Scientific Program

Conference Series Ltd invites all the participants across the globe to attend 9th International Conference on Biopolymers and Polymer Sciences Bucharest, Romania.

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Scientific Program Day 1
Scientific Program Day 2

Day 1 :

Keynote Forum

Nikolay PLUSNIN

FEB RAS-Institute of Automation and Control Processes, Russia

Keynote: Metal-silicon contact formation and role of the nanophase wetting layer

Time : 09:30-10:15

Conference Series BiopolySci 2018 International Conference Keynote Speaker Nikolay PLUSNIN photo
Biography:

Nikolay Plusnin is currently the Chief Researcher in the Institute of Automation and Control Processes of FEB of the RAS, Vladivostok, Russia. He has completed his degree in Doctor of Physical-Mathematical Sciences. His research interests are in nanomaterials for electronics and their structure-phase analysis. He was a Visiting Professor in Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. Also, he is a Member of the Advisory Board of the international journal e-journal of Surface Science and Nanotechnology. He has published more than 60 scientific articles. His research was supported by Russian Ministry of Education and Science, Academy of Sciences and Government.
 

Abstract:

The result of the initial stages of the formation of a transition metal-silicon contact at room temperature has been analyzed. The contact was formed by physical vaapor deposition. At the growth stage preceding the formation of the first bulk phase of the metal/silicide, a Nanophase Wetting Layer (NWL) of a metal/silicide on a silicon substrate was detected and identified. The detection and identification of NWL was made possible by the technique developed by the author for complex analysis of the structural-chemical and phase state of the surface/interface by Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS). In addition, this became possible to the development of the low-temperature method of Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and the formation of metal-silicon contact by this method without mixing at the interface. The detection of NWL fundamentally changed the approach to the formation of a metal contact with a silicon substrate.
 

Keynote Forum

Lucian Baia

Babes-Bolyai University, Romania

Keynote: Particularities of the crystalline structures: A critical issue in designing materials for targeted applications

Time : 10:15-11:00

Conference Series BiopolySci 2018 International Conference Keynote Speaker Lucian Baia photo
Biography:

Lucian Baia is currently an Associate Professor at the Department of Condensed Matter Physics and Advanced Technologies at the Faculty of Physics of the BabesBolyai University (BBU) of Cluj-Napoca, Romania. He is also the Head of the Institute of Research-Development-Innovation in Applied Natural Sciences from BBU. He was awarded the Constantin Miculescu Prize of the Romanian Academy (2017) as well as prizes of BBU for Scientific Excellence (2014 and 2017), Comenius Prize (2012) and STAR Advanced Fellowships for Research (2016). He has published more than 130 peer-reviewed papers, three books, five book chapters, 2 patents and 2 patent applications and is serving as Editorial Board Member for several scientific journals.
 

Abstract:

The manipulation of the crystalline structure to get the maximum efficiency for a desired application is one of the most important challenges in the nanotechnology development. On the other hand, the shape and size control of the crystalline nanostructures represents another hot topic in designing novel materials with tuned properties. The presented work is splited in three parts. The first one relates about the influence of morphological particularities of titania and tungstanate crystals on the photocatalytic efficiency to decontaminate the polluted water. It is mainly evidenced the importance of the shape controlled nanostructures on the photocatalytic properties as revealed by the morphological and structural characterization of the investigated materials. The second one presents the tunability of the morphological, structural and optical properties of Graphene Oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) membranes that was achieved by using different self-assembly time and heat-treatment temperatures, respectively. The particularities of the GO and r-GO membranes will be discussed and correlated in the context of desired applications. The third part will describe the steps performed to understand the graphitization process, i.e. formation of 2D ordered carbon structures, inside the Bi/Fe doped carbon xerogels. This aspect is of an utmost importance having in view that such porous materials can be applied as electrode materials for energy storage and electrochemical sensing applications. In this respect, an exhaustive morphological and structural characterization of the Bi/Fe doped carbon xerogels was performed in order to identify the parameters that influence the activation of catalyzed graphitization.
 

