The document discusses biodegradable polymers, their classification, mechanisms of biodegradation, and their applications and benefits. It highlights the importance of natural and synthetic biopolymers in reducing pollution and supporting medical applications, while explaining the role of microorganisms in their degradation. Various techniques for producing biodegradable materials are also detailed, alongside their potential to tackle environmental issues like space debris.

3. 1. Polymers and Classification
2. Exigency of it
3. Degradation and Biodegradation
4. Mechanisms of Biodegradation
5. Important biodegradable polymers
6. Applications and Advantages
7. Scopes
8. The Ending Note (must watch)

4.  A polymer is a large molecule that is made up of repeating subunits connected to each other
by chemical bonds.
 Repeating subunits: Monomers
 Common examples
 Plastic
 Proteins
 Cellulose in paper
 DNA
 Rubber…. Fig 1: Origin of word POLYMER

12. Biodegradable polymers are the degradable polymeric
substances in which degradation may result from either
naturally occurring microorganisms(or microbes) such
such as bacteria, fungi, and algae or by synthetic
biodegradation catalyzed by transition metals.
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13. Classification
Natural
Biopolymers
Ex: Albumin, Collagen,
Dextran,Cellulose
Synthetic
Biopolymers
Ex: PLA, PCL,
PEA

15.  Degradation by microbes or living
organisms
 Conversion into naturally
acceptable entities
 Occurs by UV radiation, heat and
light from Sun, etc.
 Normal plastics: strong bonds
between carbon atom; so cannot
biodegrade

16. Enzymatic Hydrolytic
Common

17.  Transformation and deterioration of polymers solely by living
organisms including the micro organisms excreted by them.
 Active enzymatic reaction over the molecular structure of the polymer.
 Biological process during composting to yield CO2 , water, inorganic
compound and biomass.
 Rate of degradation is consistent with water compostable materials
such as; cellulose wood or paper.
 Process leaves no visible; distinguishable or toxic residue.
 Microbes responsible Burkholderia xenovorans LB400
and Rhodococcus sp. strain RHA1

19.  Presence of a weak link in the polymer, breaks it down
 GENERALLY SPEAKING, a hydrolysis reaction takes place
 The common mechanism is shown in video

21.  Can be processed with a large number of techniques and is commercially
available (large-scale production) in a wide range of grades.
 It is relatively cheap and has some remarkable properties, which make it
suitable for different applications.
 Different syntheses to produce this biopolymer, its diverse properties and
various applications.
 Its biodegradability is adapted to short-term packaging, and its
biocompatibility in contact with living tissues is exploited for biomedical
applications (implants, sutures, drug encapsulation … ).

22.  Biodegradable polyester
 Especially used for drug delivery
 Slower degradation rate than PLA
 High miscibility with a large range of other polymers
 Two main pathways to produce polycaprolactone are known :
 the polycondensation of a hydroxycarboxylic acid: 6-hydroxyhexanoic acid,
 the ring-opening polymerisation (ROP) of a lactone: epsilon-caprolactone (epsilon-CL), or
 General method of catalysation by transition elements

23. Class
PLA
1. Orthopedic devices
2. Medical implants
PCL
1. Use as an Implantable biomaterial
2. Normal drug delivery device
3. Root canal filling
4. Targeted drug delivery

24. MEDICAL
 Localized drug delivery
 Reduce side effects
 Improved patient compliance
 Decrease in dosing frequency
GENERAL
 Decrease in land pollution
 Improved aquatic ecosystem
 Lesser landfill occupation
 Waste reduction

25. 1. Pouncer is the brain child of
engineer and ex-British Army
veteran Nigel Gifford
2. Made of biodegradable starch
based thermoplastic polymer
3. Fuel used: Compressed air/
fuel
Will either be dropped from a plane or shot from a
catapult on the ground

26. The disposed off components be made of such
polymers which degrade by themselves
It can contain certain bacteria, which starts eating
off the components once it has fulfilled its task
Will solve problem of floating space debris

28. THIS IS THE FUTURE
BELIEVE ME
MODIT ADARSH