A group of scientists from the Siberian institutes and Indian Mahatma Gandhi University have developed a biodegradable polymer with the improved technological properties, and products made of this polymer are non-toxic and can retain plasticity for up to six months, as reported by RIA Novosti.

According to biotechnological scientists, polymer products often fail as a result of aging – cracks appear and grow on the surface of plastic items, their color and shape also change with time. This problem is particularly relevant for fragile biodegradable plastic, which, on the one hand, should perform its function qualitatively within a certain period of time, and on the other hand, it should, then, break down into components which are safe for the environment.

Researchers have obtained a new type of biodegradable polymer belonging to the class of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). It is able to retain basic performance characteristics (including plasticity) up to 180 days or more. The new polymer, developed by scientists, has the main advantages of the biomaterial: it is absolutely non-toxic and hypoallergenic. At the same time, the polymer demonstrates increased strength as compared to that of synthetic polymers. As a result of such properties, durable bioplastic can be used in the manufacture of packaging containers and applied in medical equipment production.

Scientists of the L.V. Kirensky Institute of Physics, Institute of Biophysics SB RAS, Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology SB RAS, and biotechnologists of the Siberian Federal University and Mahatma Gandhi University (India) have taken part in the development of the new plastic.
According to the scientists, after six months, under environmental conditions  the material is easily destroyed by microorganisms, being decomposed to carbon dioxide and water.