Break: 11:00-11:15

Keynote Forum

Lucian Baia

Babes-Bolyai University, Romania

Keynote: Particularities of the crystalline structures: A critical issue in designing materials for targeted applications

Time : 10:15-11:00

Conference Series BiopolySci 2018 International Conference Keynote Speaker Lucian Baia photo
Biography:

Lucian Baia is currently an Associate Professor at the Department of Condensed Matter Physics and Advanced Technologies at the Faculty of Physics of the BabesBolyai University (BBU) of Cluj-Napoca, Romania. He is also the Head of the Institute of Research-Development-Innovation in Applied Natural Sciences from BBU. He was awarded the Constantin Miculescu Prize of the Romanian Academy (2017) as well as prizes of BBU for Scientific Excellence (2014 and 2017), Comenius Prize (2012) and STAR Advanced Fellowships for Research (2016). He has published more than 130 peer-reviewed papers, three books, five book chapters, 2 patents and 2 patent applications and is serving as Editorial Board Member for several scientific journals.
 

Abstract:

The manipulation of the crystalline structure to get the maximum efficiency for a desired application is one of the most important challenges in the nanotechnology development. On the other hand, the shape and size control of the crystalline nanostructures represents another hot topic in designing novel materials with tuned properties. The presented work is splited in three parts. The first one relates about the influence of morphological particularities of titania and tungstanate crystals on the photocatalytic efficiency to decontaminate the polluted water. It is mainly evidenced the importance of the shape controlled nanostructures on the photocatalytic properties as revealed by the morphological and structural characterization of the investigated materials. The second one presents the tunability of the morphological, structural and optical properties of Graphene Oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) membranes that was achieved by using different self-assembly time and heat-treatment temperatures, respectively. The particularities of the GO and r-GO membranes will be discussed and correlated in the context of desired applications. The third part will describe the steps performed to understand the graphitization process, i.e. formation of 2D ordered carbon structures, inside the Bi/Fe doped carbon xerogels. This aspect is of an utmost importance having in view that such porous materials can be applied as electrode materials for energy storage and electrochemical sensing applications. In this respect, an exhaustive morphological and structural characterization of the Bi/Fe doped carbon xerogels was performed in order to identify the parameters that influence the activation of catalyzed graphitization.
 

Keynote Forum

Nadir Yildirim

Bursa Technical University, Turkey

Keynote: How to transfer biocomposite technolgy from research to industry using innovation engineering?

Time : 11:15-12:00

Conference Series BiopolySci 2018 International Conference Keynote Speaker Nadir Yildirim photo
Biography:

Nadir Yildirim earned his Ph.D. in Forest Resources from the University of Maine, and he is also a graduate of the University of Maine Innovation Engineering Program. He was also a research scholar at Purdue University. He has been working with advanced bio-nanocomposites for over 10 years and also acted as the Program Manager for various development projects in nanocomposites and advanced materials, including studies of fire retardant nanocomposites, water repellent nanocellulose composites, aerogels, bio-based panels and eco-friendly thermal insulation composite foam boards for green buildings. As Co-founder and CEO of Revolution Research Inc., Dr. Yildirim has received grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) for development of innovative, eco-friendly, and futurist materials. He has been working at Bursa Technical University since 2017 as the Associate Director of Bursa Technology Transfer Office and also as an Assistant Research Professor of Sustainable Forest Bioproducts.

Abstract:

The academicians and researchers work hard to perform unique projects at the universities. They complete the projects successfully and publish papers even books. However, just publishing books or articles is not enough to compete against the future. The commercialization of an idea developed at the universities is no longer a fleeting trend but a strategy being adopted by organizations to maintain their competitive positions. The increased awareness in environmental issues makes this reality more critical in bio-products industry with high demand for the green and sustainable replacement for petroleum-based products. The innovation engineering is a culture that guides researchers to take right actions on the right time to develop meaningfully unique products and convert them to benefit. In this study successfully developed bio-composite technology were brought to industry using innovation engineering concept.
 

Keynote Forum

Nimrod Israely

Biofeed Environmentally Friendly Pest Control, Israel

Keynote: From DDT to emerging eco-technologies; The long journey to green-evolution and green-economy

Time : 12:00-12:45

Conference Series BiopolySci 2018 International Conference Keynote Speaker Nimrod Israely photo
Biography:

Nimrod Israely has completed his PhD in Entomology and is the CEO of Biofeed. Under his leadership, Biofeed has developed the GCFR technology, which enables pest control without spraying. He is known for his hands-on innovative approach and clear view as to the need for a second green revolution.
 

