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A Green Chemistry Approach for Eco-friendly Development of Biodegradable and Renewable Polymers
Summary
This study characterized emerging microplastic contaminants in the Saigon River, Vietnam, using a bilingual approach to communicate findings to both Vietnamese and international audiences. Microplastic concentrations were among the highest reported for Southeast Asian river systems, reflecting Vietnam's status as a major plastic producer with limited waste management infrastructure.
The growing environmental burden associated with conventional petroleum-based plastics has intensified the need for sustainable alternatives. Biodegradable polymers, derived from renewable feedstocks or engineered for environmentally benign degradation, offer a viable solution aligned with green chemistry principles the eco-friendly development of biodegradable polymers, emphasizing strategies that minimize toxicity, energy consumption, and environmental impact throughout the polymer lifecycle. Key synthetic approaches, including enzymatic polymerization, solvent-free techniques, and the use of bio-based monomers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and starch-based polymers. The integration of green catalysts and process intensification technologies as a pathway to enhance polymer yield, biodegradability, and functional performance. Furthermore, the role of biodegradable polymers in biomedical devices, packaging, agriculture, and environmental remediation with a focus on life cycle assessment and circular economy implications. Challenges such as cost, scalability, mechanical limitations, and regulatory hurdles are needed to be addressed, along with emerging innovations in polymer modification, nanocomposites, and hybrid systems. This review provide a detailed understanding of how green chemistry principles can guide the sustainable design, production, and application of biodegradable polymers. It offers insights for researchers and industries seeking to develop environmentally compatible materials that support a circular economy.