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Biopolymers Pathway from Biomass to Plastic-Free Living

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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomacromolecules, Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2022) | Viewed by 23483

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Uroš Novak

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Guest Editor

Department of Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Interests: biopolymers; green chemistry; circular economy; active packaging
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Sanja I. Šešlija

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Co-Guest Editor

Institute of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: biopolymers; pectin; edible film; polyesters

Dr. Filipa A. Vicente

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Co-Guest Editor

Department of Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Interests: biopolymers; green downstream processes; alternative solvents; circular economy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Waste/residual biomass represents a vast and potentially underexplored source of biopolymer material. These materials have recently (re)gained popularity, due to their special properties, which in many industries can become an alternative for fossil fuel-based plastic. However, high production costs, low performance, and not less important, ethical implications, still hinder the market penetration of plastics-free alternatives. To this scope, new chemical pathways, new raw materials (e.g., biopolymers), and non-conventional deposition technologies have been used. To show their potential, which goes beyond current plastic properties, a pathway from waste to plastic-free living needs to be addressed.

This Special Issue aims to publish original works and reviews about the recent advances in biopolymer science and applications devoted to facing the big challenges with plastic technologies and use. Research works dealing with the enhancing the mechanical and barrier performance of biopolymers packaging, biodegradability, recycling, biopolymer processing, or active packaging may find in the present issue a good platform to gain visibility. Moreover, a novel eco-friendly isolation processes of the biopolymers or/and plant extract, which can be employed with the biopolymer packaging, are part of this Special Issue.

Dr. Uroš Novak
Dr. Sanja I. Šešlija
Dr. Filipa A. Vicente
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

biopolymers
biomass
active packaging
biodegradability
recycling
green processing
circular economy

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Heat Transfer in Cassava Starch Biopolymers: Effect of the Addition of Borax

by Adriana Paola Franco-Bacca, Fernando Cervantes-Alvarez, Juan Daniel Macías, Joan Alexis Castro-Betancur, Reynell Junior Pérez-Blanco, Oscar Hernán Giraldo Osorio, Nayda Patricia Arias Duque, Geonel Rodríguez-Gattorno and Juan José Alvarado-Gil

Polymers 2021, 13(23), 4106; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13234106 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2265

Abstract

In recent years, polymer engineering, at the molecular level, has proven to be an effective strategy to modulate thermal conductivity. Polymers have great applicability in the food packaging industry, in which transparency, lightness, flexibility, and biodegradability are highly desirable characteristics. In this work, a possible manner to adjust the thermal conductivity in cassava starch biopolymer films is presented. Our approach is based on modifying the starch molecular structure through the addition of borax, which has been previously used as an intermolecular bond reinforcer. We found that the thermal conductivity increases linearly with borax content. This effect is related to the crosslinking effect that allows the principal biopolymer chains to be brought closer together, generating an improved interconnected network favoring heat transfer. The highest value of the thermal conductivity is reached at a volume fraction of 1.40% of borax added. Our analyses indicate that the heat transport improves as borax concentration increases, while for borax volume fractions above 1.40%, heat carriers scattering phenomena induce a decrement in thermal conductivity. Additionally, to obtain a deeper understanding of our results, structural, optical, and mechanical characterizations were also performed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers Pathway from Biomass to Plastic-Free Living)

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14 pages, 4117 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmentally Friendly Melt-Processed Chitosan/Starch Composites Modified with PVA and Lignin

by Weronika Janik, Anna Wojtala, Anna Pietruszka, Gabriela Dudek and Ewa Sabura

Polymers 2021, 13(16), 2685; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13162685 - 11 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2857

Abstract

Chitosan/starch-based composites were prepared by thermomechanical processing as an alternative to the traditional solution method, with the aim of fabricating environmentally friendly materials on a larger scale. Different contents and types of lignin and poly(vinyl alcohol), PVA were incorporated into chitosan/starch compositions to improve their mechanical properties. It was demonstrated that the presence of both lignin and PVA increases the values of tensile strength and elongation at break of the composites. Moreover, it was observed that by the selection of a type of lignin and PVA, it was possible to tailor the internal microstructure of the samples. As observed in scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs, the introduction of lignin and PVA resulted in the formation of a smooth surface and homogeneous samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers Pathway from Biomass to Plastic-Free Living)

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12 pages, 2130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Reactive Diluent for Bio-Based Unsaturated Polyester Resin: A Rheological and Thermomechanical Study

by Pavle Spasojevic, Sanja Seslija, Maja Markovic, Olga Pantic, Katarina Antic and Milica Spasojevic

Polymers 2021, 13(16), 2667; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13162667 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3470

Abstract

Nowadays, unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) are mainly obtained from non-renewable resources. The ever-increasing regulations and the continuous demand for more sustainability have led to extensive research towards more environmentally suitable alternatives to petroleum-based materials. However, one of the main disadvantages of bio-based UPR is their relatively high viscosity compared to petrochemical ones. In order to overcome this drawback, in this work, we investigated the possibility to lower the resin viscosity utilizing a mixture of dimethyl itaconate (DMI) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) as a reactive diluent. The effect of the DMI and MMA ratio on resin rheological properties was investigated. The optimal curing parameters were determined and all UPRs had a high gel content, which was shown to be dependent on the DMI and MMA ratio in the formulation. Furthermore, thermomechanical and mechanical properties of the resulting network were also found to be affected by the used reactive diluent mixture. A small substitution of DMI by MMA proved to be advantageous since it offers lower resin viscosity and improved mechanical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers Pathway from Biomass to Plastic-Free Living)

