Applications of Biopolymers in Science, Biotechnology, and Engineering E-Book

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 691

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

APPLICATIONS OF BIOPOLYMERS IN SCIENCE, BIOTECHNOLOGY, AND ENGINEERING

Single volume resource covering the many different applications of biopolymers, along with foundational knowledge like biodegradability and recent advancements

Along with providing in-depth discussions on the fundamentals of biopolymers, such as synthesis, fabrication technologies, and properties, Applications of Biopolymers in Science, Biotechnology, and Engineering covers the applications of biopolymers in various fields such as biotechnology, construction and civil engineering, tissue engineering, dairy technology, packaging, electronics, food, medicine, tissue engineering, and biotechnology. Overall, the text conveys a broad overview of the field, enabling readers to grasp both the fundamentals and applications of the subject.

Edited by three highly qualified academics with significant experience in the field, Applications of Biopolymers in Science, Biotechnology, and Engineering covers sample topics such as:

• Biopolymer blends, IPNs, gels, composites, and nanocomposites, and the properties, fabrication and applications of synthetic biopolymers
• Role of biopolymers and their composites in sustainable agriculture, covering recent developments and future perspectives
• Polymers suitable for the fabrication of prosthetics, and polymers’ uses in different stages of drug delivery and drug design
• Life cycle analysis, biodegradability, and advances in the overall field of biopolymers, along with polymers and biopolymers in sensing applications

Covering both foundational knowledge and a myriad of applications, Applications of Biopolymers in Science, Biotechnology, and Engineering is an essential resource on the subject for practitioners, researchers, and scientists in polymer science and engineering, materials science, surface science, bioengineering, chemical engineering, and any industry/field interested in biopolymers and/or nanocomposites.

Leseprobe

Applications of Biopolymers in Science, Biotechnology, and Engineering

Edited by

Arunima Reghunadhan

Department of ChemistryTKM College of Engineering, KaricodeKollam, KeralaIndia

Akhina H.

International and Interuniversity Centre forNanoscience and NanotechnologyKottayam, KeralaIndia

Sabu Thomas

Mahatma Gandhi UniversityPriyadarshini Hills P.O.Kottayam, KeralaIndia

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Contents

Cover

Title Page

Copyright Page

List of Contributors

Preface

1 Introduction to Biopolymers, Their Blend, IPNs, Gel, Composites, and Nanocomposites

2 Synthetic Biopolymers: Properties, Fabrication, and Applications

3 Role of Biopolymers and Their Composites in Sustainable Agriculture: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives

4 Biopolymer in Bioengineering and Medical Technology

5 Biopolymers and Composites in Tissue Engineering

6 Biopolymers, Composites, Nanocomposites, and Gels in Biotechnology

7 Biopolymers, Blends, Composites, Gels, and Thin Films in Drug Delivery and Drug Design

8 Biopolymers and Their Composites for Biotechnological Applications

9 Biobased Polymers, Their Composites and Blends in Electronics

10 Polymers and Biopolymers in Sensing

11 Applications of Biopolymers in Construction and Civil Engineering

12 Biopolymers and Functional Biopolymers in Food Technology

13 Biopolymers in Food Packaging

14 Nanofiber Composites for Packaging Applications

15 Polymers, Their Composites, Blends, and Nanocomposites for the Fabrication of Prosthetics

Index

End User License Agreement

List of Tables

CHAPTER 01

Table 1.1 Some biopolymers their...

CHAPTER 02

Table 2.1 An overview of applications...

CHAPTER 03

Table 3.1 Details of various...

Table 3.2 Summary of relevant...

Table 3.3 Brief overview of the...

Table 3.4 Comparison of fertilizer...

CHAPTER 04

Table 4.1 Biomedical...

CHAPTER 06

Table 6.1 Recent applications...

Table 6.2 Current patent...

CHAPTER 08

Table 8.1 Examples of some...

Table 8.2 Characteristics...

Table 8.3 Overview of biopolymer...

CHAPTER 09

Table 9.1 A summary of properties...

CHAPTER 10

Table 10.1 Flexible substrates...

CHAPTER 11

Table 11.1 Types of biopolymers...

CHAPTER 12

Table 12.1 Food applications...

Table 12.2 Microencapsulating...

CHAPTER 14

Table 14.1 Influence of...

List of Illustrations

CHAPTER 01

Figure 1.1 Biological...

Figure 1.2 Graphical...

Figure 1.3 Biodegradable...

Figure 1.4 Formation of...

CHAPTER 02

Figure 2.1 Classification...

Figure 2.2 Chemical...

CHAPTER 03

Figure 3.1 A basic framework...

Figure 3.2 Comparison of...

Figure 3.3 Important aspects...

Figure 3.4 Advantages of...

Figure 3.5 Overview of natural...

Figure 3.6 Details of the...

Figure 3.7 Pictorial representation...

Figure 3.8 Future direction...

CHAPTER 04

Figure 4.1 Natural and...

Figure 4.2 Applications...

CHAPTER 05

Figure 5.1 Classification...

Figure 5.2 Different...

Figure 5.3 Classification...

Scheme 5.1 Chemical structure...

Scheme 5.2 Chemical structure...

Scheme 5.3 Chemical structure...

Scheme 5.4 Chain polymeric...

Scheme 5.5 Chemical structure...

Scheme 5.6 Chemical structure...

Scheme 5.7 Chemical structure...

Figure 5.4 Different forms of...

CHAPTER 06

Figure 6.1 Structure of...

Figure 6.2 Basic structure...

Figure 6.3 Structural unit...

Figure 6.4 Basic structural...

Figure 6.5 Polymer composite...

CHAPTER 07

Figure 7.1 Nanoparticles...

Figure 7.2 Building blocks...

Figure 7.3 Types of biomaterials.

Figure 7.4 Role of nanoparticles...

Figure 7.5 Factors affecting...

Figure 7.6 Biopolymers, blends...

CHAPTER 08

Figure 8.1 The visual...

Figure 8.2 The structure...

Figure 8.3 Nanocomposites...

Figure 8.4 General antibacterial...

Figure 8.5 Application-specific...

Figure 8.6 A nanomaterial’s...

CHAPTER 09

Figure 9.1 A general classification...

Figure 9.2 Schematic of numerous...

CHAPTER 10

Figure 10.1 Monomer structures...

Figure 10.2 Illustration...

Figure 10.3 The molecular...

Figure 10.4 Two modes of...

Figure 10.5 A general...

CHAPTER 11

Figure 11.1 Main characteristics...

Figure 11.2 Role of various...

CHAPTER 13

Figure 13.1 Classification...

CHAPTER 14

Figure 14.1 FE-SEM micrographs...

Figure 14.2 Biodegradability...

Figure 14.3 Appearance changes...

Figure 14.4 (a) Multilayer...

CHAPTER 15

Figure 15.1 Diagram of the...

Figure 15.2 (A) The creation ...

Figure 15.3 A schematic of...

