Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.4
3.2
Journals
Materials
Special Issues
Advances in Biomass-Derived and Biodegradable Polymer Materials: Synthesis and Application
materials-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Materials Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Advances in Biomass-Derived and Biodegradable Polymer Materials: Synthesis and Application

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymeric Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2026 | Viewed by 5059

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jongbok Lee

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
Interests: functional organic/polymer synthesis; conjugated ladder-type polymers; biomass-derived polymer synthesis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the increasing global temperature, reliance on fossil fuels, and great amounts of plastic waste, the development of biomass-derived and biodegradable polymers has become a pivotal area of research. These sustainable materials provide feasible alternatives to traditional petroleum-based polymers, reducing pollution and supporting circular economy principles.

This Special Issue seeks to highlight recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, and application of polymers derived from renewable resources, such as agricultural residues, forestry by-products, and other biomass sources. Key topics include innovative synthesis methods, material property enhancements, and the preparation of biodegradable polymers with tailored functionalities for specific uses. Emphasis will also be placed on the relationship between polymer structure and performance, environmental impact assessments, and biodegradability studies. By focusing on these areas, this Special Issue aims to contribute to the development of sustainable polymer solutions for a variety of industries.

Potential contributors are invited to submit original research articles, reviews, and case studies exploring these cutting-edge advancements. Submissions featuring interdisciplinary approaches, novel applications in packaging, medical devices, agriculture, and strategies for scaling up production are particularly encouraged. This Special Issue offers authors a platform to disseminate their findings, foster collaboration, and drive innovation toward eco-friendly polymer materials, enhancing their visibility within the global scientific community.

Dr. Jongbok Lee
Guest Editor

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. Materials 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 2600 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

  • biomass-derived polymer materials
  • bioplastics
  • biodegradable
  • carbon neutrality
  • sustainable 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.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