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15 pages, 2128 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Nanocellulose, Alginate and Chitosan Nanocomposites Designed as Active Film Packaging Materials

by Gregor Lavrič, Ana Oberlintner, Inese Filipova, Uroš Novak, Blaž Likozar and Urška Vrabič-Brodnjak

Polymers 2021, 13(15), 2523; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13152523 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 4997

Abstract

The aim of the study was to characterize and compare films made of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), nano-fibrils (CNF), and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) in combination with chitosan and alginate in terms of applicability for potential food packaging applications. In total, 25 different formulations were made and evaluated, and seven biopolymer films with the best mechanical performance (tensile strength, strain)—alginate, alginate with 5% CNC, chitosan, chitosan with 3% CNC, BNC with and without glycerol, and CNF with glycerol—were selected and investigated regarding morphology (SEM), density, contact angle, surface energy, water absorption, and oxygen and water barrier properties. Studies revealed that polysaccharide-based films with added CNC are the most suitable for packaging purposes, and better dispersing of nanocellulose in chitosan than in alginate was observed. Results showed an increase in hydrophobicity (increase of contact angle and reduced moisture absorption) of chitosan and alginate films with the addition of CNC, and chitosan with 3% CNC had the highest contact angle, 108 ± 2, and 15% lower moisture absorption compared to pure chitosan. Overall, the ability of nanocellulose additives to preserve the structure and function of chitosan and alginate materials in a humid environment was convincingly demonstrated. Barrier properties were improved by combining the biopolymers, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) was reduced by 15–45% and oxygen permeability (OTR) up to 45% by adding nanocellulose compared to single biopolymer formulations. It was concluded that with a good oxygen barrier, a water barrier that is comparable to PLA, and good mechanical properties, biopolymer films would be a good alternative to conventional plastic packaging used for ready-to-eat foods with short storage time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers Pathway from Biomass to Plastic-Free Living)

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20 pages, 3628 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ambient-Pressured Acid-Catalysed Ethylene Glycol Organosolv Process: Liquefaction Structure–Activity Relationships from Model Cellulose–Lignin Mixtures to Lignocellulosic Wood Biomass

by Edita Jasiukaitytė-Grojzdek, Filipa A. Vicente, Miha Grilc and Blaž Likozar

Polymers 2021, 13(12), 1988; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13121988 - 17 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2927

Abstract

Raising the awareness of carbon dioxide emissions, climate global warming and fossil fuel depletion has renewed the transition towards a circular economy approach, starting by addressing active bio-economic precepts that all portion amounts of wood are valorised as products. This is accomplished by minimizing residues formed (preferably no waste materials), maximizing reaction productivity yields, and optimising catalysed chemical by-products. Within framework structure determination, the present work aims at drawing a parallel between the characterisation of cellulose–lignin mixture (derived system model) liquefaction and real conversion process in the acidified ethylene glycol at moderate process conditions, i.e., 150 °C, ambient atmospheric pressure and potential bio-based solvent, for 4 h. Extended-processing liquid phase is characterized considering catalyst-transformed reactant species being produced, mainly recovered lignin-based polymer, by quantitative 31P, 13C and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, as well as the size exclusion- (SEC) or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation for higher or lower molecular weight compound compositions, respectively. Such mechanistic pathway analytics help to understand the steps in mild organosolv biopolymer fractionation, which is one of the key industrial barriers preventing a more widespread manufacturing of the biomass-derived (hydroxyl, carbonyl or carboxyl) aromatic monomers or oligomers for polycarbonates, polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes and (epoxy) resins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers Pathway from Biomass to Plastic-Free Living)

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Review

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21 pages, 1191 KiB

Open AccessReview

Application of Nanotechnology to Improve the Performance of Biodegradable Biopolymer-Based Packaging Materials

by Arezou Khezerlou, Milad Tavassoli, Mahmood Alizadeh Sani, Keyhan Mohammadi, Ali Ehsani and David Julian McClements

Polymers 2021, 13(24), 4399; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13244399 - 15 Dec 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5160

Abstract

There is great interest in developing biodegradable biopolymer-based packaging materials whose functional performance is enhanced by incorporating active compounds into them, such as light blockers, plasticizers, crosslinkers, diffusion blockers, antimicrobials, antioxidants, and sensors. However, many of these compounds are volatile, chemically unstable, water-insoluble, matrix incompatible, or have adverse effects on film properties, which makes them difficult to directly incorporate into the packaging materials. These challenges can often be overcome by encapsulating the active compounds within food-grade nanoparticles, which are then introduced into the packaging materials. The presence of these nanoencapsulated active compounds in biopolymer-based coatings or films can greatly improve their functional performance. For example, anthocyanins can be used as light-blockers to retard oxidation reactions, or they can be used as pH/gas/temperature sensors to produce smart indicators to monitor the freshness of packaged foods. Encapsulated botanical extracts (like essential oils) can be used to increase the shelf life of foods due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The resistance of packaging materials to external factors can be improved by incorporating plasticizers (glycerol, sorbitol), crosslinkers (glutaraldehyde, tannic acid), and fillers (nanoparticles or nanofibers). Nanoenabled delivery systems can also be designed to control the release of active ingredients (such as antimicrobials or antioxidants) into the packaged food over time, which may extend their efficacy. This article reviews the different kinds of nanocarriers available for loading active compounds into these types of packaging materials and then discusses their impact on the optical, mechanical, thermal, barrier, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of the packaging materials. Furthermore, it highlights the different kinds of bioactive compounds that can be incorporated into biopolymer-based packaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers Pathway from Biomass to Plastic-Free Living)

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