Figure 15.4 Shows a schematic...

Figure 15.5 Shows a schematic...

Figure 15.6 (a) Lower-limb...

Figure 15.7 The conventional...

Figure 15.8 Manufacturing...

Figure 15.9 A simplified...

Figure 15.10 A typical...

Guide

Cover

Title Page

Copyright Page

Table of Contents

List of Contributors

Preface

Begin Reading

Index

End User License Agreement

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List of Contributors

Jiji AbrahamDepartment of ChemistryVimala College (Autonomous)ThrissurKeralaIndia

Sanem ArginDepartment of Food EngineeringYeditepe UniversityIstanbulTurkey

Mubeen AshrafDepartment of MicrobiologyUniversity of the Central PunjabLahorePakistan

Ayush BhandariShobhaben Pratapbhai PatelSchool of Pharmacy & Technology ManagementSVKM’S NMIMS (Deemed to be University)MumbaiIndia

Trinath BiswalDepartment of ChemistryVSS University of TechnologyBurlaIndia

Greeshma ChandranDepartment of ChemistryAmrita Vishwa VidyapeethamAmritapuriKeralaIndia

Vinaya ChandranSchool of BiosciencesMahatma Gandhi UniversityKottayamKeralaIndia

Reeba Mary CherianDepartment of ChemistryNewman CollegeThodupuzhaKeralaIndia

andSchool of Chemical SciencesMahatma Gandhi UniversityKottayamKeralaIndia

Akhina H.International and Inter UniversityCentre for Nanoscience andNanotechnologyKottayamKeralaIndia

Enamul HoqueDepartment of Biomedical EngineeringMilitary Institute of Science andTechnologyDhakaBangladesh

Hafiz Muhammad HusnainInstitute of BiotechnologyFaculty of Environment andNatural SciencesBrandenburg University ofTechnology Cottbus-SenftenbergUniversitätsplatzSenftenbergGermany

Nazim HussainCentre for Applied MolecularBiology (CAMB)University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam CampusLahorePakistan

Anwar IftikharCentre for Applied MolecularBiology (CAMB)University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam CampusLahorePakistan

Cintil JoseDepartment of ChemistryNewman CollegeThodupuzhaKeralaIndia

Jithin JoyDepartment of ChemistryNewman CollegeThodupuzhaKeralaIndia

Nimitha K.C.Department of ChemistryVimala College (Autonomous)ThrissurKeralaIndia

Y. Martin LoInstitute for Advanced StudyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenChina

Uttam MannaDepartment of Chemistry andCenter for NanotechnologyIndian Institute of TechnologyGuwahatiAssamIndia

Linu MathewSchool of BiosciencesMahatma Gandhi UniversityKottayamKeralaIndia

Vandana MoossDepartment of ChemistryDr. Viswanath Karad MIT-WorldPeace UniversityPuneMaharashtraIndia

Mehvish MumtazCentre for Applied MolecularBiology (CAMB)University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam CampusLahorePakistan

Saman NoorAtta-ur-Rehman School of AppliedBiosciences (ASAB)National University of Sciencesand Technology (NUST)IslamabadPakistan

Vaisakh P.H.Post Graduate and Research Department of ChemistryBishop Moore CollegeMavelikaraKeralaIndia

Arunima ReghunadhanDepartment of ChemistryTKM College of EngineeringKaricodeKollamKeralaIndia

Rinu Tressia P.X.Department of ChemistryChrist CollegeIrinjalakudaKeralaIndia

Tressia Alias Princy PaulosePost Graduate and ResearchDepartment of ChemistryBishop Moore CollegeMavelikaraKeralaIndia

Eapen PhilipPost Graduate and ResearchDepartment of ChemistryBishop Moore CollegeMavelikaraKeralaIndia

Maneesh Kumar PoddarDepartment of ChemicalEngineeringNational Institute of TechnologyKarnatakaSurathkalMangaloreIndia

Maya RajanSchool of BiosciencesMahatma Gandhi UniversityKottayamKeralaIndia

Reshmy R.Department of Science andHumanitiesProvidence College of EngineeringChengannurKeralaIndia

Malavika SajithDepartment of ChemistryAmrita Vishwa VidyapeethamAmritapuriKeralaIndia

Ushama ShafoyatDepartment of BiomedicalEngineeringMilitary Institute of Science andTechnologyDhakaBangladesh

Areej ShahbazCentre for Applied MolecularBiology (CAMB)University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam CampusLahorePakistan

Hema S.Department of ChemistryAmrita Vishwa VidyapeethamAmritapuriKeralaIndia

Shahena S.School of BiosciencesMahatma Gandhi UniversityKottayamKeralaIndia

Ushama ShafoyatDepartment of BiomedicalEngineeringMilitary Institute of Science andTechnologyDhakaBangladesh

Karishma ShettyShobhaben Pratapbhai PatelSchool of Pharmacy & Technology ManagementSVKM’S NMIMS (Deemed to be University)MumbaiIndia

Sreedeep SDepartment of Civil EngineeringIndian Institute of TechnologyGuwahatiAssamIndia

Abhisekh SahaDepartment of Civil and Environmental EngineeringC.V. Raman Global UniversityBhubaneswarOdishaIndia

Sreedha SambhudevanDepartment of ChemistryAmrita Vishwa VidyapeethamAmritapuriKeralaIndia

Rashid SulthanDepartment of ChemistryAmrita Vishwa VidyapeethamAmritapuriKeralaIndia

Fatiha TabassunDepartment of Biomedical EngineeringMilitary Institute of Science and TechnologyDhakaBangladesh

Divyanshu ThakurDepartment of Chemical EngineeringNational Institute of Technology KarnatakaSurathkalMangaloreIndia

Sabu ThomasSchool of Chemical SciencesMahatma Gandhi UniversityPriyadarshini Hills P.O.KottayamKeralaIndiaandSchool of Energy MaterialsMahatma Gandhi UniversityKottayamKeralaIndia

Rini Thresia VargheseDepartment of ChemistryNewman CollegeThodupuzhaKeralaIndiaandSchool of Chemical SciencesMahatma Gandhi UniversityKottayamKeralaIndia

Sneha Sara VarghesePost Graduate and ResearchDepartment of ChemistryBishop Moore CollegeMavelikaraKeralaIndia

Anubhav WadhwaShobhaben Pratapbhai PatelSchool of Pharmacy & TechnologyManagementSVKM’S NMIMS (Deemed to be University)MumbaiIndia

Kushwant S. YadavShobhaben Pratapbhai PatelSchool of Pharmacy & TechnologyManagementSVKM’S NMIMS (Deemed to be University)MumbaiIndia

Preface

The term “biopolymers,” which is well-known in today’s research trends, has numerous applications. They are extensively chosen all over the world in an effort to investigate the possibilities of replacing traditional polymeric materials that have negative environmental effects. Because they are affordable, offer outstanding qualities, and are fully biodegradable, biopolymers originating from natural sources in particular draw interest. Since a few decades ago, materials like cellulose, starch, alginate, soy protein, etc. have been employed in the composite preparation. Nanofillers of biological origin like chitin and chitosan, are frequently used to improve the characteristics of virgin biopolymers.

