polymers-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Development of Bio-Based Materials: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications, 3rd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 2578

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Chemical Process and Product Technology Research Centre (Pro2TecS), Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
Interests: rheology; lubricating greases; colloids; biopolymers; gels; adhesives; bio-based materials; vegetable oils; emulsions
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Chemical Process and Product Technology Research Centre (Pro2TecS), Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
Interests: lignocellulose; cellulose pulp; epoxidized biopolymers; bio-based materials; biolubricating grease; rheology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Chemical Process and Product Technology Research Centre (Pro2TecS), Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
Interests: lignocellulosic materials; biomaterials; biopolymers; polyurethane; adhesives; rheology; vegetable oil
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Chemical Process and Product Technology Research Centre (Pro2TecS), Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
Interests: tannin-based materials; rigid foams; porous material characterization; non-aqueous emulsions; stability; phase change materials (PCM); rheology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Following the success of the previous Special Issues of Polymers (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers/special_issues/dev_bio_mater and https://www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers/special_issues/T8F1Z2OS62), we are delighted to launch this third edition, now entitled “Development of Bio-Based Materials: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications, 3rd Edition”.

The present Special Issue deals with the need to find suitable biomaterials and procedures from which alternative products, able to imitate or even enhance the performance of currently used products, can be obtained. Thus, the development of partial or fully bio-based materials is welcome. Furthermore, the search for alternative procedures that can reduce the carbon footprint or optimize both production and energy consumption is also encouraged. Special emphasis can be put on synthesis, characterization, or/and application.

Prof. Dr. Concepción Valencia-Barragán
Dr. Esperanza Cortés Triviño
Dr. Adrián Tenorio-Alfonso
Dr. Clara Delgado-Sánchez
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

  • biomaterials
  • bioproduct
  • biopolymers
  • lignocellulose
  • vegetable oil
  • lignin
  • cellulose
  • hemicellulose
  • chitin chitosan
  • ecofriendly procedure
  • optimization
  • biomass
  • proteins
  • polysaccharides
  • polyphenols
  • bio-sourced products
  • natural resources
  • environmentally-friendly products
  • biodegradation
  • colloids
  • emulsions

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.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

19 pages, 18047 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Composites from Post-Consumer Polypropylene and Oilseed Pomace Fillers
by Karolina Lipska, Izabela Betlej, Katarzyna Rybak, Małgorzata Nowacka and Piotr Boruszewski
Polymers 2024, 16(24), 3557; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16243557 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 618
Abstract
This study investigates the properties of composites produced using post-consumer polypropylene (PP) reinforced with lignocellulosic fillers from Nigella sativa (black cumin) and rapeseed pomace. Using agri-food by-products like pomace supports waste management efforts and reduces the demand for wood in wood–plastic composites. The [...] Read more.
This study investigates the properties of composites produced using post-consumer polypropylene (PP) reinforced with lignocellulosic fillers from Nigella sativa (black cumin) and rapeseed pomace. Using agri-food by-products like pomace supports waste management efforts and reduces the demand for wood in wood–plastic composites. The composite production method combined extrusion and hot flat pressing. Mechanical tests showed a decrease in the tested parameters. Compared to the control variant, the MOE decreased by 26.4% (PP_R variant) and 46.9% (PP_N variant), and the MOR value decreased by 78.7% (PP_N) and 55.1% (PP_R). No significant differences in surface roughness parameters were observed. The composite with nigella particles demonstrated increased wettability. TGA tests showed reduced thermal stability compared to PP and differences between composite variants. The composites exhibited susceptibility to fungal overgrowth, which suggests potential biodegradability. The composites demonstrated complete overgrowth by inoculated fungi, reaching 100% coverage, while samples from PP known to be resistant to biological factors remained unaffected. Although the mechanical properties of the composites were degraded, the use of lignocellulosic fillers offers undeniable advantages, such as waste management of lignocellulosic and polypropylene byproducts, reduced wood demand, and the potential biodegradability of the obtained composites. However, there is a need for further optimization of manufacturing processes and material composition to enhance the material performance. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 7873 KiB  
Article
Dual Antimicrobial Activity of HTCC and Its Nanoparticles: A Synergistic Approach for Antibacterial and Antiviral Applications Through Combined In Silico and In Vitro Studies
by Khanyisile S. Dhlamini, Cyril T. Selepe, Bathabile Ramalapa, Zamani Cele, Kanyane Malatji, Krishna K. Govender, Lesego Tshweu and Suprakas Sinha Ray
Polymers 2024, 16(21), 2999; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16212999 - 25 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1348
Abstract
N-(2-hydroxyl) propyl-3-trimethyl ammonium chitosan chloride (HTCC), a quaternized chitosan derivative, has been shown to exhibit a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, especially against bacteria and enveloped viruses. Despite this, molecular docking studies showing its atomic-level mechanisms against these microorganisms are scarce. Here, for [...] Read more.
N-(2-hydroxyl) propyl-3-trimethyl ammonium chitosan chloride (HTCC), a quaternized chitosan derivative, has been shown to exhibit a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, especially against bacteria and enveloped viruses. Despite this, molecular docking studies showing its atomic-level mechanisms against these microorganisms are scarce. Here, for the first time, we employed molecular docking analyses to investigate the potential antibacterial activity of HTCC against Staphylococcus aureus and its antiviral activity against human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1). According to the findings, HTCC exhibited promising antibacterial activity with high binding affinities; however, it had limited antiviral activity. To validate these theoretical outcomes, experimental studies were conducted. Different derivatives of HTCC were synthesized and characterized using NMR, XRD, FTIR, and DLS. The in vitro assays validated the potent antibacterial efficacy of HTCC against S. aureus, whereas the antiviral studies did not show good antiviral activity. However, our research also revealed a promising avenue for further exploration of the antimicrobial activity of HTCC nanoparticles (NPs), since, thus far, no studies have been conducted to show the antiviral activity of HTCC NPs against HIV-1. The nanosized HTCC exhibited superior antiviral performance compared to the parent polymers, with complete (100%) inhibition of HIV-1 viral activity at the highest tested concentration (0.33 mg/mL). Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

30 pages, 1614 KiB  
Review
Hydrogel-Based Systems as Smart Food Packaging: A Review
by Beata Niemczyk-Soczynska and Paweł Łukasz Sajkiewicz
Polymers 2025, 17(8), 1005; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17081005 - 8 Apr 2025
Viewed by 307
Abstract
In recent years, non-degradable petroleum-based polymer packaging has generated serious disposal, pollution, and ecological issues. The application of biodegradable food packaging for common purposes could overcome these problems. Bio-based hydrogel films are interesting materials as potential alternatives to non-biodegradable commercial food packaging due [...] Read more.
In recent years, non-degradable petroleum-based polymer packaging has generated serious disposal, pollution, and ecological issues. The application of biodegradable food packaging for common purposes could overcome these problems. Bio-based hydrogel films are interesting materials as potential alternatives to non-biodegradable commercial food packaging due to biodegradability, biocompatibility, ease of processability, low cost of production, and the absorption ability of food exudates. The rising need to provide additional functionality for food packaging has led scientists to design approaches extending the shelf life of food products by incorporating antimicrobial and antioxidant agents and sensing the accurate moment of food spoilage. In this review, we thoroughly discuss recent hydrogel-based film applications such as active, intelligent packaging, as well as a combination of these approaches. We highlight their potential as food packaging but also indicate the drawbacks, especially poor barrier and mechanical properties, that need to be improved in the future. We emphasize discussions on the mechanical properties of currently studied hydrogels and compare them with current commercial food packaging. Finally, the future directions of these types of approaches are described. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop