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Sustainable Biopolymer Colloids: Advances in Morphology for Enhanced Functionalities
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This review examines advances in sustainable biopolymer colloids derived from cellulose, chitin, starch, alginate, and lignin as alternatives to synthetic colloidal materials. Researchers discuss fabrication techniques for creating particles, fibers, and films with desired functionalities through morphology control rather than chemical modification. The study highlights remaining challenges in uniformity, scalability, and environmental sustainability that must be addressed to replace synthetic polymers with microplastic-free alternatives.
Biobased polymers such as cellulose, chitin/chitosan, starch, alginate, and lignin are making inroads as sustainable, environmentally safe and biodegradable alternatives to synthetic colloidal materials. This perspective summarizes recent developments in preparation techniques, identifies critical barriers, and proposes future directions for improving the performance and applicability of biopolymer colloidal structures. A major focus is the sustainable colloids morphology as a means of introducing functionality without chemical modification. We discuss the strategies for fabrication of four distinct classes of colloidal morphologies from biobased materials: spherical and nonspherical particles, fibers/fibrils, and films. Their preparation methods can be categorized into physical and chemical approaches. Despite advancements in these methods, challenges persist regarding uniformity, scalability, desired properties, and the need to enhance environmental sustainability. Addressing these challenges is essential for facilitating the transition from synthetic polymers to greener, more sustainable, and microplastic-free colloidal alternatives.
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Researchers reviewed advances in making sustainable composite materials from cellulose, chitin, and chitosan — abundant natural polymers found in plants and shellfish — as biodegradable alternatives to synthetic plastics that contribute to microplastic pollution. The review covers how these biopolymers can be dissolved and combined into fibers, films, and gels for a wide range of environmentally friendly applications.
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