biopolymer
Living-origin large molecule
A biopolymer is a large molecule produced by living organisms, built from repeating smaller units.
DNA, proteins, and cellulose are biopolymers—chains of nucleotides, amino acids, or sugars respectively.
The term distinguishes these natural polymers from synthetic ones like plastic: Researchers are developing biopolymer packaging to reduce petroleum-based waste.
Chained sugar molecule
- proteinFolded amino chain
- polypeptideAmino acid polymer
- DNAHereditary code molecule
- RNAGene expression molecule
cellulose · starch · glycogen · chitin · collagen · keratin · elastin · silk
Plant wall polysaccharide
- chitinArthropod shell polymer
- collagenStructural body protein
- elastinProtein enabling tissue recoil
- keratinStructural hair protein
silk · wool · cotton · linen · hemp · rubber · latex · amber
Protective product enclosure
- biofuelFuel from organic sources
- bioplasticPlant-derived synthetic material
- textileMaterial from woven fibers
- adhesiveMaterial that bonds objects
coating · film · fiber · pharmaceutical · nutraceutical · cosmetic · food additive · thickener
Temporary elevated work structure
- hydrogelWater-swollen polymer structure
- biocompatibilityHarmlessness to living systems
- drug deliveryConveying medicine to tissues
- sutureMedical wound closure
implant · wound healing · bioabsorbable · cell culture · regenerative · prosthetic · medical device · encapsulation
Able to decompose naturally
- degradableAble to decompose
- decomposableCapable of breaking apart
- eco-friendlyNot harming the environment
- sustainableAble to endure long-term
renewable · green · zero-waste · non-toxic · carbon-neutral
Non-profit educational broadcaster
- bioplasticPlant-derived synthetic material
- engineeredDesigned with technical precision
- modifiedChanged in some way
- recombinantGenetically engineered combination
polysaccharide
Chained sugar molecule
- proteinFolded amino chain
- polypeptideAmino acid polymer
- DNAHereditary code molecule
RNA · cellulose · starch · glycogen · chitin · collagen · keratin · elastin · silk · lignin
cellulose
Plant wall polysaccharide
keratin · silk · wool · cotton · linen · hemp · rubber · latex · amber · resin
packaging
Protective product enclosure
- biofuelFuel from organic sources
- bioplasticPlant-derived synthetic material
- textileMaterial from woven fibers
adhesive · coating · film · fiber · pharmaceutical · nutraceutical · cosmetic · food additive · thickener · emulsifier
scaffold
Temporary elevated work structure
- hydrogelWater-swollen polymer structure
- biocompatibilityHarmlessness to living systems
- drug deliveryConveying medicine to tissues
suture · implant · wound healing · bioabsorbable · cell culture · regenerative · prosthetic · medical device · encapsulation · controlled release
compostable
Able to decompose naturally
- degradableAble to decompose
- decomposableCapable of breaking apart
- eco-friendlyNot harming the environment
sustainable · renewable · green · zero-waste · non-toxic · carbon-neutral
PBS
Non-profit educational broadcaster
- bioplasticPlant-derived synthetic material
- engineeredDesigned with technical precision
- modifiedChanged in some way
- Macromoleculesprotein, proteins, DNA, polysaccharide, polysaccharides
biopolymerpolyethylene
Thermoplastic from ethylene gas
polystyrene · nylon · PVC · polypropylene · acrylic
biopolymermicroplastic
Tiny synthetic particle pollution
forever chemical · PFAS · environmental pollutant · single-use plastic · plastic pollution