Chitin is the second most abundant natural polymer in the world after cellulose, mainly derived from the food waste of shrimp and crabs. Chitosan is the most important derivative of chitin. Thanks to their biodegradability, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, bioactivity, and versatile chemical and physical properties, chitin and chitosan derivatives are used in a wide variety of applications, including water treatment, cosmetics and toiletries, food and beverages, healthcare/medical, and agrochemicals. Chitin and Chitosans in the Bioeconomy covers all major aspects of chitin and chitosan, including structure, biosynthesis, biodegradation, properties of chitin and derivatives, applications, and market. It offers a special focus on the bioeconomy, which is the renewable segment of the circular economy. Describes the structure, biosynthesis, and biodegradation of chitin and chitosan Covers chitin- and chitosan-based products Details valorization of these materials Presents information on shell biorefineries Chitin and Chitosans in the Bioeconomy serves as a reference for polymer scientists and engineers and is also accessible to economists and advanced students.

Offers a comprehensive guide to the isolation, properties and applications of chitin and chitosan Chitin and Chitosan: Properties and Applications presents a comprehensive review of the isolation, properties and applications of chitin and chitosan. These promising biomaterials have the potential to be broadly applied and there is a growing market for these biopolymers in areas such as medical and pharmaceutical, packaging, agricultural, textile, cosmetics, nanoparticles and more. The authors – noted experts in the field – explore the isolation, characterization and the physical and chemical properties of chitin and chitosan. They also examine their properties such as hydrogels, immunomodulation and biotechnology, antimicrobial activity and chemical enzymatic modifications. The book offers an analysis of the myriad medical and pharmaceutical applications as well as a review of applications in other areas. In addition, the authors discuss regulations, markets and perspectives for the use of chitin and chitosan. This important book: Offers a thorough review of the isolation, properties and applications of chitin and chitosan. Contains information on the wide-ranging applications and growing market demand for chitin and chitosan Includes a discussion of current regulations and the outlook for the future Written for Researchers in academia and industry who are working in the fields of chitin and chitosan, Chitin and Chitosan: Properties and Applications offers a review of these promising biomaterials that have great potential due to their material properties and biological functionalities.

Biomass is the physical basis of the bioeconomy, the renewable segment of the circular economy, and as a CO2-neutral part of the carbon cycle, biomass is an efficient carbon sink. Demand for biomass is increasing worldwide because of its advantages in replacing fossil-based materials and fuels, which presents the challenge of reconciling this increased demand with the sustainable management of ecosystems, including forests and crops. This reference book discusses the role of biomass in the bioeconomy and focuses on the European Union and the United States, the first two regions to develop a bioeconomy strategy with an obvious effect on the bioeconomy developments in the rest of the world. Significant developments in other areas of the world are addressed. Features: Provides strategies for optimal use of biomass in the bioeconomy Defines and details sources, production, and chemical composition of biomass Describes conversion, uses, and sustainability of biomass Biomass in the Bioeconomy: Focus on the EU and US will appeal to an interdisciplinary audience of readers working in the fields of chemical and environmental engineering.

Chitin and Chitosan: Discoveries and Applications for Sustainability provides the most comprehensive knowledge on these organic biopolymers which come from the cellular makeup of crustaceans, mollusks and arthropods. This book synthesizes historical information, fundamental properties, industrial applications, and recent discoveries and uses. Written by an international expert on chitin and chitosan sources and uses, the book discusses landmark discoveries and early uses in the research and applications of chitin and chitosan. It then explores the international use of chitin and chitosan as organic solutions across various disciplines such as aquaculture, agriculture, food and beverage industries, cosmetics and medicine. Finally, the book assesses their environmental applications for sustainable solutions, such as wastewater treatments and future chitin and chitosan usage as an organic solution for a more sustainable, green, healthy planet. - Offers a comprehensive review of these biopolymers, from their discovery to their use in our daily lives - Details the main historical facts on their composition, structure and properties - Emphasizes the chemical and biological properties and applications of chitosan - Describes key challenges and future trends

"Thanks to their biodegradability, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, bioactivity, and versatile chemical and physical properties, chitin and chitosan derivatives are used in a wide variety of applications, including water treatment, cosmetics and toiletries, food and beverages, healthcare/medical, and agrochemicals. This book covers all major aspects of chitin and chitosan, including structure, biosynthesis, biodegradation, properties of chitin and derivatives, applications, and market. It offers a special focus on the bioeconomy, which is the renewable segment of the circular economy. The book serves as a reference for polymer scientists and engineers, advanced students, and economists"--