Abstract:

The industrial revolution that started in the mid 18th century was followed by the green revolution which began in the mid 20th century. DDT symbolizes more than anything the beginning of the green revolution, but also the disillusionment from a dream of a never-ending solution to all human problems. The awakening from the DDT dream as the ultimate solution came in less than 20 years since its discovery as a pesticide. This is when its downsides started to be understood. The European green movements and current public concerns about ecological issues is the outcome of that. However, upto now most of the emerging green economy industries struggle to survive and taking the lead looks like a distant dream. This presentation will have the discussion on the hardship, time and the necessary measures we have to take in order to create a flourishing green economy industry. For this presentation the Pest-control industry will be used as a case study to processes occurring in many other emerging green economy industries, including biopolymers. 

Break: 12:45-13:45
  • Crystallography in Material Science | Role of Polymers in Biological Systems | Novel Materials for Energy Applications | Chemical Crystallography | Advanced Technologies in Polymer Synthesis
Location: Bucharest, Romania
Speaker

Chair

Oara Neumann

Rice University Applied Physics, USA

Speaker

Co-Chair

Benny Danilo Belviso

Institute of Crystallography (CNR), Italy

Session Introduction

Uwe Popp

Apium Additive Technologies GmbH, Germany

Title: Mechanical properties of heat treated 3D printed semi-crystalline PEEK material

Time : 13:45-14:15

Speaker
Biography:

Uwe Popp has completed his Diploma in Material Science and Engineering from the University of Stuttgart in 2012 and worked for two years at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology as a Research Assistant. He is currently the Head of Research and Development at Apium Additive Technologies GmbH as well as one of the Founders of the company. He has participated in publishing more than 5 papers in reputed journals.
 

Abstract:

Relatively new manufacturing processes such as 3D printing or additive manufacturing impose a set of thermos-mechanical influences on materials. These influences have neither been extensively studied nor reported in the literature. For high temperature semi-crystalline thermoplastic materials like PEEK (poly-ether-ether-ketone) these influences can be quite pronounced. The 3D printing of PEEK requires a strict definition of the processing conditions and parameters. One of the challenging aspects of the processing is the control of the temperature profile dominant in and around the printed part. This is especially important because the development of the crystalline phase in 3D printed PEEK part depends on the cooling rate of the melt during the printing process. A typical attribute of 3D printed parts is the structural discontinuities observable on the surface and in the vicinity of the deposited layers. To improve on the structural integrity of the printed part, some heat treatment is conducted on the part. In the current presentation, results for tempered 3D printed PEEK parts are presented. The mechanical properties as well as the microstructural state of the PEEK parts are reported and explained within the context of the tempering process.
 

Oara Neumann

Rice University Applied Physics, USA

Title: Enhanced T1 MRI contrast and fluorescence stability within a plasmonic core-shell nanoparticle

Time : 14:15-14:45

Speaker
Biography:

Oara Neumann has completed her PhD and Postdoctoral study in Applied Physics from Rice University and MS from Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel and Bucharest University, Romania. She is a Research Scientist in Naomi Halas group at Rice University. She holds 12 patents and she has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Multifunctional plasmonic nanostructures have enormous potential in the treatment of solid tumors; however, tracking particles with drug cargo and triggering the release of the cargo in mapped tumors is still impossible. To overcome this challenge we have developed an MRI and fluorescent active nanostructure nanomatryoshka. This new nanostructure with IR plasmonic signatures is composed of a 50 nm Au core surrounded by dye molecules and Gd(III)-DOTA chelate doped SiO2 inner-shell and an outer Au shell. The experimental results demonstrates an enhanced T1 relaxation (r1~24 mM-1 s-1 at 4.7 T) compared to the clinical Gd(III)-DOTA chelating agents (r1~4 mM-1 s-1). Further, this design preserves the fluorescence signal (65%) after 24 hours of exposure, leading to enhanced fluorescence photo-stability (23x). This dual-imaging functionality nano-system increases MRI sensitivity by concentrating Gd(III) ions into the Gd-NMs, reduces the potential toxicity of Gd(III) ions and dye molecules by preventing their release in vivo through the outer Au shell protection and the terminal gold layer surface can then be functionalized to increase cellular uptake, circulation time or thermal drug-release properties.
 

Mariana Costa

Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave – IPCA, Portugal

Title: Synthesis of novel autoreactive and ecological mono-component adhesives for the shoe industry

Time : 14:45-15:15

Speaker
Biography:

Mariana Costa has a Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering and she is currently working in Polytechnic Institute of Cavado and Ave. The project that she is involved is about the  microencapsulation field where the goal is to produce a microfluidic device to encapsulate isocyanate.

Abstract:

Microencapsulation is a process in which active substances are enclosing inside an extremely small capsule. The wide applications of microcapsules in many fields have attracted increasing research on the synthesis as well as functionalization of different types of capsules. Besides the importance of microcapsules for controlled chemical release and uptake in many industrial applications, these are often difficult to produce with the desired combination of high mechanical strength and high shell permeability. We report on experimental studies for the synthesis of narrow size distribution polyurethane/polyurea shell microcapsules containing isocyanate, used as a crosslinker for adhesive formulations. The microcapsules were produced, in a continuous mode, by a system involving a microfluidic device, which originates a monodisperse oil-in-water emulsion, followed by interfacial polymerization at the emulsion droplets surface. The resulting microcapsules are intended to be added to an adhesive base (OH prepolymer), leading to an autoreactive and ecological monocomponent adhesive. The proposed technique has advantages of being readily controlled, cost-effective and easy to operate. In addition, microfluidics can control the process of encapsulation by varying flow parameters and/or using a proper geometry of microfluidic channels. By microencapsulating the reactive agent, the product is safer for handling by the industry operators, and the activation mechanism can be controlled more precisely (enabling higher flexibility of application /use case scenarios). The advances made of the current study can be an important contribution in the innovation and development of new sustainable/green methods and products that can, in the future, compete in the monocomponent adhesives market.
 

Break: 15:15-15:30

Zafar Iqbal

Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Pakistan

Title: Microstructural evolution of nanocrystalline tungsten-25% Rhenium-Hafnium carbide composite synthesized by spark plasma sintering technique for FSW tool application

Time : 15:30-16:00

Speaker
Biography:

Zafar Iqbal has completed his PhD from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals KFUPM, KSA. Currently, he is the Assistant Professor at Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad. He has published more than 6 papers in reputed journals.
 

Abstract:

Development of nano-crystalline tungsten-25% rhenium alloy reinforced with hafnium carbide is a challenging task as these alloys are difficult to synthesize by conventional methods. The problem of these difficult to alloy elements can be addressed by using a unique combination of mechanical alloying and Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) techniques via powder metallurgy route. Rhenium was added to lower ductile-to-brittle transition temperature and to increase recrystallization temperature of tungsten. SPS is rapid consolidating technique which prevents grain growth. These tool materials can withstand high temperatures and harsh conditions in joining application such as Friction Stir Welding (FSW) of steel and titanium alloys. FSW is a green process which does not emit fume and toxic fumes during the process. Sintering was carried between 1500-1800 °C. Mechanically alloyed and SPS alloy and composite were characterized by optical microscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray Diffraction. Microstructural investigations of consolidated specimens were initially carried out by conventional etching and metallography techniques. Optical micrographs showed no visible signs of grain boundary etching. SPS samples were further electrochemically etched in one molar concentrated solution of NaOH. The positive terminal of the low voltage direct current power supply was connected to the sample. The negative terminal was connected to a steel plate acting as cathode. Both electrodes were placed in the tank face to face with a gap of 6 to 10 centimeters between them. The voltage was kept constant as 5 volt during the etching process. Samples were etched for short time interval from 1 to 5 seconds and microstructural analysis was conducted after each etching step. The results of the FESEM images confirm microstructural revelation of these difficult to etch alloy and composites.
 

Anca DUTA

Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania

Title: Composite nanostructures for VIS-active photocatalysts

Time : 16:00-16:30

Speaker
Biography:

Anca DUTA has completed her PhD in Chemical Engineering in 1996 from the Polytechnica University of Bucharest, Romania. She is the Leader of the Advanced Materials for Energy and Environment group in the R&D Centre Renewable Energy Systems and Recycling in the Transylvania University of Brasov, Romania. She has published more than 150 papers out of which 122 papers in ISI journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of repute.
 

