DELHI TECHNOLOGIACAL UNIVERSITY

Biodegradable polymers

NAME :AYUSH GUPTA | REG.NO.:DTU/2k13/A10/1494

INTRODUCTION

Polymers ( Greek: poly = many; mers = units) are defined as large macromolecules (giant molecules of high molecular masses) built up by the linking together of a large number of repeating small molecules (called monomers) and this process of linking together is called polymerization. Based on the biodegradability of polymers, they are classified into two broad categories: Biodegradable polymers and non- biodegradable polymers. [1]

DEFINITION OF BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS

Biodegradable polymers are the polymers comprised of monomers linked to one another through functional groups and which have unstable links in the backbone. These polymers can be broken down into biologically acceptable molecules through biological means such as enzymes or micro-organisms.[2]

WHAT IS BIODEGRADATION?

Biodegradation is defined as a process carried out by biological systems like enzymes and /or chemicals associated with living organisms wherein a polychain is cleaved via enzymatic activity to produce some biologically acceptable molecules.[3] Biodegradation occurs in two steps: 1. The first one is the fragmentation of the polymers into lower molecular mass species by means of either abiotic reactions, i.e. oxidation, photodegradation or hydrolysis, or biotic reactions, i.e. degradations by microorganisms.[3]

2. This step is followed by bioassimilation of the polymer fragments by microorganisms and [3] their mineralisation.

Requirements for biodegradation

1. Micro-organisms: These micro-organisms must exist with the appropriate biochemical machinery to synthesize enzymes specific for the target polymer to initiate the depolymerisation process[4].

2. Environment: Temperature, Pressure, Moisture, Oxygen, Type and concentration of salts, Light etc[4].

3. Substrate: The substance which is biodegraded, i.e. which is acted upon by enzymes and other biological systems is called substrate[4].

BRIEF HISTORY OF BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS

Biodegradable polymers were used in the times of the Romans. The first medical use of a biodegradable polymer was Catgut sutures. One desired property of a suture is that it slowly degrades as the wound heals. The Romans used cat gut; however this elicited a bad inflammatory response[5].

NEED OF BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS

The same durability properties which make plastics ideal for many applications such as in packaging, building materials and commodities, as well as in hygiene products, can lead to waste disposal problems in the case of traditional petroleum-derived plastics, as these materials are not readily biodegradable and because of their resistance to microbial degradation, they accumulate in the environment[3].

In recent times oil prices have increased markedly. These facts have helped to stimulate interest in biodegradable polymers and in particular biodegradable biopolymers .

TYPES OF BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS

(I) Biodegradable RESOURCES:

polymers

from

RENEWABLE

Cellulose: It is the most abundant of naturally occurring polymers comprising of at least one-third of the vegetable matter in the world. Its produced from the renewable resources that are based on agriculture. Cellulosic materials are commonly used in textiles, fibers and packaging and are subdivided into two groups- regenerated and modified cellulose. Cellulose is readily biodegradable and is mineralized by variety of microorganisms. ( Cellulose) Starch: This another material obtained from agricultural resources. Its a carbohydrate that is synthesized in the organs of plants as reserve food supply for periods of dormancy, germination and growth. Its a condensation polymer of glucose. These materials are widely used in polymer blends and are available in commercial grades suitable for extrusion, injection/blow molding and thermoforming processes. (Amylose) (Amylopectin)

(II) Biodegradable polymers obtained by MICROBIAL PRODUCTION:

Polyhydroxyalkanoates(PHAs): Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are synthesized by a variety of naturally occurring bacteria by the process of fermentation of sugars and lipids. They are products of carbon assimilation employed by micro-organisms (including Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Rhodobacter, cyanobacteria and marine algae) as a form of energy storage molecule to be metabolized when other common energy sources are not available PHAs degrade via a variety of mechanisms. In bacteria, they degrade by enzymatic hydrolysis and in animals or in the environment they degrade by enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis[6].

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is the most common PHA. Several types of bacterial polyesters that are produced by biosynthesis are poly-3hydroxybutyrate (P3HB), poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB), poly-3hydroxyvalerate (P3HV), etc. and their respective copolymer combinations[6]. Due to their ability to degrade naturally in variety of environments, they find a lot of applications in disposal-items such cups, containers, packaging and agricultural mulching films, etc.

R = C1C13 alkyl group (all R stereochemistry) n = 1 4 m = 100 30,000

(General structure of PHAs)

R = me: poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) P3HB

R = ET: poly (3-hydroxyvalerate) P3HV[7]

(III) Conventionally & chemically synthesized biodegradable polymers with MONOMERS OBTAINED FROM AGRO-RESOURCE :
Polylactic Acid (PLA): Polylactic acid (PLA) is thermoplastic aliphatic polyester that can be synthesized from biologically produced lactic acid. Bacterial fermentation is used to produce lactic acid from corn starch or cane sugar which is further processed to produce lactide monomer. This monomer is polymerized by ring opening polymerization to produce Polylactic acid

Compared to the other biodegradable polyesters, Polylactic acid (PLA) is the product that at the present time has one of the highest potentials due to its availability in the market and its low price. [6] PLA and its copolymers have been used widely in medicine and surgery for the controlled release of drugs, biodegradable surgical sutures and implants for fixation of fractures, primarily because of their high biocompatibility. PLA is considered to be fully biodegradable and generally undergoes hydrolytic degradation.

(IV) Biodegradable polymers with monomers & polymers obtained conventionally by chemical synthesis (PETROLEUM-BASED POLYMERS):
Polycaprolactone (PCL): Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable polyester with a low melting point of around 60C and a glass transition temperature of about 60C. PCL is prepared by ring opening polymerization of -caprolactone in the presence of metal Alkoxides (aluminium isopropoxide, tin octoate, etc) (Formation of PCL)

The most common use of polycaprolactone (PCL) is in the manufacture of polyurethanes, which are used in the manufacture of flexible, highresilience foam seating, rigid foam insulation panels, microcellular foam seals and gaskets, durable elastomeric wheels and tires, automotive suspension bushings, electrical potting compounds, high performance adhesives, etc. Being compatible with a range of other materials, PCL can be mixed with starch to lower its cost and increase biodegradability. Polyvinyl Alcohol: Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) is a semi-crystalline water soluble synthetic polymer made from hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate. This material is also found to be biodegradable and mineralized in various environments. The primary raw material used in the manufacture of polyvinyl alcohol is vinyl acetate monomer. It is manufactured by the polymerization of vinyl acetate followed by partial hydrolysis. PVA is an odourless and tasteless, translucent, white or cream coloured granular powder. It is used as a moisture barrier film for food supplement tablets and for foods that contain inclusions or dry food with inclusions that need to be protected from moisture uptake.

APPLICATIONS OF BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS

Applications of biodegradable polymers include sutures, controlled drug release, and tissue engineering.

Biodegradable polymers are also implemented in drug delivery. The polymer slowly degrades into smaller fragments, releasing a natural product, and there is controlled ability to release a drug. The drug slowly releases as polymer degrades.

Biodegradable polymers are niche market materials finding focused applications, including agricultural applications such as mulch films, flowerpots and controlled-release fertilisers and packaging items such as carrier bags and food wrapping and containers. They have the potential to provide a solution to a range of environmental concerns: decreasing availability of landfill space, declining petrochemical sources, and also offer an alternative option to recycling.

REFERENCES:

1. Engineering Chemistry by Jain & Jain; 13th Edition ; page 153; (29/10/2013) 2. http://what-is-this.com (29/10/2013) 3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polylactic_acid (29/10/2013) 4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycaprolactone (29/10/2013) 5. http://jpkc.dhu.edu.cn/fzzx/pdf/file_3.pdf. (30/10/2013)