Abstract

The increasing environmental challenges posed by non-degradable plastics have spurred the development of biodegradable polymers as sustainable alternatives. This review explores the biodegradation processes, highlighting the role of microorganisms in breaking down polymers, and outlines the chemical transformations involved. Various factors influencing biodegradability, such as temperature, pH, and microbial species, are examined. The review also provides a detailed analysis of biodegradability testing standards set by ASTM, OECD, and ISO to assess the environmental impact of these materials. Synthesis techniques for biodegradable polymers from both natural and synthetic sources are discussed, along with their industrial applications in packaging, agriculture, medicine, and more. Key findings suggest that biodegradable polymers offer a viable solution to reducing pollution, carbon emissions, and reliance on petroleum-based products. The future direction for research emphasizes enhancing material properties and expanding applications to foster a sustainable approach to addressing global environmental concerns.

Keywords: Biodegradability, sustainable biomaterials, biodegradable polymers, microbial interaction, synthesis techniques, environmental impact, life cycle assessment.