistry has increasingly focused on the environmental impact of its methods, with significant attention given to green principles in sample preparation. Techniques like Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME), Micro-Solid-Phase Extraction (µ-SPE), Thin-Film Microextraction (TFME), Stir Bar Extraction (SBSE), Bar-Adsorptive Microextraction (BAµE), Disposable Pipette Extraction (DPX), and Rotative Disk Sorptive Extraction (RDSE) represent advancements in solid-phase extraction methods. Meanwhile, methods such as Single Drop Microextraction (SDME), Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction (DLLME), and Hollow Fiber Liquid-Phase Microextraction (HF-LPME) focus on liquid-phase techniques. Among the green approaches, biosorbents have gained prominence as extractor materials due to their environmental friendliness, renewability, biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness. In liquid-phase extractions, Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs) have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional solvents. NADESs offer benefits such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, low toxicity, and affordability, along with ease of synthesis and purification. This review summarizes the application of NADESs and biopolymers, focusing in biosorbents, in microextraction and other techniques, based on literature from 2017 to the present. It is evident that NADESs present viable alternatives to conventional solvents, with their physical-chemical properties like viscosity, density, and polarity, being tunable through various mixtures. Similarly, biosorbents offer unique physicochemical properties that can outperform traditional commercial materials in sample preparation. Applications discussed in this review focus on the determination of organic compounds in environmental, food, and biological samples, utilizing chromatographic methods. These developments highlight the ongoing evolution in green analytical practices, aiming for more sustainable and efficient analytical procedures.

The Perspectives on the Application of Biopolymers for a Sustainable Agriculture

The Perspectives on the Application of Biopolymers for a Sustainable Agriculture

Biopolymer and Biomimetic Techniques for Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs).

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) play a crucial role in attaining sustainable energy for various wearable devices. Polymer materials are essential components of TENGs. Biopolymers are suitable materials for TENGs because of their degradability, natural sourcing, and cost-effectiveness. Herein, the latest progress in commonly used biopolymers and well-designed biomimetic techniques for TENG is summarized. The applications of natural rubber, polysaccharides, protein-based biopolymers, and other common synthetic biopolymers in TENG technology are summarized in detail. Each biopolymer is discussed based on its electrification capability, polarity variations, and specific functionalities as active and functional layers of TENGs. Important biomimetic strategies and related applications of specific biopolymers are also summarized to guide the structural and functional design of TENG. In the future, the study of triboelectric biopolymers may focus on exploring alternative candidates, enhancing charge density, and expanding functionality. Various possible applications of biopolymer-based TENGs are proposed in this review. By applying biopolymers and related biomimetic methods to TENG devices, the applications of TENG in the fields of healthcare, environmental monitoring, and wearable/implantable electronics can be further promoted.

Integrated processes (HPSE+scCO2) to prepare sterilized alginate-gelatine-based aerogel

Biopolymers application in biomedical areas has been limited due to the physicochemical degradation that occurs using conventional processing/sterilization methods (e.g., steam heat, γ-radiation, ethylene oxide). Aiming to avoid/minimize degradation and preserve their properties, supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) has been proposed as an alternative sterilization method for such materials. ScCO2 can simultaneously be used as a drying method to produce aerogels (i) and sterilize them (ii). However, a solvent exchange is required to prepare the alcogel from hydrogel, achievable through high-pressure solvent exchange (HPSE) (iii). This study integrated three processes: HPSE, scCO2 drying, and sterilization to prepare alginate-gelatine sterilized aerogels. Two scCO2 sterilization methods were tested. Results showed that sterilization did not compromise the aerogels’ chemical, thermal and swelling properties. Conversely, Young’s Modulus increased, and BET surface area decreased, due to the structural changes caused by the fast pressurization/depressurization rates applied during sterilization. Regarding the sterilization efficiency, results showed a reduction in contamination throughout the process, achieving a SAL of 10-4. The sterilized aerogels were non-cytotoxic in vitro and showed improved wound-healing properties. The innovative integrated process produced decontaminated/sterile and ready-to-use aerogels reducing process time by 75 %, from 2 days up to 12 h without compromising the aerogel’s properties.

