Bioplastics biodegradation studies

For example, if we consider the set of biodegradable and/or bio-based polymers, a recent market study published by the organization European Bioplastics (http //en.european-bioplastics.org/) shows that world capacity for production of these polymers, in 2012, was only around 1.4 million tons, of which 0.6 milhon were accounted for by biodegradable polymers. Compare this with worldwide plastic consumption of 288 million tons, of which, 57 million tons were in Europe alone, according to Plastics-Europe (http //www.plasticseurope.org), in 2012. Recent projections - particularly that presented by European Bioplastics - show that these very rapidly growing polymers will, nevertheless, remain a niche market for the next 10 years. They will account for only a small percent of the world plastic market. Thus, it is not envisaged that these polymers can totally replace conventional plastics. 

Recently, the production of a biodegradable plastic-degrading enzyme from cheese whey by the phyllosphere yeast Pseudozyma antartica GB-4(1)W was studied [25]. It was reported that this yeast produces a cutinase-like enzyme, PaE, which has the ability to degrade biodegradable plastics. This enzyme was reported to have the ability to degrade several bioplastics such as PBS, polybutylene succinate-co-adipate, poly(e-caprolactone) and polylactic acid. Fed-batch cultivation of this yeast in xylose resulted in the production of PaE with high productivity. 

The present volume reviews the most important achievements, the programs and approaches of institutions, private sector and universities to develop bioplastics and explores their potential utility. The volume covers the most relevant bioplastics from renewable and non renewable origin and the present business situation a review of the main studies on the environmental impact of bioplastics and a critical analysis of the methodologies involved the potential of new areas such as biocatalysis in the development of new bioplastics. It also takes into consideration aspects related to the biodegradation of bioplastics in different environments and the related standards and case studies showing their use in helping to solve specific solid waste problems. 

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