Abstract:

Photo-catalysis is a process that makes possible solving some critical environmental issues, as the pollutants removal at (very) low concentrations from waters or air. The first photo-catalyst and one of the most efficient is TiO2 (the anatase polymorph) that is largely used and reported. However, anatase has one major drawback that limits its up-scaling which is activated only by UV radiation, thus photo-catalysis runs only under this type of radiation. Vis-active photo-catalysts are therefore very much searched and are developed based on several principles as, e.g. novel type of semiconductors, aqueous stable (which, so far, are not too many) or composite structures of TiO2 with p-type semiconductors, resembling the structure of an inverted photovoltaic cell, as CuInS2 (CIS) or Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) efficient in Vis radiation harvesting and stable in water. Composite structures are reported also considering the TiO2 or ZnO matrix infiltrated with graphene, graphene oxide or reduced graphene oxide. The photo-catalytic material can be used as dispersed powder (in wastewater for advanced treatment) but this has the disadvantage of light scattering and the more complex treatment process involving the separation step of the (nanosized) powder, therefore, thin films of photo-catalytic materials are recommended. The properties of the thin photo-catalytic films obtained by Spray Pyrolysis Deposition (SPD) are presented and discussed in terms of process overall efficiency and efficiency of the key steps such as pollutants’ adsorption and pollutants photo-degradation through oxidation up to mineralization with a focus on the influence of the crystallinity of the composite structure.
 

Rodica VLADOIU

Ovidius University of Constanta, Romania

Title: Synthesis and characterization of the complex nanostructured thin films based on titanium by Thermionic Vacuum Arc (TVA) method

Time : 16:30-17:00

Speaker
Biography:

VLADOIU Rodica has completed his PhD at the age of 35 years from Bucharest University Romania. She was Head of the Physics Department between 20042006, Local Coordinator of the CEEPUS network from 2000, Member in the National University Research Council – CNCSIS  in 2006, Member in the Scientific Commitee in  International conference II CESPC Central European Symposium on Plasma Chemistry 2008, Brno, Czech Republic. She is co-author in 78 papers published in reviews with ISI quotation (428 citations) and in 2 national patents.In the last ten years, she was involved with the research team in 11 National Research projects and 9 International projects. 

Abstract:

Nowadays, a great interest is paid on the development of plasma technology applications with particular emphasis on the fabrication of nanostructured thin film, combined with the study of applications of plasmas in nanotechnology. For this reason, plasma/surface interactions and growth mechanisms have to be taken into account for the definition, evaluation and comparison of the different types of coating equipment and achievable coating results. Titanium based nanocomposites owing to their remarcable properties of the coating surfaces such as wear resistance, roughness, low friction coefficients have been synthetized and investigated in different combination and forms, such as multi-component composites. The aim of this work is to find the best combination for coating the mechanical parts of components by suitable complex nanocomposites and by using innovative technology For instance, titanium nanocomposites are characterized by very high tensile strength even at high temperatures, light weight, high corrosion resistance, and as strong as steel, but 45% lighter. Binary, ternary thin films as well as single thin films were deposited  using Thermionic Vacuum Arc  (TVA) technology. The thermionic vacuum arc (TVA) is an original deposition method using a combination of anodic arc and powerful electron gun system (up to 600 W) for the growth of thin films from solid precursors under a vacuum of 10−6 Torr. For certain operating conditions the plasma source produce energetic ions without any additional ion acceleration means like acceleration grids or polarization systems. Results on the surface morphology and wettability of the obtained multifunctional thin films were reported by using: Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM Phillips CM 120 ST, 100 kV), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM, Zeiss EVO 50 SEM) and Free Surface Energy (FSE) by See System. Nanostructured coatings with homogenous and dense surface without any faults (pinholes and cracks) were achieved at low temperatures to not affect the materials properties. Nanocomposite coatings of Ti based consisting of crystalline phase embedded into an amorphous matrix constitute a multifunctional coating architecture due to its combination of properties, suitable for emerging applications in metallurgical industry, yielding an enhanced corrosion resistance.
 

