Biodegradable Polymers

These are the polymers which gets

decomposed by biodegradation.

the

process

of

Biodegradation is defined as a process

carried out by biological systems usually fungi or bacteria wherein a poly chain is cleaved via enzymatic activity.
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Degradation Mechanisms
Enzymatic degradation Hydrolysis

(depend on main chain structure: anhydride > ester > carbonate)

Homogenous degradation Heterogenous degradation

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Requirement of biodegradation
Micro-organisms:

These micro-organisms must exist with the appropriate biochemical machinery to synthesize enzymes specific for the target polymer to initiate the depolymerization process. Temperature, Pressure, Moisture, Oxygen, Type and concentration of salts, Light etc.
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Environment:

Requirement of biodegradation
Substrate:
i) Suitable functional groups ii ) Hydrophilicity iii ) Low molecular weights iv ) Less crystallinity

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Types of biodegradable polymers

Natural biodegradable polymers
Natural

rubber, collagen, lignin, poly(gamma-glutamic acid), starch, cellulose, gelatin, silk, wool etc.

Synthetic biodegradable polymers

Polyvinyl alcohol, polyanhydrides, PHBV or

poly-(3-Hydroxybutyrate-CO-3Hydroxyvalerate), Polycaprolactum, Polylactic acid, Polyglycolide.

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Synthetic or Natural Biodegradable Polymers? Why We Prefer Synthetic Materials:

Tailor-able properties Predictable lot-to-lot uniformity Free from concerns of immunogenicity Reliable source of raw materials

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Polyesters

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PCL (Poly caprolactone)

It is a thermoplastic biodegradable polyester synthesized by chemical Conversion of crude oil, followed by ring opening polymerisation. PCL has good water, oil, solvent and chlorine resistance. This polymer is often used as an additive for resins to improve their processing characteristics and their end use properties (e.g., impact resistance). Being compatible with a range of other materials, PCL can be mixed with starch to lower its cost and increase biodegradability or it can be added as a polymeric plasticizer to PVC. Polycaprolactone is also used for splinting, modeling, and as a feedstock for prototyping systems such as a RepRap, where it is used for Fused Filament Fabrication

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PolyBIOPOL RESIN noates

O HO OH

+
HO

O OH

Bacteria Catalyzed Polymerization

Microbially Catalyzed Depolymerization

O O O

O n m

Polyhydroxy buterate valerate (PHBV)

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Need for biopolymers

Solid waste problems, particularly with

regard to decreasing availability of land fills

Litter problems Entrapment or ingenious hazards to

marine life.

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Medical Applications of Biodegradable Polymers

Woundapplications Dental management

Guided Sutures tissue regeneration Membrane Staples Void filler following tooth extraction Clips Cardiovascular applications Adhesives Stents Surgical meshes Intestinal applications Anastomosis rings Orthopedic devices Pins Drug delivery system Rods Tissue engineering Screws Tacks 5/27/12

Applications of biodegradable problems

The use of packaging materials produced from biopolymers

(bio based polyesters) offers ecological advantages over synthetic plastic packaging because they can be produced from renewable of shampoo bottles.

PHB or poly(-hydroxy butyrate) is used in the manufacture PLA or poly lactic acid: It breaks down in the environment

back to lactic acid which can be metabolized which has application in medical science such as sutures, drug delivery systems and wound clips. It has also agricultural applications such as time release coatings for fertilizers and pesticides.
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Limitations
Biodegradable polymers are very expensive. They are not easily available. In

order to store potentially hazardous materials, landfills are built to be free of moisture and air tight. These anaerobic conditions which serve to guard against the release of hazardous chemicals from landfills also retard biodegradation. polymers are not suitable candidates in the recycling of commingled plastics. 5/27/12

Biodegradable