Biopolymers and Bioplastics

Biodegradable and Bio-Chemical Polymers

A biodegradable polymer is a polymer that is degraded by microorganisms within a reasonable period of time so that the biodegradable polymer and its degradation products do not seriously affect the environment. Degradation reactions involve hydrolysis into non-toxic small molecules that are metabolized or excreted in the body. Bio-Chemical polymers are large molecules composed of many similar smaller molecules linked together in a highly chained fashion. Small organic molecules can combine to form larger molecules or polymers. When small organic molecules are joined together, they can form giant molecules or Natural polymers which are used to build tissues and other elements of living organisms.