BioTerc PAA: Biodegradable Ternary Co-Polymers Of Poly (Amic) Acid as Packaging Materials

Background:

The problems of plastics in the environment have been known for a long time: they persist for a long period of time and are not typically biodegradable. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in environmentally friendly polymers for medical, agricultural, consumer and industrial applications.

 Technology Overview:

A new class of biodegradable plastics based on poly(amic) acid has been invented at Binghamton University that opens up novel, smart, and green applications; herein referred to as BioTerc PAA. The designed polymers use a combination of PAA, homolytic linkers, and small molecular weight biomolecules derived from nature. BioTerc PAA exhibits the following properties: 1)(a) 2.2 - 3.2 GPa modulus elasticity (comparable to strong plastics 2.4 to 3.2 GPa), (b) stability in common solvents, (c) high optical transparency, (d) impermeability to gas exchange, oil and water vapor transfer, 2) predictable life-time in nature, nontoxic and antimicrobial. As an example, BioTerc PAA is well suited as a ’smart and active’ food packaging material, as it has been demonstrated to retard spoilage in cheese, meats, fruits, and nuts for months. The synthesized PAA co-polymers provide superior properties which can meet the requirements of society’s expectations for a safer environment and sustainable future.

 Advantages:

• BioTerc PAA packaging materials simultaneously possess anti-microbial activity (active packaging), conductivity and color changes in response to changes of contained food material (intelligent packing).  
• High biodegradability (less than 2 months).
• Strong mechanical properties (up to 3.2 GPa modulus elasticity).
• High optical transparency (up to 90%) and vast color choice.
• Changes color upon exposure to vapors released by degrading food samples.
• Impermeable to water vapor and oil.
• Non-toxic.

  Intellectual Property Summary:

  • U. S. US15/987,198