The main focus of this book is on how biopolymers are used in engineering and biotechnology-related domains. Biopolymers are being used in biomedicine, drug delivery, and drug production since they are less toxic and extremely biocompatible. The field of engineering is broad, interwoven, and has permeated every aspect of our life. The writers of this book have contributed to the use of biopolymers in several fields, including electronics, civil engineering, bioengineering, etc. The book’s 15 chapters cover a range of technical and technological investigations using biopolymers and composites. The introduction to biopolymers, their composites, and mixes is found in Chapter 1. The processing facets of synthetic biopolymers were covered in Chapter 2. Chapter 4 discusses the use of biopolymers in agriculture, and Chapter 5 discusses their use in bioengineering and medical technology. Chapters 6 to 8 go into detail into tissue engineering and other biotechnological applications. Biopolymers are finding use in the expanding field of electronics engineering. Applications for electronics and sensing are covered in chapters 9 and 10. Biodegradable, antimicrobial, and intelligent packaging are becoming more and more popular in the packaging sector. In this case, bioderived polymers are carefully chosen. Chapters 12 through 14 provide a review of these applications. Chapter 15 mentions applications in prosthetics.

The culmination of many people’s tireless efforts from all across the world is the book. All of the book’s contributors gave tremendous support and assistance, which is greatly appreciated. Sincere gratitude is due to everyone who provided timely contributions and recommendations. A particular thank you to the editorial team at Wiley for their perseverance, direction, and continued support during this project. The target audience for the book includes researchers at all career stages, research scientists, and business professionals. We hope that choosing biopolymers as a component of the research domains will be made easier with the aid of this book.

January, 2024

Arunima ReghunadhanAkhina H.Sabu Thomas

1 Introduction to Biopolymers, Their Blend, IPNs, Gel, Composites, and Nanocomposites

Mehvish Mumtaz1, Nazim Hussain1,*, Mubeen Ashraf2, Hafiz Muhammad Husnain Azam3, and Anwar Iftikhar1

1 Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan2 Department of Microbiology, University of the Central Punjab Lahore, Pakistan3 Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Universitätsplatz Senftenberg, Germany* Corresponding author

1.1 Introduction

The search to employ biomaterials in preventing the use of non-renewable commodities and to lessen the waste created by composite polymers is increasing. In the environment, a variety of bacteria and plants make biopolymers. Microbes need appropriate nutrition and a regulated microenvironment to generate biodegradable polymers. Biopolymers are categorized in a variety of ways based on their size and can be classified according to their degradation rate and the type of the subunit from which they are formed, as well as their polymeric framework [1].

Thermoplastics, thermosetting polymers, and synthetic rubber are all terms for natural polymers that become pliable at a certain elevated temperature and solidify upon cooling. Biobased thermoplastic natural polymers now outnumber thermoplastic polyamides in terms of quantity. Mixtures, hybrids, and composite materials are all classifications for natural polymers based on their content. Biobased blends are made up of polymers from several sources; for instance, the Ecovio (BASF AG), which is made up of PLA and PBAT [2]. Biocomposites are biopolymers strengthened with ordinary fibers and/or resins and preservatives, such as sisal, flax, hemp, jute, banana, wood, and other grasses [3]. A biodegradable matrix is supplemented with fibers in new composite materials. Polymeric biopolymers are polymers that have been synthesized or manipulated for a variety of uses.

Blending is a good technique for making advanced products with the right combination of qualities and may be conducted in a manufacturing environment utilizing standard machinery, thus there is no need for a large investment. Polymer mixes are being employed in a growing variety of industrial applications. The goal of blending might be to increase a material’s efficiency, reduce its susceptibility to moisture, reduce costs, or strengthen the qualities for a particular function. Fragile biosurfactants have properties that are extremely similar to polystyrene (PS), a commonly used commercial thermoplastic. Inadequate mechanical properties led to the creation of several PS-based mixtures and polycaprolactone to address this issue, and PLA, as well as other natural polymers, are likely to become more common [4, 5].

Depending on the chemical ingredients, gels often comprise a material with a low molecular weight that is usually a simple solution in its perfect state (e.g., water). The existence of an additional considerably larger molecular mass constituent, which is frequently found in considerably smaller proportions than the “solvent” ingredient, is therefore attributed to the gel’s flexible nature. This greater molecular weight component might be a polymeric, a colloid particle, or something else entirely; nonetheless, the gel’s flexibility generally indicates that at least some of it has been formed into a full three-dimensional network across the whole hydrogel matrix. The properties are therefore substantially responsible for the processing of mechanical power throughout compression, notably the feature that when the gelatin is deformed the system filaments change in both energetic and entropic terms, contributing to a rise in the rate of energy. Loosening of this situation is generally blocked as long as the network’s links stay intact, although such persistence across extended periods is far from assured. This second feature is crucial because differences in the intrinsic stability of the underlying infrastructure account for a large part of the difficulties in characterizing gels as a group of substances. In addition, when it comes to physiological gels – and those are the major topics for consideration here – great differences in cross-link durations and the ability of these connections to withstand massive deflection without collapsing are possibilities.

Nevertheless, it is widely accepted that all gels (physiological or other) have a system “component” (or “stage”) and a soluble constituent, the latter of which is frequently present in significant amounts. Additional chemical constituents, such as polymers or particulates that have not yet gotten linked to the matrix, may be present in the solvent. The existence of all this low molecular weight substance, on the other hand, is one of the most (but not the most) crucial element of the gel state, because the gelatinization mechanism invariably looks to have solidified a huge volume of liquid. However, this isn’t true, because the molecules are normally free to travel quickly via the channel’s gaps [6].

Heterogeneous composites have already been designed to optimize the qualities of a variety of manufacturing components. Composite, blends, and IPNs all fall within the category of heterogeneous materials. Blends and IPNs are polymeric mixtures that contain two or more polymeric materials. IPNs, unlike blends, are made up of two distinct polymer systems that remain cross-linked to provide a characteristic shape. IPNs are created via interlacements among polymeric chains, while normal polymers are strengthened through inserting load bearing, strengthening fibers within their matrix.

Among the most inherent benefits of interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) composites is that they may integrate the benefits of their constituent polymerization in a single platform, resulting in improved characteristics. Because of their unique features, biopolymers have been extensively explored. IPN-based biomaterials with specialized features for a broad variety of products have been created using their chemical and structural characteristics. IPN constituents also associate the benefits of ordinary and synthetic polymers in a single organization, resulting in improved physical qualities. These types of mizes are known as blended IPNs. Hybrids IPNs have been investigated for improvement of artificial polymer characteristics. IPNs have been made from biopolymers such as polysaccharides, proteins, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). To create hybrid IPNs or semi-IPNs, biopolymer channels have been interleaved through manufactured matrices [7].

