Programmed photodegradable and recyclable polymers from bio-resources

Photo-responsive degradable and recyclable materials from bio-resources, 

We developed a process to access polymeric materials from biomass that are programmed to degrade upon light exposure at a specific wavelength. These materials upon degradation regenerate the monomer allowing us the ability to recycle. The degradable aspect of the polymer can be fine-tuned at a specific wavelength depending on the end use of the materials. The research has impact beyond science as it addresses the problem of plastic pollution as well as our dependability on fossil fuels to access materials not to mention the added advantage of recyclability.

1. Saravanakumar, R.; Raghunathan, R; Krishnan, R.; Ugrinov, A.; Webster, D.; Sibi, M. P.; Sivaguru, J.* Programmed degradation of oligomeric/polymeric materials derived from renewable bio-resources. Chem., Int. Ed., 2015, 54, 1159-1163. (Back Cover article. highlighted in multiple media outlets both nationally and internationally).
2. Isola, C.; Sieverding, H. L.; Raghunathan, R.; Sibi, M. P.; Webster, D. C.; Sivaguru, J.; Stone, J. J. Life cycle assessment of photodegradable polymeric material derived from renewable bioresources Clean. Prod. 2017, 142, 2935-2944.
3. Sivaguru, J.; Sibi, M. P.; Webster, D. W.; Rajendran, S. K.; Raghunathan, R. Programmed Degradation of Polymers Derived from Biomass. U.S. Patent Application No. 14/883,798.