Biopolymer Composites for Water Treatment
A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2026
Special Issue Editors
Interests: polymer synthesis; modification; processing and characterization; especially molecularly imprinted polymers; hydrogels; inorganic–organic nanocomposites; membranes; polyurethanes and polymer recycling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: polymer hybrid inorganic–organic nanocomposites; polymer membranes; nanomaterials; ceramic materials; biocompatible hydrogels; molecularly imprinted polymers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: synthesis and characterization of hydrogels with medical and agricultural applications; synthesis and characterization of bioinspired nanogels as ligand-free targeted delivery systems obtained with the use of molecular imprinting techniques; synthesis and characterization of interpenetrating polymer networks based on natural and synthetic polymers; synthesis and characterization of nanohybrid materials based on functionalization/tailoring of inorganic particles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Addressing escalating water pollution is a critical scientific and engineering challenge arising from industrial development. While essential for progress, industrial activities significantly contribute to environmental contamination. Modern research focuses intensely on developing effective water remediation materials. Key to this is rational design to prevent secondary pollution upon the materials’ end of life. Biopolymer composites emerge as exceptionally promising solutions, offering inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and a renewable origin that avoids dependence on diminishing fossil fuels. Materials like chitosan, alginate, and bio-cellulose, particularly in composite forms, demonstrate enhanced mechanical and physicochemical properties crucial for water treatment applications. Given that remediation relies on interfacial processes (e.g., adsorption and catalysis), high-surface-area formats such as fibers, membranes, and hydrogels are highly advantageous. This rapidly evolving field necessitates dedicated attention. This Special Issue of Applied Sciences invites cutting-edge research contributions on the development, characterization, and application of biopolymer composites for sustainable water treatment technologies.
Dr. Andrei Sarbu
Prof. Dr. Anita-Laura Chiriac
Dr. Anamaria Zaharia
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. Applied Sciences 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 2400 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
- biopolymer composites
- water treatment
- sustainability
- adsorption
- membranes
- hydrogels
- fibers
- contaminant removal
- renewable materials
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