A comprehensive review on natural macromolecular biopolymers for biomedical applications: Recent advancements, current challenges, and future outlooks

Versatile material properties coupled with high degree of biocompatibility and biodegradability has made biopolymers as potential candidates for diverse applications in the biomedical field. Natural biopolymers derived from various plant, animal and microbial sources with different biochemical compositions are extensively used in biomaterial industry with or without further medication to their native form. Biopolymeric biomaterials have been employed in a wide range of biomedical applications like tissue engineering, drug delivery, bone regeneration, wound dressings and cardiovascular surgery. Carbohydrate based biopolymers and protein based biopolymers are extensively used for several applications in the biomedical field including cartilage regeneration, periodontal tissue regeneration, bone regeneration, corneal regeneration, drug delivery and wound healing. This review work presents a comprehensive outlook on the applications of various biopolymers in biomedical field. The work elaborates the biochemistry of these polymers with special focus on their crucial properties in the biomedical industry. Further a detailed description on the most recent application of various biopolymers in the biomedical filed is presented in this review. This work further summarizes the current challenges and future prospects in the use of biopolymers in biomedical field.

Cu-alginate hydrogels in microfluidic systems: a sustainable catalytic approach for click chemistry

This work explores the innovative use of copper-alginate (Cu-alginate) hydrogels within microfluidic systems to catalyze dipolar cycloaddition reactions, emphasizing green chemistry principles and process intensification. Utilizing naturally occurring biopolymers, such as alginates, provides an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional catalyst supports due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and effective metal ion immobilization capabilities. The integration of these biopolymer-based catalysts into microfluidic devices allows for precise control over reaction conditions, leading to enhanced reaction kinetics and mass transfer efficiencies. Our results demonstrate that Cu-alginate hydrogels effectively catalyze the formation of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles through [3 + 2] dipolar cycloaddition reactions with high regioselectivity and conversion. The microfluidic setup ensures rapid and efficient synthesis, surpassing traditional batch reaction methods in both reaction rate and environmental impact by reducing solvent usage and waste generation. Furthermore, the use of microfluidics contributes to the reproducibility and scalability of the synthesis process, important for industrial applications. The model-based design and its simulations have been employed to further understand and optimize the reaction system. Diffusion through the gel layer and catalytic reaction kinetics estimated from experimental data were included in the model, providing a theoretical foundation for a comprehensive process evaluation. This study not only advances the field of sustainable catalysis by demonstrating the practical utility of biopolymer-supported catalysts in microfluidic systems, but also sets the stage for further research into biopolymer applications in complex chemical syntheses.

Superabsorbent hydrogel from cassava gum (Manihot esculenta) to release water and macronutrients

The application and development of biopolymers as water storage and macronutrient release systems are attractive due to their biocompatibility and high bioavailability in the environment. Cassava gum is a polysaccharide obtained from Manihot esculenta tubers, consisting of 80–86 % starch, with an excellent ability to form a hydrogel. The objective of this research was the synthesis of hydrogels from the copolymerization of cassava gum and polyacrylamide. The material was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, a scanning electron microscope, and porosity to understand the formation of the new hydrogel better. The hydrogel was studied for its swelling capacity at different pH levels, its controlled release of macronutrients, and its toxicity test against Artemia saline. The swelling study shows that the hydrogels have better water absorption in more neutral media with expansion capacity (∼ 270 folds). Phosphate release began 30 min after contact with the medium and remained constant after 24 h in solution, with the hydrogels not demonstrating toxicity. Hydrogels formed satisfactorily with and without phosphate incorporated into the polymeric matrix, thus resulting in a superabsorbent and promising material for the controlled release of macronutrients.

Biopolymers in geotechnical engineering for soil improvement

AbstractSeveral biopolymer applications in geotechnical engineering have been adopted in recent years, notably dust control, soil strengthening, and erosion control. Although biopolymer soil treatment approaches can assure engineering efficiency while satisfying environmental protection standards, this technology requires more validation regarding site adaptability, durability, and economic feasibility. The influence of biopolymers on soil behavior is discussed within geotechnical engineering applications and practices, including soil consistency limits, strength and deformation parameters, hydraulic conductivity, soil-water properties, and erosion prevention.Laboratory studies were performed to confirm the behavior of the treated soil, including Atterberg limits, proctor, and direct shear tests utilizing two types of biopolymers: guar gum and xanthan gum.

Enhancing Lettuce Yield through Innovative Foliar Spray of Biopolymers Derived from Municipal Biowastes.

