Biopolymers and Bioplastics

The term "Bioplastics" refers to products that are made either entirely or partially from renewable biomass sources, such as agricultural materials or microbes like bacteria and yeast, and sometimes even nanometer-sized carbohydrate chains (polysaccharides). Bioplastics derived from renewable resources can be naturally broken down through biological processes, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and helping protect the environment. Biodegradable plastics are typically classified into agro-polymers (such as starch, chitin, and proteins) and bio-polyesters (like polyhydroxyalkanoates and polylactic acid). These bioplastics are commonly used for packaging food items, including perishable goods like fruits and vegetables, as well as long-lasting products like cooked foods that do not require an increased oxygen supply. Microorganisms, through enzymatic actions, break down bioplastic polymers into CO2, water, and other inorganic compounds. This overview provides insight into bioplastics, focusing on their production from biomass-based resources, their origins, and their classification. Additionally, it examines the structure and components of bioplastics, as well as how these polymers are biochemically converted into bioplastics. Research into different biopolymers is ongoing, and with continued advancements, they could be more widely applied across various industries in the future.