20 pages, 2236 KB  
Article
Characterization of Lignocellulosic Byproducts from the Portuguese Forest: Valorization and Sustainable Use
by Morgana Macena, Luísa Cruz-Lopes, Lucas Grosche, Isabel Santos-Vieira, Bruno Esteves and Helena Pereira
Materials 2025, 18(20), 4716; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18204716 - 14 Oct 2025
Viewed by 297
Abstract
The increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability has placed biomass as a versatile and renewable resource, while the management and disposal of forest byproducts remain a significant challenge. This study explores the valorization of forest biomass residues derived from Pinus pinaster, Pinus pinea [...] Read more.
The increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability has placed biomass as a versatile and renewable resource, while the management and disposal of forest byproducts remain a significant challenge. This study explores the valorization of forest biomass residues derived from Pinus pinaster, Pinus pinea, and the invasive species Acacia dealbata, with a focus on their potential application as bioadsorbents. A comprehensive physicochemical characterization was conducted for different biomass fractions (leaves, needles, and branches of varying diameters). Leaves and needles contained higher amounts of extractives (from 7.7% in acacia leaves to 18.8% in maritime pine needles) and ash (3.4 and 4.2% in acacia leaves and stone pine needles, respectively), whereas branches contained more holocellulose (from 59.6% in P. pinea small branches to 79.2% in P. pinaster large branches). ATR-FTIR and pHpzc analyses indicated compositional and surface charge differences, with higher pHpzc values in A. dealbata relative to Pinus. TG analysis showed that acacia large branches degraded at a lower temperature (320 °C) compared to Pinus species (440–450 °C). Overall, the findings highlight the suitability of these underutilized forest byproducts as bioadsorbents, contributing to the advancement of circular economy practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Derived and Biodegradable Polymer Materials: Synthesis and Application)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4672 KB  
Article
Challenges in Nanofiber Formation from NADES-Based Anthocyanin Extracts: A Physicochemical Perspective
by Paulina Wróbel, Katarzyna Latacz, Jacek Chęcmanowski and Anna Witek-Krowiak
Materials 2025, 18(19), 4502; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18194502 - 27 Sep 2025
Viewed by 388
Abstract
This study explores the challenge of using anthocyanin-rich natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) extracts to produce electrospun nanofibers for biodegradable freshness indicators. Red cabbage was extracted with two choline chloride-based NADESs (with citric or lactic acid), modified with 10–50% ethanol to lower viscosity, [...] Read more.
This study explores the challenge of using anthocyanin-rich natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) extracts to produce electrospun nanofibers for biodegradable freshness indicators. Red cabbage was extracted with two choline chloride-based NADESs (with citric or lactic acid), modified with 10–50% ethanol to lower viscosity, and compared with a standard 50% ethanol-water solvent. The citric acid NADES with 30% ethanol gave the highest anthocyanin yield (approx. 0.312 mg/mL, more than 20 times higher than the ethanol extract at approx. 0.014 mg/mL). For fiber fabrication, a polymer carrier blend of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and sodium alginate (Alg) was employed, known to form hydrogen-bonded networks that promote chain entanglement and facilitate electrospinning. Despite this, the NADES extracts could not be electrospun into nanofibers, while the ethanol extract produced continuous, smooth fibers with diameters of approximately 100 nm. This highlights a clear trade-off; NADESs improve anthocyanin recovery, but their high viscosity and low volatility prevent fiber formation under standard electrospinning conditions. To leverage the benefits of NADES extracts, future work could focus on hybrid systems, such as multilayer films, core-shell fibers, or microcapsules, where the extracts are stabilized without relying solely on direct electrospinning. In storage tests, ethanol-extract nanofibers acted as effective pH-responsive indicators, showing visible color change from day 4 of meat storage. At the same time, alginate films with NADES extract remained unchanged after 12 days. These results highlight the importance of striking a balance between chemical stability and sensing sensitivity when designing anthocyanin-based smart packaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Derived and Biodegradable Polymer Materials: Synthesis and Application)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2448 KB  
Article
New Biodegradable Polyester–Polyurethane Biocompositions Enriched by Urea
by Iwona Zarzyka, Beata Krzykowska, Karol Hęclik, Wiesław Frącz, Grzegorz Janowski, Łukasz Bąk, Tomasz Klepka, Jarosław Bieniaś, Monika Ostapiuk, Aneta Tor-Świątek, Magda Droździel-Jurkiewicz, Anita Białkowska, Adam Tomczyk, Anna Falkowska and Michał Kuciej
Materials 2025, 18(16), 3842; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18163842 - 15 Aug 2025
Viewed by 689
Abstract
Novel polyester–polyurethane polymeric materials were formulated by combining a natural aliphatic polyester, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB), with a synthetic aliphatic polyurethane via melt blending. The resulting fully biodegradable compositions were functionally modified through the incorporation of urea, with the aim of enabling post-consumer utilization of [...] Read more.
Novel polyester–polyurethane polymeric materials were formulated by combining a natural aliphatic polyester, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB), with a synthetic aliphatic polyurethane via melt blending. The resulting fully biodegradable compositions were functionally modified through the incorporation of urea, with the aim of enabling post-consumer utilization of the material residues as nitrogen-rich fertilizers. The fabrication process was systematically established and optimized, focusing on homogeneous blending and processability. Comprehensive mechanical characterization—including tensile strength, impact resistance, and Shore hardness—was performed. Among the tested formulations, composites containing 1 wt.% urea demonstrated superior mechanical performance and optimal processing behavior. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to investigate molecular-level interactions between polymeric phases and urea, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to assess the morphological characteristics of the resulting biocompositions. Comparative analyses of the physico-mechanical properties and biodegradability were conducted among the urea-modified compositions, binary P3HB–polyurethane blends, and neat P3HB. The observed improvements in mechanical integrity and functional biodegradability suggest that the developed urea-enriched compositions are promising candidates for the fabrication of eco-friendly seedling pots via injection molding technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Derived and Biodegradable Polymer Materials: Synthesis and Application)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 594 KB  
Article
Influence of In Situ Polymerization on the Compressive Strength of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Recovered from Demolition Timber and Two Forest-Sourced Species: European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa)
by Emil Żmuda and Kamil Roman
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3439; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153439 - 22 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 324
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of in situ polymerization on the compressive strength of demolition-derived Scots pine, European beech, and black alder wood. The treatment applied was based on previously confirmed in situ polymerization systems in wood, which are known to lead to [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effect of in situ polymerization on the compressive strength of demolition-derived Scots pine, European beech, and black alder wood. The treatment applied was based on previously confirmed in situ polymerization systems in wood, which are known to lead to polymer formation and composite-like structures. In this study, we assumed similar behavior and focused on a mechanical evaluation of the modified wood. Three different polymer systems were applied to evaluate differences in performance. After modification, the compressive strength levels increased by 60% in beech, 119% in alder, and 150% in pine, with corresponding increases in density and weight percent gain (WPG). The highest relative improvement was observed in the least dense species, pine. The findings suggest that polymer treatment can significantly enhance the mechanical properties, likely due to the incorporation of polymer into the wood matrix; however, this inference is based on indirect physical evidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Derived and Biodegradable Polymer Materials: Synthesis and Application)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 833 KB  
Article
Kombucha as a Solvent for Chitosan Coatings: A New Strategy to Extend Shelf Life of Red Peppers
by Karolina Stefanowska, Magdalena Woźniak, Anna Sip, Róża Biegańska-Marecik, Renata Dobrucka and Izabela Ratajczak
Materials 2025, 18(7), 1605; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18071605 - 2 Apr 2025
Viewed by 950
Abstract
Plastic pollution and environmental degradation necessitate the development of natural, biodegradable food preservation materials. This study examined chitosan-based film-forming solutions using kombucha derived from black tea, lemon balm, and chamomile as natural solvents rich in bioactive compounds. Lemon balm kombucha solutions were used [...] Read more.
Plastic pollution and environmental degradation necessitate the development of natural, biodegradable food preservation materials. This study examined chitosan-based film-forming solutions using kombucha derived from black tea, lemon balm, and chamomile as natural solvents rich in bioactive compounds. Lemon balm kombucha solutions were used to create chitosan films and coat red peppers. The study assessed the mechanical properties of the films and the effects of chitosan coating on peppers, including texture, ascorbic acid content, sensory attributes, and antioxidant activity. Microbiological tests showed that a chitosan–lemon balm kombucha solution acted against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica. Lemon balm kombucha had high total phenolic (381.67 µg GAeq/mL) and flavonoid (21.05 µg Qeq/mL) contents. The chitosan film exhibited a tensile strength of 11.08 MPa and an elongation at break of 53.45%. The water vapor transmission rate of the obtained chitosan film was 131.84 g/m2·24 h. Coated peppers showed a 32% increase in skin strength and retained 11% more ascorbic acid after 15 days. Sensory evaluation revealed no significant differences from controls. These results highlight lemon balm kombucha as a promising natural solvent for chitosan coatings, which have the potential to extend red pepper shelf life and to support food preservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Derived and Biodegradable Polymer Materials: Synthesis and Application)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 5221 KB  
Article
Analysis of Energy Efficiency in WPC Production from Pinus sylvestris Wood and Thermoplastic ABS Supported by the HWE Method
by Kamil Roman and Katarzyna Fedorowicz
Materials 2025, 18(5), 980; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18050980 - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 621
Abstract
This study evaluates the mechanical energy consumption involved in producing wood–plastic composites (WPC) using Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and a acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene terpolymer (ABS) thermoplastic. The research examines the effects of Hot Water Extraction (HWE) on the properties of Pinus sylvestris biomass [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the mechanical energy consumption involved in producing wood–plastic composites (WPC) using Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and a acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene terpolymer (ABS) thermoplastic. The research examines the effects of Hot Water Extraction (HWE) on the properties of Pinus sylvestris biomass and its application in biocomposite production. Two Pinus sylvestris fractions, f1 (0–1 mm) and f2 (1–4 mm), were analyzed with and without HWE during compaction. The energy requirements and material performance were assessed through moisture content control, ash content determination, and compaction testing. The results show that HWE significantly improves the physical and chemical properties of Pinus sylvestris, increasing its suitability for WPC production. The HWE-treated samples consumed less energy and exhibited a higher density compared to the untreated materials. Statistical analysis validated the reliability of the methodology and revealed significant differences in the energy efficiency and material compatibility between treated and untreated samples. This study highlights the potential use of Pinus sylvestris and ABS for renewable bio-composite production, underlining the critical role of HWE in enhancing the properties of lignocellulosic materials. The findings contribute to developing energy-efficient industrial processes aligning with circular economy objectives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Derived and Biodegradable Polymer Materials: Synthesis and Application)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

