Advances in continuous polymer analysis in flow with application towards biopolymers

Abstract

Biopolymers, polymers derived from renewable biomass sources, have gained increasing attention in recent years due to their potential to replace traditional petroleum-based polymers in a range of applications. Among the many advantages of biopolymers can be included their biocompatibility, excellent mechanical properties, and availability from renewable feedstock. However, the development of biopolymers has been limited by a lack of understanding of their properties and processing behaviours. Continuous analysis techniques have the potential to hasten progress in this area by providing real-time insights into the properties and processing of biopolymers. Significant research in polymer chemistry has focused on petroleum-derived polymers and has thus provided a wealth of synthetic and analytical methodologies which may be applied to the biopolymer field. Of particular note is the application of flow technology in polymer science and its implications for accelerating progress towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based polymers. In this mini review we have outlined several of the most prominent use cases for biopolymers along with the current state-of-the art in continuous analysis of polymers in flow, including defining and differentiating atline, inline, online and offline analysis. We have found several examples for continuous flow analysis which have direct application to the biopolymer field, and we demonstrate an atline continuous polymer analysis method using size exclusion chromatography. Graphical abstract

Advances, Synergy, and Perspectives of Machine Learning and Biobased Polymers for Energy, Fuels, and Biochemicals for a Sustainable Future

“…Optimal conditions for biochemical production are effectively identified through ML, facilitating increased yields and process efficiency. 69,70,182 Enhanced efficiency conserves resources and substantially reduces production time and costs. ML's influence transcends traditional boundaries, imbuing the biochemical realm with unprecedented precision and control.…”

“…This data management allows for the identification of patterns and trends that would be otherwise obscure, granting an enhanced understanding of diverse biochemical processes. Optimal conditions for biochemical production are effectively identified through ML, facilitating increased yields and process efficiency. ,, Enhanced efficiency conserves resources and substantially reduces production time and costs. ML’s influence transcends traditional boundaries, imbuing the biochemical realm with unprecedented precision and control.…”

“…In the sector of renewable energy systems, a remarkable enhancement is noticed in the integration of biobased polymers, courtesy of ML interventions. , Renewable energy apparatuses like solar cells and wind turbines are experiencing a boost in operational efficiency by incorporating ML-optimized biobased polymers. , By understanding the intricate material properties and performance characteristics, ML aids in customizing biobased polymers to complement the unique requirements of different renewable energy systems . This cooperation between ML and biobased polymers is proving to be instrumental in augmenting the sustainability and efficiency of renewable energy systems, contributing significantly to global sustainable energy goals.…”

A Sacrificial Linker in Biodegradable Polyesters for Accelerated Photoinduced Degradation, Monitored by Continuous Atline SEC Analysis

“…In previous work, we have shown a simple method of integrating SEC with a commercially available flow reactor to monitor the enzymatic degradation of poly­(ε-caprolactone) . This system of atline analysis provides an automated, repeatable, and time efficient means to monitor accelerated polymer degradation over time.…”

“…In previous work, we have shown a simple method of integrating SEC with a commercially available flow reactor to monitor the enzymatic degradation of poly(ε-caprolactone). 47 This system of atline analysis provides an automated, repeatable, and time efficient means to monitor accelerated polymer degradation over time. Coupled with this, the utility of continuous flow when applied to photochemistry enables the most effective reaction conditions and ease of controlling variables.…”