biopolymers
Life-made large molecules
Biopolymers are large molecules produced by living organisms—proteins, nucleic acids like DNA and RNA, and polysaccharides like cellulose and starch.
Unlike synthetic polymers (plastics), biopolymers are biodegradable and form the structural and functional basis of biological systems.
The term also covers materials engineered from biological sources: biopolymer packaging, biopolymer films.
Amino acid polymers
- polysaccharidesMulti-unit sugar polymers
- nucleic acidsBiopolymers carrying genetic code
- cellulosePlant wall polysaccharide
- collagenStructural body protein
enzymes · chitin · keratin · elastin · lignin · starch · glycogen · peptides
Able to decompose naturally
- compostableAble to decompose naturally
- renewableCapable of restoration
- bio-basedDerived from living matter
- circular economyRegenerative resource management model
carbon-neutral · eco-friendly · sustainable packaging · fermentation · carbon sequestration · plant-derived
Hereditary code molecule
- RNAGene expression molecule
- genesUnits of heredity
- nucleotidesDNA and RNA subunits
- base pairsBonded DNA building blocks
polymerase · replication · transcription · chromosomes · genomics · genetic code · double helix · codons
Harmlessness to living systems
- scaffoldsTemporary elevated work platforms
- drug deliveryConveying medicine to tissues
- suturesMedical wound closures
- implantsSurgically embedded devices
wound healing · hydrogels · biosensors · medical devices · controlled release · bioabsorbable · cell culture · prosthetics
Fine woven insect fiber
- woolSheared animal fiber
- cottonPlant fiber for textiles
- spider silkArachnid-produced protein fiber
- hempIndustrial fiber crop
linen · ramie · jute · flax · bamboo fiber
Plant-derived synthetic materials
- filmsProjected motion pictures
- coatingsApplied surface layers
- moldingDecorative architectural edging
- extrusionPushing through a die
tensile strength · barrier properties · blending · plasticizers · cross-linking · biodegradable packaging · foam · injection molding
proteins
Amino acid polymers
- polysaccharidesMulti-unit sugar polymers
- nucleic acidsBiopolymers carrying genetic code
- cellulosePlant wall polysaccharide
collagen · enzymes · chitin · keratin · elastin · lignin · starch · glycogen · peptides · alginate
biodegradable
Able to decompose naturally
- compostableAble to decompose naturally
- renewableCapable of restoration
- bio-basedDerived from living matter
circular economy · carbon-neutral · eco-friendly · sustainable packaging · fermentation · carbon sequestration · plant-derived
DNA
Hereditary code molecule
- RNAGene expression molecule
- genesUnits of heredity
- nucleotidesDNA and RNA subunits
base pairs · polymerase · replication · transcription · chromosomes · genomics · genetic code · double helix · codons · messenger RNA
biocompatibility
Harmlessness to living systems
- scaffoldsTemporary elevated work platforms
- drug deliveryConveying medicine to tissues
- suturesMedical wound closures
implants · wound healing · hydrogels · biosensors · medical devices · controlled release · bioabsorbable · cell culture · prosthetics · encapsulation
silk
Fine woven insect fiber
- woolSheared animal fiber
- cottonPlant fiber for textiles
- spider silkArachnid-produced protein fiber
bioplastics
Plant-derived synthetic materials
extrusion · tensile strength · barrier properties · blending · plasticizers · cross-linking · biodegradable packaging · foam · injection molding
- materialsmetal, metals, wood, ceramic, fabric
- chemicalschemicals, compounds, acids, reagents, solutions
- biochemistryenzymes, proteins, biochemistry, protein, enzyme
- bioeconomybiofuels, biomass, bioenergy, biogas, biodiesel
- biopolymerscellulose, chitin, DNA, RNA, protein
- Macromoleculesprotein, proteins, DNA, polysaccharide, polysaccharides
biopolymersnylon
Synthetic textile polymer
polyethylene · polypropylene · PVC · polystyrene · Teflon
biopolymersmicroplastics
Sub-5mm synthetic environmental particles