Biobased materials are composed of compounds derived from biological material as their basic components. “Green components” are biopolymers bonded with synthetic materials and are biopolymer compounds that may be damaged by climate factors including air, light, heat, or bacteria. Natural fibers are more appealing than synthetic fibers, despite their poor ultimate tensile strength. Natural fibers provide several advantages, including simple availability, combustibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity. Natural fibers suffer from an extensive array of reliability issues, limited computational temperatures, and excessive moisture penetration, all of which harm their use. Much research on fabricating synthetic fibers has been published showing increasing substances using organic fiber-reinforced biopolymer mixtures.

The biopolymer conditions influence the organization, conservational tolerance, and strength of a bio-based combination, whereas the reinforcing fiber affects the elasticity and properties of the composites. Biopolymer materials with commercial modern innovations have significant positive effects in global markets. The attempts to produce environmentally considerate composite materials with enhanced efficiency have yielded some significant worldwide results but are still ongoing. The aim of this analysis will be on composite materials made from polymers such as cellulose, starch, PLA, and PHA, in addition to others that are presently commercialized as well as commercially accessible, and those that are looking encouraging as mixtures for biocomposites in the coming decades [8].

Biopolymer-based nanocomposites are substances that are mostly made up of biopolymer frameworks with nanofillers scattered throughout. Natural polymers are biodegradable polymers derived from living creatures. They also feature a broad range of biological activities that enable the regulation of the boundary by nanofillers and multiresolution fabrication. They’ve been used in a range of ways due to their versatility in operating parameters and the low cost of their finished products. The majority of the research has concentrated on their electrical and biological applications. We will concentrate on biopolymer-based mixtures containing inert nanofillers in this study [9].

1.2 Biopolymers

Biopolymers are biomaterials that comprise monomeric components that are covalently bound and organized into custom larger compounds. The prefix “bio” indicates that the components are biodegradable and created by biological organisms. The word “biopolymer” refers to an inclusive assortment of polymers that are generally obtained from biological sources such as bacteria, plants, or forests. Biopolymers are substances created by artificial organic chemistry from biological entities like vegetable oils, carbohydrates, lipids, resins, proteins, amino acids, etc. [10]. Figure 1.1 shows the biological and artificial sources of biopolymers. Biopolymers are sophisticated chemical aggregates with exact and determined 3D forms and structures, as opposed to manufactured polymers, which have a lower and more unpredictable composition. This is one of the key characteristics that distinguish biopolymers as active molecules in vivo. Their purpose is dependent on their established composition and form. Haemoglobin, for instance, may not be able to transport oxygenated blood if it was not packed into a cubic symmetry.

Figure 1.1 Biological and artificial sources of biopolymers.

The major feature that separates biopolymers from undegradable monomers is their long-term viability, which is enhanced by their degradability. Alternatives to fossil-fuel-based monomers were developed using disposable biopolymers made from renewable resources. They are usually made from flour, glucose, natural fibers, or other organic compostable ingredients in a variety of formulations. Interaction with microorganisms in the soil, compost, or sea debris degrades the biodegradable polymers. Additionally, compared to traditional burning, exposing biodegradable biopolymers to waste disposal by leveraging their property to be digestible by microorganisms in the subsurface greatly decreases CO2 emissions. As a result, the usage of recyclable biopolymers is being highlighted as a way to combat climate change. With the catastrophic condition of the world environment increasing as a consequence of global warming, the development of renewable packaging has increased in recent years, to efficiently use restricted carbon reserves and preserve constrained energy supplies. Additionally, the expense of petroleum feedstocks has risen considerably, and the interest of society in adopting “ecofriendly” (or renewable) resources as the foundation for commercial products is increasing.

Polymer manufacture from renewable energies has been one of the fastest-growing materials fields in recent years. The potential for these polymers to substitute for hydrocarbon monomers is driving their advancement. The following are the primary motivations behind this drive: (1) insufficient nonrenewable supplies; (2) hydrocarbon economic volatility; (3) significance of conventional fuels as a precursor to global warming; (4) its use as a political tool on occasions; and (5) its link to the indiscriminate dumping caused by undegradable plastics [1].

1.3 Types of Biopolymers

Biopolymers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Organic and inorganic natural polymers provide a simple approach to categorizing bioplastics based on their source. Organic biopolymers come from polysaccharides, peptides, and microorganisms, while artificial biopolymers come from biotechnological processes, microbiological, and petrochemical manufacturing [11]. As shown in Figure 1.2 there are various types of biopolymers such as biodegradable, non-biodegradable, biobased (polyester, polyamides) and non-biobased (vinyl polymer, polysaccharide). Elastomers, thermosets, and thermoplastics are the three types of biopolymers that respond to temperature changes [12]. In terms of manufacturing and use, PLA and PHA are the two most extensively utilized biopolymers [13].

Figure 1.2 Graphical representation of types of biopolymers.

Glycosyl connections connect polysaccharides mainly composed of monosaccharide cellulose, chitin, chitosan, starch, hyaluronic acid (HA), dextrin, alginate, carrageenan, and different gums; all are polysaccharide-based biopolymers. The most common carbohydrate, cellulose, is a potential biodegradable polymer that can be found in nearly all plant components [14]. It is excellent material for active chemical administration and synthetic biology because of its degradability, water permeability, specific strength, biocompatibility, cross-linking capabilities, and low immunogenicity [15]. Gelatin is a dehydrated protein complex that is made by incomplete or regulated hydrolysis of an impermeable protein called collagen [16]. Gelatin is a favored biomaterial having functional compounds like OH, NH2, COOH, and others that help in the development of biomaterials. Due to its availability, noteworthy biodegradability, bioactivity, film-forming capacity, gelatinization, exceptional gas barrier qualities, and lower costs, gelatin is a widely acknowledged peptide biomaterial [16]. Silk fibroin is a protein from the cocoon of silkworms. Alanine, glycine, and serine make up the majority of it [15].

Fibroid makes up the core, which is coated with sericin. Wound dressings and other medicinal items include sericin [17]. SPI (soy protein isolate) is a classified metabolic end of soybean oil with a protein content of above 90%. SPI is a biomaterial that has the potential to replace petroleum-based polymers. Since the hydrophilic and useful assemblies of amino acids aid in inter-and intra-molecular associations, soy-based biopolymers have excellent mechanical characteristics [14]. Wheat gluten is a biopolymeric substance made up of about 50% gliadin and 50% glutenin proteins that are formed as a by-product of food processing. Because of its inter- and intra-molecular disulfide connections, cysteine regulates the functional and mechanical characteristics of gluten [18]. Heat treatment aids in the improvement of intermolecular disulfide bridges, resulting in gluten propagation and thermoplastics [19]. To make gluten-based bioplastics, polymer methods of processing such as diffusion, contraction, and metal injection are employed. Disposable composite materials with specified tensile properties are made by combining natural fibers with gluten conditions, which are employed in the manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation segments [18].

