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Related Concept Videos

Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters01:20

Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters

The introduction of polyesters has brought major development to the textile industry. The wrinkle-free behavior of polyester blends has eliminated the need for starching and ironing clothes.
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...
Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers01:28

Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers

Synthetic polymers are classified as elastomers, fibers, or plastics based on their crystallinity. Crystallinity, the degree of long-range order in the solid state, influences the mechanical properties (stretching or contracting) of elastomers. Elastomers are flexible polymers that can expand or contract easily upon the application of an external force. They have numerous crosslinks that pull them back into their original shape when stress is removed. Silicones, for instance, are highly elastic...
Production of Organic Acids01:25

Production of Organic Acids

Lactic acid, an important organic acid extensively applied in food, pharmaceutical, and biodegradable polymer industries, is primarily produced via microbial fermentation. This method is favored over chemical synthesis due to its environmental sustainability and capacity for enantiomerically pure product formation. Among various microbial processes, the fermentation of starch-based substrates stands out due to the abundance and renewability of raw materials like corn and potatoes.Hydrolysis of...
Bioplastics01:27

Bioplastics

Bioplastics derived from microbial processes present a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), particularly polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), have emerged as prominent candidates due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. These polymers are synthesized by a variety of bacteria, such as Cupriavidus necator and Pseudomonas putida, which naturally accumulate PHAs as intracellular carbon and energy reserves, especially under...
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Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a synthetic polymer widely utilized in the packaging industry, particularly for bottles and containers. Due to its chemical stability and durability, PET accumulates in the environment, contributing significantly to plastic pollution. It comprises repeating units of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, resulting in a semi-crystalline structure that is resistant to natural degradation processes.A notable breakthrough in plastic biodegradation came with the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

A Facile and Eco-friendly Route to Fabricate PolyLactic Acid Scaffolds with Graded Pore Size
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A Review of Polylactic Acid as a Replacement Material for Single-Use Laboratory Components.

Brian Freeland1, Eanna McCarthy2, Rengesh Balakrishnan1

  • 1School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, D9 Dublin, Ireland.

Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 20, 2022
PubMed
Summary

This review explores bioplastics, like polylactic acid (PLA), as sustainable alternatives for single-use laboratory plastics. It examines PLA

Keywords:
3D printingbiodegradable polymersbioplasticslab consumablespolylactic acid

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Materials Science
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • The European Union (EU) emits 13.4 Mt of CO2 annually from plastic production, predominantly from fossil fuels.
  • In 2019, 29 Mt of plastic waste was collected in Europe, with significant portions incinerated or landfilled.
  • Life sciences generate approximately 5.5 Mt of plastic waste yearly, primarily disposed of via incineration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review common polymers used in laboratory consumables.
  • To examine the potential of bioplastics, specifically polylactic acid (PLA), as replacements for conventional labware.
  • To identify necessary standards and benchmarks for bioplastic labware.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of common labware polymers and bioplastic alternatives.
  • Analysis of polylactic acid (PLA) material properties and potential enhancements with additives.
  • Review of existing and needed standards for bioplastic labware assessment.

Main Results:

  • Conventional labware predominantly uses fossil fuel-derived plastics, contributing to environmental pollution.
  • Bioplastics, particularly PLA, present a viable alternative for single-use lab consumables like petri dishes and pipette tips.
  • Functional improvements in PLA can be achieved through the use of additives.

Conclusions:

  • Bioplastics offer a promising sustainable alternative to traditional plastics in laboratory settings.
  • Further research and development are needed to optimize bioplastic properties and applications for labware.
  • Establishing clear standards and benchmarks is crucial for the widespread adoption of bioplastics in the life sciences.