This review is focused on recent achievements in poly(lactic acid) (PLA) synthesis and copolymerization with special regard to biotechnological routes of PLA synthesis, which use bacteria/enzymes (e.g., enzymatic ring opening polymerization (eROP)). Besides PLA, also lactic acid (LA) synthesis is described and an emphasis is put on the biotechnological methods. Having regard to PLA copolymerization, this paper attempts to describe different types of PLA copolymers (such as block copolymers, PLA copolymers with polysaccharides, PLA-cellulose copolymer composites, and PLA polymer brushes). A detailed overview of the recent accomplishments in the field of PLA copolymers is presented. Various enhanced properties and applications of presented PLA copolymers are discussed. The attention is placed mainly on applications in the field of tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, and the packaging sector. Furthermore, a PLA market study and its economic forecast are presented. Eventually possible directions for future research in the field of PLA synthesis and copolymerization are indicated.

Herein, a novel approach was developed for the introduction of stabilizing compounds into polymers through a pre-impregnation process prior to processing, which is expected to improve their dispersion and, consequently, increase their efficacy. Ethylene-norbornene copolymer (EN) pellets were impregnated with quercetin or rutin in ethanol or a mixture of solvents (ethanol-dioxane (3:1)) for 24 h. Then, EN-based samples containing impregnated pellets were manufactured using a laboratory extruder. The research demonstrated that the materials containing impregnated pellets exhibited improved thermo-oxidation resistance, higher antibacterial effect (the number of dead cells increased from 8 to 59%), and satisfactory photostability. This may be a direct result of their better dispersion degree and their more gradual, controlled release from the EN during operation. If we compare the stabilizing effect of both polyphenols, quercetin was more efficient, which may be attributed to the presence of hydroxyl group at the C3 position in the C ring, which could increase the reactivity of the catechol structure of the B ring. The proposed approach effectively solves the issues that arise during the commonly used processing techniques and may facilitate the broader utilization of natural stabilizers in the polymer industry.

Biodegradable biopolymers like polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) hold promise for sustainable packaging, but their inherent degradability reduces material stability. Synthetic stabilizers, though effective, raise environmental and potential toxicity concerns. This study explores a multifunctional natural anti-aging agent: a hemp extract rich in cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabichromene (CBC). PHB composites with varying hemp extract concentrations were prepared and subjected to thermooxidative and weathering aging. Characterization employed FTIR-ATR, carbonyl index, and spectrophotometry. Static mechanical properties, DSC, and surface free energy (SFE) were also assessed. Notably, the hemp extract exhibited stability under ambient conditions but showed migration with time and aging. The results suggest a plasticizing effect on PHB and highlight the contrasting roles of the extract: inhibiting thermooxidative aging while potentially accelerating aging under atmospheric conditions. This opens avenues for tailoring material durability, further evaluated by life cycle analysis (LCA). This work represents one of the first investigations into hemp extract as an anti-aging agent for eco-friendly polymers, expanding the knowledge base of natural multifunctional additives.

This is an editorial article. It has no abstract.

The protein from black soldier fly larvae was used as a functional ingredient of a novel green nanofiber. Larvae protein powder (LP) was blended with biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and processed in an electrospinning machine using a coaxial feeding/mixing method to produce nanofibers approximately 100–350 nm in diameter. To improve the dispersion and interface bonding of various PCL/LP nanofiber components, a homemade compatibilizer, maleic anhydridegrafted poly(ε-caprolactone) (MPCL), was added to form MPCL/LP nanofibers. The structure, morphology, mechanical properties, water absorption, cytocompatibility, wound healing, and biodegradability of PCL/LP and MPCL/LP nanofiber mats were investigated. The results showed enhanced adhesion in the MPCL/LP nanofiber mats compared to PCL/LP nanofiber mats; additionally, the MPCL/LP nanofibers exhibited increases of approximately 0.7–2.2 MPa in breaking strength and 9.0–22.8 MPa in Young’s modulus. Decomposition tests using a simulated body fluid revealed that the addition of LP enhanced the decomposition rate of both PCL/LP and MPCL/LP nanofiber mats and in vitro protein release. Cell proliferation and migration analysis indicated that PCL, MPCL, and their composites were biocompatible for fibroblast (FB) growth. Biodegradability was tested in a 30 day soil test. When the LP content was 20 wt%, the degradation rate exceeded 50%.