PLA (polylactide) is a manufactured biomaterial with distinctive properties such as high stiffness and excellent transparency that can be used to replace traditional polymers [20]. It is a hydrophobic aliphatic polyester that is biodegradable, renewable, recyclable and has great processing properties [21]. PLA synthesis is a multi-step procedure that begins with the generation of lactic acid (LA) and ends with its polymerization [22]. LA, the fundamental component and primary antecedent in PLA manufacture, is primarily formed by fermentation by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) [15]. PLA’s excellent mechanical and tribological qualities make it ideal for making a variety of materials for use in the fabric, packing, pharmaceutical, and auto manufacturing sectors. Renewal, reusability, excellent stability, robust degradability, elevated resistance, and recyclability have all been found in studies on natural fiber-reinforced PLA mixtures [20].

PHAs are the only polyesters generated from microbiological glucose or lipid digestion. They are made by subjecting bacteria to a carbon base while restricting nutrients [23]. Even with its hydrophobic nature, biocompatibility, degradability, and flexible characteristics, PHAs are a popular biomaterial in pharmacological, biomedical engineering, and conventional healthcare devices [15, 22]. PHAs include polyhydroxy valerate (PHV) or polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB), as well as their copolymers poly (hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxy valerate) (PHBV) with various molar ratios, which are all recyclable and biocompatible [24]. PHBs have mechanical qualities that are comparable to petroleum-based polymers like polyethene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) [15]. PHAs are created without the use of farmland and can even be made from CO2 in water ecosystems [25, 26].

1.4 Sources and Preparation of Biopolymers

Biopolymer materials are polymers that have been synthesized or manipulated for use in a variety of ways. The development of innovative biopolymer biosynthesis in plants offers a genuinely renewable natural route for its manufacture. Such polymers, like other thermoplastics, are made in quantity and afterwards moulded for a defined end application. Microorganisms are also elaborated in the production of an assortment of natural polymers, comprising carbohydrates, polyester blends, and polycaprolactone, which can vary from thick fluids through resins which are illustrated in Table 1.1. Their physiological qualities are determined by the polymer’s constitution and molecular weight [27]. The genetic research of microbes may allow customization of the characteristics of diverse natural polymers generated with the help of organisms, making them ideal for high-value clinical uses such as biochemical regeneration and medication administration.

Table 1.1 Some biopolymers their sources and bacterial synthesis [1].

Polymer

Sources

Microbes for their production

Cellulose-based plastic

Glucose synthetic polymer

Estimated that 30% of the detritus generated following the separation of algal oil contains cellulose.

Polyester

Biomass

Akaligenes eurrophus, Escherichia coli

Polylactic acid

Lactic acid polymerization

Algal biomass fermentation through bacteria

Bio polyethene

Ethylene is formed from ethanol through cracking

Algal biomass fermentation through bacteria

Biopolymers made by microbes require specialized nutrition and regulated climatic conditions to form. They are made via cultivation perhaps through mechanical copolymerization that is generated by fermenting. The majority of natural polymers are biodegradable, meaning they have no negative impact on living organisms. The creation of biopolymers from bacteria is thought to occur as a defense measure or as a barrier layer [28].

Biological cycles, microbes, and proteins can break down biopolymers, allowing them to be reabsorbed into the surroundings. Biopolymers, also known as biological materials, are a type of plastic made from sustainable biological sources including vegetable oil, maize flour, and peas malt dextrin. The preservation of fossils fuels and reduction of CO2 emissions can be helped by focusing more on natural polymers, hence encouraging sustainable development [29]. Because of their increased performance and capacity to thrive in a variety of settings, algae are an effective substrate for thermoplastic manufacture amongst microorganisms. The usage of algae allows for the utilization of carbon and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from companies and hydroelectric dams. Compared to conventional techniques of using maize and potato renewable sources as polymers, algae-based resins have been the latest phenomenon in the realm of bioplastics. Whereas algae-based polymers are still in their development, if commercialized they are expected to find use in a variety of sectors. Microbial plastics are currently regarded as a significant source of polymeric materials with high economic opportunities. They can change the way fluids stream, stabilize mixtures, flocculate granules, encapsulate things, and make dispersions [30].

1.5 Alteration of Biopolymers

Emulsification, integration of additives and stabilizers, mixing, and contact manipulation are a few of the methods utilized to adapt the characteristics of natural polymers to the desired use.

1.6 Blending

Blending is the process of combining composite components during a chemical process. Blending is a good technique to make advanced products with the right combination of qualities. This approach may be performed in an industrial context utilising standard machinery, thus there is no need for a massive investment. In a growing number of industrial applications polymeric mixes are being employed. This technology, when contrasted to certain other polymerization processes and the synthesis of novel monomers, may provide a broad variety of characteristics, and fulfil the criteria of the desired application at a cheap cost and in less time. The goal of blending might be to increase a material’s efficiency, reduce its susceptibility to water, reduce costs, or enhance the qualities for a particular function. The primary motivation behind blending might be different from that of other approaches [4, 5]. The various methodologies used in the case of various polymers highlight the most important qualities that need to be addressed. Polyhydroxybutyrate (a PHA) is a flexible but pricey substance; therefore, it is no surprise that its alteration via mixing commonly incorporates starch to save money. The same technique may be seen in PLA, albeit the enhancement of toughness by the incorporation of elastomeric polymers appears to be more essential. The cost of flour is low, but its mechanical qualities are poor, and it is susceptible to water; therefore, it is critical to enhancing these features. Effective mixtures, in these circumstances, should deliver equal performance to the beginning material at a lower cost or provide substantial added value [31, 32]. Fragile biopolymers have properties that are remarkably similar to polystyrene (PS), a broadly utilized thermoplastic [33].

1.7 Plasticization

Plasticization is frequently used to increase the functional properties and various characteristics of biopolymers to meet the needs of certain uses. Thermoplastics convert interfacial tension within polymer matrix into bonds between macromolecules and tiny molecular mass compounds, allowing for more morphological shifts and enhanced compressibility. The phase separation and operating temperature of the substance are also reduced, allowing heat-sensitive polymers like poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) to be melt-processed at lower temperatures [34]. Gelatinization, or the destruction of indigenous starch crystallization by the application of a softener, is required for melt processing of starch [35]. The product created in this modus is identified as thermoplastic starch (TPS). TPS’s rheological and mechanical qualities are comprehensively affected through the plasticizer’s content and configuration. Because of the restricted structural flexibility of its inflexible chains, neat starch has a high glass conversion temperature, and its comparatively great elasticity and toughness are associated with poor deformability and dimensional stability [36]. Elastomeric behavior would be beneficial for a variety of purposes, and it may be obtained by lowering the glass transition temperature (Tg) below room temperature by deformation [37].

