Biopolymers as Multiplatform Materials to Improve Quality of Life and Well-Being

• Published in: Žurnal Sibirskogo federalʹnogo universiteta. Seriâ Biologiâ (Online) 2021-12, Vol.14 (4), p.398-421
• Main Author: de Souza Jr, Fernando Gomes
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biopolymers; Chemical modification; Data mining; Food security; Macromolecules; Petrochemicals; Polymers; Quality of life
• ISSN: 1997-1389; 2313-5530
• DOI: 10.17516/1997-1389-0361

Biopolymers are all the macromolecular materials formed in nature or produced using bio-monomers. Biopolymers are extremely diverse materials, which have unique properties. Unfortunately, the general cost of biopolymers production is about 25 % higher compared to similar materials from petrochemical sources. Therefore, scientists must continuously pursue the search for differentiated applications for these materials. These new applications, especially those with enhanced added value, are essential for extending the use of these unique materials. In this context, the Biopolymers & Sensors Lab. (LaBioS) of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro has been operating since 2008 in research related to the production of biopolymers. LaBioS works on the chemical modification and the nanomodification of these biopolymers. These were the strategies found by the group to increase the added value of these systems, allowing their use in several applications that positively impact human well-being. Therefore, we dedicate this work to describing the state of the art in biopolymers via text mining study of the content produced on this great subject from the year 2008 to the year 2021. In addition, we present here short case studies developed by the team that currently composes LaBioS. These cases cover several areas, ranging from drug release, through environmental recovery, to food security