Biopolymer experts are those that assist with a type of polymers that occur inside biological systems. While all polymers are made of repetitive units called monomers, biopolymers are those that are produced by or derived from living organisms like plants or microbes, rather than from petroleum, the traditional source of polymers. The primary sources of biopolymers are renewable, and a key difference between polymers and biopolymers is that most polymers are non-degradable, while most biopolymers are degradable.
Biopolymers are most used in two main areas – biomedical and industrial. In the biomedical/biopharmaceutical arenas, biopolymers are used for things like tissue engineering, medical devices, regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and many other applications. In the industrial arena, we see biopolymers in places like the food industry, being used in things like packaging, edible encapsulation films, and coating foods. While not all of their barrier properties and thermal properties are ideal, the most common biopolymers used in packaging are polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polylactic acid (PLA), and starch. Starch and PLA are commercially available and biodegradable, making them a common choice for packaging. As biopolymer uses continue to evolve, new and better applications are always in the pipeline.
Among its 150+ experts, Lee Enterprises Consulting has a wide range of services in bioenergy, biomaterials and chemicals, biotechnologies, and feedstocks. We certainly have specialists in biopolymers. In fact, our Bio-Based Materials & Chemicals Sections handle a variety of matters involving renewable and bio-based chemicals, renewable hydrogen and natural gas, synthetic biology, biochemical and thermochemical conversions, and the conversion of biomass to chemicals, liquids and sugars, animal-free products, fermentation, enzymes, catalysts, and polymers, bioplastics and biosynthetic materials, and biochar.
Take a look at our experts and the services we provide. You will note that most of our experts are also available for ancillary engagements and advice, for specialty engagements like serving as expert witnesses in litigation matters. A good overview of our group is found in this video. Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for more information.