Next-generation biodegradable polymers: toward a circular plastics economy

Victor Ugbetan Agbogo; Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku; Lucey Mapula Mavhungu; Moipone Linda Teffo; Victor Ugbetan Agbogo; Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku; Lucey Mapula Mavhungu; Moipone Linda Teffo

doi:10.3934/bioeng.2025023

AIMS Bioengineering

2025, Volume 12, Issue 4: 473-502. doi: 10.3934/bioeng.2025023

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Review

Next-generation biodegradable polymers: toward a circular plastics economy

Department of Chemical, Metallurgical, and Materials Engineering (Polymer Division) & Institute of Nano-Engineering Research (INER), Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa

Received: 10 July 2025 Revised: 04 September 2025 Accepted: 16 September 2025 Published: 10 October 2025

Research into biodegradable polymers as sustainable alternatives to traditional petrochemical plastics has increased significantly in response to the growing environmental impact of plastic pollution. In this review, we offer a comprehensive, multidisciplinary overview of current advances in the creation, degradation processes, and green energy applications of biodegradable polymers. We examined how chemical structure, environmental factors, and microbiological activity influence polymer breakdown, alongside controlled degradation and lifecycle optimization. Consideration was given to incorporating biodegradable materials into next-generation energy devices such as transient batteries, triboelectric nanogenerators, and supercapacitors. A comparative analysis highlighted the material properties, performance trade-offs, and environmental impacts of key polymers like PLA, PCL, cellulose, and chitosan. Emerging trends were explored within regulatory support and circular economy frameworks, including smart polymers, nanocomposites, and AI-driven material design. In the review, we also emphasized key challenges and future research directions necessary for practical implementation, demonstrating the potential of biodegradable polymers to enable scalable, environmentally friendly solutions across energy and material sectors.
- Biodegradable polymers,
- green energy devices,
- life cycle assessment,
- Carbon footprint,
- smart biopolymers,
- circular economy
Citation: Victor Ugbetan Agbogo, Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku, Lucey Mapula Mavhungu, Moipone Linda Teffo. Next-generation biodegradable polymers: toward a circular plastics economy[J]. AIMS Bioengineering, 2025, 12(4): 473-502. doi: 10.3934/bioeng.2025023

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Abstract

Research into biodegradable polymers as sustainable alternatives to traditional petrochemical plastics has increased significantly in response to the growing environmental impact of plastic pollution. In this review, we offer a comprehensive, multidisciplinary overview of current advances in the creation, degradation processes, and green energy applications of biodegradable polymers. We examined how chemical structure, environmental factors, and microbiological activity influence polymer breakdown, alongside controlled degradation and lifecycle optimization. Consideration was given to incorporating biodegradable materials into next-generation energy devices such as transient batteries, triboelectric nanogenerators, and supercapacitors. A comparative analysis highlighted the material properties, performance trade-offs, and environmental impacts of key polymers like PLA, PCL, cellulose, and chitosan. Emerging trends were explored within regulatory support and circular economy frameworks, including smart polymers, nanocomposites, and AI-driven material design. In the review, we also emphasized key challenges and future research directions necessary for practical implementation, demonstrating the potential of biodegradable polymers to enable scalable, environmentally friendly solutions across energy and material sectors.

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Pretoria, South Africa.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Author contributions

Dr. Agbogo: Writing – writing – original draft, conceptualization. Prof. Sadiku: review, Supervision. Dr. Mavhungu: Project administration and investigation. Dr. Teffo: Validation, Editing, visualization.

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