Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Second, with the development of pharmaceutical and aerospace technology and
the need for environmental protection, the products of biomass functional materials
emerge endlessly. Environmentally friendly materials prepared from lignocellulose
have multiple functions, such as water absorption, adsorption, flame resistance,
corrosion resistance, capture, high strength, photolysis, environmental protection,
and so on. Cellulose acetate is the most widely used fiber plastic. Depending
on the requirements, selection of different formulations of cellulose acetate and
additives can result in preparation of different products. So far, cellulose acetate has
a wide range of uses in various fields (e.g., automobiles, aircraft, building supplies,
cosmetics, photography, printing, films, paint, etc.) [
60
-
62
]. Polyhydroxyalkanoate
(PHA) is a kind of polyester that widely exists in the cells of microorganisms,
especially in bacterial cells. Plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene
(PP) synthesized by PHA and oil raw materials have similar material properties
[
63
]. PHA can be prepared by renewable resources as raw materials and can be
completely degraded to carbon dioxide and water then released into the natural
ecological circulatory system [
64
]. Therefore, PHA is considered a “green plastic.”
It can replace traditional plastic, which is difficult to degrade, causing extensive
attention in the world of academia and industry. In addition, PHA is biocompatible,
resulting in its great potential in tissue engineering. PHA can be used as implant
material and stent in vivo cell growth, such as for heart valves, cardiovascular repair
material, and graft material. In addition, the study of polylactic acid and silk protein
material is also in full swing; the biological function of silk protein is expected
to have deeper and wider development and application in the military, aerospace,
medicine, environmental protection, and other fields [
63
,
65
].
Biomass organic fertilizer is another important part of biomass product engi-
neering. The current new technology used in agricultural production brings a
breakthrough for the production of agricultural products. After the 1950s and 1960s,
fertilizer has been widely used, resulting in the rapid development of agricultural
production, and the degree of commercialization of agricultural products has
increased. At the same time, the extensive application of chemical fertilizers brought
some side effects, such as severe environmental pollution, declining soil fertility,
soil structure, compaction, and so on. Therefore, modern agriculture must change
the model of relying solely on fertilizer and turn to the use of organic fertilizers
instead of chemical fertilizers to achieve sustainable development. Biomass organic
fertilizer is characterized as safe and with rich nutrients, containing both a large
number of elements crops need, trace elements, and growth-stimulating substances;
it contains much organic matter, which can improve soil properties and fertility and
eliminate soil pollution. It also has a slow, steady, and lasting function as a fertilizer
[
66
]. Organic fertilizer resources are rich in China. Straw, animal manure, and urban
living garbage all can be used to produce organic fertilizer. At present, because
of improper handling, these substances often become the source of pollution in a
local area; therefore, producing high-quality organic fertilizer not only has economic
significance but also important ecological significance.
Biomass feed [
67
] is also an important part of biomass product engineering.
The development of feed resources is a necessary condition for the development
