Current state and future prospects of sensors for evaluating polymer biodegradability and sensors made from biodegradable polymers: A review
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-18-2022
Abstract
Since the invention of fully synthetic plastic in the 1900s, plastics have been extensively applied in various fields and represent a significant market due to their satisfactory properties. However, the non-biodegradable nature of most plastics has contributed to the accumulation of plastic waste, which poses a threat to both the environment and living beings. Given this, biodegradable polymers have emerged as eco-friendly substitutes for nonbiodegradable polymers, and standard test methods have been established to evaluate polymer biodegradability. Technological advancement and the weaknesses of conventional test methods drive the invention of sensors that enable real-time monitoring of biodegradability. Besides, biodegradable polymers have been utilized to make sensors with different functionalities. Given this, the current paper is the first to compare and contrast sensors capable of identifying biodegradable polymers. The detection using sensors represents an innovative perspective for real-time monitoring of biodegradability. Besides, sensors made from biodegradable polymers are included, and these sensors are of different types and show various applications. Finally, the challenges associated with developing these sensors are described to advance future research.
Keywords
Biodegradable polymer, Plastics, Biodegradable sensor, Sensor
Divisions
CHEMISTRY
Funders
Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) from the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia (MOHE) (Grant No: FRGS/1/2019/STG01/UM/02/6)
Publication Title
Analytica Chimica Acta
Volume
1217
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher Location
RADARWEG 29, 1043 NX AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS