A 

polymer is a molecule made up of numerous small molecules called

monomers that are joined together to form a larger molecule. The word
“polymer” is made up of two parts: “poly” which means “many,” and “mer” which
means “unit.” This diagram illustrates how a polymer’s chemical makeup is
made up of numerous smaller units (monomers) linked together to form a bigger
molecule. Polymerization is a chemical reaction that bonds monomers
together to form a polymer.

Biodegradable Polymers

Microorganisms destroy biodegradable polymers in a suitable amount of time,

ensuring that biodegradable polymers and their degraded products have a low
environmental impact. Enzyme-catalyzed processes break these polymers
down into little segments, and microorganisms manufacture these enzymes.
Method of Preparing Biodegradable Polymers
One technique to make a biodegradable polymer is to add hydrolysable ester
groups to the polymer chain. Ester groups may be inserted into the polymer if
the following acetal is added to an alkene undergoing free radical
polymerisation. These “weak connections” will be broken down by enzymes.

Examples of Biodegradable Polymers

Because the weak links inherent in aliphatic polyesters are vulnerable to

enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis, they constitute an important family of
biodegradable polymers.
 Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate-co-β-hydroxy valerate (PHBV): It’s a 3-
hydroxybutanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic acid copolymer with ester
links joining the monomer units.
Properties of PHBV:
 It is a biodegradable polymer that degrades in the environment due to
bacterial action.
 3-hydroxybutanoic acid gives PHBV its stiffness, whereas 3-
hydroxypentanoic acid gives it its flexibility.
Uses of PHBV:
 For the manufacture of orthopaedic equipment
 As a type of specialised packing material.
 In the case of controlled drug release.
 Polyglycolic Acid (PGA): The chain polymerization of a cyclic dimer of
glycolic acid, HO-CH2COOH, yields polyglycolic.

 Polylactic Acid (PLA): Polymerization of the cyclic dimer of lactic acid (HO-

CH(CH3)COOH) yields polylactic acid.

 Poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL): The lactone of 6-hydroxy hexanoic acid is

chain polymerized to produce it.
 Nylon-2-Nylon-6: Nylon-2-Nylon-6 is a glycine (NH2CH2COOH) and
aminocaproic acid (NH2-(CH2)5COOH) alternating polyamide copolymer.

Properties of Biodegradable Polymers

1. Biodegradable polymers can maintain strong mechanical integrity until they

are degraded.
2. Degradation usually starts at the end-groups because biodegradable
polymers have exceptionally strong carbon backbones that are difficult to
crack.
3. Non-toxic biodegradable polymers
4. Biodegradable polymer degradation rates can be controlled.
5. Biodegradable polymers also lack crystallinity, which inhibits access to end
groups.
6. Hydrophilic polymers are biodegradable polymers.

Advantages of Biodegradable Polymers

 It is Easy to recycle biodegradable polymers: These polymers not only

degrade more quickly when disposed, but they may also be easily recycled
organically. Recycling bio-waste can be composted or used as a renewable
energy source for biogas production, which helps to reduce landfill waste.
 The amount of waste generated is reduced: Depending on the substance
used to produce it and the method of disposal, biodegradable plastic
degrades in a matter of months.
 Reduction in carbon Emission: One of the most notable advantages of
employing biodegradable polymers to make plastic bags instead of
traditional plastic is the huge reduction in carbon emissions throughout the
manufacturing process.
 Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced: Greenhouse gas emissions are
decreased when biodegradable polymers are utilised instead of traditional
plastics.
 Reduced use of petroleum: Oil is a necessary component in traditional
polymer synthesis. It’s no wonder that petroleum hurts the environment
when you consider the amount of trash generated during refining and even
during the extraction of oil from the soil.
 They consume less energy during their manufacture: Biodegradable
plastics use less energy in the long term and do not require the reprocessing
of fossil fuels to manufacture polymers, despite the higher initial investment.

Disadvantages of Biodegradable Polymers

 To contain potentially toxic materials, landfills are designed to be moisture-

free and airtight. Biodegradation is often slowed by these anaerobic
conditions, which help to prevent harmful compounds from being released
from landfills.
 Biodegradable polymers are excessively expensive to produce.
 They aren’t easy to come by.
 Commingled Plastic recycling is not a good fit for biodegradable polymers.

Uses of Biodegradable Polymers

1. These are used for stitches after surgery.

2. Tissue ingrowth materials, controlled medication release systems, plasma
replacements, and other medical items frequently incorporate biodegradable
polymers.
3. These are utilised in agricultural goods like seed coatings and films.
4. These are also seen in fast-food packaging and personal hygiene items.
5. To increase aeration and encourage plant growth, biodegradable polymers
are utilised in and on the soil.
6. Biodegradable polymers are employed in medication delivery because it is
necessary for the drug to be released gradually rather than all at once, and
for the pill to remain safe in the bottle until it is time to consume it.
7. In gene therapy, biodegradable polymers are used.
8. Biodegradable polymers are employed in medicinal agents such as
anticancer, antipsychotic, and anti-inflammatory drugs in the biodegradable
system.