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Green Chemistry Principles In Biopolymer Synthesis
Summary
This review synthesises green chemistry strategies applied to biopolymer synthesis — including renewable feedstocks, benign solvents, enzyme catalysis, and energy-efficient processes — evaluating how biopolymers derived from natural or biological sources can serve as sustainable alternatives to conventional fossil-based plastics.
The transition to sustainable polymer production is urgent in response to global plastic pollution and fossil resource depletion. Biopolymers — derived from renewable resources or produced biologically — offer promising alternatives to conventional plastics, but their synthesis and processing must adhere to green chemistry principles to realize environmental benefits. This review synthesizes core green chemistry strategies applied in biopolymer synthesis, including renewable feedstocks, benign solvents, enzyme and heterogeneous catalysis, energy-efficient processes, and waste-minimization. Case studies on polylactic acid (PLA), chitosan, and bacterial cellulose illustrate practical implementations and techno-economic considerations. Metrics and life cycle assessment (LCA) approaches used to quantify “greenness” are discussed, as are challenges for scale-up and regulatory acceptance. Recommendations highlight integrated process design, circularity through end-of-life planning, and interdisciplinary research needs to accelerate adoption. The transition to sustainable polymer production is urgent in response to global plastic pollution and fossil resource depletion. Biopolymers — derived from renewable resources or produced biologically — offer promising alternatives to conventional plastics, but their synthesis and processing must adhere to green chemistry principles to realize environmental benefits. This review synthesizes core green chemistry strategies applied in biopolymer synthesis, including renewable feedstocks, benign solvents, enzyme and heterogeneous catalysis, energy-efficient processes, and waste-minimization. Case studies on polylactic acid (PLA), chitosan, and bacterial cellulose illustrate practical implementations and techno-economic considerations. Metrics and life cycle assessment (LCA) approaches used to quantify “greenness” are discussed, as are challenges for scale-up and regulatory acceptance. Recommendations highlight integrated process design, circularity through end-of-life planning, and interdisciplinary research needs to accelerate adoption.
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