Municipal waste biomass could be valorized as an alternative feedstock to produce compounds beneficial for agricultural applications. The foliar spray application of biostimulants emerges as a promising and innovative technique due to its environmental safety and ability to enhance crop yields. In recent years, the exploitation of biopolymers obtained through alkaline hydrolysis of the solid anaerobic digestate from municipal biowastes has attracted researchers' interest. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects on lettuce growth of a product obtained through alkaline hydrolysis from municipal biowaste, Biopolymers (BPs), and of a derivate subjected to a further oxidation process, Biopolymers Oxidate (BPs OX). The effects of the treatments at various concentrations were evaluated by monitoring plant growth and observing the trends in the activities of the main enzymes involved in the nitrogen metabolic pathway of lettuce. Results suggest that the best treatments in terms of fresh weight were achieved by using BPs at 10 mg/L and BPs OX at 100 mg/L, increasing yield by around 28% and 34%, respectively. The innovative aspect of this work was to make easier for farmers the biopolymers application by testing a foliar spray methodology for BPs and BPs OX, which has never been tested before in any crop.

Microbial Biopolymers: From Production to Environmental Applications—A Review

Industrial evolution and agricultural expansion, explained by continuing population growth, have rendered enormous problems for the world throughout the past few decades, primarily because of waste generation. To reduce environmental impact and dependence on fossil fuels, scientists have explored replacing synthetic polymers with environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives in many emergent applications. In this regard, microbial biopolymers have gained special attention. Many biopolymers originating from various strains of bacteria, fungi, and algae have been reported and their possible applications have increased rapidly. This review focuses on the wide range of microbial biopolymers, their characteristics, and factors influencing their production. The present study also describes the environmental applications of microbial biopolymers. The use of these biopolymers is very attractive as a value-added and sustainable approach to wastewater treatment. By acting as adsorbents, coagulants, and flocculants as well as filters in membrane processes, microbial biopolymers shine as promising solutions beyond conventional methods. They can be integrated into various stages of the treatment process, further enhancing the efficiency of wastewater treatment methods. Microbial biopolymer applications in bioremediation and soil stabilization are also reviewed. Several studies have demonstrated the strong potential of biopolymers in soil improvement due to their ability to minimize permeability, eliminate heavy metals, stabilize soil, and limit erosion. Challenges related to scaling up and the downstream processing of microbial biopolymers, as well as its future perspectives in environmental applications, are also discussed.

Interfacial Dehydration Strategy for Chitosan Film Shape Morphing and Its Application.

Shape morphing of biopolymer materials, such as chitosan (CS) films, has great potential for applications in many fields. Traditionally, their responsive behavior has been induced by the differential water swelling through the preparation of multicomponent composites or cross-linking as deformation is not controllable in the absence of these processes. Here, we report an interfacial dehydration strategy to trigger the shape morphing of the monocomponent CS film without cross-linking. The release of water molecules is achieved by spraying the surface with a NaOH solution or organic solvents, which results in the interfacial shrinkage and deformation of the entire film. On the basis of this strategy, a range of CS actuators were developed, such as soft grippers, joint actuators, and a light switch. Combined with the geometry effect, edited deformation was also achieved from the planar CS film. This shape-morphing strategy is expected to enable the application of more biopolymers in a wide range of fields.

Assessment of modified chitosan composite in acidic reservoirs through pilot and field-scale simulation studies

Chemical flooding through biopolymers acquires higher attention, especially in acidic reservoirs. This research focuses on the application of biopolymers in chemical flooding for enhanced oil recovery in acidic reservoirs, with a particular emphasis on modified chitosan. The modification process involved combining chitosan with vinyl/silane monomers via emulsion polymerization, followed by an assessment of its rheological behavior under simulated reservoir conditions, including salinity, temperature, pressure, and medium pH. Laboratory-scale flooding experiments were carried out using both the original and modified chitosan at conditions of 2200 psi, 135,000 ppm salinity, and 196° temperature. The study evaluated the impact of pressure on the rheological properties of both chitosan forms, finding that the modified composite was better suited to acidic environments, showing enhanced resistance to pressure effects with a significant increase in viscosity and an 11% improvement in oil recovery over the 5% achieved with the unmodified chitosan. Advanced modeling and simulation techniques, particularly using the tNavigator Simulator on the Bahariya formations in the Western Desert, were employed to further understand the polymer solution dynamics in reservoir contexts and to predict key petroleum engineering metrics. The simulation results underscored the effectiveness of the chitosan composite in increasing oil recovery rates, with the composite outperforming both its native counterpart and traditional water flooding, achieving a recovery factor of 48%, compared to 39% and 37% for native chitosan and water flooding, thereby demonstrating the potential benefits of chitosan composites in enhancing oil recovery operations.