1.8 Biopolymer Gels and Their Establishment

So far, the topic of gels has been considered in a fairly broad sense. The network-forming substance, the solution, and the types of interaction between components have not been detailed in great detail. The structure of the gels of concern is described in the following sections. In actuality, such devices would be limited to mechanical gels generated in aquatic media from biopolymeric materials. In practice, this implies that we will be primarily interested in networks made up of amino acids or carbohydrates and that the systems will evolve in an aqueous solution with only simple ions as the other members. In principle, the connections amongst polymers that form networks will range in strength from simple chain interconnections on one end of the union strength measure to chemical bonding on another. This entails a broad range of permeability reactions, as described in the introduction [6]. The production of biopolymer gels is the first challenge to address. There are a variety of techniques available; therefore this is a big topic. If we start with a decently persistent biopolymer suspension in H2O, one apparent strategy is to increase or drop the temperature of the sample significantly. A shift in the polymeric morphological configuration may result from such a temperature change, which is frequently accompanied by, or consequently includes, an interaction event. The hydrogel may occur in the end (if concentrations are sufficient).

When temperatures are dropped, the most likely transformation process is reordering, and hydrogel may be thought of as a frustrated polymer crystallization occurrence in this scenario. As technological management separates from solutions, the network emerges kinetically as a metastable intermediary stage. In some circumstances, such as the thermal properties of polypeptide chains, the polymerization could be disordered, and structure creation is the result of a complicated combination of molecular forces that includes hydrophobic and electrostatic connections. Various techniques to produce biocomposite gels exist in addition to thermodynamic gelatinization processes. An example is the addition of a component to the initial solution. A biopolymer solution may frequently be dissolved by introducing an adequate salt solution or adjusting the pH with acid or alkali.

Certain tiny neutrality compounds, such as urea, may cause aggregation, and in some specific circumstances, the presence of a greater molecular weight component, such as an enzyme, may cause combination. In certain circumstances, the additional component merely accelerates the conformational modification and attachment processes in the same way as a temperature shift would through determining the ability of interconnections inside and between molecules. In some cases, the adjuvant is reported to become actively engaged in the association process. It is conceivable that a mixture of the aforementioned mechanisms is at work. Conventional gels can also be used to make new gels. A gel created using one of the methods above can be subsequently processed by expanding it in a suitable flush. Furthermore, the salve might be created at one degree (or through using a somewhat complicated heating or cooling pattern) and then employed in various situations in practice. Because the gelatinization method is normally kinetically regulated, gels with distinct physical qualities (rigidity, transparency, etc.) might exist under seemingly comparable circumstances if the thermal or chemical processes used to generate them were different. This highlights the challenging subject of gel thermodynamic state (volatile, thermodynamically stable, or unstable), as concerns of thermally, physical, or biochemical evolution would affect whether such substances truly approximated to a global free potential optimum. When the idea of a movement towards stability is used in this study, it should be considered that, in most circumstances, a thermodynamic steady state is meant [6].

1.9 IPNs

IPNs are made up of a combination of two or more polymers. Two distinct polymer systems are cross-linked to generate IPNs, which have a characteristic shape. Composites constructed on an IPN have specialized characteristics for a variety of applications. There exist also IPNs that associate the benefits of ordinary and synthetic polymers in unified coordination, resulting in improved physical qualities. These are known as hybrid IPNs. Hybrid IPNs have been investigated for research into the role of natural polymers in the improvement of thermoplastic characteristics.

1.10 IPNs Consequential from Biopolymers

IPNs have been made by way of biobased polymers such as polysaccharides, proteins, and poly hydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) for a range of uses. To create hybrid IPNs or semi-IPNs, biopolymer systems have been intersected with synthetic channels.

1.11 Alginate

Brown algae create alginate, which is a naturally occurring carbohydrate. Alginate has remained connected with fibrin to customize the capacity of the matrix for in vitro ovarian follicle advancement [38]. As an IPN biomaterial, this biopolymer was used as an organic scaffold for tissue expansion in which alginate has been connected by fibrin to plasticize interpenetrating backgrounds on behalf of in vitro ovarian follicle advancement. IPN hydrogels with electrically sensitive behavior were created using sodium alginate (SA) and poly (diallyl dimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC). Whenever an electrostatic attraction was applied to this inflated IPN hydrogel amongst a couple of electrodes, the IPN displayed folding behavior [39]. With calcium alginate (Ca(II)-Alg) hydrogel and a dextran methacrylate (Dex-MA) copied, new biological and pharmaceutical IPNs have been studied. The UV cross-linking of the methacrylate moieties in this semi-IPN resulted in an IPN robust hydrogel that might be exploited for regulated delivery of bioactive compounds [40]. Wang et al. created additional alginate-based IPNs. They generated a pH-sensitive semi-IPN superabsorbent hydrogel by a linkage of sodium alginate-g-poly (NaAlg-g-PNaA) and direct polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) [41]. These polymers are sensitive to external pH stimuli and exhibit a revocable on‒off distension feature. To make semi-IPNs for the discharge of protein and encapsulation of cell, Pescosolido et al. employed calcium alginate and hydroxyethyl methacrylate-derivatized dextran (Dex-HEMA). They were able to encapsulate chondrocytes and release bovine serum albumin using these semi-IPNs [42].

1.12 Agarose

Agarose is a polymer derived from red algae [43]. This polymer is utilized to create moisturizers consuming increased automated features that are ideal for tissue regeneration as an IPN biopolymer. DeKosky et al. employed agarose to create improved mechanically stable hydrogels for cell entrapment. The shear modulus of agarose–poly diacrylate IPN hydrogels was 4 times higher than that of an unadulterated PEG diacrylate linkage (39.9 kPa against 9.9 kPa) and 4.9 times higher than that of a clean agarose system (8.2 kPa) [44]. In agarose, Lomakin et al. developed an IPN of PEG diacrylate. This substance resembles the cuticle of insects, which is made up of chitin fibers intertwined with a protein base. PEG diacrylate remained utilized to replicate character of cuticular proteins; however, agarose was employed to simulate the part of chitin. These agarose–PEG diacrylate IPNs were reported to have 100 intervals of the resilience of agarose and five intervals the durability of a cross-linked PEG diacrylate system [45].

1.13 Chitosan

Chitosan is a deacetylated imitative of chitin, which is a long-chain polymer of N-acetylglucosamine derived from the exoskeleton of arthropods. Biopolymer j215 is a nautical material derived from crabs and shrimps. Because of its possible uses as a biopolymer in tissue built-up, parting membranes, and surface reactive materials, it has attracted a lot of attention. Peng et al. designed a process for making semi-IPN chitosan and polyether copolymer. In different pH conditions, they looked at pH sensitivity, inflammation and proclamation kinetics, and organizational variations in the gel [46]. Chitosan and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) IPNs have been used to make super porous hydrogels [47]. Poly (vinyl alcohol) adds to the molecular mass of the reinforcer in this situation. It was discovered that adding a tiny quantity of high molecular weight PVA to the mix increased tensile stability while somewhat reducing compressibility. Poly (ethylene glycol) [48], polyallylamine [49], polyvinylpyrrolidone [50], acrylate polylactide (PLA) [51], and glycine–glutamic acid [52] have all been described as chitosan-based IPNs.

