Biodegradable polymer advantages

Biotechnological syntheses of PHB are still in their infancy and some problems may be overcome in near future. However, the synthesis of biodegradable polymers in a catalytic manner offers so many advantages, not only with regards to costs, that future development of such research is worthwhile. 

Compared to the global market for PE film applications (approximately 30,000 kt in 2007), the market for biodegradable polymers (65 kt in 2007 excluding loose fill applications) represents a small niche segment, which has been established over the last decade. The competitive advantages and market drivers of biodegradable polymers in specific applications are based on ... 

Biodegradable polymers as DDS have been studied extensively over the last few decades. These polymers provide the advantage of being degraded and eliminated from the body thus avoiding the risk of toxic accumulation or the need for intervention to eliminate them. 

Fig. 3 Hydrolyzable, acid-sensitive and reducible bonds. Efficient and biocompatible high molecular weight polymers are created by reversible linkage of small molecular weight compounds. Thus, programmed biodegradation due to, for example, hydrolyzable ester bonds [92] (a), acid-sensitive ketal (b) or acetal linkages (c) [98] is possible. The reducing cytosolic environment can also be taken advantage of in order to create biodegradable polymers by introduction of disulfide bonds as shown in (d) [105, 106]...

As PLA prices move closer to those of PET there may be a tendency for brand owners to switch from PET in favour of biodegradable polymers such as PLA for injection stretch blow moulded bottles, not only on cost grounds, but also because renewable packaging materials have marketing advantages for the consumer. 

In recent years starch, the polysaccharide of cereals, legumes and tubers, has acquired relevance as a biodegradable polymer and is becoming increasingly important as an industrial material (Fritz Aichholzer, 1995). Starch is a thermoplastic polymer and it can therefore be extruded or injection moulded (Balta Calleja et al, 1999). It can also be processed by application of pressure and heat. Starch has been used successfully as a matrix in composites of natural fibres (flax, jute, etc.). The use of starch in these composites could be of value in applications such as automobile interiors. An advantage of this biopolymer is that its preparation as well as its destruction do not act negatively upon the environment. A further advantage of starch is its low price as compared with conventional synthetic thermoplastics (PE, PP). 

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