Biopolymers degradation

Figure 8.10 Humic substance formation depicted by the early biopolymer degradation and abiotic condensation models. (Modified from Hedges, 1988.)...

Biopolymer degradation model states that newly released bioploymers from organic matter will eventually be broken down into more labile smaller molecules. 

Reichardt W. (1988) Impact of the Antarctic benthic fauna on the enrichment of biopolymer degrading pshychrotrophic bacteria. Microb. Ecol. 15, 311—321. 

Hasirci V, Lewandrowski K, Grosser JD et al (2001) Versatility of biodegradable biopolymers degradability and an in vivo application. J Biotechnol 86 135-150... 

A few studies considered the effect of pH on the viscosity of xanthan solutions. Jeanes et al. observed a rapid increase in the viscosity of xanthan solution at pH 9-11 [28]. Whitcomb and Macosko [29] and Philips et al. [30] found the viscosity of xanthan to be independent of pH. Szabo examined the stability of various EOR polymers in caustic solutions at room temperature, including Kelzan MF (a biopolymer) [6]. He found a fast initial drop in the viscosity of a xanthan solution containing 2 wt% sodium chloride and 5 wt% sodium hydroxide, at 12.5 s", which virtually stopped after 10 days. Krumrine and Falcone found that the effect of alkali (sodium silicates) on the viscosity of xanthan solution depended on the concentration of sodium and calcium ions present [31]. Ryles examined the thermal stability of bio-polymers in alkaline conditions [16]. He found that xanthan was totally degraded (in anaerobic conditions) upon the addition of 0.8 wt% sodium hydroxide at temperatures from 50 to 90°C (in a 1 wt% sodium chloride brine). Seright and Henrici observed total biopolymer degradation at pH > 8 and a temperature of 120°C [26]. 

To enhance the desirable properties of biodegradable polymers, it is essential to understand the factors affecting their degradation and control them in order to design a more efficient drug delivery system. Polymer composition, surface properties, crystallinity, etc., are important factors affecting biopolymer degradation properties, in terms of rate and kinetics. 

Soltds L., Valachova K., Mendichi R., Kogan G., Amhold I, Gemeiner R Solution properties of high-molar-mass hyaluronans the biopolymer degradation by ascorbate. Caibo-... 

Bio Based Polymers Biopolymers Degradation Sustainable Packaging Vacuum... 

Degradable polymers have been advocated as an alternative to conventional oil-based plastics, and their production has increased considerably in recent decades. Before concluding our discussion of solutions to the problem of plastics waste and pollution, a brief consideration of the applications and limitations of these novel materials is worthwhile. Biopolymers - degradable and biodegradable polymers with comparable functionality to conventional plastics - can now be produced on an industrial scale however, they are more... 

In summary, despite the addition of nano-sized particles that would potentially confer multifunctional enabling properties to these biodegradable polymers for several industrial applications, until now very few works have dealt with the investigation of the real impact of nanoparticles on biopolymer degradation rate and mechanism. 

Acidity or low pH Organic acids from biopolymer degradation Corrosion of vessels and pipework... 

Toxicity Biopolymer degradation Human toxicity is positive but... 

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