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Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer
Published on: November 30, 2020
Production of renewable polymers from crop plants
Jan B van Beilen1, Yves Poirier
1Département de Biologie Moléculaire Végétale, Université de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
The Plant Journal : for Cell and Molecular Biology
|May 15, 2008
Summary
This review explores plant biopolymers for bulk material applications like plastics and elastomers. It addresses challenges in producing novel biopolymers in crops to combat resource depletion and climate change.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
- Plant Science
Background:
- Plants naturally produce diverse biopolymers for structural integrity, carbon storage, and defense.
- Biopolymers are increasingly utilized for materials, food, and energy, offering sustainable alternatives.
- Depleting resources and climate change necessitate exploring novel plant-derived materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review plant biopolymers for bulk material applications, focusing on plastics and elastomers.
- To identify technical and scientific bottlenecks in producing novel or improved biopolymers in crop plants.
- To discuss biopolymers not naturally produced in plants and their precursors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of plant biopolymers and their applications.
- Analysis of challenges in genetic engineering and alternative crop development for biopolymer production.
- Discussion of specific biopolymers like natural rubber, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and fibrous proteins.
Main Results:
- Several biopolymers, including natural rubber and polyhydroxyalkanoates, show potential for bulk material applications.
- Production of non-native biopolymers in plants faces significant technical and scientific hurdles.
- Monomers and precursors for chemical synthesis offer alternative routes to biopolymer production.
Conclusions:
- Transgenic and alternative crop plants hold promise for sustainable biopolymer production.
- Overcoming bottlenecks in plant-based biopolymer synthesis is crucial for material innovation.
- Plant biopolymers represent a key area for developing sustainable materials in response to global challenges.
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