Biobased polymers of plant and microbial origin and their applications - a review
Rajwinder Kaur, Loveena Pathak, Pratibha Vyas
Abstract
Synthetic polymers, which account for over 400 million tons of global production annually, are primarily composed of harmful chemicals that persist in the environment, leading to significant ecological and health issues. The global market for synthetic polymers is valued at approximately $31.46 billion in 2023, yet their environmental footprint is becoming increasingly untenable due to rising contamination levels and bioaccumulation. These synthetic polymers are recognized as major contributors to environmental degradation and pose severe risks to human health, with over 93% of Americans testing positive for plastic-related chemicals in their bodies. To mitigate these impacts, the industry is shifting towards biopolymers, which are projected to reach a market value of USD 38.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 15.2%. Biopolymers derived from plants and microbes present a sustainable alternative due to their biodegradable and biocompatible nature. Plant-based biopolymers, such as those derived from agricultural residues, promote a zero-waste economy and have a lower environmental impact. Microbial production of biopolymers, using strains like Agrobacterium, Erwinia, Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Xanthomonas campestris, is recognized for its efficiency and scalability. These biopolymers are increasingly used in high-priority markets, including the food industry, where they are valued for their safety and unique properties, and the medical and pharmaceutical sectors, where they serve as biocompatible materials for drug delivery and tissue engineering. The present review mainly focuses on the various plants- and microbes-based biopolymers and their applications in different industries.