1.14 Starch

Starch is a polymer made up of anhydroglucose components that are found in abundance in vegetation. Amylose and amylopectin are the two primary polymers found in native starch granules. Amylopectin is diverged into (a (1! 4)-linked glucose components interconnected by a(1! 6)-D-glucosidic connection), while amylose is mainly straight (a(1! 4)-linked carbohydrate components accessible in boiling water). Because of its gelatin properties, starch is utilized for a variety of industrial purposes, such as a thickening and scaling agent in pulp and leather companies. Murthy et al. [53] made semi-IPN hydrogels out of starch and a variable polymerization of polyethene glycol. The expanding behavior of those same IPN hydrogels was investigated in a variety of functional, pH, and ionic/salty conditions, and its ionic nature resulted in a high level of adaptability. Furthermore, starch has been observed to have certain drawbacks, including poor degradability and fragility [54]. Furthermore, starch-based hydrogels have several drawbacks, such as low structural rigidity, which restricts their use. Li et al. employed a novel cationic starch-g-acrylic acid amphoteric hydrogel that demonstrated improved enlargement measurements and reversibility. Significant compliance, swellability, and mechanical properties were discovered in these semi-IPN hydrogels [55, 56]. Bajpai and Saxena created semi-IPN gels with drug conveyance solicitations using absorbent starch and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) [57]. They utilized riboflavin to figure out how much medication they could release. The amount of medication released was shown to rise when the gel’s carbohydrate content and original water concentration increased.

Benzyl starch (BS) is another chemically modified starch. The use of benzyl starch as an acrylic resin additive, cleaner element, bonding agent, and 216j 8 IPN has been suggested. It is manufactured from biopolymers surfactant [58], which is used in textile completion, paper coatings, soil amendments, and other uses. Semi-IPNs were created by Cao and Zhang using castor oil-based polyurethane (PU) and BS flicks. Starch is also produced from potatoes through a number of processes like receiving, cleaning, drying, rasping, separation and refining as shown in Figure 1.3. With BS contents of 5–70 wt%, their research indicates that these semi-IPN films exhibited virtuous or definite miscibility [59]. Through a rise in the concentration of such semi-IPNs, their structural rigidity and Young’s modulus rose.

Figure 1.3 Biodegradable biopolymers obtained from a natural source (potato). Source: Left photo, DLeonis/Adobe Stock; right photo, Natallia/Adobe Stock.

1.15 Dextran and Gum Arabic

Dextran is an ordinary hydrophilic compostable polysaccharide that has been used in the creation of hydrogels as an alternative to PEG [60]. With good biocompatibility with vascular cells, dextran-based IPNs have been investigated as potential constituents for 3D scaffolds for vascular tissue work as well as renewal [61]. Gum arabic (GA) is a polysaccharide that derives from Acacia (Senegalia senegal and Vachellia seyal) plants [62]. Its excellent solubility, pH constancy, non-toxicity, and antioxidant property are only a few of its notable characteristics [62, 63]. GA has been employed in an assortment of uses, including food, textiles, ceramics, lithography, face paint, and drugs [64].

1.16 Fibrinogen, Collagen and Gelatin

Fibrinogen is a resolvable protein that is crosslinked to fibrin in the form of calcium by the activity of thrombin [38]. Fibrin has been utilized as a soft tissue development platform. Proteins generate collagen and gelatin, which exist as biopolymers. Collagen is a triple-helical protein of amino acid chains that are found in the extracellular surrounding substance of animal tissues. It has been employed because of its ability to generate thermoreversible physical gels. Crosslinking compounds like glutaraldehyde and diphenyl phosphoryl azide can also be used to create collagen chemical gels. Hydrolyzed collagen derived from cattle or porcine skin is used to make gelatin. Gelatin is made up of single-strand particles, unlike collagen, which has a triple-helix shape. Gelatin has been employed as an IPN biomaterial in the usage of IPN microgels to be evaluated as a possible medication distribution mechanism [65].

1.17 Cellulose and its Derivatives

The most common polymer on the planet is cellulose. This biopolymer is found in large amounts in wool and woods, which are used to make newspaper, fabrics, and cellulose byproducts such as cellophane and rayon. Williamson et al. used a 9% LiCl/N, N-dimethylacetamide solvent solution to make semi-IPNs of cellulose and N, N-dimethyl acrylamide (DMA) [66]. The IPNs that resulted were highly transparent and had a modulus that was six times greater than the DMA reference. Close molecular communications and complexation among cellulose and DMA were shown to increase hydraulic flexibility. The utilization of cellulose derived by long indicators for the manufacture of IPN biomaterials has been described by Chauhan et al. [67]. They employed hydroxypropyl cellulose, cyanoethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydrazinodeoxy cellulose, and cellulose phosphate, among other cellulosic compounds. The cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) is another cotton product that is employed. With the aim to make translucent constituents with greater absorption capabilities than the particular polycarbonate system, Laskar et al. utilized CAB to construct polycarbonate/CAB IPNs. They discovered that when the CAB concentration increases, the storage moduli of IPNs do not change much, but the damping qualities, and UV and natural conflict, improve [68]. CAB connections have also been exploited by Fichet et al. [69]. Scientists used a one-pot shot method to make polydimethylsiloxane–CAB IPNs, in which all of the ingredients are mixed combined initially and then the connections are created separately and quasi-simultaneously.

1.18 Polyhydroxyalkanoates

Polyhydroxyalkanoates are a class of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers found in nature that are known as aliphatic polyesters [70]. Bacterial thermoplastics and microbial polyesters are other names for them. They were accumulated as cytoplasmic grains into some species of bacteria as a consequence of physiologic problems generated by an uneven growth owing to a lack of a necessary nutrient and the existence of an overabundance of a carbon foundation [71]. Stitches, cardiovascular coverings, wound bandages, steered skin maintenance technologies, and tissue engineering are only a few of the biomedical applications [70]. PHAs are created by bacteria such as Ralstonia eutropha as well as Pseudomonas oleovorans. Certain PHAs are overly stiff and inelastic, while others are elastomeric but have poor automatic properties. PHAs’ physical and mechanical qualities must be varied and enhanced for packing ingredients, biomedical uses, and other unambiguous presentations [72–74]. By using UV light, Hao and Deng created semi-IPNs of PEG and PHB. When compared to pure PEG hydrogels, the semi-IPNs had better mechanical characteristics [75]. Gursel et al. used photopolymerization of HEMA in the existence of PHBV to create PHBV–HEMA IPN barriers [76]. On the same surface, the membranes showed unique features including partial hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, as well as dramatically changed material performance. Martellini et al. used X-rays from a 60 °C basis with an overall dosage of 10–100 kGy to create semi-IPNs based on PHB with PEG diacrylate at various proportions via radiation-induced polymerization. The results revealed that the hydrophilic ingredient increased water intake by 25% [77].