33 pages, 2623 KB  
Review
Biodegradable Plastics as Sustainable Alternatives: Advances, Basics, Challenges, and Directions for the Future
by Eunbin Hwang, Yung-Hun Yang, Jiho Choi, See-Hyoung Park, Kyungmoon Park and Jongbok Lee
Materials 2025, 18(18), 4247; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18184247 - 10 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1410
Abstract
This review explores the current state and future potential of bioplastics as sustainable alternatives to conventional fossil-based polymers. It provides a detailed examination of the classification, molecular structures, and synthetic routes of major bioplastics, including polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polycaprolactone (PCL), [...] Read more.
This review explores the current state and future potential of bioplastics as sustainable alternatives to conventional fossil-based polymers. It provides a detailed examination of the classification, molecular structures, and synthetic routes of major bioplastics, including polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT), and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Special emphasis is placed on the unique properties and degradation behaviors of each material across various environmental conditions, such as industrial composting, soil, and marine ecosystems. The manuscript further discusses advanced strategies in polymer design, such as copolymerization, reactive blending, and incorporation of nano- or micro-scale additives, to enhance flexibility, thermal resistance, barrier properties, and mechanical integrity. In addition to technical advancements, the review critically addresses key limitations impeding large-scale commercialization, including high production costs, limited availability of bio-based monomers, and inadequate end-of-life treatment infrastructure. Finally, future research directions are proposed to advance the development of fully bio-based, functionally tunable, and circular bioplastics that meet the performance demands of modern applications while reducing environmental impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Derived and Biodegradable Polymer Materials: Synthesis and Application)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop