Biodegradable Polymers

These are the polymers which gets

decomposed by the process of
biodegradation.
Biodegradation is defined as a process
carried out by biological systems
usually fungi or bacteria wherein a poly
chain is cleaved via enzymatic activity.
Degradation Mechanisms
Enzymatic degradation
Hydrolysis
(depend on main chain structure: anhydride > ester
> carbonate)



Homogenous degradation
Heterogenous degradation


Requirement of biodegradation
Micro-organisms: These micro-organisms
must exist with the appropriate biochemical
machinery to synthesize enzymes specific for
the target polymer to initiate the
depolymerization process.
Environment: Temperature, Pressure,
Moisture, Oxygen, Type and concentration
of salts, Light etc.
Requirement of biodegradation
Substrate:
i) Suitable functional groups
ii ) Hydrophilicity
iii ) Low molecular weights
iv ) Less crystallinity

Types of biodegradable polymers
Natural biodegradable polymers
Natural rubber, collagen, lignin, poly(gamma-
glutamic acid), starch, cellulose, gelatin, silk,
wool etc.
Synthetic biodegradable polymers
Polyvinyl alcohol, polyanhydrides, PHBV or
poly-(3-Hydroxybutyrate-CO-3-
Hydroxyvalerate), Polycaprolactum, Polylactic
acid, Polyglycolide.

Synthetic or Natural Biodegradable Polymers?
Why We Prefer Synthetic Materials:
Tailor-able properties
Predictable lot-to-lot uniformity
Free from concerns of immunogenicity
Reliable source of raw materials

Polyesters
PCL (Poly caprolactone)
It is a thermoplastic biodegradable polyester synthesized by chemical
Conversion of crude oil, followed by ring opening polymerisation.
PCL has good water, oil, solvent and chlorine resistance. This polymer is often used
as an additive for resins to improve their processing characteristics and their
end use properties (e.g., impact resistance). Being compatible with a range of
other materials, PCL can be mixed with starch to lower its cost and increase
biodegradability or it can be added as a polymeric plasticizer to PVC.
Polycaprolactone is also used for splinting, modeling, and as a feedstock for
prototyping systems such as a RepRap, where it is used for Fused Filament
Fabrication













PolyBIOPOL RESIN noates
HO OH
O
OH HO
O
O
O
O
O
n
m
Bacteria
Catalyzed
Polymerization
Microbially
Catalyzed
Depolymerization
+
HO OH
O
OH HO
O
O
O
O
O
n
m
Bacteria
Catalyzed
Polymerization
Microbially
Catalyzed
Depolymerization
+
Polyhydroxy buterate
valerate (PHBV)
Need for biopolymers
Solid waste problems, particularly with
regard to decreasing availability of land
fills
Litter problems
Entrapment or ingenious hazards to
marine life.
Medical Applications of Biodegradable Polymers
Wound management
Sutures
Staples
Clips
Adhesives
Surgical meshes
Orthopedic devices
Pins
Rods
Screws
Tacks
Ligaments

Dental applications
Guided tissue
regeneration
Membrane
Void filler following
tooth extraction
Cardiovascular
applications
Stents
Intestinal applications
Anastomosis rings
Drug delivery system
Tissue engineering

Applications of biodegradable problems
The use of packaging materials produced from biopolymers
(bio based polyesters) offers ecological advantages over
synthetic plastic packaging because they can be produced
from renewable
PHB or poly(-hydroxy butyrate) is used in the
manufacture of shampoo bottles.
PLA or poly lactic acid: It breaks down in the environment
back to lactic acid which can be metabolized which has
application in medical science such as sutures, drug
delivery systems and wound clips. It has also agricultural
applications such as time release coatings for fertilizers and
pesticides.
Limitations
Biodegradable polymers are very expensive.
They are not easily available.
In order to store potentially hazardous
materials, landfills are built to be free of
moisture and air tight. These anaerobic
conditions which serve to guard against the
release of hazardous chemicals from landfills
also retard biodegradation.
Biodegradable polymers are not suitable
candidates in the recycling of commingled
plastics.