Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer
Published on: November 30, 2020
Biological characterization of Sorona polymer from corn-derived 1,3-propanediol
Sujata K Bhatia1, Joseph V Kurian
1Biochemical Sciences & Engineering, Central Research and Development, DuPont Experimental Station, Wilmington, DE 19880, USA. sujata.k.bhatia@usa.dupont.com
Abstract:
The Sorona family of polymers, based on corn-derived 1,3-propanediol, have recently been developed as novel bio-based materials for use in plastics, films, and fibers. In the present study, Sorona polymers were investigated for their effects on cell survival and inflammatory cell activation using in vitro mouse cell cultures. Cytotoxicity of Sorona polymers was evaluated by placing material samples in direct contact with 3T3 fibroblast cells. Both Sorona plastic and Sorona films were non-cytotoxic to fibroblasts. The inflammatory potential of Sorona samples was evaluated by exposing J774 macrophage cells to material samples, and measuring TNF-alpha release from macrophages. Sorona plastic and Sorona films did not elicit inflammatory TNF-alpha release from macrophages. These results indicate that Sorona polymers are non-cytotoxic and non-inflammatory. While the 1,3-propanediol component of Sorona 3GT is manufactured in a bacterial fermentation process, the absence of an inflammatory response to Sorona film and Sorona plastic is highly encouraging. The results are significant for the design of materials that utilize bio-based polymers.
Related Concept Videos
Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers
Characteristics and Nomenclature of Copolymers
Characteristics and Nomenclature of Homopolymers
Polymers
Polymers
Polymers

