biopolimeri

Biopolimeri are polymeric molecules that are produced by living organisms or derived from renewable biological sources. The term is used in various languages to describe natural polymers as well as biobased materials that can serve as substitutes for conventional plastics. They encompass a broad range of chemical classes, including proteins, nucleic acids and polysaccharides, as well as polymers synthesized by microorganisms.

Natural biopolymers include proteins such as collagen and silk, nucleic acids like DNA and RNA, and polysaccharides such as cellulose, starch, chitin, pectin, alginates and agarose. Microbial and plant-derived biopolymers are widely used in industry and research; examples include polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs, such as polyhydroxybutyrate PHB), polylactic acid (PLA) produced by fermentation, exopolysaccharides like xanthan, and chitosan derived from chitin. Some biopolymers, like cellulose and starch, are abundant in nature, while others are produced specifically for industrial use.

Properties of biopolimeri depend on their molecular structure and composition. They are often renewable and, in many cases, biodegradable, contributing to lower environmental impact in end-of-life scenarios. Their processing into films, fibers, gels or foams enables a wide range of applications, though performance and cost can vary with source and manufacturing conditions.

Applications span medicine (drug delivery systems, tissue engineering), packaging (bioplastic films and coatings), agriculture (soil amendments, slow-release formulations) and consumer products. Challenges include higher production costs, variability in material properties, and regulatory considerations, which influence commercialization and widespread adoption.