Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters01:20

Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters

2.3K
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...
2.3K
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms01:30

Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

260
Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
260
Polymer Classification: Architecture01:14

Polymer Classification: Architecture

3.0K
Polymers are classified as linear or branched on the basis of their chain architecture. The polymer chains in linear polymers have a long chain-like structure with minimal to no branching at all. Even if a polymer features large substituent groups on the monomer, which appear as branches to the skeleton, it is not considered a branched polymer. A branched polymer contains secondary polymer chains that arise from the main polymer chain. The branching occurs when the polymer growth shifts from...
3.0K
Polymers02:34

Polymers

37.0K
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the...
37.0K
Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes02:35

Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes

8.2K
The conversion of alkenes to macromolecules called polymers is a reaction of high commercial importance. The structure of the polymer is defined by a repeating unit, while the terminal groups are considered insignificant. The average degree of polymerization represents the number of repeating units in the polymer molecule and is denoted by the subscript n.
8.2K
Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity01:26

Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity

2.6K
Polymerization generates chiral centers along the entire backbone of a polymer chain. Accordingly, the stereochemistry of the substituent group has a significant effect on polymer properties. Polymers formed from monosubstituted alkene monomers feature chiral carbons at every alternate position in the polymer backbone. Relative to the predominant orientation of substituents at the adjacent chiral carbons, the polymer can exist in three different configurations: isotactic, syndiotactic, and...
2.6K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Advances in Polymer Film and Coating Technologies for Enhanced Surface Functionality.

Polymers·2026
Same author

Design and Characterization of Epoxy/Graphite Flake Composites for Enhanced Electrical Conductivity and Electrochemical Performance in Energy Storage Applications.

Polymers·2026
Same author

Conductive Polymer Thin Films for Energy Storage and Conversion: Supercapacitors, Batteries, and Solar Cells.

Polymers·2025
Same author

Smart and Biodegradable Polymers in Tissue Engineering and Interventional Devices: A Brief Review.

Polymers·2025
Same author

A Development and Comparison Study of PVDF Membranes Enriched by Metal-Organic Frameworks.

Polymers·2025
Same author

Adaptability of Electrospun PVDF Nanofibers in Bone Tissue Engineering.

Polymers·2025
Same journal

RETRACTED: Alshabanah et al. Elastic Nanofibrous Membranes for Medical and Personal Protection Applications: Manufacturing, Anti-COVID-19, and Anti-Colistin Resistant Bacteria Evaluation. <i>Polymers</i> 2021, <i>13</i>, 3987.

Polymers·2026
Same journal

Correction: Kang et al. Energy-Saving Electrospinning with a Concentric Teflon-Core Rod Spinneret to Create Medicated Nanofibers. <i>Polymers</i> 2020, <i>12</i>, 2421.

Polymers·2026
Same journal

Influence of Self-Adhesive Resin Composite Deep Marginal Elevation on the Sealing Ability of CAD/CAM Lithium Disilicate Glass-Ceramic Inlays: An In Vitro Study.

Polymers·2026
Same journal

Modulating Exciton Dynamics Through Fluorescent Side Group Incorporation in Benzodithiophene-Benzotriazole-Isoindigo Terpolymers.

Polymers·2026
Same journal

PLA/PBSA Biocomposites Reinforced with Tangerine Tree-Derived Agro-Industrial Waste for Rigid Packaging: Effect of Extraction Treatment on Morphology and Thermo-Mechanical Performance.

Polymers·2026
Same journal

Synergistic Coatings Based on Chitosan and <i>Eugenia caryophyllata</i> Essential Oil to Improve Postharvest Quality of <i>Capsicum chinense</i>.

Polymers·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 13, 2025

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
13:38

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture

Published on: May 10, 2013

30.8K

Biodegradable Polymers: Properties, Applications, and Environmental Impact.

Rashid Dallaev1, Nikola Papež1, Mohammad M Allaham2,3

  • 1Department of Physics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, Technická 2848/8, 61600 Brno, Czech Republic.

Polymers
|July 30, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Biodegradable polymers offer sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. This review synthesizes current developments, challenges, and applications to accelerate their adoption in a circular economy.

Keywords:
biodegradable polymersbioplasticsenvironmental biodegradabilitymicrobial fermentationpolyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)polylactic acid (PLA)renewable feedstocksstarch-based plasticssustainable packaging

More Related Videos

Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer
10:22

Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer

Published on: November 30, 2020

3.6K
Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers
08:12

Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers

Published on: December 16, 2022

3.4K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Sep 13, 2025

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
13:38

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture

Published on: May 10, 2013

30.8K
Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer
10:22

Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer

Published on: November 30, 2020

3.6K
Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers
08:12

Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers

Published on: December 16, 2022

3.4K

Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Environmental Science

Background:

  • Growing global demand for sustainable materials drives innovation in biodegradable polymers.
  • These polymers decompose biologically, offering eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics in packaging, agriculture, and biomedicine.
  • The field is fragmented due to diverse materials, synthesis, degradation, and application requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive synthesis of biodegradable polymer development.
  • To cover classifications, sources, degradation, properties, and applications.
  • To identify and address critical scientific and technological challenges.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of recent research findings.
  • Analysis of classifications, sources (natural, synthetic, microbially derived).
  • Examination of degradation pathways, material properties, and commercial applications.

Main Results:

  • Biodegradable polymers are diverse, with various sources and degradation mechanisms.
  • Key challenges include optimizing degradation rates, mechanical performance, and scalable production.
  • Recent research and regulatory considerations are consolidated.

Conclusions:

  • Biodegradable polymers are crucial for a circular, low-impact material economy.
  • Addressing knowledge gaps is essential for accelerating their deployment.
  • This review serves as a reference for researchers, scientists, and policymakers.