A group of scientists from Siberian institutes and Mahatma Gandhi University in India developed a type of biodegradable polymer with enhanced technological qualities. Items made from this substance are non-toxic and adept at maintaining flexibility for up to six months. Tatiana Mordvinova, a specialist from the press service of the Siberian Federal University (SFU), informed RIA Novosti about this.
According to biotechnologists, polymer products often fail due to material aging: cracks appear on the surface, and the color and shape change. This issue is especially crucial for biodegradable plastics: they must reliably perform their tasks for a specified duration, and subsequently decompose into components safe for the environment.
The researchers obtained a novel kind of biodegradable polymer from the polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) class. As the SFU representative elaborated, it preserves its primary operational attributes, including flexibility, for no less than 180 days. The polymer is non-poisonous and hypoallergenic, while exhibiting increased durability comparable to the metrics of some synthetic polymers. Based on the scientists’ assessment, these combined features allow the material to be employed for manufacturing packaging containers and certain types of medical apparatus.
Biotechnologists from SFU, the L.V. Kirensky Institute of Physics SB RAS, the Institute of Biophysics SB RAS, the Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology SB RAS, and Mahatma Gandhi University participated in the research. Bacteria Cupriavidus eutrophus B-10646 were utilized as the natural producer of PHA. The specific configuration of the resulting polymer, according to the researchers, permits its various processing methods for the benefit of industry and healthcare.
The academics observe that after approximately six months, the material readily degrades in natural environmental conditions under the influence of destructive microorganisms, breaking down into carbon dioxide and water.
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