Growth in Biobased Plastics for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices

4 GROWTH IN BIOBASED PLASTICS FOR PHARMACEUTICALS AND MEDICAL DEVICES 

Biobased plastics can be used for coatings for drug delivery, bio-absorbable, and other medical devices. Biopolymers are made from non-toxic materials that are compatible with human tissues. PLA, PGA, and PCL are commonly used in biomedical devices (Cheng et al. 2009). The biopolymers are degraded with simple hydrolysis of the ester bonds without the use of enzymes that prevent inflammation. The biodegraded bio-products are eliminated from the body through normal cellular activity and urine. PLA can be used as a bio-absorbable polymer for resorbable plates and screws (Lasprilla et al. 2012). PLA can provide a 

TABLE 10.5 Biobased Polymer Production from Renewable Sources and Intermediates  

Bio-PET and bio-PBT Ethanol, isobutanol Ethylene, MEG, /7-Xylene, terephthalic acid 

Bio-nylon Adipic acid Hexamethylene diamine (HMDA) 

---