Improving the sustainable performance of Biopolymers using nanotechnology

ABSTRACT

Biodegradable polymers are the sustainable alternative to substitute the non-degradable synthetic plastics. The biopolymers and/ or bio-based polymers such as chitosan, starch, poly (lactic acid), poly (caprolactone) have become feasible alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics. For the past few decades, a plethora of nanoparticles have been produced through various methods and utilized to advance technologies for medical and environmental applications. The current review provides an update regarding the sustainable application of biopolymers using current nanotechnology in the field of pharmaceuticals, environment, and public health.

KEYWORDS:

• Chitosan
• biopolymer
• biodegradable
• nanotechnology
• nanoparticle

Abbreviations

ASTM: American Society of Testing and Materials; BC: Bacterial cellulose; BHMF: Hydroxyl methyl furan; BpF: Bioplastic fertilizer; CBH: Cellobiohydrolases; CF: Cotton fiber; CMR: Cumulative measurement respirometric; CNS: Carbon nanospheres; CPX: Ciprofloxacin; DMT: Dimethyl terephthalate; DP: Degree of polymerization; EFB: Empty fruit bunch; EG: Endoglucanases; FDCA: Furandicarboxylic acid; FRP: Reinforced PCL; GHG: Greenhouse gas; GMR: gravimetric measurement respirometric; GTC: Gland thread cell; GWP: Global warming potential; HB: Hydroxybutyrate; HMF: Hydroxymethylfurfural; HNT: Halloysite natural nanotubes; HV: Hydroxyvalerate; IF: Intermediate filament; ISO: International Organization for Standardization; JBPA: Japan Bioplastic Association; LCA, Life cycle assessment; LDH: Layered double hydroxide; LDPE: Low density polyethylene; MAE: Magnetoactive elastomer; MEE: Magneto-electro-elastic; MMT: Montmorillonite; MODA: Microbial Oxidative Degradation Analyzer; MWCNT: Multi-walled carbon nanotubes; NPK: Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; OMMT: Oregano montmorillonite; OPEC: Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countrie; PBS: Poly (butylene succinate); PBSA: Poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate); PBT: Polybutylene terephthalate; PCC: Precipitated calcium carbonate; PCL: Poly(ε-caprolactone); PDO: Propanediol; PE: Polyethylene; PEG: Polyethylene glycol; PET: Poly(ethylene terephthalate); PHA: Polyhydroxyalkanoates; PHB: Polyhydroxybutyrate; PHBV: Poly (hydroxybutyrate cohydroxyvalerate); PHO: Polyhydroxyoctanoate; PHV: Polyhydroxyvalerate; PLA: Poly(lactic acid); PLGA: Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid); PLLA: Poly-L-lactide; PP: Polypropylene; PS: Polystyrene; PTA: Terephthalic acid; PTT: Poly (trimethylene terephthalate); PVA: Poly(vinyl alcohol); PVC: Poly (vinyl chloride); REC: Renewable energy certificates; RSM: Response surface methodology; SEM: Scanning Electron Microscope; SPF: Soybean protein fibers; SWNT: Single-wall nanotubes; TCP: Tricalcium phosphate ceramic; TPS: Thermoplastic starch; UEBT: Union for Ethical Biotrade; UV: Ultraviolate;VC: Vinyl chloride; WWF: World Wide Fund for Nature

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the None [Nil].

Notes on contributors

Anupam Sarma

Anupam Sarma (M Pharm, Ph D) is currently an Assistant professor in the Department of Pharmaceutics, Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, India. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy from Gauhati University, India (2011) and obtained his Ph D degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Dibrugarh University, India (2020). He had worked as Research Fellow under DST-UKIERI sponsored project. The author has published around 20 papers including peer-reviewed research, review articles and book chapters in various international journals and books of reputed publishers.

Malay K Das

Malay K Das (M Pharm, Ph D) is currently a Professor of Pharmaceutics in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, India. He obtained his Ph D degree from Jadavpur University, India.  His area of research interests is Novel Drug Delivery Systems, Pharmaceutical nanotechnology, Nanomedicine, Pharmaceutical excipients, Transdermal & Targeted drug delivery systems. Prof. Das has published several peer-reviewed research and review articles in various international journals, and chapter in various books of international publishers.