Biopolymers are polymeric biomolecules which contain monomeric units that are covalently bonded to make larger molecules. The prefix ‘bio’ means they're biodegradable materials produced by living organisms. a good sort of materials usually derived from biological sources like microorganisms, plants, or trees are often described using the term “biopolymer”. Materials produced by synthetic chemistry from biological sources like vegetable oils, sugars, fats, resins, proteins, amino acids, then on also can be described as biopolymer . As compared to synthetic polymers which have an easier and more random structure, biopolymers are complex molecular assemblies that adopt precise and defined 3D shapes and structures. this is often one important property which makes biopolymers active molecules in vivo . Their defined shape and structure are indeed keys to their function. for instance , hemoglobin wouldn't be ready to carry oxygen within the blood if it had been not folded during a quaternary structure.
The main property that distinguishes biopolymers from fossil-fuel-derived polymers is their sustainability, especially when combined with biodegradability. Biodegradable biopolymers from renewable resources are synthesized to supply alternatives to fossil-fuel-based polymers. they're often synthesized from starch, sugar, natural fibers, or other organic biodegradable components in varying compositions. The biopolymers are degraded by exposure to bacteria in soil, compost, or marine sediment. Furthermore, subjecting biodegradable biopolymers to waste disposal by utilizing their characteristic of being degradable by the bacteria within the ground significantly reduces emission of CO2 compared with conventional incineration. Therefore, attention is drawn to the utilization of biodegradable biopolymers from the point of view of worldwide warming prevention. In recent years, with the critical situation of the worldwide environment worsening thanks to heating , the development of systems with sustainable use of materials has been accelerated from the point of view of effectively using limited carbon resources and conserving limited energy resources. Furthermore, the value of petroleum feedstocks has risen dramatically and there's a rising consumer interest in using “green” (or renewable resources) because the basis for consumer products.