Production and Potential Uses of Biopolymers from Natural Sources and Agro-Industrial Waste II

Dear Colleagues,

The interest in research on polymers from natural sources has grown in recent years. In addition, the need for innovative products is now combined with the interest in low-environmental-impact production systems. From this perspective, scientific research has focused on obtaining production processes that involve the use of agro-industrial waste of little interest to obtain innovative products with high added value. Many of these products can be counted among biopolymers. The great variety of chemical structures offered by nature allows for the classification of various types of molecules as "biopolymers": from enzymes to polysaccharides such as inulin and bacterial exopolysaccharides, to microbial polyesters such as polyhydroxyalkanoates, to polyphenolic-based polymers such as lignin and tannins. The fields of application are equally varied. They range from biotransformations mediated by enzymes to medical and cosmetic applications, and from bioplastics to food packaging and bioremediation through the uptake of pollutants.

This Special Issue, “Production and Potential Uses of Biopolymers from Natural Sources and Agro-Industrial Waste II”, therefore aims to collect and present the most recent advances in the field of biopolymers, from production to innovative properties, to any applications. The natural sources covered by this Special Issue belong to both the plant kingdom and microorganisms, whereas agro-industrial waste mainly refers to, but is not limited to, biomass that is currently poorly exploited. We would like to invite researchers of the sector to take part in this Special Issue by submitting a contribution in their field of expertise. Both original research papers or reviews are welcome.

Dr. Giuseppe Squillaci
Dr. Alessandra Morana
Guest Editors

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• agro-industrial waste
• bioplastics
• biopolymers
• biomaterials
• enzymes
• exopolysaccharides
• food-packaging
• polyhydroxyalkanoates
• tannins