1.19 Lactide-Derived Polymers

Polylactides are translational aromatic polyamide synthetic materials made from lactic acid, which is commonly generated from maize processing utilising appropriate organisms such as lactobacilli [78]. Polylactides are among the most significant alternative energy natural polymers, and they have been studied for a spectrum of uses such as biological, pharmacological, and manufacturing. The L- and D-enantiomeric forms of lactate are both biologically active. Isotactic semicrystalline polylactides are produced by polymerizing L- or D-lactic acid. A combination of both kinds of L- or D-lactic acid or meso-lactide, on the other hand, can produce atactic polylactide, which is amorphous and has variable characteristics. In terms of developing biomaterials, Rohman et al. attained semi-IPNs established on poly (DL-lactide)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) [79, 80]. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a polyglycolic acid (PGA) and polylactic acid (PLA) copolymer. Hasircia et al. employed PLGA to create IPNs that enhanced the surface strength of PLGA being used in bone plate production [81, 82]. They employed PLGA that was reinforced with a 3D poly (propylene fumarate) network (PPF). This treatment increased the biomechanical qualities of the skeletal plates as well as their specific stiffness.

1.20 Biopolymer Composites

Composites are diverse specific structural mixes made up of two or more constituent materials with a wide range of characteristics [13]. Biopolymer combinations are disposable compounds that are manufactured by connecting numerous environmental fibers from animal and plant bases to usual and/or artificial biopolymers [23]. Normal fiber (conditioning ingredient) is introduced to the biopolymer matrix in a dispersion medium to increase the flexibility and impact resistance of the manufactured aggregate in biopolymer compounds. The goal of making this type of combination remains to create products with strong mechanical characteristics, which are provided by natural fiber and biodegradable polymers. Nanocomposite typically has optimum rigidity and impact resistance of 1 to 4 GPa and 20 to 200 MPa [13]. Thermophysical conductivity, ionic properties, structural traits, crystallinity, degradability, and invention price of biopolymer mixtures are all affected by natural fiber reinforcements [83].

Sustainable development, affordability, ultra-light qualities, considerable tensile stiffness, biocompatibility, renewability of biofuels, and producer and user safety are among the significant advantages of biocomposite 56 K. Biocomposites are composite materials formed by a matrix and a reinforcement of natural fibers. They have several advantages, including being renewable, cheap, recyclable, and biodegradable [84]. One advantage of natural fibers is their low density, which results in a higher specific tensile strength and stiffness than glass fibers, as well as its lower manufacturing costs. Biocomposites can be used alone or as a complement to standard materials, such as carbon fiber. Advocates of bio composites state that the use of these materials improves health and safety in their production, are lighter in weight, have a visual appeal similar to that of wood, and are environmentally superior [84]. Crude and laminated mixtures are two ways of producing fibers and matrices. In bulk mixtures, the fibers are randomly aligned in a three-dimensional framework, virtually displaying isotropic behavior. Laminated compounds, on either side, are higher scores, with fibers aligned in many sheets and linked together in the substrate. Each fiber layer in this combination has a two-dimensional direction [13].

Lightly, desorption, complex formation, reactive connectedness, electrostatic forces, and biomechanical bond formation can all be used to adhere natural fiber to the polymeric substrate. Chemical structure and molecular configuration, geometrical quality of synthetic fibers, the friction coefficient of component substances, and microscopic organization of fiber and matrix are all aspects that influence sticking processes [23].

The type of fiber, the proportion of fiber content, humidity permeation of fiber, surface treatment approach of fiber, arrangement and scheme of the compound, interfacial bonding among fiber and conditions, the existence of vacuums, the inclusion of preservatives such as compatibilizers, nanofiller, and binder, all influence the value of biocomposites [20, 85]. The densities, moisture susceptibility, permeability, process ability, and lifespan of biobased hybrids are all affected by the reinforcing materials and plasticizers used. As a consequence of the hydrophilic nature of fiber and the superficial chemistry of biocomposite, researchers decided to chemically alter the fibers to increase their adherence to a compound. Biochemical alteration enhances the effectiveness of biobased composites based on the treatment type, proper technology, and ambient variables [86]. Bioavailability and stability of biobased composites are key concerns, as there has been no effective method to fully manage those two characteristics to date.

1.21 Processing Techniques of Biopolymer Composites

With biocomposites, a variety of manufacturing processes have been developed and used. Compression moulding, investment casting, and extraction are often used processes for biopolymer compound formulations. Synthetic fiber-reinforced thermoplastics are also made via thermoforming, mixing, and long fiber thermoplastic-direct (LFT-D) processes. Flat semi-finished goods or hybrid fleeces, which are cut precisely to the required dimensions are most commonly utilized in compression moulding [87]. Compression moulding with in situ polymerization produced Ramie fiber included PLA/PCL matrix-based polymeric sustainable composite with silane coupling agent for increased bond strength [88]. The raw ingredients are integrated into the injection moulding machine as fiber-reinforced grains and warmed to a liquid condition for the injection moulding process. The plasticized polymeric substance is then injected into the shape at constant pressure.

1.22 Mechanical Assets of Biopolymer Mixtures

Usual fiber-reinforced biopolymer complexes have dynamic qualities that are suitable for a variety of purposes. Synthetic constituents characteristics of the material fibers and biomaterial, exterior adjustment of fiber, polymeric post processing (temperature and pressure applied), processing environment, fiber loading ability to focus, fiber orientation in the mixture, polycondensation and depolymerization, are all factors that influence the material characteristics of biopolymer blends [20, 86]. The inclusion of waxy compounds in fiber impacts the adhesive and water sorption qualities of composites [89], which influences the material characteristics. Tensile, flexural strengths, contact, static mechanical thermal conductivity, hardness, rigidity, ductility, fragility, creep, and endurance are fundamental characteristics of biopolymer mixtures.

1.23 Biopolymer Nanocomposites

Various biomaterials, which are thermoplastics made after regular foundations or chemically after a biomaterial, are also alternative options owing to their excellent characteristics, which include good barrier effectiveness, biodegradability, or reduced density. They do, nevertheless, have weak mechanical qualities, a small exhaustion lifespan, small biological conflict, deprived longstanding strength, as well as the ability to be molded, shaped, or otherwise manipulated during manufacturing. Nanomaterials, for instance, can have larger specific surface regions, thermal properties, and concentration than standard microfillers, resulting in substances with novel and enhanced characteristics due to synergistic effects that outperform the basic rule of mixtures. Biopolymers combined with nanoparticles and nanocomposites are formed as shown in Figure 1.4. As a result, nanocomposites are useful in a variety of fields, including healthcare, pharmacy, aesthetics, packaged food, farming, forest management, communications, transportation, and architecture. This Special Issue, which includes 17 scientific papers, highlights current breakthroughs in the manufacture, characterization, and uses of biopolymer composites and nanocomposites that are environmentally benign and sustainable.

Figure 1.4