Biodegradable polymers for a better future

Abstract

The industrial revolution and the more intensive agriculture have accelerated the atmospheric production of CO2 and methane. As consequence of warmer temperature, higher humidity and an increased pollution, over 1 million people die every year for different illness. Among the pollutants, the petrol-derived non-biodegradable plastics waste became the main problem. An increased production of easy degradable bioplastics made by natural polymers seems to be a possible alternative. This the aim of the PolyBioSkin EU research project, that described by this paper, is based on the study and recovery of natural biopolymers to make innovative non-woven tissues for producing biodegradable baby/elderly diapers, facial beauty masks and advanced medications, characterized for being biodegradable and skin-friendly.