Experimental Study of Cationic-Modified Biopolymer for Increasing the Shear Strength of Sand

The application of biopolymers as a more environmentally friendly alternative to cement has emerged as an interesting research subject.The purpose is to enhance the shear strength of sandy soils. In this article, the selected biopolymer is cationic-modified starch. It is expected that cationic starch will have less water absorption properties since modified starch has cationic groups in place of the OH- groups found in the normal starch. This cationic-modified starch namely Amylofax. Five types of samples are created for this testing, including Sample A is prepared with the composition of (silica sand + 2% Amylofax T1100 (w/w) + 20% water (w/w))., Sample B consists of (silica sand + 2% Amylofax T2200 (w/w) + 20% water (w/w))., Sample C is comprised of (silica sand + 2% Amylofax T1100 (w/w) + 2% Glucomannan (w/w) + 20% water (w/w)), Sample D consists of (silica sand + 2% Amylofax T2200 (w/w) + 2% Glucomannan (w/w) + 20% water (w/w)), and Sample E includes (Ottawa sand + 2% cement (w/w) + 20% water (w/w)). The samples were tested using a direct shear test apparatus to determine the soil shear strength parameters (c) cohesion and (Ø) internal friction angle. After conducting the tests on the sand samples with the addition of modified starch biopolymer (cationic starch), it was found that the cohesion value was 961kPa, and the internal friction angle was 63°. These results indicate higher shear strength values compared to sand mixed with natural starch.

Promising future: a review of clinical applications of biopolymers in renal cell carcinoma

Promising future: a review of clinical applications of biopolymers in renal cell carcinoma

Technological Aspects of Nanoemulsions for Post-harvest Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables.

Recent times have witnessed a growing demand for sustainable technology for food preservation that can retain its freshness, promises lower contents of additives and preservatives, safe consumption, eco-friendly milder processing technologies and eco-friendlier packaging solutions. Application of Biopolymers has served as the most sustainable and viable option to its synthetic counterparts. These biopolymers have been incorporated to develop biodegradable packaging like edible films and coatings owing to their biological origin. Nanoemulsion technology offers a leap forward to upgrade the features of conventional biodegradable packaging items. The present review discusses various trends and perspectives of nanoemulsion technology in post-harvest preservation for enhancing the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables. It investigates the interconnectedness between food preservation techniques, biodegradable packaging materials made from biopolymers, and nanoemulsions. It further addresses the preservation challenges post-harvest and underscores the limitations of conventional preservation methods, advocating for eco-friendly alternatives with a specific focus on the potential of nanoemulsions in enhancing food safety and quality. This review elaborates on the composition, formulation techniques, nanoemulsion products and role of nanoemulsions in the management of foodborne pathogens. Furthermore, it examines the potential health hazards linked to the use of nanoemulsions and stresses the significance of a regulatory framework for food safety. In conclusion, this review offers insights into the promising prospects of using nanoemulsions in food preservation.

Bacteria for Bioplastics: Progress, Applications, and Challenges.

Bioplastics are one of the answers that can point society toward a sustainable future. Under this premise, the synthesis of polymers with competitive properties using low-cost starting materials is a highly desired factor in the industry. Also, tackling environmental issues such as nonbiodegradable waste generation, high carbon footprint, and consumption of nonrenewable resources are some of the current concerns worldwide. The scientific community has been placing efforts into the biosynthesis of polymers using bacteria and other microbes. These microorganisms can be convenient reactors to consume food and agricultural wastes and convert them into biopolymers with inherently attractive properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, and appreciable mechanical and chemical properties. Such biopolymers can be applied to several fields such as packing, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, medical, biomedical, and agricultural. Thus, intending to elucidate the science of microbes to produce polymers, this review starts with a brief introduction to bioplastics by describing their importance and the methods for their production. The second section dives into the importance of bacteria regarding the biochemical routes for the synthesis of polymers along with their advantages and disadvantages. The third section covers some of the main parameters that influence biopolymers' production. Some of the main applications of biopolymers along with a comparison between the polymers obtained from microorganisms and the petrochemical-based ones are presented. Finally, some discussion about the future aspects and main challenges in this field is provided to elucidate the main issues that should be tackled for the wide application of microorganisms for the preparation of bioplastics.