Asma Khurshid

Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Pakistan

Title: A close insight into the nature of intra and intermolecular interactions in 1-acyl thioureas and dihydropyrimidine-2-(1H) thione derivatives using single crystal X-ray crystallography and related techniques

Time : 17:00-17:20

Speaker
Biography:

Dr. Asma Khurshid has completed her PhD Chemistry in 2017 from Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan. Part of her PhD research has been carried out at Oxford University; United Kingdom. Up till now she has 7 publications on her part in Journals of International repute. She has been selected as Young Scientist among global competition for participation in 67th Chemistry Lindau Nobel Laureates Meeting in Chemistry, Germany 2017. Presently, she is serving as Assistant Professor in Department of Chemistry, Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Pakistan.

 

Abstract:

Single crystal X-ray crystallographic studies has been carried out in order to explore the nature of intra- and inter molecular interaction in 1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-3-(2-methyl-4-oxopentan-2-yl) thiourea, 1-(2-chlorobenzoyl)thiourea and for the following derivatives of 1-(R-phenyl)-4,4,6-trimethyl-3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-thione i.e., R = 2-chloro (1), 2,3-di-chloro (2), 2,4-di-methyl (3), and 4-methoxy (4). This study has also been supported by vibrational analysis (FT-IR, FT-Raman) in addition to Topological and Hirshfield surface analysis which give a visual three-dimensional picture of the nature of intermolecular interactions in case of the newly synthesized dihydropyrimidine-2-(1H) thione derivatives.

The synthesis of 1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-3-(2-methyl-4-oxopentan-2-yl) thiourea was carried out with particular focus to investigate the effect exerted by competing intramolecular C=O….H-N bonds in the molecular structure. The molecular and X-ray crystal analysis of this compound revealed the preferential existence of S conformer over U conformer with the C=O and C=S bonds pointing in opposite directions.The application of vibrational analysis in addition to crystal studies for the newly synthesized 1-(2-chlorobenzoyl)thiourea indicated the presence of extended N–H….S=C hydrogen-bonding networks between both the carbamide (NH2) and thioamide (N–H) groups and the thiocarbonyl bond (C=S) that are significant for crystal packing in its structure.The detailed crystal structure analysis revealed that the four studied dihydropyrimidine-2-(1H)-thione derivatives attain the following canonical conformations: (1) 2S1 screw-boat form; (2) E2 envelope; (3) Intermediate between 6S1 screw-boat and 6H1 half-chair form; (4) E4 envelope. While the topological analysis of the electron densities highlights the importance of dominant N-H…S interactions for stabilization of crystal packing in all four derivatives studied.

 

Sandeep Kulkarni

KoolEarth Solutions Inc., USA

Title: The best of times – How sustainability commitments by global corporations are fueling development and commercialization of bioplastics

Time : 17:20-17:40

Speaker
Biography:

Sandeep Kulkarni has completed his PhD from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA and Postdoctoral studies from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He has over 20 years of industry experience in the consumer packaging field, including 8 years at PepsiCo. He is currently the Founder and President of KoolEarth Solutions Inc., a consulting company in the area of sustainable packaging. He has several patents, publications and international presentations.

 

Abstract:

In the face of unprecedented environmental challenges and issues (such as plastic pollution/litter and climate change) global governments, non-governmental orgainization and corporations are coming together to formulate apporoaches for tackling these challenges. Large Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies such as PepsiCo, Unilever, Starbucks and McDonald’s have announced bold and aggressive goals related to the end-of-life for their packaging materials. These include commitments to make their packaging fully recylable, compostable/biodegradable and to reduce the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) impacts from their packaging. Biodegradable bioplastics (such as PLA and PHAs) can provide a viable solution for hard-to-recycle packaging (such as multilayer pouches/satches) and also in potentially addressing litter issues on land or in the ocean. Also, non-biodegradable bioplastics (such as bio-PET and PEF) can help reduce GHG impacts of packaging while being fully recyclable. For the above reasons, there have been significant investments in bioplastics research and development, both in small as well as large companies globally. This presentation will highlight some of these efforts and provide an insight into the future commercial applications of bioplastics. Examples of potential future commercial applications include PHA based compostable/biodegradable snack packaging (being developed by PepsiCo), as well as recyclable and biodegradable single-use cups (being developed by Starbucks/McDonald’s).