Biopolymers and Bioplastics

This book provides a comprehensive overview of biopolymers and bioplastics, highlighting their crucial role as sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional fossil-based materials. It explores the definitions, classifications, structural properties, and sources of various biopolymers, including chitin, chitosan, cellulose, and starch. Special attention is given to natural lignocellulosic materials, particularly cellulose extracted from diverse botanical sources such as Stipa tenacissima (esparto grass). The book also examines the main components of plant cell walls cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin and discusses the development, types, and applications of bioplastics, including PLA, PHA, and cellulose-based materials, across the biomedical, agricultural, and packaging sectors.