Biodegradable Polymers and Their Emerging Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2025 | Viewed by 3744

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Centre for Natural Resources and The Environment (CERENA), Instituto Superior Técnico da Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: biodegradable polymers; microencapsulation; material characterization; adhesives; polymer electronics; organic photovoltaics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Natural Resources and The Environment (CERENA), Instituto Superior Técnico da Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: polymer materials; biodegradable polymers; microencapsulation; adhesives; polymer synthesis; materials characterization

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Natural Resources and The Environment (CERENA), Instituto Superior Técnico da Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: biomass and residues valorization; polymer materials; thermochemical processes; sustainable processes; circular economy;
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the detrimental impact of traditional non-biodegradable polymers on ecosystems and human health has prompted a shift towards sustainable and benign alternatives. Biodegradable polymers are pivotal in addressing the global plastic pollution crisis by offering eco-friendly options. These polymers help alleviate the burden on ecosystems and oceans by breaking down naturally over time into non-toxic components.

Even though well-known biodegradable polymers are available on the market, presenting alternatives for different applications, the range of choices is still quite limited. Additionally, biodegradable polymers confront challenges regarding mechanical properties, cost, scalability, and public awareness.

This Special Issue aims to curate novel advances in the development of biodegradable polymers and their emerging applications. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Synthesis of novel biodegradable polymers;
  • Physico-chemical and/or mechanical characterization of novel biodegradable polymers;
  • New biodegradable polymer composites;
  • New trends in biodegradable polymers;
  • Biodegradability studies;
  • Application of biodegradable polymers;
  • Life cycle analysis of new biodegradable polymer products.

We invite you to contribute by sharing your innovative research results, fostering a deeper understanding, and promoting the widespread dissemination of knowledge on biodegradable polymers.

Dr. António Aguiar
Dr. Mónica V. Loureiro
Dr. Rui Galhano Dos Santos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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.

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Keywords

  • biodegradability
  • biodegradable polymers
  • environmentally friendly polymers
  • biodegradable composites
  • biodegradability studies
  • applications of biodegradable polymers
  • biopolymers
  • circular economy
  • sustainability

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 5006 KiB  
Article
Production of Nanocellulose from Sugarcane Bagasse and Development of Nanocellulose Conjugated with Polylysine for Fumonisin B1 Toxicity Absorption
by Parichat Thipchai, Korawan Sringarm, Winita Punyodom, Kittisak Jantanasakulwong, Sarinthip Thanakkasaranee, Rangsan Panyathip, Chaiwat Arjin and Pornchai Rachtanapun
Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1881; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131881 - 1 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1255
Abstract
The present study aimed to extract nanocellulose (NC) from sugarcane bagasse agricultural waste through a chemical method (sulfuric acid hydrolysis and ultrasonication). Subsequently, the nanocellulose product was conjugated with polylysine (NC–PL) and assessed for its efficacy in reducing the toxicity of Fumonisin B1 [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to extract nanocellulose (NC) from sugarcane bagasse agricultural waste through a chemical method (sulfuric acid hydrolysis and ultrasonication). Subsequently, the nanocellulose product was conjugated with polylysine (NC–PL) and assessed for its efficacy in reducing the toxicity of Fumonisin B1 (FB1), a mycotoxin produced by fungi commonly found in corn, wheat, and other grains. Experimental results confirmed the successful conjugation of NC and PL, as evidenced by FTIR peaks at 1635 and 1625 cm−1 indicating amide I and amide II vibrations in polylysine (PL). SEM analysis revealed a larger size due to PL coating, consistent with DLS results showing the increased size and positive charge (38.0 mV) on the NC–PL surface. Moreover, the effect of FB1 adsorption by NC and NC–PL was evaluated at various concentrations (0–200,000 μg/mL). NC–PL demonstrated the ability to adsorb FB1 at concentrations of 2000, 20,000, and 200,000 μg/mL, with adsorption efficiencies of 94.4–100%. Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells were utilized to assess NC and NC–PL cytotoxic effects. This result is a preliminary step towards standardizing results for future studies on their application as novel FB1 binders in food, food packaging, and functional feeds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymers and Their Emerging Applications)
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20 pages, 3837 KiB  
Article
Modification of a Carboxymethyl Cellulose/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Hydrogel Film with Citric Acid and Glutaraldehyde Crosslink Agents to Enhance the Anti-Inflammatory Effectiveness of Triamcinolone Acetonide in Wound Healing
by Kanticha Pratinthong, Winita Punyodom, Pensak Jantrawut, Kittisak Jantanasakulwong, Wirongrong Tongdeesoontorn, Montira Sriyai, Rangsan Panyathip, Sarinthip Thanakkasaranee, Patnarin Worajittiphon, Nuttapol Tanadchangsaeng and Pornchai Rachtanapun
Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1798; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131798 - 25 Jun 2024
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Abstract
Anti-inflammatory wound healing involves targeted drug delivery to the wound site using hydrogel materials to prolong drug effectiveness. In this work, hydrogel films were fabricated using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) crosslinked with citric acid (CA) and glutaraldehyde (GA) at different [...] Read more.
Anti-inflammatory wound healing involves targeted drug delivery to the wound site using hydrogel materials to prolong drug effectiveness. In this work, hydrogel films were fabricated using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) crosslinked with citric acid (CA) and glutaraldehyde (GA) at different concentrations. The crosslinker densities were optimized with various CA (2–10% w/v) and GA (1–5% v/v) concentrations. The optimized crosslink densities in the hydrogel exhibited additional functional group peaks in the FT-IR spectra at 1740 cm−1 for the C=O stretching of the ester linkage in CA and at 1060 cm−1 for the C-O-C stretching of the ether group in GA. Significantly, the internal porous structures of hydrogel composite films improved density, swelling capacities, solubility percentage reduction, and decreased water retention capacities with optimized crosslinker densities. Therefore, these hydrogel composite films were utilized as drug carriers for controlled drug release within 24 h during medical treatment. Moreover, the hydrogel films demonstrated increased triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) absorption with higher crosslinker density, resulting in delayed drug release and improved TAA efficiency in anti-inflammatory activity. As a result, the modified hydrogel showed the capability of being an alternative material with enhanced anti-inflammatory efficiency with hydrogel films. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymers and Their Emerging Applications)
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