Emma Su

Assess the impact of the recent development of a named biopolymer on society and the environment. Biopolymers are polymers that are made totally or in large part by living organisms. An example of which is PHB. It is produced through the process of rapid multiplication of Alcaligenes eutrophus in a suitable medium, which are then forced to synthesise PHB, and finally the polymer is separated from the organism. Positive impacts It is a renewable resource as they are made from living organism unlike the rapidly diminishing non-renewable fossil fuels. Therefore making a possible replacement for the polymers currently obtained from the petrochemical industry in the future. Biodegradable capable of being decomposed in the natural environment in a short amount to time (few months), therefore is a much better alternative for short term usage products such as plastic bags and disposable nappies, than the traditional polymers which takes years to decompose and therefore lead to an accumulation of waste products in the environment Biocompatible, therefore able to be used for medical supplies and avoid rejection by the body

Negative impacts Expensive currently still more expensive to produce than traditional polymers Some biopolymers still lack various physical and chemical properties which traditional polymers have. E.g. may pose as problem for a products requiring long term usage

The development of biopolymers has a significant positive impact on the society and the environment however currently it is still a more expensive option than traditional plastics. Developments in scientific research and the reduction in fossil fuel amounts may lead to a change in the future.