Algae play an important ecological role as oxygen producers and carbon sequesters and are the food base for all aquatic life. Algae are economically important as a source of crude oil, food and feed, and pharmaceutical and industrial products. High-value and sustainable products from algae are already economically viable and can be a fundamental driver for fuel production. Algae in the Bioeconomy provides a detailed overview of the chemical composition of algae and shows that an integrated biorefinery approach is necessary for large-scale algae production and conversion, where multiple products are produced. This book serves as a unique compendium of knowledge covering the essential features of algae and their applications. Discusses the structural chemistry and biology of micro- and macroalgal components Describes classification, occurrence, conversion, and production of micro- and macroalgae Offers strategies for optimal use of micro- and macroalgae in the bioeconomy, including regional strategies in the EU, US, China, India, Malaysia, Norway, and Chile Features forewords from international experts offering both a scientific and an economic/strategic viewpoint This book is intended for an interdisciplinary audience in chemical engineering, biotechnology, and environmental science and engineering, promoting research, development, and application of algae as a sustainable resource.

Increasing plastic pollution, particularly in oceans, calls for a fundamental shift towards future-proof plastics throughout the circular economy. In a landmark move in 2022, the United Nations adopted a historic resolution to craft an international legally binding instrument to tackle plastic pollution. In line with this global initiative, Plastics in the Oceans investigates the problem of plastic pollution in oceans, proposes solutions relating to current and advanced materials and technologies, and offers an optimal sustainable strategy to eliminate plastic pollution by 2040. The title: Addresses the entire lifecycle of plastic, from production and design to disposal, and advocates for a comprehensive approach to mitigate plastic pollution. Focuses on primary and secondary microplastics, recognizing their significant impact on marine ecosystems. Explores various alternative materials, including biobased biodegradable polymers, as viable alternatives to conventional plastics. Provides insights into regulatory frameworks pertaining to plastic pollution across major world regions. Elucidates the need for reducing plastic production and enhancing recycling efforts in combating plastic pollution. Suggests strategies aligned with the principles of the 3Rs—reduce, redesign, recycle—to foster the development of sustainable and future-proof plastics. This book is aimed at technical readers in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, and polymer chemistry, as well as general readers interested in scientific solutions to the plastics pollution problem.

An authoritative and comprehensive volume of knowledge and green technologies wholly focused on the future of the bioeconomy. The authors present data, show opportunities, discuss R&D findings, analyze strategies, assess the wider economic impact, showcase achievements, criticize policies and propose solutions for the green revolution in biofuels, biochemicals and biomaterials’ production and power generation. A fascinating range of case studies from the US, China and many European countries are used to inform readers about the impact of this field on society and how various technologies are currently being implemented. Additionally, the role of industry on this green industrial revolution is outlined with contributions from several major companies such as DuPont (US), UPM-Kymmene Oy (Finland), Anhui BBCA Biochemical Co (China).

Functional advanced biopolymers have received far less attention than renewable biomass (cellulose, rubber, etc.) used for energy production. Among the most advanced biopolymers known is chitosan. The term chitosan refers to a family of polysaccharides obtained by partial de-N-acetylation from chitin, one of the most abundant renewable resources in the biosphere. Chitosan has been firmly established as having unique material properties as well as biological activities. Either in its native form or as a chemical derivative, chitosan is amenable to being processed—typically under mild conditions—into soft materials such as hydrogels, colloidal nanoparticles, or nanofibers. Given its multiple biological properties, including biodegradability, antimicrobial effects, gene transfectability, and metal adsorption—to name but a few—chitosan is regarded as a widely versatile building block in various sectors (e.g., agriculture, food, cosmetics, pharmacy) and for various applications (medical devices, metal adsorption, catalysis, etc.). This Special Issue presents an updated account addressing some of the major applications, including also chemical and enzymatic modifications of oligos and polymers. A better understanding of the properties that underpin the use of chitin and chitosan in different fields is key for boosting their more extensive industrial utilization, as well as to aid regulatory agencies in establishing specifications, guidelines, and standards for the different types of products and applications.

Biopolymers are attracting immense attention of late because of their diverse applications that can address growing environmental concerns and energy demands. The development of various biomaterials creates significant advancements in the medical field as well, and many biopolymers are used for the fabrication of biomaterials. Together, biopolymers and biomaterials create great potential for new materials, applications, and uses. This new volume, Biopolymers and Biomaterials, covers the science and application of biopolymers and biomaterials. It presents an array of different studies on biopolymers and biomaterials, along with their results, interpretation, and the conclusions arrived at through investigations. It includes biopolymer synthesis, their characterizations, and their potential applications. The book begins with an explanation of the different biopolymers used in the textile industry, their advantages and disadvantages, and their applications.